The snake was found around 4 p.m. on July 31. According to animal control personnel, the snake carried enough venom to take out several large adults.
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The snake was removed and taken away by animal control. Deputies would like to remind people to take precaution when dealing with a snakebite victim.
Steps to take when handling a snakebite victim:
- Remain calm and get at least 15 feet away from the snake.
- Arrange to have the victim taken to a medical facility as soon as possible
- Remove any restrictive clothing from the victim, such as rings, bracelets, watches and buttoned shirts.
- Immobilize the bitten limb and keep it below heart level. If the victim is more than an hour away from a medical facility, place a lightly constricting band above the bitten area to prevent the spread of venom. At least one finger should be able to fit underneath the band.
- Keep the victim calm to slow the heart rate and slow the rate of the venom spreading through the body.
- Never make an incision, use tourniquets, or suction out the venom. Suctioning can be harmful to the victim and it also carries a risk of contaminating the wound.
- If the snake is still nearby, get an accurate description by taking a photo or remembering certain physical traits such as color, pattern and length.