Fall Concerns: Snakes, Spiders, Scorpions, Oh My!

By Adam Johnson, NRP, PR County Director of Emergency Medical Service Operations

With the weather and seasons changing, community members need to be mindful of changes in their environments. Warmer temperatures during the day and cooler ones at night are known to encourage some animals to take shelter near and around homes, vehicles, sheds, and more.

Here in Powder River County, we encounter some unique animals we need to be cautious around, such as: Garter Snakes (Common, Plains and Terrestrial), Gopher Snakes, Racer Snakes, the Hog-nosed Snake (When threatened, hognose snakes flatten their head, hiss and rattle their tails making the unobservant think it's a rattlesnake), and the Milksnake (Non-venomous, but does rattle its tail).

The above listing are non-venomous species but if handled or surprised they may strike causing a painful bite.

Venomous snake species in Powder River County include the Prairie Rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes primarily respond to threats by remaining still and moving away. But when escape is not possible or when handled, rattlesnakes will coil, rattle and strike if time permits.

If someone believes they have been bitten by a snake, especially a Prairie Rattlesnake, do not attempt to catch the animal. Back away from the area, attempt to identify patterns on the animal, and contact 911 or Powder River County Sheriff's Dispatch for assistance.

Signs and symptoms of a rattlesnake bite to look out for include pain, bleeding from the bite site, swelling of the bite area, and nausea or vomiting.

First Aid care until help arrives: Minimize activity and sit down inside, remove all constricting jewelry, immobilize (reduce movement and splint) the affected limb in a position of comfort, and the use of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can slow a histamine release in the patient.

IMPORTANT:

Do not attempt to cut the skin or attempt to draw or physically suck the venom out of the injection site as this can increase injuries and medical issues for a patient. Do not apply cold packs or cold therapy to the affected site.

Other animals of concern in the area include arthropods commonly known as spiders, including the Black Widow (identifiable with a red hour glass), and the Brown Recluse (Violin design on back).

Signs and symptoms of a Black Widow spider bite: Pinching bite followed by local swelling and burning, abdominal pain and or rigidity within 60 minutes, nausea and vomiting, abnormal sweating, and a fast heart rate.

First Aid care until help arrives: Place in a position of comfort, calm the patient, Identify the location of the bite, and note any swelling.

Signs and symptoms of a Brown Recluse spider bite: Local pain and ulceration at site within 2-8 hours with surrounding superficial reddening of the skin that can occur in patches, a large open wound similar in look to a pimple referred to as a volcano rupture. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain.

First Aid care until help arrives: Elevate the bite site, avoid strenuous activity, calm the patient, and the use of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can slow a histamine release in the patient. Administration of Benadryl should be verified and confirmed with a licensed medical provider i.e. Medical Doctor.

Scorpions are also an animal of concern.

Signs and symptoms of a scorpion bite: Local pain, swelling, and reddening of skin usually in patches, nausea and vomiting, a fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased temperature or low blood pressure. A slower heart rate can also occur. Other symptoms may include seizures, agitation, and blurred vision/rotary eye movements.

First Aid care until help arrives: Apply ice packs to the sting site, supportive care, the use of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can slow a histamine release in the patient.

If you or someone you know encounters any of these situations where you have or believe you have been bitten by one of the above listed insects or animals, please contact 911 or the Powder River County Sheriff's Department at (406) 436-2333 for emergency response. Powder River County EMS has trained medical responders at the Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic levels that can assist with necessary treatments and transportation to an appropriate facility.