- Identify the snake (if
possible). Take note of the snake, its colouring, pattern, and
size. You will be asked to describe the snake when you reach the medical
facility.
This will aid doctors in determining whether you were bitten by a
rattlesnake, and whether you have been envenomated. Often snakes will not
envenomate prey which is significantly larger than they are (such as
humans), and you will not require anti-venom.
- DO NOT try to catch the snake! (refer to
section two for identification information).
ALWAYS BE PREPARED!
Have an emergency plan in place at all times.
Whether hiking, camping, cottaging, living or working in rattlesnake areas,
be prepared. Have the phone numbers of emergency services (hospitals,
police, Coast Guard) handy, as well as relevant information about yourself
(how to describe your location, emergency routes, meeting location/pick up
or transfer point if you are not near roads, or if you have boat access).
Also, keep Toronto Zoo’s “Snakes of Ontario” identifier at hand.
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The
various snakebite kits available are
mostly ineffective and, in the event of a rattlesnake bite, could
possibly increase
the risk of further injury. With the help of
this guide, common sense and the
resources in section 7, you will have enough
information in the case of a massasauga bite. |
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HUMAN MEDICAL
TREATMENT CENTRES
A person bitten by a massasauga
rattlesnake requires medical treatment. Medical centres stock or have
access to anti-venom and, when necessary, can administer the serum
intravenously to patients. However, in many cases anti-venom is not
required.
In Ontario, the Poison Control Centre
at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto and Children’s Hospital of
Eastern Ontario in Ottawa coordinate the treatment of venomous
snakebites. Calls from emergency services, and/or doctors treating
snakebite are taken at the poison control centre. From there, the
centre may contact the Toronto Zoo and other experts to confirm the
snake identification, as well as to ensure the treatment facility has
anti-venom in stock, or is restocked immediately.
If bitten, and you are in an area where
rattlesnakes are found, get to the nearest hospital or treatment
centre via ambulance. If required, anti-venom will be transported to
that centre. Neither hospitals nor treatment centres provide
anti-venom for animal treatment, nor to individuals prior to a bite
incident e.g.: travel to a remote area.
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