Before you head out in the summertime, be aware that snake bites are common during the warmer months! Dr. Bo Burns, emergency medicine provider and chief of staff at Hillcrest Medical Center, spoke to Fox23's Alexa Mostrom about why it's so important to take action immediately if you're bitten by a snake. You can read this story here.
TULSA, Okla. — Local doctors are warning you to watch for signs of snake bites this time of year.
Venomous snake bites can get bad quickly and can damage your tissue, blood vessels, muscles, and tendons so you can’t afford to wait.
“This is a time sensitive type of phenomenon. The longer people wait after being bit, the worse things can be.” said Dr. Bo Burns.
Dr. Burns is the Chief of Staff at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. He explains this time of year all the snakes are out, and with people hiking or hanging out outside they see an increase in snake bites.
“We tend to come into contact with them more when we’re out about. Out at the lake hiking things like that,” said Dr. Burns.
If you get bitten keep the area clean and dry, wash it with soap and water, and keep the bitten area still. Contact 911 or go to the ER immediately, it’s very time sensitive.
“There is such a thing as a dry bite. There is a phenomenon where a venomous snake can bite you and not envenomate you. I don’t recommend waiting around to see for signs or symptoms. I think if you’ve been bitten or your child has been bitten just come on in.” said Dr. Burns.
If you get bitten and go to the hospital, don’t bring the snake. They don’t need to see the snake or even know the species to know what type of the two antivenoms to give you.
This story was written by Fox 23's Alexa Mostrom. You can view the full story online here.
