As families spend more time outdoors this time of year, it is important to be aware of the danger of snakebites. Knowing what to look out for and how to respond in the unfortunate instance of a rattlesnake bite can make the difference between life and death.
When it is warm outside, people are more active outdoors in McCulloch County – and so are snakes. Heart of Texas Healthcare System reminds residents to be aware of the dangers posed by snakebites and to know what to do when one strikes.
In Texas, more than 150 species and subspecies of snakes are known to call the state home. Of those, only 15 are potentially dangerous to humans because of their venom. In McCulloch County, rattlesnakes are the most common venomous threat.
“Some snakes are able to cause debilitating or even deadly injuries, which is why knowing what to do when you or a loved one is affected is so important,” said Dr. Stephen Douglas Bell, Family Medicine physician at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 7,000 people report snakebites each year, of whom approximately 2 percent die. Fortunately, seeking immediate medical attention can prevent death or serious complications.
Snakebites can happen in an instant, which means that victims are often not immediately aware of what happened. However, if possible, it is important to try to remember the color, shape, and/or pattern of the snake to help your medical provider determine the correct treatment.
The first step following snakebite is to look for a pair of punctures at the center of the wound. Redness, swelling, and severe pain around the bite will immediately develop. The victim may soon after experience nausea, increased sweating, labored breathing, and possibly even numbness or tingling around the face or limbs.
According to the CDC, a tourniquet should never be applied to a snakebite wound. Snake venom can often cause massive swelling of the affected area and destroy red blood cells. If you block the blood flow, you are essentially trapping dead blood cells in the affected area or limb, which can cause more harm to the victim than the bite itself. As such, any constricting shoes, clothing or jewelry should be removed following snakebite.
You should also not slash the wound with a knife, suck out the venom, apply ice, immerse the wound in water, or drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages. The best course of action is to remain calm to slow the spread of venom, and lay or sit with the bite below the level of the heart while you wait for emergency medical help. If possible, try to remember the color and shape of the snake and inform the medical professional who treats you.
In the event of a snakebite, you are urged to call 911 or get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Although deaths from snakebites in the region are rare, the side effects can be unpleasant. “Getting professional medical treatment is crucial,” Dr. Bell said.”
According to Dr. Bell, there are several steps you can take to avoid snakebites. Never pick up or handle a snake and avoid places where snakes could be hiding such as piles of rocks or wood and tall grass. It is also recommended that you wear boots and long pants when hiking or working outdoors.
“Don’t delay if you are the victim of a snakebite,” Dr. Bell said. “When a snakebite isn’t terribly painful at first, it can be tempting to walk it off. But snakebites are serious and should be treated as a medical emergency.”
To learn more about healthcare services available in Brady, please call Heart of Texas Healthcare System at 325-597-2901 or visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers a wealth of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.