This was certainly the case for California mum Jaclyn Caramazza, who attempted to save her son’s life by trying to suck rattlesnake venom out of his leg. What makes Jaclyn’s heroic actions even more astonishing, is the fact that she is heavily pregnant.
Jaclyn, who is due to give birth this month, explained to local media how her “mama bear” instincts kicked in when her four-year-old son Vinny stepped on a rattlesnake.
The pair were out walking on a bike trail when the incident occurred, with Vinny accidentally stepping on something brown and coiled up.
Recalling the terrifying incident to Fox 40, Jaclyn said: “I’m looking around, and took his shoes off, and lo-and-behold, there were two little puncture marks.”
She admitted that her protective maternal instincts kicked in when Vinny’s ankle began to swell and turn purple as the venom spread up his leg.
While Jaclyn's actions went a long way to saving the child’s life, local authorities have urged others not to follow her actions, as she risked both her life and that of her unborn child.
“Absolutely don’t do that. Use your basic wound-type stuff, soap and water, wash the area, keep it clean and call 911 immediately,” said a local wildlife officer.
Thankfully, little Vinny is on the mend.
