On August 23, a mountain climb in Ariège, France, almost turned into a tragedy. Julian, a 10-year-old boy, is bitten by a snake like a 17-year-old boy is bitten by a spider. The scene took place at an altitude of about 1,800 meters under the eyes of his father.
Patrick immediately plunged his hand into the cold stream water and tried to free his son. But Julian’s condition quickly deteriorated: he vomited, lost consciousness and seemed to lose his strength.
He testifies: “It was very violent, very, very violent. He screamed in pain. I came immediately as I was three meters away from him. When I saw two traces of hooks on the fingers, I understood that it was a snake bite (…) He could not bear it anymore, he rolled on the ground, it was a bad moment “.
Father was lucky enough to meet another hiker named Christoph who helped him get into the car while giving first aid. But a problem persists: the lack of a network on the mountain makes it difficult to reach Patrick for help.
Patrick adds: “We still had an hour to get down to the car. At that time, well, he started losing consciousness, was lifeless, he was vomiting … I found him dead, what (…) he had huge edema all over his arm. His hand looks like a potato. It was crazy stuff, and he was completely dehydrated.
Finally contacted firefighters transferred little Julien to Foix Hospital, then Toulouse Purpan, where he was treated for anaphylactic shock caused by the viper’s venom. According to France 3, the rapid intervention of the emergency services was crucial to his survival.
Thanks to Father Christophe and his help, Julien, although deeply affected by what happened to him, is now on the mend. The boy wants to get back on his feet and start hiking again…more cautious and alert.
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