Warning as Adders start waking up Kynance Cove, Cornwall

The advice follows an incident near Boscastle where woman had to be rescued after being bitten by the UK's only venomous snake.

The coastguard says while most snake bites in the UK are not serious, it's important to get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.

"If you think you have been bitten by a snake out on the coast path and need medical assistance call 999 and ask for immediate help.

Do

• stay calm, most snake bites in the UK are not serious and can be treated
• keep the part of your body that was bitten as still as you can
• lie in the recovery position if you can
• take paracetamol for any pain
• try to remember the colour and pattern of the snake to tell the doctor
• take off any jewellery and loosen clothes near the bite, in case it swells

Don’t

• go near the snake, or try to catch or kill it
• try to suck or cut the poison (venom) out of the bite
• tie anything tightly round the part of the body where the bite is
• take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can make bleeding worse

There are only three types of snake are found in the wild in the UK.

The adder is the only venomous snake, but you should get all snake bites checked as soon as possible.

Telling the doctors the colour and pattern of the snake that bit you could help them treat it.

Adders, above, are grey or reddish-brown, with a dark zig-zag shaped stripe down their back. 

Grass snakes, above, are usually green, with dark spots down their sides and yellow and black bands around their neck.

Smooth snakes, above, are usually grey or brown with a dark pattern. The pattern down their backs are lighter and less zig-zag shaped than on adders.

"Carry your dog (rather than allow him or her to walk) to try and reduce the spread of venom around the body. Bathe the wound in cold water to help control the swelling and try to keep your dog quiet and warm as you travel to your nearest vet practice.

Hope this helps 💙