FORT SILL, Okla. (Feb. 19, 2015) -- While still under investigation, preliminary findings indicate the following:

On Feb. 7 at about 3:20 p.m., a service member was hiking with two classmates in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge when a rattlesnake, described to be 6- to 8-foot in length bit him on his left calf. His classmates immediately called EMS and carried him to the parking lot where he was evacuated by helicopter to the hospital. The service member's lower leg was amputated, and he remains in critical condition. This is first reported snake bite to a Fort Sill Soldier in fiscal 2015.

FACTORS

- Soldiers were hiking in an approved public use area.

- The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is prone to snakes, insects and other wildlife.

- Unseasonably warm weather can cause snakes and other wildlife to be active.

- Battle buddies were instrumental in getting the snake bite victim to immediate life saving medical care. This could have led to loss of life if the individual hiked alone.

RECOMMENDED LEADER/SOLDIER ACTIONS

- Leaders should discuss this safety alert with their subordinates.

- Reinforce importance of the battle buddy program and educate subordinates on wildlife hazards and maintaining awareness of surroundings.

- Ensure personnel develop emergency action plans prior to beginning activities.

- Research area for potential hazards, such as wildlife threats, falls, flash floods and severe storms. Disseminate and post this alert on all unit or organization safety boards.

Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/.