Beech Tree News Network

You may need to be cautious when outdoors, just ask Evalina Burden.  As she was watering her flowers on Saturday evening, on Tyler Street in Morgantown, she was bitten by a snake.  She did not see the snake and was unaware of the bit until she went inside and saw the blood on her ankle.  Her ankle started swelling, so she went to the Butler County EMS. They suggested she go to the Emergency Room.  Mrs. Burden was treated at Greenview Hospital and released with antibiotics.

"I want to make sure people know what a snake bite looks like; I am concerned about children... I was bitten and didn't even realize it till later," said Mrs. Burden.

Thankfully she is doing well, but will be on the look-out for snakes.

Most North American snakes aren't dangerous to humans. Some exceptions include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin, and copperhead. Their bites can be life-threatening.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911, especially if the area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Many hospitals stock antivenom drugs, which may help you.

If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:

    Remain calm and move beyond the snake's striking distance.
    Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
    Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
    Clean the wound, but don't flush it with water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Caution

    Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.
    Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
    Don't drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed the rate at which your body absorbs venom.
    Don't try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment.