Teen Saves Her Own Life After Rattlesnake Bite

Kendal Vandenhoek, a Colorado teenager, is sitting in front of us today sharing her terrifying story. But if it wasn’t for her quick thinking and wits, this young woman’s story could’ve had a very different ending. Kendal was outside her home, walking around, when she felt a prick on the inside of her ankle. When she stepped away, she saw a rattlesnake at her feet. “I always knew there were snakes here,” Kendall said.

Thankfully, Kendall has first-aid training, so she knew exactly what to do in a situation like this. "I wasn’t sure if I’d been bit or not. So what I did then is I held my ankle, because you want to keep your heart rate down at first and just keep that venom from going through your system.” Her younger brother was nearby and he ran to get a rattlesnake bite kit and her family dialed 911.

She was rushed to the hospital where she was treated for the bite. "They gave me full 10 vials of antivenom," Kendall said. "The general dosage is around four." After a few days in the hospital, Kendall was able to return home. She’s still on crutches, but this brave young woman is expected to make a full recovery. The first responders who arrived to the scene said that Kendall being able to remain calm in the moment is probably what saved her life.

I’m so glad this smart teen knew exactly what to do in that moment. Now, she’s sharing her story with others in case they ever find themselves in a similar situation.