Here are some things to do, and some things to not do, if you are with someone who is bitten by a rattlesnake.

Things to do:

1) Call 911 if able.

2) Get immediate medical attention. If someone is bitten, it is very important that they get to a hospital in 30 minutes or less.

3) If it likely that it will be more than 30 minutes before you can get to a hospital, suction the wound using a snakebite kit. Do not cut the wound as part of the this process.

4) Keep the location of the bite lower than the person's heart if you are able.

5) Wash the wound with water.

6) Immobilize the bite area if you are able.

7) Keep the victim from moving if this is possible. If you are hiking, do not have them hike out. Carry them, or wait for help to arrive.

Things to not do:

1) Do not ice the wound. This will actually speed up the absorbtion of the venom into the body.

2) Do not cut the wound. This does not help in removing additional venom, and it just further injures the victim.

3) Do not apply a tourniquet. These things are seriously out of vogue in any first aid situation... this one is no different.

4) Do not use electric shock.