Route Editor
Route Scout
I have a question. A man at my husband's work was bitten by a Mojave Green Rattlesnake. Apparently he pulled off the road near Fontana (Lytle Creek area) to use his cell phone. He stepped out of his work van right onto a snake. The snake bit him twice on the leg. It took him about 10 minutes to flag down another motorist. He drove himself to the hospital and the other motorist followed to assure he got there safely. The doctor believed the snake bite to be that of a Mojave Rattlesnake due to the speed that the neurotoxin attacked. The doctor said that he'd never seen venom attack in the manner that it did. At some point after he reached the hospital, he had a heart attack (he is approx 48 to 50 years of age and he'd already had another heart attack a few years earlier). He was given the antivenom and it is speculated that he had an adverse reaction to it. I don't know all the specifics, but he ended up going into respiratory failure and being put on life support. He must have had irreparable damage with no hope because he was removed from life support a day or so later and he died.
Would it have helped if he had tied his leg above the bite to stop the travel of the venom through his bloodstream? Is there any more specific or immediate first aid that can be administered for a Mojave Rattlesnake bite. From what I have read, there doesn't seem to be a lot that can be done except to stay calm, treat for shock and seek medical help.
My husband as well as several at his work are in shock. This was sudden and unexpected. The general consensus is that one shouldn't die from a snake bite. They are trying to find answers and understand what happened.
I don't mind if this message is posted or if the answer shows up in a public area...
Hi Lisa,
My initial thought is he did everything correct. Sounds like he was just one of the small percentages to not accept the venom. Tag in his previous heart issues & it's sad but I don't believe it's a mystery or unbelievable.
My second thought is Rattlers don't usually bite unless provoked. Stepping on one out of a truck is flat out bad luck. I believe the snake needs to coil first. As he drove up the snake probably coiled and when he stepped out it was just unfortunate. Either that snake lost his rattler in a species fight or the man's window was up and he had no forewarning.
It's unfortunate he encountered that mean monster. They are the deadliest! I've seen countless diamondbacks but only a few mohaves. Personally, I've stepped on a Diamondback & was extremely lucky. It was crossing a trail after sunset. I didn't see it and figure it must not have expected me. My friend was behind me and yelled. I jumped and ran before the snake had a chance to coil.
I'll add this to the HAZ-Forum. My thoughts go out to his family & co-workers.
