Toddler Bitten Twice by Rattlesnake in Arizona Requires 30 Vials of Antivenom

PHOENIX — A 15-month-old girl is now facing a challenging recovery after being bitten twice by a rattlesnake, according to her family.

Jacquelyn Reed reported that her daughter, Cara, has been under treatment at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since Friday. The family was airlifted to the facility shortly after the incident occurred.

“I was terrified,” Reed recalled, highlighting the shock and fear felt during the ordeal.

The Reeds reside near Florence, Arizona. On the day of the attack, Reed and Cara were outside when Reed briefly stepped away to dispose of some trash. Within seconds, she heard her daughter cry.

“Cara had four puncture wounds on her foot, and behind her, there was a snake coiled up,” Reed described, noting the immediate danger.

Reed quickly took Cara to a nearby emergency room. Within an hour, the young girl’s condition deteriorated. Reed observed that Cara’s foot began to darken, and she started vomiting before losing consciousness. Medical staff decided to airlift them to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for more extensive care.

“She’s had 30 vials of antivenom so far,” said Reed, detailing the aggressive treatment required for Cara’s recovery.

In addition to the injuries on her foot, Cara experienced severe respiratory challenges, with oxygen levels plummeting to 25%, necessitating intubation. “It’s really difficult to watch all of her complications,” Reed lamented.

Encouraging news emerged in the past 24 hours; Cara has begun to show signs of improvement. She can now wiggle her toes, and the breathing tube has been removed. Reed believes that swift action to seek medical help was crucial. “The response of moving quickly saved her life,” she asserted.

Although many uncertainties remain regarding Cara’s full recovery, Reed expressed immense gratitude that her daughter is alive. “She’s the angel of the family,” Reed said, holding onto hope that Cara will regain full function and return to her joyful self.

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the Reed family with medical expenses during this difficult time.