Anyone who has lived in the rural Texas areas for even one season, should be well aware of snake bite risks. They are out there and they bite without any warning. Surviving a venomous snake bite means knowing the signs and symptoms of a bite, being able to call for medical help or get to a medical facility right away and what NOT TO DO following the bite.
DO look for signs and symptoms of snake bites. You may see a pair of puncture marks at the center of the wound. Though symptoms vary, the person who got bit may experience redness, swelling and severe pain around the bite. Nausea and difficulty breathing, a well as numbness on the face and limbs, is common.
DO seek medical attention immediately! This is critical and could mean the difference between life and death. A call to 9-1-1 will get help to your location, but onsite medical aid can be rendered is crucial!
DO ask to be taken to Faith Community Hospital in Jacksboro, the Bowie ER or one of Faith’s four rural health clinics in Jacksboro, Graham, Bowie or Alvord. In cooperation with Peyton’s Project, named after a toddler who died after being bitten by a rattlesnake, Faith keeps vials of antivenom on site at Faith Community Hospital at all times!
DO know how to respond at the scene if you or someone else has been bitten by a snake. Remove tight clothing and shoes. Remove all jewelry. While waiting for medical help, keep the affected limb immobilized and at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom.
DON’T suck out the venom or make any incisions in an effort to get the venom out
DON’T apply ice or a tourniquet, or immerse the wound in water. This isn’t the movies! These actions can worsen the injury.
DON’T drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Snakes are part of life in rural Texas – this we know. We also need to keep an eye out to protect ourselves and others from getting bitten. But, just as important, knowing what to do and what not to do after a snake bite is critically important!
We are very thankful for Peyton’s Project and their partnership that allows us to have antivenom at Faith Community Hospital to keep you safe in the event of a venomous snakebite.