Do’s & Don’ts if you get Bit by a Rattlesnake

With the weather warming up, rattlesnakes are beginning to come out of their dens. Several sightings of these slithering were reported last week near Prison Hill, Ash Canyon and Jacks Valley. So, be on the lookout for these venomous serpents while out and about to protect yourself, your children and pets. If bitten, you should get medical help immediately. While waiting for medical help, here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind…

DO:

• Scene safety. Retreat out of the striking distance of the snake.
• Keep yourself and the patient calm.
• Remove constricting clothing and jewelry.
• As with any bite wound, wash with soap and water.
• Splint the extremity.
• Avoid elevating the injury.
• Avoid any harmful and unproven treatments.
• Monitor.
• If you are many hours or days from a hospital and the signs and symptoms are not severe or not yet severe, evacuate the patient by assisting to walk out allowing for frequent rest breaks and adequate hydration.
• If you are many hours or days from a hospital and the signs and symptoms are severe or get severe, evacuate rapidly by arranging for a litter or helicopter rescue (use a SPOT-type device).

DON’T:

• Do not try to catch or kill the snake.
• Do not use a snake bite extractor pump.
• Do not try to cut the bite and suck the venom out.
• Do not give “snake bite medicine”