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Zoneboy · 09-19-2007, 09:19 PM

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Snake collector Matt Wilkinson of Portland grabbed a 20-inch rattler from the highway near Maupin, and three weeks later, to impress his ex-girlfriend, he stuck the serpent in his mouth.

He was soon near death with a swollen tongue that blocked his throat. Trauma doctors at the Oregon Health and Science University saved his life.

"You can assume alcohol was involved," he said. Actually, not just beer. It was something he called a "mixture of stupid stuff."

Calls from cable network television stations poured in Tuesday, when he still had sore muscles and nerves from the venom.

It happened at a barbecue with friends.

Wilkinson, 23, had downed a six-pack and his ex-girlfriend asked him for a beer. He handed her one, not realizing the snake was also in his hand.

"She said, 'Get that thing out of my face,'" Wilkinson said. "I told her it was a nice snake. 'Nothing can happen. Watch.'"

So he stuck the snake in his mouth.

"It got a hold of my tongue," he said.

He was having breathing problems when his ex-girlfriend drove him to the hospital. "She was the only one sober," Wilkinson said.

En route, they spotted a police car and asked for help.

His next memory, he said, was waking up at the hospital.

Doctors could not get a breathing tube down his throat.

Dr. Richard Mullins cut a hole in Wilkinson's neck to insert the breathing tube. Physicians started giving antivenin, moved him to intensive care and kept him sedated until the swelling went down.

The Poison Control Center sees about 50 people a year with snake bites, usually hikers. Deaths from rattlesnake bites in Oregon are extremely rare.

Wilkinson, who works in construction, has yet to return to work. His three Western diamondback rattlers have been removed from his home.

He says co-workers have been pretty blunt.

"They were like, 'What the heck were you thinking?'" Wilkinson said.

The answer? "It's my own stupidity

Mikado · 09-19-2007, 09:25 PM

His girlfriend isnt too intelligent for hooking up with this guy, either

Ireneparalegal · 09-19-2007, 09:26 PM

Notice, it said EX-girlfriend.

catlover79 · 09-19-2007, 09:51 PM

Alcohol MIGHT have been involved!? No!

This guy is a Darwin Award candidate for sure!! Serves him right!

Mikado · 09-19-2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Notice, it said EX-girlfriend.

oops no, i didnt notice....good for her!!!

oh well, at least he still has the snake!

09-19-2007, 09:19 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,429	The Epitome of Boneheads Link PORTLAND, Ore. - Snake collector Matt Wilkinson of Portland grabbed a 20-inch rattler from the highway near Maupin, and three weeks later, to impress his ex-girlfriend, he stuck the serpent in his mouth. He was soon near death with a swollen tongue that blocked his throat. Trauma doctors at the Oregon Health and Science University saved his life. "You can assume alcohol was involved," he said. Actually, not just beer. It was something he called a "mixture of stupid stuff." Calls from cable network television stations poured in Tuesday, when he still had sore muscles and nerves from the venom. It happened at a barbecue with friends. Wilkinson, 23, had downed a six-pack and his ex-girlfriend asked him for a beer. He handed her one, not realizing the snake was also in his hand. "She said, 'Get that thing out of my face,'" Wilkinson said. "I told her it was a nice snake. 'Nothing can happen. Watch.'" So he stuck the snake in his mouth. "It got a hold of my tongue," he said. He was having breathing problems when his ex-girlfriend drove him to the hospital. "She was the only one sober," Wilkinson said. En route, they spotted a police car and asked for help. His next memory, he said, was waking up at the hospital. Doctors could not get a breathing tube down his throat. Dr. Richard Mullins cut a hole in Wilkinson's neck to insert the breathing tube. Physicians started giving antivenin, moved him to intensive care and kept him sedated until the swelling went down. The Poison Control Center sees about 50 people a year with snake bites, usually hikers. Deaths from rattlesnake bites in Oregon are extremely rare. Wilkinson, who works in construction, has yet to return to work. His three Western diamondback rattlers have been removed from his home. He says co-workers have been pretty blunt. "They were like, 'What the heck were you thinking?'" Wilkinson said. The answer? "It's my own stupidity
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09-19-2007, 09:26 PM	#3
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Notice, it said EX-girlfriend.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

09-19-2007, 09:51 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Alcohol MIGHT have been involved!? No! This guy is a Darwin Award candidate for sure!! Serves him right!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

09-19-2007, 09:25 PM	#2
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	His girlfriend isnt too intelligent for hooking up with this guy, either