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Learning what to do and what not do when you get bitten by a snake can be the difference between life and death.
Alyssa Cannedy knows the story, as her niece Peyton was killed by a rattlesnake bite on Aug. 10, 2010 at Possum Kingdom Lake. It was less than month before her second birthday.
In her honor, Peyton’s Project was formed. Cannedy, the executive director of the organization, spoke to Jacksboro Lions Club members Aug. 10.
Peyton was playing on a swings at the family lake cabin when she was bitten on the ankle by a Western Diamondback snake. After the bite, she was taken to Cook Children’s Hospital where she passed away five hours later.
After Peyton’s passing, research on rattlesnakes was done as therapy. Medical science had discovered a way to use rattlesnake venom for medical advancements. With that, the organization was born.
Peyton’s Project assists nine rural hospitals in the area, including Faith Community Hospital here in Jacksboro, with keeping a six-vial supply of antivenin, assuring the facilities have a supply to help get people to the hospital. Each vial costs between $5,000 and $7,000 which smaller hospitals simply couldn’t afford, Cannedy said.
Being observant and checking everything this time of year can be crucial, particularly this time of year. Cannedy says this is mating season for snakes and baby snakes can be about the size of a penny.
She urges everyone to check outdoor toys as snakes blend into the environment so well. Pool noodles and sandboxes are prime grounds for baby snakes because snakes can hide inside and stay cool this time of year.
“Use your eyes as snakes climb trees and are also good swimmers as well,” Cannedy noted.
A snake’s striking distance is half their body’s length and they can be there and gone in half of a blink of an eye, Cannedy said.
If you encounter a snake, back away slowly, taking five giant steps backwards. If you are struck don’t use ice, cooling agents or tourniquets and keep the bitten area below the heart while getting to a hospital ASAP.
Call the ER ahead of time and let them know you’re coming because the antivenin is in a powder and takes a while to prepare, Cannedy said.
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