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Prime time for snakes
THELMA GRIMES
News-Sun
In another rite of spring, residents can expect sightings of those slithering serpents to become more common as temperatures continue to rise. Despite the recent cold spell, spring is in the air and snakes are coming out.
While there have been no snakebite victims reported so far this year in Cochise County, there have been four in Pima County.
Margie Anderson, emergency room supervisor at Benson Hospital, said although there have been no reported incidents so far, she does expect some following news accounts of the Pima County cases. Last year, Anderson recalled treating one bite victim, noting there might have been more.
Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) officials said it is a dangerous time of year for humans, noting that snakes, like people, enjoy the warm weather.
In the unfortunate case of being bitten by one of the 11 species of rattlesnakes prevalent around Arizona, Anderson said the most important thing, "besides getting to a hospital," is to remain calm and get in a neutral position to prevent shock.
"The effects of a rattlesnake bite can be nothing or can be very serious in just a short amount of time," Anderson said. "You will have swelling, serious pain and bruising around the bite area within hours or it could happen very quickly. My best advice is to just get to the hospital as quickly as possible, you need antivenin."
According to the APDIC, all species of Arizona rattlesnakes are poisonous. Venoms are complex toxins, which vary greatly in composition and potency among species and individual snakes.
In addition to rattles, APDIC officials warn that all rattlesnakes share some common physical characteristics including a triangular-shaped head, a facial pit, elliptical pupils and foldable fangs.
If struck by a rattlesnake the APDIC recommends the following:
Calm and reassurance to the patient.
Remove any constricting items, such as jewelry, from the affected limb.
When practical, immobilize the affected limb at approximately heart level.
Do not bring the snake to the healthcare center for three reasons: the snake may bite again; capture may delay transportation to professional care; and management will not be significantly different.
Be aware that making an incision carries an inherent risk of complications. Vacuum pump devices have been shown to remove up to 30 percent of the venom without incision if applied within three minutes.
APDIC said rattlesnake victims should never apply ice or a tourniquet to the affected area.
To prevent snakebite the APDIC recommends the following:
Leave wild animals alone. The person, who was bitten, because they try to kill, capture or harass the animal, provokes 50 to 70 percent of reptile bites managed by APDIC.
Be aware of peak movement times. Reptiles are most active in the warmer months of April through October. During the hottest months they are most active at night. They are mostly encountered during the day in the spring and fall.
Keep hands and feet out of crevices in rocks, woodpiles and deep grass. Always carry a flashlight and wear shoes or boots when walking after dark.
Never handle a venomous reptile, even after it's dead. Reflex strikes with envenomation can occur for several hours after death.
If residents spot a rattlesnake, Benson Police Chief Glenn Nichols said they should call the police department at 586-2211. The police will contact animal control to remove the rattlesnake, "or any other wild animal," Nichols said.
News-Sun
In another rite of spring, residents can expect sightings of those slithering serpents to become more common as temperatures continue to rise. Despite the recent cold spell, spring is in the air and snakes are coming out.
While there have been no snakebite victims reported so far this year in Cochise County, there have been four in Pima County.
Margie Anderson, emergency room supervisor at Benson Hospital, said although there have been no reported incidents so far, she does expect some following news accounts of the Pima County cases. Last year, Anderson recalled treating one bite victim, noting there might have been more.
Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) officials said it is a dangerous time of year for humans, noting that snakes, like people, enjoy the warm weather.
In the unfortunate case of being bitten by one of the 11 species of rattlesnakes prevalent around Arizona, Anderson said the most important thing, "besides getting to a hospital," is to remain calm and get in a neutral position to prevent shock.
"The effects of a rattlesnake bite can be nothing or can be very serious in just a short amount of time," Anderson said. "You will have swelling, serious pain and bruising around the bite area within hours or it could happen very quickly. My best advice is to just get to the hospital as quickly as possible, you need antivenin."
According to the APDIC, all species of Arizona rattlesnakes are poisonous. Venoms are complex toxins, which vary greatly in composition and potency among species and individual snakes.
In addition to rattles, APDIC officials warn that all rattlesnakes share some common physical characteristics including a triangular-shaped head, a facial pit, elliptical pupils and foldable fangs.
If struck by a rattlesnake the APDIC recommends the following:
Calm and reassurance to the patient.
Remove any constricting items, such as jewelry, from the affected limb.
When practical, immobilize the affected limb at approximately heart level.
Do not bring the snake to the healthcare center for three reasons: the snake may bite again; capture may delay transportation to professional care; and management will not be significantly different.
Be aware that making an incision carries an inherent risk of complications. Vacuum pump devices have been shown to remove up to 30 percent of the venom without incision if applied within three minutes.
APDIC said rattlesnake victims should never apply ice or a tourniquet to the affected area.
To prevent snakebite the APDIC recommends the following:
Leave wild animals alone. The person, who was bitten, because they try to kill, capture or harass the animal, provokes 50 to 70 percent of reptile bites managed by APDIC.
Be aware of peak movement times. Reptiles are most active in the warmer months of April through October. During the hottest months they are most active at night. They are mostly encountered during the day in the spring and fall.
Keep hands and feet out of crevices in rocks, woodpiles and deep grass. Always carry a flashlight and wear shoes or boots when walking after dark.
Never handle a venomous reptile, even after it's dead. Reflex strikes with envenomation can occur for several hours after death.
If residents spot a rattlesnake, Benson Police Chief Glenn Nichols said they should call the police department at 586-2211. The police will contact animal control to remove the rattlesnake, "or any other wild animal," Nichols said.
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