| Rattler Strikes |
As of Friday, July 24th there have been six rattlesnake bites in Ontario. Three were in the Parry Sound area with the latest bite on Sunday, July 19th. Other bites occurred in Windsor, Midland and Owen Sound.
At the West Parry Sound Health Centre, our last patient was Sydney, a 9 year old girl who grew-up cottaging on an island within The Massasauga Park. Walking barefoot along a path through an open area on a neighbour's island, Sydney had no warning from the young rattler about to strike. She saw the snake only after it bit her ankle. Not yet a foot in length, the rattler was likely less than a year old and panicked at the sound of her foot steps. Sydney's pain was immediate and strong.
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| Tips on Avoiding a Bite |
Now through August is potentially a period of increased contact between snakes and humans. As we enter into mating season, snakes are more active and the August long weekend brings more people to the area. Each of us can minimize the risk to our families and our selves by following this advise.
1. Wear protective footwear (such as hiking boots that cover the ankle) and long, loose fitting pants, especially when hiking at night or in open rocky areas, through brush or long grass.
2. Use a flashlight when traveling at night.
3. Always watch where you are putting your feet and hands. Poke around gently with a stick before reaching into brush, under rocks, or into dark places where snakes may be hiding.
4. Keep pets on leashes; curious pets are more likely to encounter a snake than people.
5. If you hear a rattlesnake, STAY CALM! Stop walking, and then determine the snake's location. Slowly move away from the snake and give it room to also move away. Enjoy the unique encounter but observe it from a distance and try not to disturb the snake.
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| What to Do if a Bite Occurs |
First, you will see two puncture wounds about 1 cm apart. Likely there will be pain around the bite. The snake may or may not inject venom. If it does, the amount of venom may be big or small. There are lots of variables. Each person seems to react slightly differently to a bite from an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, but the smaller weights and sizes of children make children and pregnant women most vulnerable.
· Call an ambulance and follow their instructions.
· Stay calm and try to lower your heart rate by resting to slow the spread of venom.
· If possible, carry the patient or assist them in reducing activity. Ensure they are laying down while waiting for transportation. Remaining calm and inactive will slow the circulation of venom through the body.
· Loosely splint the limb to reduce movement.
· Wash the wound and remove any restrictive jewelry or clothing in case of swelling.
· Never apply a tourniquet, suction, or heat or cold to a bite.
· Never try to catch or kill the snake. This is unnecessary, dangerous, and illegal since it is a protected species.
· Always seek medical attention.
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