Many years back in a herp class we had a guest lecturer that had experienced a rattler bite. Had considerable distance to make it to a hospital and said he did fine until making the front steps whereupon he fell apart mentally and physically. His comment on remaining calm was "run if you want to, as your heart isn't going to beat any faster."
While all bites are serious, copperheads are not the worst. Stay as calm as possible and head for help.
