SCIENTIFIC NAME

The scientific name for the Western Diamond Back is Crotalus atrox

FACTS

Largest rattlesnake in North America.
Ranging in size from 3 feet to as long as 7 feet!
Triangular shaped head.
Has heat seeking pits below nostrils.
Tail has a rattle.
The coloration can vary from gray, brown, pink, or yellow, with light brown to blackish diamond shaped blotches, which face towards the tail.
The tail has black, white, or light gray with rings around it.
There is a lightly colored stripe from the corner of the mouth to behind the eyes.

WHAT TO DO AND NOT DO IF BITTEN BY A RATTLESNAKE

DO
1) Call 911 if able.
2) Get immediate medical attention. If someone is bitten, it is very important that they get to a hospital in 30 minutes or less.
3) If it likely that it will be more than 30 minutes before you can get to a hospital, suction the wound using a snakebite kit. Do not cut the wound as part of the this process.
4) Keep the location of the bite lower than the person's heart if you are able.
5) Wash the wound with water.
6) Immobilize the bite area if you are able.
7) Keep the victim from moving if this is possible. If you are hiking, do not have them hike out. Carry them, or wait for help to arrive.

DO NOT
1) Do not ice the wound. This will actually speed up the absorbtion of the venom into the body. 2) Do not cut the wound. This does not help in removing additional venom, and it just further injures the victim.
3) Do not apply a tourniquet. These things are seriously out of vogue in any first aid situation... this one is no different.
4) Do not use electric shock.