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Snake Bites

 

Snakes are usually shy creatures that avoid human contact. Unfortunately, wildland firefighters are at risk of having contact due to their work environment. It should be noted that most snakes in the United States do not have venom. However, bites from non-venomous snakes can still cause significant infections and injury. Thus, it is best to avoid all snakes and bites when possible.

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Pacific Rattlesnake
Pacific Rattlesnake

99% of envenomation from venomous snakes in North America are from the pit viper or Crotalidae family. This family includes copperheads, cotton mouth, and all varieties of rattlesnakes. The Crotalidae snake toxin is a complex mixture of proteases that essentially causes tissue destruction. Bites from any of these snakes are treated the same way and share the same antivenom.

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Coral Snake
Coral Snake

The other venomous snake in North America is from the Elapid family, the coral snake. The coral snake is only found in small pockets throughout NM, AZ, TX, and southeast states. The coral snake toxin affects the central nervous system and requires a different antivenom.

Approximately ½ of all venomous snake bites are “dry”- meaning the snake does not secrete any venom. When venom is injected, the amount varies considerably based on the area of contact, last feeding, and other variables. However, any time a firefighter is bitten by a snake, it should be assumed that it was a venomous snake, that a significant amount of venom was secreted, and they should be evacuated. Once at a hospital it can be determined what course of action is needed. Delaying treatment to determine the type of snake or if symptoms will develop may cause significant harm. 
 

If bitten by a snake:

  • Assume it is venomous.
  • Do not try and catch or kill the snake.  This often results in secondary bites.
  • Clean the area with mild soap and water if possible.
  • Keep the area below the level of the heart.
  • DO NOT tightly wrap the area or apply constrictive dressings.
  • Get transported to the nearest emergency department in a timely fashion.

In the emergency department the patient will be evaluated, and it will be determined if antivenom is necessary. Other treatments may include tetanus vaccination, antibiotics, and local wound care. 

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the types of dangerous snakes that are found in the area you are working now?
  • When your crew identifies a snake, what actions do you take to advise others and avoid contact?

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page