Watch Your Step: Snake Bites and Other Hiking Safety Tips

Warm weather nearly all year round in Southern California makes hiking a popular activity for many people. Before heading out on your next hiking trail adventure, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) emergency medicine physician Eric Sechrist, DO, wants hikers to know how to stay safe and know what to do when encountering a potentially venomous snake.

First and foremost, it is important to plan ahead and understand the difficulty of the trail you’ve selected. Know your limits and ask yourself if you have ever hiked in a similar environment, will you do the hike alone or with a friend, and what can you comfortably carry with you throughout the hike. It is also advised to let your family or friends know beforehand what your hiking plan is, such as, timing, location and route. If you do not return within a reasonable window of that time, they will be able to provide search and rescue with the proper information.

Essential items to bring on a hike include an adequate supply of food and water, proper hiking apparel, bug spray, sunscreen and a personal beacon, if possible.

In California, rattlesnake season begins in April and ends in October, but this year, there have already been 277 bites reported. Since February, PVHMC has received four patients with rattlesnake bites from Mount Baldy and the surrounding mountain areas.

It is important to know that rattlesnakes are a protected species in California, which means it is illegal to harm them or displace them from public land. If you hear a rattling sound or see a snake while enjoying the outdoors, remain calm and slowly walk away from the direction it is coming from.

“I encourage people venturing to enjoy the great outdoors, as long as you have a thorough plan,” said Dr. Sechrist. “We have already treated four patients with rattlesnake bites this year, so it is important for adventurers to know what to do if they encounter one on the trail and what to do if bitten.”

If you experience a snake bite, it is advised to:

• Call 911 immediately
• Stay calm
• Keep the bite wound lower than your heart by sitting or lying down
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom or use a tourniquet
• If you are alone, walk to get help but do not run

A snake will not follow you. Focus on leaving the area to receive help.

Hiking can be a rewarding way to enjoy Southern California's natural beauty, but preparation is key to staying safe. By planning ahead, knowing your limits, packing the essentials and staying alert of your surroundings, you can reduce your risk of an accident or emergency on the trail. At Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, we wish all a safe and adventurous outdoor excursion.