Stony Point, NC – A disturbing incident unfolded at the New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center in Stony Point, North Carolina, where a 4-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake on the day care playground.
The family alleges that despite the serious nature of the bite, the day care did not call 911, raising concerns about the handling of the emergency.
Details Surrounding the Snake Bite Incident
The young child was reportedly playing near a sandbox area on the playground when he was bitten by a venomous copperhead snake, specifically near his ring finger. Day care staff quickly killed the snake, but according to the family, the center failed to notify emergency services immediately.
- The New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center confirmed the snake bite occurred on the playground.
- Alexander County 911 officials confirmed they never received a call from the day care.
- The boy’s guardian rushed him to the hospital after discovering the bite and noting his hand was severely swollen.
- Photos shared by the family show the swelling around the child’s ring finger, underscoring the bite’s seriousness.
“The director got up and said he got [a] snake bite,” said Brook Cooper, the boy’s aunt. “My first thought was, why didn’t they call 911? My second thing was, do the other parents even know?”
Questions Raised About Day Care Response and Notification
The family expressed frustration about how the situation was handled, particularly the day care’s delay or refusal to inform emergency responders and other parents promptly. Initially, the child’s guardian was told the injury might have been a splinter or a possible broken hand, but the information changed upon arriving at the day care.
The day care declined to comment when local news outlets asked if other parents were alerted about the incident, fueling concerns about transparency and safety protocols.
Expert Insights on Snake Bites and Emergency Response
According to Alexander County emergency services, calls about snake bites occur every year in the area. First responders note that while they do not carry anti-venom, they provide critical care and transport patients for hospital treatment where further medical intervention can be given.
- Snake bites require immediate medical attention due to venom risks.
- First responders assist with stabilizing patients before hospital care.
- Prompt 911 notification can expedite medical treatment and improve outcomes.
What Can Be Learned From This Incident?
This event highlights the need for day care centers and similar institutions to have clear protocols for handling emergencies like snake bites, including timely calls to 911 and transparent communication with families. Ensuring child safety requires swift, coordinated responses to reduce risks associated with venomous bites.
Key Takeaways:
- Day care centers should immediately notify emergency services in the event of venomous snake bites.
- Parents and guardians have the right to be promptly informed about any incidents affecting their children.
- Public awareness on identifying venomous snakes and first aid measures can aid in quick and effective responses.
What do you think about this incident? Have you experienced or know someone affected by snake bites at schools or day cares? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
