A rattlesnake encounter on a summer hike can be terrifying, but New Mexico doctors said one common response can make things worse.
As Kiowa County Press reported, medical experts at the University of New Mexico Hospital are warning hikers to skip the tourniquet and focus instead on getting to safety and reaching an emergency room quickly.
What's happening?
As summer brings both high snake activity and more people onto New Mexico trails and into the foothills, the odds of an encounter go up.
University of New Mexico Hospital emergency medicine physician Jon Femling said the best protection is simple: stay aware of your surroundings and keep your distance.
He also cautioned against a piece of Hollywood-style snakebite advice: "In the Southwest and with rattlesnake bites, don't do it."
He was referring to putting a tourniquet above the wound.
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Although some hikers think cutting off blood flow will keep venom from spreading, Femling said that can lead to worse damage at the bite site.
Even though rattlesnakes are viewed as the Southwest's most dangerous snakes, they usually bite only when they feel they have no other choice.
Of the more than 50 snake species in New Mexico, only about 10 are venomous.
Why does it matter?
Fatal snake bites are uncommon, particularly when people get medical care quickly.
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Panicking, running, or trying risky DIY treatment can make a bad situation worse, while staying calm and acting quickly gives doctors a better chance to treat the bite effectively.
A rattlesnake startled on a trail is not "attacking" at random; it is often reacting defensively when people get too close, block its escape, or try to provoke it.
If you hear a rattle, Femling said to back away, choose another route, and avoid throwing rocks.
Giving the animal space protects both the person and the snake.
What can I do?
If you are bitten in the backcountry, focus first on getting yourself out of immediate danger.
Move away from the snake and avoid trying to handle it or kill it, which could trigger another strike.
That also means resisting the urge to sprint back to the car.
A steady walk can help keep your heart rate from rising unnecessarily.
The next priority is straightforward: get to an emergency department without delay.
Once there, care can include an initial dose of antivenom and monitoring, if needed.
Stay alert on trails, watch where you step or place your hands, and remember that snakes are part of the local ecosystem.
Respecting their space can reduce the chance of a bite before it ever happens.
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