News Summary
Ethan White, a 28-year-old EMT in Dare County, is recovering after being bitten by a venomous cottonmouth snake in Nags Head Woods Preserve. The incident occurred while he was walking his dog, leading to a swift hospital visit where he received multiple doses of antivenom. Community support through a GoFundMe campaign has raised significant funds for his recovery, allowing him to focus on resuming his studies to become a paramedic despite facing mobility challenges.
Nags Head – Dare County EMT Recovering from Venomous Snake Bite
A Dare County emergency medical technician (EMT) is recovering after being bitten by a venomous snake while walking his dog in Nags Head Woods Preserve. The incident occurred last Saturday morning when Ethan White, 28, veered off the trail to tie his shoe and was unexpectedly attacked.
White reported that the sensation of the bite was akin to “cutting yourself with a sharp knife,” prompting him to stagger backward after being struck. The snake involved is believed to be a cottonmouth, which White photographed following the incident. This provides critical evidence as to the type of venomous snake that delivered the bite.
After the snake bite, White’s fiancée promptly transported him to a nearby hospital where he began receiving treatment. Initially, White experienced an allergic reaction to the first type of antivenom administered, which led the medical team to switch to a different treatment protocol. He ultimately received four doses of CroFab antivenom over the course of his care in Norfolk, where he spent two days in the intensive care unit (ICU) along with an additional day in a medical-surgical unit.
Upon his release from the hospital, White continued his recovery at home, where he is facing the prospect of further medical evaluation. He has been able to move the base joint of his hand but reports that the rest of his hand lacks mobility. Depending on an upcoming assessment with a hand specialist, White may either need surgical intervention or may be advised to allow the injury to heal on its own.
As a sign of community support during this challenging time, White’s mother launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has successfully raised over $12,000. White expressed his gratitude for the generosity he has received from the local community, which has provided him with both financial and emotional support.
Currently, White is pursuing his studies to become a paramedic and remains determined that this unfortunate snake bite will not impede his professional aspirations. He has illustrated resilience in stating that his injury will not prevent him from performing his duties effectively, citing examples of other EMTs who have continued their work despite serious injuries.
Snake Activity and Safety Precautions
The National Park Service has issued warnings to residents and visitors regarding the potential for rattlesnake encounters in the area, particularly during the peak activity season from April to October. This window coincides with when both snakes and outdoor enthusiasts are most active.
Information regarding venomous snakes in North Carolina indicates the presence of several species, including copperhead, cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, and Eastern coral snake. Public safety messages emphasize the importance of being vigilant while in natural areas, encouraging individuals to stay on trails to minimize the risk of snake encounters.
In the event of a snake bite, individuals should seek immediate medical attention and avoid any home remedies. Understanding the characteristics of venomous snakes and knowing the actions to take if bitten can significantly improve safety outcomes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Dare County EMS Honors Seven Paramedics Graduates from Accelerated COA Program
Additional Resources
- WAVY: Outer Banks EMT Bitten by Venomous Snake
- Wikipedia: Venomous Snake
- WRAL: Officials Issue Warning About Rattlesnakes
- Google Search: Snake Bite First Aid
- News Observer: Local News Article
- Google Scholar: Snake Antivenom
- WAVY: Massive Bluefin Tuna Catches Halted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snake Species
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- Google News: Rattlesnake Warnings
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
