On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:27 p.m., emergency medical services responded to the Patriot Urgent Care located at 14090 H G Trueman Rd Suite 1300 in Solomons, for the reported snake bite.
911 callers reported a 5-year-old male was bit by a copperhead snake on the left hand.
Upon arrival, crews consulted with the Children’s National Hospital and was approved for aviation transport.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command was requested to land nearby.
Flight medics were advised the child was autistic and non-verbal, with swelling being minimal at the time. The child was conscious alert and breathing.
MSP Trooper 7 quickly landed nearby and transported the child and a guardian to the Children’s National Hospital.
For a copperhead bite or any possible venomous snakebite, treat it as an emergency.
Do this immediately:
- Call 911 right away – Do not wait to see how bad it gets. Copperhead bites are often survivable, but swelling and tissue injury can become serious.
- Get away from the snake – Do not try to catch it, kill it, or bring it with you. A photo from a safe distance is okay, but not required.
- Stay calm and keep still – Movement can spread venom faster. Sit or lie down
- Keep the bitten limb still and at about heart level or slightly below – Do not raise it high above the heart unless emergency medical staff tell you to.
- Remove rings, watches, bracelets, boots, or tight clothing – Swelling can happen quickly.
- Mark the swelling if possible – Use a pen to mark the edge of swelling and write the time next to it. This helps doctors track progression.
- Go to the ER, by ambulance if possible – Antivenom, pain control, lab monitoring, and observation may be needed.
- Call Poison Control if you need guidance while waiting – 1-800-222-1222 in the U.S. They can advise you and the hospital.
Do NOT do these things:
- Do not cut the wound.
- Do not suck out venom.
- Do not use a tourniquet.
- Do not apply ice.
- Do not use heat.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not use a venom extractor kit.
- Do not try to “walk it off.”
For Maryland specifically, the two native venomous snakes are the Eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnake, according to the Maryland Poison Center. CDC/NIOSH guidance also says to seek medical attention as soon as possible and avoid alcohol and pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen after a venomous snakebite. Mayo Clinic advises calling 911, moving away from the snake, staying calm and still, and removing jewelry or tight clothing before swelling starts.
Bottom line: copperhead bite = 911 / ER, even if the person seems okay at first.
