ICFR responds to Deer Creek Canyon Park for Patient with Rattlesnake Bite

On Saturday ICFR medics and firefighters responded into Deer Creek Canyon Open Space Park to assist a patient with a rattlesnake bite.  With assistance from Jefferson County Open Space Rangers, the ICFR staff located the patient, provided Advanced Life Support medications to the patient, and carried the patient out to a waiting Inter-Canyon ambulance, where the patient was transported to a local hospital for additional care.

Although venomous (poisonous) snakes are relatively common in the U.S., bites from venomous snakes are a rare cause of death in this country. While there are about 8,000 venomous snake bites reported each year in the U.S., no more than 12 deaths were reported each year from 1960-1990 as a result of poisonous snake bites.  About half of all reported snake bites occur in children.

Along the Front Range the prevalent rattlesnake is the Western Prairie Rattlesnake.  Contrary to movie and TV mythology, rattlesnakes do not always rattle before striking.

Western Prairie Rattlesnake

What do I do for initial first aid?

 Because many Coloradans live in rattlesnake country, a snakebite emergency plan should be developed before it is needed. If you are less than one hour from the nearest emergency room, initial treatment is relatively simple:

·         Try to calm the victim and call 911.

·         Gently wash the area with soap and water.

·         Apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite.

Several DON'Ts are very important to remember:

·         DON'T apply a tourniquet.

·         DON'T pack the bite area in ice.

·         DON'T cut the wound with a knife or razor.

·         DON'T use your mouth to suck out the venom.

·         DON'T let the victim drink alcohol.

The preceding treatments will NOT help the victim and are dangerous. Applying ice or a tourniquet can block circulation, which can result in gangrene and eventual loss of the limb due to amputation. Cutting the wound can cause excessive bleeding. Because human mouths are full of bacteria, sucking the venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult.

ICFR treats patients with a rattlesnake bite by following the Denver Metro EMS Protocols, providing care for symptoms such as pain, itching, nausea and low blood pressure.