What was supposed to be the final day of a family trip to California quickly turned into a medical emergency for one Boise family.
Just hours before they were set to drive back to Idaho, a Chris Howarth went into his parents’ backyard to help fix a burst water line. That’s when he was bitten twice by a rattlesnake.
“I said ow! I was like oh, that felt like a sticker, and then I said, ow again…I looked down and there was the snake” says Howarth
He was rushed to the hospital, where he received 56 vials of antivenom, but his condition quickly became critical. Instead of returning home that day, the family spent weeks in a California hospital as doctors worked to stabilize him.
During his recovery, he says the experience became so serious that he began writing letters to his children “I ended up writing letter to my little kids to make sure they had something from dad in case something did happen”. said Howarth Wanting them to have something to remember him by if he didn’t survive.
Now back home in Boise, his recovery continues. While his foot is still swollen and healing is ongoing, he says the experience has given him a new perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for the time he gets to spend with his wife and two children.
The family hopes sharing their story encourages others to never underestimate a rattlesnake bite. They say if you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury doesn’t seem severe at first.