Spring in the South brings longer days, warmer air and a return to the outdoors.
Along with that renewed energy comes a different kind of reality. More time outside increases the chances of unexpected encounters and exposures, some of which can quickly turn serious. From snake bites to environmental risks, these situations often happen without much warning and require fast, informed care.
That is where medical toxicology plays an important role. This specialized area of medicine focuses on understanding how substances affect the body and how to treat those effects quickly and effectively. In the emergency department, expertise helps care teams connect dots, assess risk, and make informed decisions in real time.
“Medical toxicology is the practice of taking care of patients who have been afflicted by substances or volumes of substances that aren’t naturally occurring in their bodies,” says Taylor Sanders, MD, emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake. “That could range from adverse effects of prescription medications to overdoses, toxins in the environment or venoms from animals and plants.”
As toxicology care has become integrated into the emergency department at Our Lady of the Lake, it is helping providers respond with greater confidence and precision. Whether the exposure is obvious or unclear, having that level of expertise available ensures patients receive the right care when it matters most.
Why Snakebites Are a Seasonal Concern
In Louisiana, spring brings warmer weather, more time outdoors, and an increase in snake activity. For a region known as Sportsman’s Paradise, that also means a seasonal rise in snake bites and related emergencies.
“We’re right at the beginning of snake bite season,” Dr. Sanders says. “We’ve seen a few in the last couple of weeks, and we hadn’t seen one since probably November.”
While Louisiana is home to several venomous snakes, most bites that require medical toxicology care come from copperheads and cottonmouths. These snakes are commonly found in wooded areas, near water and even in residential spaces where natural habitats overlap with neighborhoods.
Where Encounters Happen Most Often
Snake encounters are not limited to remote areas. Many happen close to home during everyday activities. Yard work, gardening and clearing debris are common scenarios where people unknowingly come into contact with snakes. Walking through tall grass, fishing near the water’s edge or stepping off a trail can also increase risk.
Identifying a venomous snake in the moment can be challenging, even for experienced outdoorsmen. Visual cues like head shape or pupil type are not always reliable, and non-venomous snakes can mimic those features when threatened.
Because of that, Dr. Sanders says the safest approach is to avoid trying to identify or handle a snake altogether.
What to Do If a Bite Happens
If a snake bite does occur, early action can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
“If you’re bitten by a snake, try to keep that extremity still, keep it at the level of your heart and seek medical attention,” Dr. Sanders says.
Limiting movement helps slow the spread of venom, while prompt evaluation ensures the right treatment can begin as quickly as possible. At the hospital, care teams assess the severity of the bite and determine whether antivenom is needed. Not every snake bite requires antivenom, and having toxicology expertise available helps guide that decision with precision.
Snake venom from copperheads and cottonmouths most often affects the tissue around the bite. Swelling, pain and tissue damage are common, which is why proper positioning and timely care are so important.
Staying Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors
With a few simple precautions, it is possible to reduce the risk of snake encounters, Dr. Sanders says.
Staying on clear paths, wearing closed-toe shoes and being mindful of where you step or place your hands can go a long way. Around the home, keeping yards maintained and free of debris can help make the environment less inviting to snakes.
For families, especially those with young children, awareness is key. Kids are naturally curious and may not recognize the danger a snake presents. Teaching them to keep a safe distance and alert an adult if they see a snake can help prevent risky encounters.
As toxicology care continues to shape emergency medicine in Baton Rouge, it provides an added layer of support for situations like these. Whether it is a snake bite or another unexpected exposure, having specialized expertise close to home helps ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
