Snakebite victim stable

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Another snakebite victim was reported in the Highland Lakes area Sunday, March 18.

The call for aid for a woman on Happy Hollow Road in the Fairland area who had been bitten on the foot came in to the Burnet County Sheriff's Department at 12:42 p.m.

The Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service (MFAEMS) could confirm only that the female patient was transported directly to Baylor Scott & White Marble Falls, where treatment was begun. She was transferred to Baylor Scott & White Temple for continued care.

“At the time of our transport to Temple, the patient was in stable condition,” said Kevin Naumann, MFAEMS operations director.

A five-year-old girl from Granite Shoals was bitten along a path at Longhorn Caverns State Park near Burnet in January.

“I am not a snake expert, but it does appear snakes are out and moving around already,” Naumann added. “We would urge caution when outdoors, especially in areas with high grass, leaves and places for snakes to hide.

“Lots of people are taking pictures in the Bluebonnets this time of year. Be sure to thoroughly check the area before sitting in or walking around areas like this with heavy cover for snakes.”

Naumann urged victims and those with them to be alert to see the snake. In last weekend's case, the snake was killed and delivered for emergency room inspection.

“If a person is bitten, it is important for us to have a clear indication of the type of snake,” he explained. “This determines the type of treatment the snakebite victim would receive. “Immediate medical attention is the number 1 priority: Call 911.”