A 44-year-old female patient was hiking in a state park when she was bitten by a snake in her left calf. To get help, she had to hike 4 miles to the first-aid station where you are located. The hike took her 1½ hours. Your assessment reveals a red and swollen area to her leg, and the patient complains of discomfort to that area. Closer inspection reveals two puncture wounds in the center of the affected area. The patient asks you if she is going to die from the snake bite. What would be your most appropriate reply?

Environmental emergencies can include a variety of patient presentations, such as heat and cold exposure, toxic envenomation, exposure to allergens, and noxious plants.  Here are some symptoms of environmental emergencies: Hyperthermia: Elevated core temperature, muscle cramps, altered mental status, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse at first, which deteriorates into thready pulse, deep, rapid breathing at first, which deteriorates into shallow and weak breathing, skin that is cool and moist during early stages, skin that is hot at late stages,... Show more

Environmental emergencies can include a variety of patient presentations, such as heat and cold exposure, toxic envenomation, exposure to allergens, and noxious plants. 

Here are some symptoms of environmental emergencies:
Hyperthermia: Elevated core temperature, muscle cramps, altered mental status, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse at first, which deteriorates into thready pulse, deep, rapid breathing at first, which deteriorates into shallow and weak breathing, skin that is cool and moist during early stages, skin that is hot at late stages, seizures
Convection: The loss of heat through contact with a cooler gas or fluid, symptoms include sweaty skin, flushing, lightheadedness, dry skin, weakness, nausea/vomiting, muscle cramping, gradually increasing heart rate
Conduction: The transfer of heat from a part of the body to a colder object or substance by direct contact, such as when a warm hand touches cold metal or ice, or is immersed in water with a temperature of less than 98°F (36.7°C) 

Here are some steps for providing first aid in environmental emergencies:
Ensure the scene is safe and wear personal protective equipment
Get the first aid kit and the AED
Tell the dispatcher the chemicals involved if possible
Remove the person from the toxin or poison and seek a well-ventilated area if possible 

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