As warmer weather sends more families outdoors, a Folsom pediatrician is reminding parents and children to stay alert for rattlesnakes and know what to do if a bite occurs.
Rattlesnake bites can cause severe injury and require immediate medical attention, according to Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group. Dr. Samna Rasheed, a pediatrician with the medical group in Folsom, said children can be particularly vulnerable because their natural curiosity may lead them closer to hazards they do not recognize.
“Children are naturally curious and may not always recognize dangers like rattlesnakes,” Rasheed said. “Teaching them about snake safety and knowing how to react in an emergency can help prevent serious outcomes.”
Rasheed recommends families stick to cleared trails when hiking or exploring outdoors and avoid tall grass, brush and rocky areas where snakes may be concealed.
Children should wear closed-toe shoes when playing or walking in areas where snakes may be present, and parents should closely supervise children during outdoor activities.
Children should also be taught never to touch or approach a snake, regardless of whether it appears dangerous or seems to be moving.
Rattlesnakes are often recognized by their distinctive rattling sound, which may serve as a warning before a strike. They can also have triangular-shaped heads and vertical, slit-like pupils. However, families should not approach a snake in an attempt to identify it.
If a child is bitten, Rasheed said parents should remain calm and keep the child as still as possible. The bitten limb should be immobilized and kept at or below heart level while emergency medical care is sought immediately at the nearest emergency department.
Parents should not cut the wound, attempt to suck out venom or apply a tourniquet. Such home remedies can cause additional injury and should not delay professional treatment.
Signs that venom has entered the body can include severe pain, swelling and discoloration around the bite. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing.
Even when symptoms initially appear mild, Dignity Health advises that all rattlesnake bites be treated as medical emergencies.
“Following these simple steps and staying informed helps create safer outdoor experiences for your loved ones,” Rasheed said. “Embrace the beauty of nature with confidence, knowing you’re prepared to protect your family every step of the way.”
Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation, is a multispecialty medical group with patient service centers throughout the greater Sacramento area. Its providers are affiliated with Dignity Health hospitals including Mercy General Hospital, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Folsom and Methodist Hospital of Sacramento.
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