1. TEXAS SNAKES Authored by Steve Blanchard, EMT-P Health Services Officer TX-129 th Fort Worth Senior Squadron For Local Training Rev 1.0 2-Apr-13

2. DISCLAIMER The following presentation is for the purpose of personal information only and is not to be construed as a prescribed course of treatment for any health or medical condition or situation. If you are not a trained, certified or licensed Health Professional operating within your scope of training, always immediately seek professional medical assistance and guidance before taking any course of action. If you encounter an emergency medical situation, always know how to contact the Emergency Medical Services provider (911, Fire, Ambulance, Police) for your geographic location and do so immediately! 2

3. TEXAS SNAKES There is roughly 68 different types of snakes in Texas. Of those, two types are venomous. Pit Vipers and the Coral Snake. 3

4. TEXAS SNAKES 4 Pit Vipers

5. TEXAS SNAKES 5 Copper Head Region: West, Mid, East Habitat: Dry, Desert Length: 1¾ – 4 Feet

6. TEXAS SNAKES 6 Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) Region: Central, East Habitat: Marshes, Ponds, Lakes Length: 2 – 4 Feet

7. TEXAS SNAKES 7 Western Diamondback Rattler Region: All but East Habitat: Prairies, Desert, Rugged Terrain Length: 3 – 7 Feet

8. TEXAS SNAKES 8 Massasauga Rattler Region: East Habitat: Marsh, Swamps, Grasslands Length: 1½ – 2½ Feet

9. TEXAS SNAKES 9 Timber Rattler Region: Central, East Habitat: Forrests, Rugged Terrain Length: 2¾ – 5 Feet

10. TEXAS SNAKES 10 Western Pigmy Rattler Region: East Habitat: Near Water, Leaf Litter Length: 14 – 22 Inches

11. TEXAS SNAKES 11 Texas Coral Region: Mid, South, East Habitat: Humid Areas, Moist Vegetation Length: 2 – 4 Feet

12. TEXAS SNAKES 12 Common Symptoms of Bites Dizziness Convulsions Rapid Heart Rate Localized Pain and Swelling Numbness and Tingling Muscle Contractions Skin Discoloration Blurred Vision Fang Marks

13. TEXAS SNAKES 13 What to do for a snake Bite Move away from the snake. If possible, take a picture of the snake but, DO NOT attempt to capture it. Elevate area bitten above the level of the heart. Wash area with soap and water. Call 911 if possible and let EMS come to you. If you can’t wait, limit movement of the Patient. Notify the Hospital you are bringing in a snake bite.

14. TEXAS SNAKES 14 What NOT to do for a snake Bite Do not attempt to suck the venom from wound. Do not make cuts over the snake bite. It causes more tissue damage. Do not apply a tourniquet. Do not apply ice or cold pack. Do not take pain relievers or antivenom, in the field unless directed by a Doctor.