Monday, May 20, 2013

Rattlesnake Attack--All About It

A rattlesnake is a “pit viper,” so named because of the pits on the nose.

Western Diamondback Rattelsnake
These snakes are commonly found in the Midwest and Western United States. As the weather moves into the high seventies, rattlesnakes become active and often seek out heated surfaces to warm themselves. These snakes may be encountered by the unsuspecting hiker, rancher, or in some rural areas, close to the house sunning on the driveway.
A coiled rattlesnake will shake its tail, making the hissing rattle the snake is known for. Because of the length and strength of the body, the snake can launch (ie, strike) at a distance of several feet, making the strike zone larger than might be obvious.

About 75% of bites contain some venom. 25% are so-called “dry” bites with little or no venom, but these are still potentially dangerous.
Bites by vipers are painful and tender. They can become severely swollen, bleed and blister. More systemic effects of the venom include changes in the victim’s ability to clot.
A bite by any snake—venomous or otherwise—should be treated by a medical professional. Even non-venomous bites can contain teeth and/or dirt, and be at risk for infection.
Identification of the snake is important, but not at the risk of another individual being bit. Rattlesnakes can continue to bite and inject venom until they deplete their supply.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF SNAKE BITE:
Calling ahead to the Emergency Department helps them to prepare and obtain antivenin if needed.
Transport the victim to the hospital, keeping the heart above the level of the wound if possible. Remove rings or other potentially constricting items.

WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not cut into and/or attempt to “suck out the venom.” This includes not using older snakebite kits that contain suction devices.
Do not use ice on the bite site.
Do not attempt to sterile/neutralize the bite with alcohol. This increases tissue damage and increases venom absorption.
Do not apply a tourniquet. This can lead to limb-threatening damage.

The Emergency Department will examine the bite and make a determination if antivenin should be given. Some locations will stock antivenin if rattlesnake bites occur with any frequency. Some zoos or other animal exhibits that feature rattlesnakes have the antivenin on hand.
Antivenin can cause its own set of complications, including fever, joint and muscle aches, fatigues and swollen lymph nodes.
Antibiotics are often given to prevent infection, but have no effect on the venom. All snakebite victims should receive a tetanus booster if none has been given in the last five years.
Blood clotting abnormalities can continue for a few weeks after a bite. It’s important to let any healthcare professional know about the history of the bite.

PREVENTION: Wear boots and long pants when hiking. Be aware of your surroundings.

Questions? Comments?
~*~
Kelly has worked in the medical field for over twenty years, mainly at large medical centers. With experience in a variety of settings, chances are Kelly may have seen it.
Sometimes truth seems stranger than fiction in medicine, but accurate medicine in fiction is fabulous.
Find Kelly’s fiction at
www.kellywhitley.com

14 comments:

  1. Another interesting post, Kelly. Is it myth or truth that if someone does try to suck the venom from the wound and manages to do so, they are likely to be affected by the venom aborbed through the mouth even if they spit out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Edith.
      If the venom gets into the bloodstream from any cuts or scratches in the mouth, it can be a disaster for the "sucker." The victim can have bacteria introduced into the wound by that person's mouth.
      The venom itself is a protein, and as such can be digested.
      Overall, sucking out the venom is on the "what not to do" list.
      Cheers, Kelly

      Delete
  2. We see about 5 - 10 rattlers every summer. I figure it's only a matter of time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're definitely out there, waiting to bask in the sun. :)

      Delete
  3. Very interesting, Kelly. But what really blew me away is that all my life I thought you needed antivenom. Who knew it's actually antivenin? That ranks right up there with "restaurateur" (no "n") as a common linguistic faux pas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Craig. Thanks for reading. Yes, antivenin. Some people do use the term antivenom, but in medical circles, antivenin is the preferred term. Cheers, Kelly

      Delete
  4. Good to know considering we have large Western Diamondback rattlers that come in our yard every year. We live in a canyon and our yard backs onto a state park. Last year a 4 foot long sucker lived alongside our back deck. My hubs nearly stepped on him when he was watering. Animal control is regularly in our neighborhood picking up the ones that are in carports and driveways, preventing us from getting to our cars. We get lots of little ones too. *shudder* Thanks for the info!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, us rural dwellers have to share the space with snakes. I'm hoping they'll stay out of the window wells this year!

      Delete
  5. As a kid, my buddy's dog, Nick, hated snakes. Killed every snake he ever saw, to the best of my knowledge. When Nick ran ahead of us in the woods, we never worried about rattlers. One day Nick found a 5 ft timber rattler. It was a vicious, hair-raising fight that you could hear for a mile or two. The battle lasted for about 30 minutes. We couldn't get Nick to back off. The snake's striking range was at least 8 feet. He bit Nick on the face and neck. But in the end, the dog got the snake behind the head and slowly started shaking the 20-lb snake. Finally Nick shook it to pieces. Snake innards flew everywhere. Then Nick's throat swelled up like a bullfrog and he disappeared. My friend shed some tears, but Nick re-appeared in a couple of days with a couple of scars, more immunity to the venom, and ready to take on the next snake. Over the years I've jumped over a few rattlers when I almost stepped on them. Had some close calls, but was never bitten.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quite a story! This is why there is a rattlesnake vaccination available for dogs--they don't know when to back off. Sounds like the dog had developed some immunity--maybe by getting a nonlethal dose of snake venom in the past.
      Thanks for reading!
      Cheers, Kelly

      Delete
  6. Lucky Nick! Here in Australia, we wrap the bitten limb from the bottom - e.g. fingertips - to the armpit in a "snake bandage", not too tight but firmly and ring for the ambulance or if there's a car and driver handy, head for the hospital. In spring and summer, I make my husband take his mobile (cell) phone and snake bandage (which is an extra wide elastic bandage with clip) in his pocket when he heads off to the paddocks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting. Australia has some of the most dangerous snakes on earth. I imagine your hospitals stock antivenin for the most common types of snake bites--?
      Thanks for commenting, Diana.
      Cheers, Kelly

      Delete
  7. Sorry to resurrect a dead thread, but...

    I'm writing a scene set in a pre-industrial society. Herbal medicines, folk treatments, etc.

    One of my characters is bitten by a venomous snake - I haven't really specified what kind. Can you think of ANY treatment for snake bite in this situation that would actually be effective? Right now I have them just sort of treating the symptoms - keeping the wound clean, applying snow when it starts to swell, etc.

    Are there any more effective things they could be doing, in the absence of antivenin?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No problem, Kate. Happy to help. Check the May 5th post for your answer!

      Delete