So far this season, two people have been treated for rattlesnake bites at Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley.
Adventist Health wants the community to know that they are prepared with the anti-venom that is needed to treat these venomous injuries.
“We want the community to be aware and vigilant of the danger that rattlesnakes pose in this area. Unfortunately, they are a natural part of the beautiful environment we call home,” Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley President Jeff Lingerfelt said. “We’ve already had two saves so far this season from folks who have been bitten. We don’t want to see another, but we are prepared if we do with an ample supply of the anti-venom needed for treatment.”
According to Adventist Health, you will know if you need ant-venom if you think you have been bit by a venomous snake and are experiencing "progressive pain, swelling and abnormally low blood pressure."
"We want our residents to know that if they should be bitten, they don’t have to drive down the hill for treatment. We want them to get quality care as quickly as possible,” said Misty Cantrell, Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley patient care executive and registered nurse
They say that in an emergency, it’s best to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Each year, 7,000 to 8,000 Americans are bitten by venomous snakes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Adventist Health, an average of 800 occur in California each year, but they say only one snake native to California is venomous and that is the rattlesnake.
