Don’t try to ID the snake. Snake identification is unreliable and should not be purposely attempted. DO NOT attempt to catch or kill the snake; treatment is clinical and the snake species does not need to be identified.

There are 3 major clinical syndromes of snakebite envenomation worldwide and 3 major signs and symptoms of each. All dangerous snakes capable of injuring or killing a human will produce at least one sign or symptom from at least one of the 3 major snakebite syndromes (neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and cytotoxic). Specific antivenoms required will vary regionally but the major triads are applicable globally.