Fatal rattlesnake bite of Colorado boy prompts warnings of what to do if bitten

The death of a 6-year-old boy who was bitten by a rattlesnake near Colorado Springs prompted warnings about what to do if you or your pet are bitten.

The boy died after he was bitten at the Bluestem Prairie Open Space in Security-Widefield.

Rattlesnake bites are very rare. The most recent fatal rattlesnake bite in Colorado happened in 2017: a 31 year old man died after being bitten near Golden.

Is it time for a new reservation system? Try these Colorado summer getaways.

It is thought that Colorado sees around 200 rattlesnake bites a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are thousands of people bitten by venomous snakes every year.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife released the below lists of what to do and what not to do after a rattlesnake bite.

What to do if a person is bitten by a rattlesnake

• Move away from the area if the snake is still there.

• It's helpful to take a photo of the snake if you're able to do it safely. Colorado's only snake that doesn't have a tail is a Rattlesnake. It has rounded buttons If you make a fist with your hand, it will be larger than your wrist.

• Find a place where the victim can rest and be reassured.

• Send one member of the group to alert the nearest hospital. The victim should not be left alone in order to get assistance. You should carry a cellphone with you.

• After about 30 seconds, allow the bite to bleed and then wash it with soap and water.

• A wide elastic bandage can be used as a pressure dressing if hospital treatment is more than 30 minutes away.

• Wrap the bandage just above the knee or elbow joint to stop it from getting worse. Wrap in a way that won't cause a serious injury. The goal is to keep venom out of the bloodstream and away from the limb. If it's too tight, bandage and rewrap.

• Wait until there is no more drainage before applying a Sawyer Extractor. The device can be used to remove venom from a wound and slow the spread of venom into the body. The device is recommended by the experts at the poison control center.

• Direct pressure can be applied to the bite using a 4x4 pad folded in half. Put the pads in place by soaking them in iodine.

• Most of the bitten appendage will swell if you remove all rings, watches, jewelry and tight fitting clothing.

• If necessary, use splints to mobilize the bitten limb.

• Don't let the bite location change with the heart. The spread of venom into the body will be increased if it is raised above the heart.

• Take the victim to a hospital after administering first aid. If you haven't done it before, get someone to call the nearest hospital to make sure it's ready for the victim.

Rattlesnakes are emerging, separate fact from fiction to avoid getting bitten.

What NOT to do if a person is bitten by a rattlesnake

• Do not assume that a bite is not serious.

• Do not apply saliva to the Bite. It is possible to introduce harmfulbacteria into a wound that could lead to sepsis.

• Don't cut into or around the bites. The bite location will be traumatised by this.

• A belt, shoelace or cord should not be used as a tourniquet. The risk of amputation is high if blood flow is restricted in this way.

• Don't engage in vigorous physical activity. The spread of venom will be sped up by this.

• Do not apply anything to the bite. These have no proven beneficial effects.

• The victim should not be allowed to take aspirin.

• Unless approved by a doctor, give the victim nothing to eat or drink.

• Pressure dressings should not be removed until antivenom is available.

• If you want to kill or capture the offending snake, don't waste time.

What to do (and not) if your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake

• You can calm the dog by moving away from the snake.

• If it's possible, wash the wound with soap and water.

• The dog's hair will prevent a good seal from forming, so a Sawyer is not a good idea.

• Call ahead if possible to get the animal to the vet.

What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake

• People often hear snakes before they are seen. If you hear a rattler, put it down until you can find it. If you attempt to move away from a snake, you may be close to it.

• Not moving will help you assess the situation, even if the snake can be seen.

• Establish a safe distance after assessing the situation. Rattlesnakes are able to strike at a distance. Put at least 5 feet between you and the snake.

• Slowly back the way you arrived.

• Don't attempt to catch, kill, or move a rattlesnake. A third of people bitten by snakes were bitten because they tried to kill the snake.

• It's a good idea to move around the snake at a safe distance.

How to avoid a rattlesnake bite

• Sturdy leather boots give good protection for the feet and ankles that are usually in the closest proximity to rattlesnakes.

• It's a good idea to watch where you put your feet and hands at all times.

• If you are too close to a rattlesnake, don't use headphones or ear buds.

• It's a good idea to be aware of rattlesnakes when they become active hunters.

• You should move away slowly if the snake rattles or coiles up. It is possible to convince the snake that you are not a threat. Unless provoked, most rattlesnakes will not hit people.

The reporter looks for stories that make a difference in people's lives. He wants to report on everything. Do you have a story idea? He can be reached at milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com or on his verified account on social media.

Purchase a digital subscription to support his work.

There are warnings of what to do if a boy is bitten by a venomous snake.