Family’s Quick Thinking Saved 4-Year-Old Boy Bit By Copperhead In North Carolina Mountains
WCNC Charlotte states a 4-year-old boy who was bitten by a copperhead in the North Carolina mountains was saved by one thing his family did.
On Memorial Day weekend, Jad Pollom was bitten by a copperhead while his family was renting a cabin in western North Carolina. The family says the snake was hidden outside of the cabin under patio furniture.
Pollom was rushed to a nearby emergency room after being bitten by the snake. His mother said his symptoms continued to get worse and were concerning. Eventually, the boy was airlifted to another hospital for a higher level of care. Pollom had to spend three days in the hospital before he was stabilized.
Doctors say that the Polloms did one thing that saved Jad from a much worse outcome. The family took a photo of the snake. The picture helped doctors to identify what treatment the boy actually needed.
The boy’s family says he isn’t bothered by the incident and is fully recovered.
The most common venomous snake in the Charlotte area is the copperhead. North Carolina Poison Control receives 10 times the number of calls about copperheads as all other snakes combined.
If you are bitten by a snake, you should sit down and stay calm. Wildlife officials recommend gently washing the area with warm, soapy water and removing any tight jewelry or clothing near the bite.
If you fear the snake was venomous, you should contact NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical attention. If you’re having trouble breathing or feel tightness in your chest, call 911 immediately.
North Carolina has Six Venomous Snakes On Our Ultimate Snake List