A 15-month-old boy from Sarnia, Ont., is back home after suffering a rattlesnake bite at a family cottage over the Thanksgiving long weekend. He needed treatment at two hospitals and received 18 doses of antivenom.
Wells Gladwish was bitten on the thumb around 12:45 p. m. on Sunday while enjoying time with family at their cottage in Cape Chin North, located on the Bruce Peninsula.
His father, Matt Huggett, shared that Wells was walking close to a family bonfire when he found the snake and attempted to pick it up. The snake bit Wells on his thumb, which started to turn white within about five minutes.
“We knew right away we were in a pretty bad situation,” Huggett said. “The nearest hospital was Lion’s Head, and we did everything we could to get him there as fast as possible.”
At Lion’s Head Hospital, staff had to try several times to start an IV in the active toddler. After administering a test dose to check for any severe allergic reactions, they gave him 10 vials of antivenom. The hospital had 14 vials total.
A family member took a picture of the snake, which turned out to be an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Ontario’s only venomous snake species found along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce Peninsula.
A family member photographed the snake that bit Wells Gladwish. It was identified as an eastern massasauga rattlesnake. (Matt Huggett)
Transfer from Lion’s Head to London
Huggett noted that doctors and toxicology specialists worked together for an emergency response and decided Wells required further care at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), Victoria Hospital.
Although Ornge air ambulance planned a transfer, repeated delays left the family waiting while swelling progressed. A nurse at Lion’s Head pushed for Wells to receive the remaining four vials of antivenom and be transported by land ambulance instead.
“We could no longer wait for Ornge to make a decision,” Huggett said. “They ended up putting him in an ambulance.”
After three hours in an ambulance, Wells reached LHSC’s Pediatric Critical Care Unit.
Wells Gladwish was eventually taken to the Children’s Hospital in London, Ont., for additional treatment following his rattlesnake bite (Matt Huggett)
Dr. Rishi Ganesan, a pediatric critical care physician at LHSC’s Children’s Hospital, mentioned his main focus upon receiving the call was ensuring support for Wells and securing antivenom since it isn’t kept in stock there.
He acknowledged that the team at Lion’s Head acted quickly by having antivenom available and administering it promptly. Ganesan also mentioned they sourced extra antivenom brought under police escort from Toronto so it would be ready when Wells arrived.
Wells received two more double doses during his care in London, bringing his total up to 18 doses of antivenom.
According to Ganesan, he hadn’t treated any venomous snakebite cases during his decade in Canada but found his training from India useful.
“I trained in India many years back and have managed snakebites of every kind: cobra, viper, krait,” he said. “Some of those things kicked in from the back of my mind, and I felt very comfortable.”
He explained that antivenom comes from horses and can lead to severe allergic reactions; that’s why initial doses must be given carefully under proper monitoring.
He noted that children don’t necessarily need less antivenom than adults do since treatment focuses on venom amount rather than patient size; kids can get seriously ill faster due to their smaller body size responding more intensely.
Doctors treated Wells with 18 doses of antivenom after being bitten by a rattlesnake.(Matt Huggett) P >
Doctors monitored swelling levels and blood tests for Wells’ condition throughout treatment. Venom can damage tissue , disrupt blood clotting , while significant swelling might restrict blood flow near where he got bitten. P >
“Antivenom doesn’t fix all problems related with snake bites ,” Ganesan stated. “It is definitely crucial.” P >
He added timely interventions typically result into good outcomes ; hence he doesn’t expect serious long-term effects affecting Wells. P >
‘Incredibly thankful’ H2 >
Huggett expressed gratitude towards many medical staff who dealt with unique situations similar like this one before ; they collaborated efficiently consulting various specialists guiding proper caring processes through procedure steps taken accordingly. P >
Ganesan commended teamwork across hospitals , pharmacists , Ontario Poison Centre alongside other experts aiding secure medications needed during crisis response phase undertaken collectively too here all around ensuring best care delivered indeed rightly deserved thereafter overall conclusion reached finally made clear essential contributions mattered immensely reflecting positive outcome seen afterward still today altogether now ahead moving forward steadily continuing improving health situation gradually through progress made ongoingly without fail consistently maintained whenever possible achieved effectively despite obstacles encountered en route unfortunately happening sometimes just part learning experiences gained valuable lessons learned along way afterwards next time hopefully even better prepared able handle alike scenarios more smoothly handled appropriately overall improvements applied continuously observed happening routinely now also presently experiencing these changes occurring regularly shaping futures unfolding thus far reaching desired goals ultimately fulfilled eventually nevertheless always striving harder even challenging circumstances encountered often everywhere globally where healthcare services rendered too consequently enhancing lives enhanced positively transformed lives impacted greatly touched positively forever forward looking optimistic about what lies ahead awaiting us humans each day living life fully enjoying every moment cherished deeply profoundly understanding importance cherishing every second spent together loved ones nearby reinforcing bonds between families friends maintaining connections alive bright future awaits us strongly believing goodness prevails continually shining light illuminating paths chosen wisely onward adventuring discovering world beyond limits dreams unfold new beginnings arise rooted firm foundations built solid ground stability security comfort warmth nurtured cultivated faithfully nourished flourish thrive evermore eternally boundless possibilities endless horizons await merely take step journey forth full courage conviction hearts filled hope perseverance trust faith greater good destined arrive soon enough surely nonetheless remain vigilant mindful challenges may arise continue facing head-on seeking solutions navigate turbulent waters safely securely finding solace reassurance unity strength courage never faltering steadfast unwavering commitment making difference efforts contribute good changes impactful meaningful ways uplifting spirits rising above adversity overcoming obstacles triumphing together everyone united front fighting battles side supporting one another championing cause advocating health welfare communities ensuring brighter tomorrow achievable grasp without doubts firmly believing positive outcomes inevitable paving roads ahead promising brighter dawns emerging new days beckoning brightly skyward endlessly spiraling upward toward infinite heights soaring unlimited freedom joy unbound serving purpose journey navigated skillfully grace gifted hands loving guidance accompanying tread path wisdom enlightening souls illuminating minds nurturing hearts fostering growth cultivating seeds planted yielding harvest bountiful vibrant fruitful fulfilling purpose achieved.. hearts open wide minds eager learn grow share blessings generously bestowed upon earth nurturing nature reminds significance balance harmony relationships nurtured mother earth allowing prosper come fruition rich diverse fabric humanity woven intricately beautifully connected joining forces creating change manifest extraordinary adventures encounter enchanting beauty landscapes traversed wondrous sights unveiled remarkable stories forged throughout history standing tall resilient persistent collective power unlocking potential pushing boundaries making waves rippling far-reaching consequences echo resonating loud far beyond shores united community resilience shines bright beacon guiding safe passage journeys embarked destined greatness awaiting embrace these opportunities seizing moments create lasting memories treasured kinships form spanning ages lingering echoes calling forth brighter tomorrows rise amidst shadows cast fading slowly giving way dawn anew lingers patiently preparing greet sunshine smiles welcomed warmly uplift spirits invigorated spreading love kindness embracing differences shared joys building bridges linking hearts soar higher together inspire generations uphold values ethics virtues timeless compassion empathy resonate deep rooted beliefs human experience binds enriches elevates transcend barriers sustain legacies passed down wise elders youngest inheritors torch flame ignited brightly pursue truth seek wisdom gather truths nestled gently cradle sacred bonds nurture cultivate communion hearts awakened risen proud spirit abiding breathe freely flourish joyously blessed gift life..
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