A 6-year-old Colorado boy died after a rattlesnake bite: What to know if you’re bitten

• A 6-year-old boy died after a rattlesnake bite in Colorado.
• Do you know what to do, or not to do, if someone is bit by a rattlesnake?
• Here’s a look at what you need to know.

A 6-year-old boy died as a result of a rattlesnake bite near Colorado Springs, Colorado, prompting warnings about what you should and should not do if you or your pet are bitten by the venomous snake.

The boy was bitten in Security-Widefield, Colorado, on July 5 and died Saturday, according to Colorado Springs TV station KRDO.

Fatal rattlesnake bites are rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nationally there are 7,000 to 8,000 people bitten by venomous snakes annually, resulting in about five deaths per year. In Colorado, the most recent fatal rattlesnake bite before last week occurred in 2017 when a 31-year-old Colorado man died after being bitten near Golden.

The recent death prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to release the below lists of what to do – and what not to do – after a rattlesnake bite, according to the HerpMed website, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and American Red Cross.

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What to do if a person is bitten by a rattlesnake

• If the snake is still in the vicinity, move carefully away to a safe location.
• If you can do it safely, it can be helpful to take a photo of the snake for identification. Rattlesnakes do not have a sharply pointed tail, instead it has rounded buttons. Also, the head of a rattlesnake is wider than its body.
• Find a place where the victim can lie flat and rest comfortably and encourage the victim to remain calm and offer reassurance.
• If in a group, send one member to notify local emergency staff and the nearest hospital. Do not leave the victim alone in order to get help. Carry a cellphone with you.
• Allow the bite to bleed freely for about 30 seconds and then cleanse and disinfect the bite area with Betadine (iodine) or soap and water.
• If hospital treatment is more than 30 minutes away and the bite is on a hand, finger, foot or lower arm or leg, a wide elastic bandage can be used as a pressure dressing.
• Wrap the bandage quickly from an area just above the bite past the knee or elbow joint, immobilizing it. Wrap no tighter than for a sprain. The goal is to restrict the movement of venom into the bloodstream without cutting off circulation to the affected limb. Check for pulse above and below bandage and rewrap if too tight.
• Apply direct pressure to the bite using a 4×4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Soak the pad in iodine and tape it in place.
• Remove all rings, watches, jewelry and tight-fitting clothing from the bite area, as most of the bitten appendage will swell.
• Immobilize the bitten extremity as much as possible, using splints if necessary.
• Try to keep the bite location even with the heart. Raising it above the heart will increase the spread of venom into the body and swelling will increase if kept below heart level.
• After administering first aid, take the victim to the nearest hospital or medical facility. If not done previously, get someone to call ahead to the nearest hospital so that it will be prepared for the victim’s arrival.

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What not to do if a person is bitten by a rattlesnake

• Do not assume that a bite is not serious or that treatment can be delayed.
• Do not apply oral suction to the bite. Such action has the potential to introduce harmful bacteria into the wound that could cause sepsis.
• Do not make any sort of incision into or around the bite marks. This will only increase trauma to the bite location.
• Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, shoelace or cord. Restricting blood flow in this manner puts the bitten extremity at a high risk for amputation.
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity. This will only speed the spread of venom to vital organs.
• Do not apply ice, hot or cold packs to the bite. These have not proven beneficial effects and may compound tissue damage through burns or frostbite.
• Do not allow the victim to take aspirin or use any medication.
• Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless approved by a physician.
• Do not remove pressure dressings until antivenom is available.
• Do not waste time or take any additional risks attempting to kill or capture the offending snake.

What to do (and not) if your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake

• Move a safe distance away from the snake and calm the dog.
• Clean the wound with soap and water and treat with antibiotic ointment if available.
• A Sawyer or other venom extractor should not be used because the dog’s hair will prevent a good seal from forming.
• Limit physical exertion and get the animal to veterinary care immediately, calling ahead if possible.

What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake

• Snakes are often heard before they are seen. If you hear a rattlesnake, freeze in place until you or a companion can locate the animal. Attempting to move away from a snake you can’t see may lead you closer to it.
• Even if the snake can be seen, not moving will reduce the threat you pose to the snake and help you calmly assess the situation.
• Once you assess the situation, establish a safe distance. Rattlesnakes can strike to a distance of half their body length. A good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 feet between yourself and the snake.
• Move by slowly backing the way you came.
• Do not under any circumstances try and catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake. Many people who suffer snakebites were bitten as a result of trying to handle or kill the snake.
• Move around the rattlesnake at a safe distance.