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Avoiding or Surviving A Snake Bite
A snake bite is rarely lethal! They are terrifying and painful, but if bitten, you probably won't die. This is especially true in the U.S. and other countries where emergency medical care is available.
Of the hundreds of snake species, there are only four species native to U.S. wilderness areas that are actually dangerous to humans. These are the venomous snakes, commonly referred to as poisonous. Also, a snake will usually strike only if cornered or startled. The four species of venomous snakes in the U.S. are the copperhead, coral snake, cottonmouth moccasin and rattlesnake. Of these, the rattlesnake is by far the most commonly found of all poisonous snakes. It is also the only poisonous sub-species found in Modoc County, California.
Because we live in the country in an area common to rattlesnakes, we have to know about their habits and how to avoid them. We also have to know what to do in case we haven't been able to avoid one and suffer a bite. Follow these simple common sense tips and you probably won't have to worry about a snake bite!
- Wear hiking boots when walking through wild areas; never go barefoot or wear sandals!
- Stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
- Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.
- Never grab sticks or branches while swimming in lakes and rivers; rattlesnakes can swim!
- Be careful when stepping over a doorstep going out; snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are warm and protected on one side.
- Always hike with someone who can assist in an emergency.
- Do not handle a freshly killed snake; it can still inject venom.
- Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone.
Although they're uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur. You should always have a plan in place for responding to an emergency situation. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a bite, the first TWO things to do are: REMAIN CALM and SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT!
You should always carry a portable phone if hiking away from home any distance. In Modoc County, dial 9-1-1 as soon as possible if bitten by a snake. EMT will most likely provide first response medical treatment. After initial stabilization, normally for shock and immediate local pain, a patient will be transported to one of the
local emergency rooms for further snake bite treatment.
While waiting for professional emergency personnel to arrive, here are some first aid tips:
- Stay calm! Generally, the most serious effect of a rattlesnake bite in an adult is local tissue damage. Children are in more danger if they are bitten because they are smaller.
- Panic places you at greater risk due to increased heart rate. Keep the bite area below heart level to slow venom flow.
- Wash the bite area gently with soap and water if possible.
- DO NOT apply a tourniquet. Remove watches or rings that may constrict swelling.
- Whatever you do, DO NOT play John Wayne and try to cut the bite and suck the venom out!
- Immobilize the affected area to minimize venom flow.
- Transport quickly and safely to the nearest emergency medical facility.
Although terrifying and painful, you probably won't die if bitten by a rattlesnake! In most areas of the U.S. emergency medical care is close enough to prevent death. When you enjoy country living in an area common to rattlesnakes, you have to know and understand them and their habits and how to avoid them. You also have to know what to do in the unlikely event you suffer a snake bite. Armed with the knowledge gained here and some common sense, you’ll be able to enjoy country living, and you probably won't have to worry about a snake bite!
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