While Rattlers Are Rare, Know What To Do In Case of Snakebites

The Northern Plains only have one significant species of venomous snake, but the prairie rattlesnake and its powerful venom are nothing to take lightly.

Health care professionals remind everyone who is out and about this summer to remember the basics when it comes to facing these mostly reclusive but occasionally deadly creatures.

“We have plenty of nonvenomous snakes in South Dakota and Nebraska, and first aid for those is almost like a scratch – you just clean it and put a bandage on it,” said Sarah Janak, RN, BSN, Director of Patient Care Services at Avera Gregory Hospital. “But rattlesnake bites are serious emergencies. If one bites you, call 911 right away and get to a hospital.”

Poison Snakebites Do Happen

Two rattlesnake bites, including a fatal occurrence, took place in 2018 South Dakota. One occurred in the Black Hills and another along the Missouri River. More recently, one occurred near Pierre.

The Black Hills and Badlands National Park are where rattlesnakes are most common. While rare in eastern parts of their range, the reptile has been found in an areas along the Missouri River that includes the entire Nebraska-South Dakota border.

Like any animal-produced venom, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the poison. In some cases, an unlucky bite may force venom into a vein or artery, which can aggravate the reaction.

“In most cases, the signs of a rattlesnake bite are obvious, ” Janak said. “Get to a facility for treatment as soon as possible. Do not apply a tourniquet, do not apply ice, keep the person calm, and also keep the bitten body part as still as possible.”

Signs of a serious bite include:

• Severe burning pain at the site, usually within 15-30 minutes
• Swelling and bruising at the wound, along with blisters
• Swelling that spreads up the arm or leg
• Nausea, diarrhea or headaches and labored breathing

Additional Safety Steps to Avoid Snakes

• The site of the wound should be kept steady and below the heart.
• Keeping the person who was bitten from moving to stop blood with poison from traveling.
• Do not cut the wound or attempt to draw the venom out.

Additional bleeding can occur and your body’s central nervous system, which controls breathing and heart rate, can be affected. Nausea and a strange taste in your mouth also are symptoms.

“Trying to remove the poison with suction is something in the movies; It's never a good idea,” said Janak. “Do not use snake-bite kits either. Clean the area, but do not flush it with water."

She said instead, cover it with a clean, dry dressing, keep the person calm and keep the part of the body where the bite occurred as motionless as possible. Then get to a hospital.

Medication Can Help Stop the Poison

Many facilities in “snake country” carry medications called anti-venom that allow health care professionals to treat the injury. Janak said while not every hospital carries this drug, it is on-hand at Avera Gregory Hospital. The anti-venom drug is called ANAVIP.

“The South Dakota Department of Health Trauma Program has a comprehensive list of all hospitals in the state that keep anti-venom in stock,” she said. “They’ve shared it with all South Dakota trauma centers, as well as all licensed ambulance services, so those professionals can expedite patients to facilities with ANAVIP.”

Most facilities coordinate with one another to care for bite victims. In many cases, patients are prepped for transport to another facility if needed. Since the venom can affect breathing, air transport to an intensive-care equipped hospital does take place.

“We just remind everyone that while we don’t see a lot of snake bites, they are serious medical situations, so knowing what to do is important,” said Richard Kafka, MD, a family medicine physician with Avera Medical Group Gregory. “Keep the patient immobile and calm, call 911 and get them to help as soon as possible. Doing so could save a life.”

Learn more about Avera emergency medical services, including locations near you.