Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises the public on how to deal with a rattlesnake bite
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- Following the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy in Colorado Springs, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) shared some safety information in the case you, or your pet, are bitten.
Remain calm
If the snake is still in the area, move away so the bite victim can lie flat. Once in a safe place, Encourage the victim to remain calm and offer reassurance. Encourage others in the group and yourself to stay calm as well. If your pet is bitten, move safely away from the snake and calm the pet.
Call 911
CPW says to send someone to call 911 if you are in a group. If not, CPW says to not leave the victim alone. CPW also advises people to always carry a cell phone when out. If your pet was bitten, get them veterinary care ASAP. CPW says to call ahead if possible.
Treat the bite
CPW says to allow the bit to bleed freely for about 30 seconds. Then, clean and disinfect the bite area with Betadine (iodine). If that is unavailable or if the victim is allergic to iodine, use soap and water. If hospital treatment is more than 30 minutes away, and the bite is on a hand, finger, foot, or lower arm or leg, an ACE, or another wide elastic bandage can be used as a pressure dressing. The bandage should be wrapped quickly from an area just above the bite past the knee or elbow joint, immobilizing it. Wrap no tighter than for a sprain. CPW also says that if available, apply a Sawyer Extractor to the bite until there is no more drainage. This device is often able to remove some venom from the wound and creates a negative pressure gradient that slows the spread of venom into the body. But, if an extractor is not available, apply direct pressure to the bite using a 4x4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Soak the pad in Betadine and tape it in place.
If the bite is on a pet, clean the wound with soap and water and treat with antibiotic ointment if available. According to CPW, a Sawyer or other venom extractor should not be used because the dog’s hair will prevent a good seal from forming.
CPW encourages people to remove all rings, watches, jewelry and tight fitting clothing. The bite area and most of the bitten appendage will swell. If possible, CPW says to try to keep the bite location even with the heart. Raising it above the heart will increase the spread of venom into the body. Swelling will increase if kept below heart level.
Get medical treatment
CPW says that after administering first aid, take the victim to the nearest hospital or medical facility. Move slowly and deliberately, offer encouragement, and avoid any unnecessary excitement or stress. If a pet was bitten, limit physical exertion and get the animal to veterinary care immediately. CPW also recommends keeping your dog on a leash while out recreating to help to mitigate or prevent interactions your dog may have with a rattlesnake.
CPW says that while usually not fatal for a healthy adult, a bite is nevertheless very painful and it should always be taken seriously. To read more, click here.
