Important information on syrup of ipecac

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis oreganos

INDEX Habitat Ranges Characteristics Symptoms Treatment Initial First Aid Prevention

HABITAT: Pacific slope from British Columbia to California.


RANGES: West of the Rockies south to San Luis Obispo woodland, scrub areas, prairie, grasslands, south-facing outcroppings with deep crevices, rodent-populated areas.


CHARACTERISTICS: From inoffensive to easily provoked, this poisonous "pit" viper can vary in size and temperament. Common characteristics of mature "rattlers" are a powerful body that can reach a length of 5.5 feet; a thin neck; a triangular, or heart-shaped head; facial pits; hooded eyes with elliptical pupils; and a tail rattle, often called "buttons." (caution: tail rattles can be lost or may not yet be present in young snakes).

The rattlesnake has an acute sense of smell and an ability to sense temperatures higher than its own surroundings. Skin color may vary from dark gray, olive, yellowish-brown, to brown or black, with hexagonal, oval, or nearly circular blotches with well-defined light borders.

Generally active from April through September, the rattlesnake may emerge earlier and range later in warm weather. It is generally inactive or in a state of hibernation from November through February. During the spring the snake prowls in the morning and late afternoon. During summer the snake alternately basks and seeks shade. During the hottest months, the snake becomes nocturnal, seeking mice, voles, gophers, and even cottontail rabbits. This species mate in spring and bear young anytime from August through October. Baby rattlesnakes are just as poisonous as adult snakes.

If threatened, the rattlesnake may coil, rattle, and raise its upper body, appearing ready to strike while actually backing slowly away with its lower body. However, if surprised, it may lunge up to several feet, striking without any warning behavior whatsoever.

Not every strike delivers venom. Occasionally the snake will inflict what is called a "dry bite." Regardless, every rattlesnake bite needs medical attention.


SYMPTOMS: If the rattlesnake does inject venom into a victim, a variety of symptoms develop. Most bite victims experience some or many of the following:

swelling, pain, and bleeding at the site of the bite sweating chills, dizziness, weakness, numbness or tingling of the mouth or tongue, changes in the heart rate and blood pressure, salivation, thirst, swollen eyelids, blurred vision, muscle spasms, unconsciousness, improper blood clotting ability

TREATMENT: Severe rattlesnake envenomation symptoms can be life-threatening and must be treated with antivenin. Antivenin is a prescription item that is not available to the general public because it is derived from a horse serum which frequently causes major allergic reactions. It is given intravenously along with fluids. Numerous laboratory tests may be required, as well as a tetanus update, if needed. Although possible allergic reaction, infection, and shock may develop, the majority of rattlesnake bites are successfully treated with as few as 3 or 4 days of hospitalization.


INITIAL FIRST AID: Because most Californians live in rattlesnake country, every family member should be made aware of the following snakebite emergency plan of action.

If you are less than one hour from the nearest hospital emergency room, initial treatment is relatively simple:

1. DO try to calm the victim
2. DO gently wash the bite area with soap and water
3. DO remove any watches, rings, etc. which may constrict swelling
4. DO apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite if possible
5. DO transport safely to the nearest emergency facility for further treatment

There are also several DONT'S to remember:

1. DON'T apply a tourniquet
2. DON'T pack the bite area in ice or ice water
3. DON'T cut the wound with a knife or razor
4. DON'T suck out the venom by mouth
5. DON'T let the victim drink alcohol

These treatments will NOT help the victim; furthermore, they can actually be dangerous. Improper applications of ice or tourniquet can block arterial circulation which can result in gangrene or an eventual loss of the limb. Cutting can cause excessive bleeding, and sucking venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult.

IF YOUR TRAVEL. PLANS TAKE YOU MORE THAN ONE HOUR AWAY FROM AN EMERGENCY FACILITY, YOU SHOULD LEARN IN ADVANCE HOW TO GET HELP QUICKLY IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE. ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. How long will it take 9-1-1 emergency responders to arrive on the scene?

2. How close will we be to a fire department forestry department, park ranger, highway patrol, sheriff, police, or Coast Guard Station?

PREVENTION While some bites result from deliberate attempts to harass or capture a rattlesnake, many bites result from surprise encounters, with hands, feet and ankles as the most common sites. Many snakebites can be prevented by using a few common sense rules:

1. Identify rattlesnake areas before visiting. Be aware that they are not always confined to rural areas. Rattlesnakes have been found near urban areas, in river or lakeside parks and golf courses, for example.

2. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in the rough. Always wear hiking boots.

3. Stay on paths and trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide.

4. Use a walking stick when hiking. If you come across a snake, let it strike the stick instead of you.

5. Always look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks, or firewood.

6. Always check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting down. Shake out sleeping bags before use.

7. When climbing always look before putting your hands in a new location. Snakes can climb walls, trees, and rocks. They are frequently found at high altitudes.

8. Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming in lakes and rivers. Remember rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.

9. Baby rattlesnakes are just as poisonous as their parents. They can and do bite. Leave them alone!

10. Never hike alone. Always take along a buddy who can get help in an emergency.

11. Learn basic lifesaving methods. The Red Cross and various hospitals offer regular classes.

12. Don't handle a freshly killed snake; you can still be bitten.

13. Don't tease a snake to see how far it can strike.

14. Don't keep rattlesnakes as pets. Many bites occur when people, usually intoxicated males in your 20's, tease their "pet" rattlers.

15. Do give rattlesnakes the right-of-way.

16. Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Curious children who pick up snakes are often bitten.

17. If you or a member of your family have the misfortune to be bitten, remember your plan. Calm the victim and transport to the nearest emergency facility for treatment. It is extremely unlikely for a Northern Pacific rattlesnake bite victim to die. Statistically speaking, more people actually die from bee or wasp sting reactions. With the right care, most people survive their bites quite well.

 

California Poison Control System
1-800-222-1222. . Anytime, Anyplace in California
Home | Public | HCP | About | Orders

© CPCS and Regents, University of California. 2000-2006
Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately by diaing 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services.