Rattle snake bites! How to avoid them and how to manage them. Ask Dr Jessica Mini-sode #2

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Minisode #2 of Ask Dr Jessica:  Rattlesnake bites!

In these mini-sodes Dr Jessica Hochman will cover pediatric topics, combining her experience as a parent and her knowledge as a pediatrician.  In this minisode, we will discuss her nephew's rattle snake bite. We will review prevention of snake bites and what do to in the even of a snake bite.   Do you have an idea for a mini-sode or a topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss?  Send her a DM on her instagram: Ask Dr Jessica or email your suggestion to: [email protected]

Summary of todays' minisode
Prevention:

1. Be really careful around bushes and weeds—stay on the hiking path. Remember  rattle snakes aren’t actually aggressive with humans—they tend to avoid people.  When they do bite, it’s often because they were surprised.  The don’t want us to be their prey or to hurt us
2. If you hear a rattle, go the other direction!

In the event of a snake bite:

-not all snake bites have venom, but they should all be taken seriously
-Remove any clothing that potentially restrict swelling like watches or shoes.
-keep extremity at level of heart
-go to the hospital ASAP

Many Common Myths around rattlesnake bites:
-sucking out venom is helpful (do not do it!)
-tourniquets are not helpful (do not apply tourniquets)

Treatment is antivenin or antivenom, and the brand name is  CroFab. It’s very expensive and not every hospital carries the CroFab—and it’s most effective if it’s given within 6 hours after the bite and ideally is given within 2 hours.

Overall take aways:
If you hike, stick to well-used trails 
Don’t put your hands in places you can’t see
If you see a snake, don’t panic—they will retreat if given enough space
If you can remember one thing—if anyone you know has been bitten by a snake, immediately find a medical facility that has antivenom
Most snake bites will not require antivenin—but if there is any question seek immediate medical attention. 

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children.  Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner. 

Dr Jessica Hochman is also on social media:
Follow her on Instagram: @AskDrJessica
Subscribe to her YouTube channel! Ask Dr Jessica
Subscribe to this podcast: Ask Dr Jessica

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

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Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.