An Arizona man, who is an amputee, has survived a rattlesnake bite for the fourth time. Jason Hackett, 48, of Chino Valley, was camping in Perkinsville on July 29 when he was bitten by a Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Hackett had gone camping after an argument with his wife, Tammy, on their 20th anniversary. "I guess that's karma for splitting up on our anniversary night," he told AZ Central. "It was a spur-of-the-moment camping trip. Me and my wife had a little spat, so I just needed to get away for a little bit."
While urinating near his camper after consuming a six-pack of beer, Hackett encountered the snake. "Before I could react, the venomous snake, a Western diamondback rattlesnake, lunged at him, sinking its teeth into his calf."
He contacted his wife, who then called 911. Hackett reported experiencing muscle cramping, a burning sensation, and lightheadedness. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the remote campsite and called for a rescue helicopter due to the difficult terrain for an ambulance.
During the wait for rescue, Hackett described the pain as feeling like "acid pouring down my leg." Bodycam footage showed deputies assisting Hackett, advising him to stay calm and focus on deep breathing.
He was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Phoenix, where he received at least seven vials of antivenom. He spent several days in the hospital and continues to experience pain in his leg.
Hackett, who has been bitten four times by rattlesnakes in as many years, plans to continue outdoor activities like bow hunting. "First things first, I'm going to get me a set of those snake chaps," he said.
He hopes to use his experience to promote safety awareness for others in the outdoors. The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises hikers and campers to be aware of their surroundings, use flashlights at night, and stay on marked trails. According to the department's amphibians and reptiles program manager, Thomas Jones, Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state. If bitten, the agency recommends staying calm, calling 911, removing jewelry from the affected area, and limiting movement.