Rattlesnake Awareness

Have you come across a rattlesnake? We have them all around, not just on hiking trails. They hide in rock formations and stacks of logs.

Although fatalities are rare from bites, they occur. Most recently there was an article of a fatal rattlesnake bite in Colorado. The article that can be found here has a lot of good advice of what to do and what not to do if you or someone you are with gets bitten.

The main things I’d like to share (because the article is lengthy) are:
* Notify local emergency staff
* If the snake is still in the vicinity, move carefully away to a safe location
* If you can do so safely, take a picture of the snake for identification
* Have the victim lie flat keeping the bite location even with the heart and rest – do not leave them alone
* Allow bite to bleed freely for about 30 seconds and then clean and disinfect the area
* Wrap a bandage from an area just above the bite past the knee or elbow joint
* Remove all jewelry and tight-fitting clothing as the bitten appendage will swell

DO NOT:
* apply oral suction to the bite
* make any sort of incision
* apply ice, hot or cold packs
* take aspirin or use any medication
* eat or drink unless approved by a physician

Other tips
* Snakes are often heard before they are seen – once heard, freeze and assess the situation
* Establish a safe distance – good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 ft between yourself and the snake
* Move slowly back the way you came
* Wear sturdy leather boots that cover the ankles
* Watch where you place feet and hands at all times
* Be aware of your surroundings – DO NOT wear headphones or ear buds
* A coiled up snake is ready to attack!

Stay safe everyone!