PHOENIX (Feb. 11, 2025) – Friday, Jan. 31, was just like any other day for Eloy resident Tommy Niebrzydowski. He came home from work, turned on a water valve in his backyard, and, like he always does, checked for black widow spiders and rattlesnakes upon opening the valve’s lid. When he didn’t hear or see anything, he thought the coast was clear. That’s when he got bit on his left hand.
Niebrzydowski immediately went to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center Emergency Room where he was given the first dose of antivenom and then taken to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, where he stayed in the intensive care unit for two days.
“It's uncommon for us to see rattlesnake bites in February, especially early February,” said Dr. Anne-Michelle Ruha, chief of the department of medical toxicology at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. “And this patient was bitten on Jan. 31st, which is even more uncommon.”
Dr. Ruha said people should be aware that as the weather is warming up snakes will be more active.
“People should be aware of their surroundings not only when they are out hiking, but even around their homes doing routine chores,” Dr. Ruha added.
While Tommy said he’s feeling better, he wants others to learn from his mistakes.
“I used a tourniquet and that was absolutely the wrong thing to do,” Tommy said. “Stay vigilant when you’re out and about.”
Dr. Ruha said the best thing to do when you see a snake is simply walk away from it.
“Do not try to kill it or handle it,” Dr. Ruha added. “If a bite occurs, go to the emergency department. Do not use first aid measures such as applying tight bandages, cutting into the wound, tourniquet or trying to suck out venom. This does not help and may increase injury.”
Dr. Ruha also said that if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking and far away from medical treatment, it’s important to call 911, immediately make your way to the trailhead and keep hydrated.
Rattlesnake bite victims should call 911 as soon as possible for medical treatment, and they may also call the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance in answering any questions related to venomous bites or stings. Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix has a snakebite service run by national leaders in rattlesnake envenomation as well as an outpatient clinic where patients may be seen in follow up after their hospitalization for snakebite.
About Banner Poison and Drug Information Center
The Banner Poison and Drug Information Center is a phone call away and can be reached at 1-800-222-12222. The center provides a free, 24-hour emergency telephone service for both residents and medical professionals of Maricopa County. Assistance is available in more than 150 languages. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/poisoncenter.
For further information contact us at: media@bannerhealth.com
