The idea of being bitten by a venomous snake is a terrifying prospect for most individuals. For 19-year-old Zamar Miller from Florida, this fear turned into a harsh reality. Stepping outside his residence on the evening of July 4, 2019, Miller fell victim to a venomous cottonmouth snake bite right on the sidewalk in front of his house. His account serves as a warning for all of us on what to do — and what not to do — should a similar situation arise.
One Misstep
Surveillance camera footage broadcasted on local news captured Zamar inadvertently stepping on a snake while exiting his home. Situated in Pembroke Pines, Florida, his residence is adjacent to a nature preserve that serves as an ideal habitat for water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths. The snake sunk its fangs into his leg, injecting a painful dose of venom.
Swift Response
In a state of near-panic, Zamar swiftly retreated indoors and dialed 911. Remarkably, authorities managed to locate the snake in close proximity, allowing for confirmation of the species, while Zamar was promptly transported to the emergency room. Medical professionals reached out to the Venom Response Team of Miami-Dade County, which boasts one of the largest public antivenom repositories in the nation. Antivenom works to neutralize venom toxins and halt their spread, preventing further harm.
Receiving prompt medical intervention saved Zamar’s leg, and possibly his life. He spent three days in the intensive care unit and relied on a walker post-discharge until his body could fully recuperate. Recovering from such a bite can take weeks and often necessitates physical therapy.
Potency of Cottonmouth Venom
The United States is home to around 30 species of venomous snakes, including water moccasins, rattlesnakes, coral snakes, and copperheads. These four types of venomous snakes are prevalent in Florida and numerous other southeastern states. Coral snakes possess the most potent venom, followed by rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads.
Effects of Cottonmouth Venom
On average, up to 8,000 Americans sustain venomous snake bites annually, with roughly five resulting in fatalities. None of these deaths stem from water moccasin bites, which occur approximately 250 times yearly. Bites inflict intense pain and swelling. Untreated water moccasin venom can damage nerves and muscle tissue to the extent of causing limb dysfunction and, in rare instances, necessitating amputation. The degree of harm depends on the victim’s health, age, bite location, venom quantity, and promptness of medical aid. Although fatalities from such bites are uncommon, they can occur, particularly in young children.
Preventive Measures
Below are some suggestions to evade an encounter with a cottonmouth akin to Zamar’s:
– Cover up: Zamar emphasized the primary
Many snake species, including uths, are known to be nocturnal hunters. Being cold-blooded reptiles, they have a tendency to bask on pavement in the evening hours to absorb residual heat and warm up their bodies. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being bitten by a snake, it can indeed be a terrifying experience. However, it is important to remember that the majority of snake bites are not fatal. While they can be extremely painful and constitute a serious emergency, the likelihood of survival is high, with a 99.9% chance of recovery.
In the event of a snake bite, it is crucial to remain calm. Focus on deep breathing, try to relax, and avoid excessive movement. By maintaining a slow and calm heartbeat, you can help slow down the spread of venom through your system. Seeking immediate medical attention is paramount, so call 911 or arrange for transportation to the nearest medical facility without delay. It is advisable to drive calmly and safely, as statistically, the risk of dying in a car accident is higher than succumbing to a snake bite.
To impede the venom from spreading rapidly, keep the affected limb positioned below heart level. Remove any constricting jewelry or clothing to accommodate potential swelling. Safely identifying the snake species, if possible, can aid medical personnel in determining the appropriate antivenom for treatment. If the snake is still within sight, maintain a safe distance and consider taking a photograph or noting relevant details such as size, coloration, and head shape.
In the aftermath of a snake bite, certain actions should be avoided as they can exacerbate the situation. Refrain from attempting to cut the wound or suck out the venom, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Similarly, applying a tourniquet is ill-advised as it can concentrate venom in the affected limb and cause further damage. Resist the urge to kill the snake, as it likely bit in self-defense and will typically retreat post-bite.
Learning from the experiences of others, such as the individual in the story who survived a cottonmouth bite, can offer valuable insights on how to respond effectively to a snake bite and ensure a full recovery. Being aware of what actions to take and what not to do in such situations can make a significant difference in the outcome, potentially saving lives.
