Be Careful Out there!!!!!

[Bill]

One of our more experienced members got tagged by a juvenile C. atrox (Western Diamondback) a couple of days ago on a Hotline call. It can happen to anyone. Don't let your guard down and don't assume anything. Accidents can be prevented. We went several years without a bite on Hotline calls and would like to make this our last one ever. Below is an email I recieved from the "victim" (although I doubt even he would call himself one). I've left the names out on purpose... He can post in this thread if he wants to, but to respect his privacy I'm leaving his name out.

"All,
Yes I was on a call and did something really stupid. I misidentified a neonate WDB as a Night Snake. I am already home after only 12 vials of AV. It hurts and is swollen. I have to see the doc on Tuesday for a followup. I thank everybody for their good wishes..."

And an email from one of the many well-wishers giving us an update before we got the above email:

"I went to see _____ at Good Sam
about 3:30 this afternoon. He is doing well all things
considered. The bite was on the base of his index
finger just above the knuckle. There is some swelling
and discomfort but he is doing well with crofab so far."

Be Careful!!

[sharrack]

Good to hear you are o.k.

Maybe ( when it's all over) you can post an account of your hospital
visit and give a first hand look at what others may be in for if bit.
There's always crazy stories about how much the hospital stay and treatment
will cost. I've heard from 8,000 -30,000 in medical bills.
I know all bites and effects are not created equal but yours may be a good average to work from .

Many of us do not have medical insurance or wonder "how do I explain this to my insurance carrier"?
Maybe your situation can provide vital information for others.
Get well Soon
kenny S. :)

[Timekeep69]

Sorry to hear about getting tagged, glad to hear you're ok.

Rule #1 for me on hotline calls is ALL SNAKES ARE VENOMOUS, treat them accordingly. Even if it looks like a kingsnake.

[necoris]

I heard about that too. Get better soon.

Dustin

[Barjatiya]

:( Sorry to hear about the "tagging". Sure glad everything is ok given the circumstances. I second with sharrack, an account of the tremedous expense incurred should instill some of our more daring members with some respect for the peripheral damage. I just feel sorry that is what it takes to set an example ... Yikes. Get well soon.

This makes me more than ever determine to take the CPR recertification.

[Loteer]

That's big time suckie :( :( :( Just glad your doing well and everything is wrokin out for yas.

[Donna]

Many of us do not have medical insurance or wonder "how do I explain this to my insurance carrier"?
Maybe your situation can provide vital information for others.
Get well Soon
kenny S. :)

I certainly wouldn't tell them in anyway shape or form that you got bit because you are putting yourself at risk by handling them on a regular basis. I'd stick to the "I put my hand in a bush" story. If you start telling the whole truth and nothing but... you risk being dropped and then you wont be covered for the stuff that really matters.

Donna

[sharrack]

was more of a request for info so that we can be better prepared and understand the situation from a financial and medical standpoint.
I would never believe it would stop anyone from dealing with venomous snakes. Maybe becoming more careful......yes.