Rattlesnake Bite
There is only one sound in the animal kingdom that can send a full grown man running with his heart in his throat; a sound that humans are genetically pre-wired to fear and one that is instantly recognizable, even if you've never heard it before-- the sizzling buzz of an angry rattlesnake.
A rattlesnake bite can be serious and needs immediate attention. Though people die from rattlesnake bites every year, there are first aid steps you can take to reduce the danger to yourself and people you are with to increase your chances of a faster recovery.
There are 16 varieties of rattlesnakes that inhabit America's warmer climes from California to Pennsylvania. Their numbers are plentiful enough and their bite dangerous enough to cause concern. Every state, with the exception of Maine and Alaska, is home to some kind of poisonous snake, with rattlers being the most prevalent. According to the FDA, roughly 8,000 people are bitten by poisonous snakes each year in the USA, with 2/3 of them rattlesnake bites. Fortunately, only 5-8 people die from these bites annually. The FDA considers each attack a serious medical emergency to be treated immediately by a healthcare worker.
There are varying ideas about the best treatment method for rattlesnake bites. This is largely due to the persistent "old wives tales" clashing with the current treatment methods of modern medicine. Old ranchers, like the owner of Brazos Rattlesnake Ranch in Weatherford, TX, still believe that fasciotomy (the removal of flesh surrounding the bite with a handy sharp instrument) or the suck and spit method, are the quickest ways to prevent venom poisoning. Most doctors, however, feel these methods are antiquated and prone to inflicting more harm than good on an already-suffering person.
Much research has lately been put into delineating hard and fast rules for treatment. Most health professionals now agree that quick care combined with the administration of antivenins are the best ways to treat any kind of poisonous snake bite. Antivenin, available from emergency rooms, is an injectable venom antibody derived from horses and sheep -- both of whom are naturally immune to snake bites. Some people have experienced severe allergic reactions to horse-made antivenin, which has occasionally resulted in death by anaphylactic shock.
Recently, though, researchers have found that sheep's antibodies are just as powerful yet less reactive horse antivenins. With the FDA's approval this year, doctors will begin administering more sheep-derived antivenin. Beyond this though, is a simple fact: the most important first step in bypassing a deadly encounter is to learn why a rattler bites while doing your best to avoid the animal entirely.
Rattlesnakes are part of the Pit Viper family, a class that includes other fearsome serpents like the Copperhead and the Water Moccasin (or Cotton Mouth). This classification has certain implications. First, they're defined by their long, hollow, retractable fangs that are as sharp as hypodermic needles and can extend, pierce the skin and emit deadly venom in less than 3 seconds.
A large adult snake has enough venom to kill two men. This venom is a powerful neurotoxin, affecting the functions of the brain and spinal cord. Though extremely rare, death by neurotoxin overdose is painful and drawn out; marked by hallucinations and the eventual ceasing of all bodily systems. With this in mind, it's easy to see why immediate medical attention is required.
Luckily, though, its easy to avoid rattlers if a person is respectful, wary and prepared. Human curiosity in the great outdoors is often the cause of rattlesnake attacks, putting us in direct contact with common snake habitats. During the day, rattlers will hide from the sun under logs, rocks and in holes at the base of trees or along creek and river beds.
If you're out hiking or camping, bring your cellphone to call 911 and a "snake stick" (any large, straight, fallen branch will do) to clear the grass and brush ahead of you or to flip rocks over before you sit down. Also, ALWAYS wear boots, and be sure to step up onto rocks and downed trees instead of over them. Later in the day you may come across snakes sunning themselves to warm up as night approaches. If you do, turn around and find another path to your destination.
Snakes are generally as afraid of you as you are of them and they'll usually clear out once they realize you've arrived. Never, ever, try to move, shoot, flick or chop a snake in half -- this accounts for 90 percent of how Americans get bitten. Let a sunning snake lie. Rattlesnakes are also nocturnal, so if you're ambling in snake territory at night, always bring a flashlight, your snake stick and be vigilant about watching where your feet land!
If you are unlucky enough to be bitten, below are some simple steps to follow that will ensure the venom is contained in the area of the bite, lessening its overall effects.
DON'T MOVE!
Though panic will surely be your first natural response, do your best to remain calm. Moving around only speeds the body's absorption of the venom and sends it from the bite to the rest of your body. This must be avoided.Examine the bite.
Sometimes a rattler will bite but won't emit venom, this is called a "dry bite". If the area immediately begins to swell and turn colors (black, blue and deep green are common colors you might see), then you've been injected with the snake's venom.If venom is present,
remove shoes, tight clothing and jewelry that might constrict the bite. Keep the bite lower than the heart if possible, to prevent venom from spreading further.Call 911.
If you are far out in the country alone, ask to be airlifted if possible. If you know that help is nearby, walk slowly, stay calm and rest in intervals. Permanent damage can occur within just a few hours, but there is a 12 hour window to get to the hospital before a severe bite becomes deadly, so unless you're 500 miles into the wilderness, you have plenty of time to get help.
The best treatment for a rattlesnake bite is to avoid one, but if you get bitten, follow the recommended first aid steps as outlined above.
