In 2007, fourth-year medical student Michael Alexander White nearly lost his life after an encounter with one of the world’s deadliest snakes.
Below he briefly describes that experience.
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Michael Alexander White, a fourth-year medical student at UNMC, was bitten by one of South America’s most venomous snakes in 2007. His survival story will be recounted today at 9 p.m. on the Animal Planet program, “I’m Alive.” |
A sharp set of fangs sank deep into my middle toe and instantly I knew I had been bitten by a barba-amarilla (also known as a Fer-de-lance), one of the deadliest pit vipers in Central and South America. “I’m going to die,” I thought to myself in that dark Guatemalan jungle.
Time slowed down and my heart raced. Immediately, I informed camp personnel of my injury. My colleagues quickly aspirated the wound with a device from the snake kit. Two minutes after the bite, I was in the worst pain of my life. My head throbbed and my heart pounded uncontrollably. I became short of breath as the pain intensified.
I was transported four hours away to the nearest hospital and received anti-venom before toxins permanently damaged my internal organs. The rural Guatemalan physicians nearly amputated my leg and I was eventually medically evacuated out of the country. All that remains is a scar and vivid memories. The experience has given me an indescribable appreciation for life and limb, and an interest caring for the injuries of others.
Wow! What an awesome story. For many of us it takes an experience like this to help us appreciate what we have been given and the value of human life.