Watch Where You Walk, Gilroy! Snakebite Season Is Here

News from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department:

Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services System and Santa Clara County Fire Departments remind you to watch where you walk for rattlesnake safety this season.

With summertime around the corner, many of us will be spending more time outdoors, taking advantage of the many activities Santa Clara County has to offer. But while we are enjoying our time outside, the warm weather will also encourage rattlesnakes to come out. Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association remind you to watch where you walk to avoid these snakes, and to stay safe!

“Every year fire departments in Santa Clara County respond to snake bite calls,” said Ken Kehmna, Fire Chief of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. “Knowing a few simple tips to avoid being bitten is the best prevention.”

Keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes should be part of everyone’s outdoor routine when taking to the hills and open spaces in Santa Clara County. About 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. annually, but only 0.2% (1 out of 500) venomous snake bites result in serious injury. Last year in Santa Clara County, 3 people were bitten and all were successfully treated and released from medical care.

“Keeping calm, providing simple first aid, and calling 911 will help the paramedics and firefighters treat the bite once they arrive on the scene” said Eric Rudnick, EMS Medical Director with the Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services System. “The most important therapy is simply keeping calm and keeping your distance from the snake.”

Following a few simple tips can help you lower your chances of experiencing a snakebite.

Safety Tips:

• If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away.

• When hiking, wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants.

• In hot weather, snakes seek cool areas. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees.

• In cool weather, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially during the cooler times of day.

• NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away; give the snake space and back away to a safe place.

• Tell a ranger or park staff if you see a snake, and NEVER try to catch it.

In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, remember these steps:

• Do not panic, remain calm, and slowly move away from the snake.

• Call 9-1-1 or send someone for help.

• DO NOT apply a cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite, or attempt to suck out venom.

• Avoid movement of the area that was bitten.

• Keep the bite at or below heart level.

• Do not attempt to kill or catch the snake. Do try to remember what the snake looked like.

• If possible, take note of the time the bite occurred.

• Remember to remain calm and wait for help to arrive

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