GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Have you ever wondered what it was like, or what you would do if you were bitten by a rattlesnake? These two questions, along with a host of other questions and thoughts, raced through my mind on Nov 5, 2018. That is why right after I was bitten by a Western Diamondback rattlesnake, I asked Google, “What do I do for a rattlesnake bite?”
That fall evening was beautiful. It was still warm after a high temperature of 83 degrees that day, and had just turned dark. I still had a few chores to complete before the Monday Night Football game between the Cowboys and the Titans, and as I was about to go out our back door I heard a noise that sounded like water spraying from an oscillating sprinkler. Paying it no mind, I took one step out the door and was immediately struck on my left leg by a snake – a rattlesnake on my back porch! At first, it felt like a punch on the leg, but that punch soon felt like vicious, intense pain. As the snake recoiled to strike again, I fell backward into the house. Closing the door, providing a barrier.
Sitting on the floor, I wondered what I should do; since I was unsure, I did what any inquiring person would do, I asked Google. I researched steps to take, such as to remain calm, loosely immobilize the injured part and seek medical attention. I also learned a couple things not to do, like don’t elevate the bitten area above your heart, don’t tourniquet the wound and don’t cut or suction the bite. Not wanting to overreact, I called Shannon Hospital and asked if I should make an appointment, go to urgent care or something different. The person on the other end of the phone calmly told me, “No sir, you need to come to the emergency room.”
The pain was beginning to radiate at this point, so I grabbed my wallet and hobbled toward the door with my wife. As venom raced through my leg, the pain and swelling became difficult to bear as my wife rocketed us to the emergency room. In less than 15 minutes, I was unable to put any pressure on the stricken leg and could not walk. The medical staff quickly moved me to a room where they pumped anti-venom into me, and thanks to their high-quality medical care, I began the journey to recovery. That journey surprised me, because I spent the next four nights in the hospital, and the next three weeks on bed rest unable to walk. All because of a single bite from a rattler! However, I was extremely fortunate: only one fang penetrated the skin, the snake didn’t strike a blood vessel and my wife is a great driver who quickly got me to medical aid.
From Google, I also learned the United States has about 20 species of venomous snakes, and Texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous snake species. Between 7000 and 8000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year, and most snakes strike out of defense or fear. On average, five snake bites result in death, and most fatal bites are attributed to diamondback rattlers. Finally, I learned if a rattler is rattling, it is usually sounding the alarm to signal that they’re present.
Oftentimes, we humans fall victim to bites when we try to get a close look, snap a photo or try to kill or trap them in a panic. I will simply say if you are enjoying the outdoors, be careful where you put your hands and feet, even in your backyard. Also, if you hear what sounds like an oscillating sprinkler, be still and cautious, and if you must move, back slowly and carefully away from the snake. Seeking proper first aid from a hospital for snake bites can prevent disability, disfigurement, or death if applied quickly and effectively.