Anthem man almost dies from snake bite

ANTHEM, AZ - A Valley man almost lost his life this week after a rattlesnake sunk its fangs into his right thumb Sunday evening.

Bill Johnson of Anthem was taking out the trash after his daughter's birthday party when he heard a "hissing sound."

"I thought I might have either a gas line or water line that had come loose," Johnson said.

It was 10 p.m. when he said he reached down into the darkness and was struck.

Johnson didn't see his attacker, but said he knew from the power of the "bee-like sting" that it was a snake.

He rushed inside and said within five minutes, he passed out.

His wife called 911. The first hospital he went to did not have enough anti-venin to treat his severe condition, so he was airlifted to Good Samaritan hospital in Phoenix.

Johnson is the 14th rattlesnake case this month alone to receive treatment there.

Toxicologist Michael Levine said most rattlesnake bites aren't life threatening, but Johnson's was.

He was put on life support for 24 hours.

"This gentleman was critically ill," said Levine. "I think he very well would have died if he didn't get therapy."

Good Samaritan sees an average of 60-80 rattlesnake bites a year, with monsoon season being the busiest time for the deadly desert dwellers to attack, according to Levine.

Not only did Johnson spend his daughter's "Sweet 16" hooked to IVs, he also celebrated his 18th wedding anniversary in a hospital gown.

"It was kind of odd because it was like I'd do anything to upstage those events," said Johnson.

He was discharged from the hospital on Friday.