Fountain Hills, AZ — A middle school teacher was bitten by a rattlesnake in a school building Monday morning, KPHO.
Around 7:30 a.m., the Fountain Hills Middle School teacher noticed a baby rattlesnake near the school’s cafeteria. She attempted to “shoo away” the snake but got a little too close. The baby rattler bit her thumb.
“It was obviously her intention to think about the children, to protect the children, keep them out of harm’s way,” Colin Williams of the Rural Metro Fire Department said.
A spokesman for the Phoenix Herpetological Society explained that baby rattlesnakes “bite rapidly and repeatedly,” particularly when they’re scared or feel threatened.
The teacher was transported to HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, where doctors treated her with anti-venom, Williams said.
Somebody from the school released the rattlesnake back into the desert after the incident.
STATEMENT FROM SCHOOL:
Parents: please be advised of the follow incident that occurred today on our campus:
This morning, paramedics responded to a call to assist a staff member bitten by a baby rattlesnake prior to the start of the school day. The teacher discovered the snake just inside the doors of the multi-purpose room. After being bitten, the teacher took appropriate actions to maintain the safety of the small number of students in the general vicinity. Paramedics transported the teacher for medical attention to a nearby hospital. At this time, the teacher is being treated and is expected to fully recover. The school administration will review emergency response protocols with all staff and students.
Anita Gomez, Principal
Four Peaks Elementary School
Fountain Hills Middle School
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake
DO:
Elevate bite mark to circulate poison
Circle the bite
Wash bite with soap and water
Stay calm; there is a 25 percent chance there’s no poison in your system
DO NOT:
Suck out the venom
Pack the bite in ice
Try to kill the snake
