'Definitely painful': Garvin Co. volunteer firefighter recovering from copperhead snake bite

GARVIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – A Garvin County volunteer firefighter says he won't be able to return to the job for nearly a month after being bit by a copperhead snake.

Cody Cannon volunteers for the Pernell Volunteer Fire Department, and has done so for the past three years. He told News 4 the incident happened Monday night at his home when he decided to head to his truck to get keys and a walkie talkie he had left inside.

"I just thought it would be just there and back," said Cannon.

Cannon said he wasn't wearing socks or shoes at the time, something he admitted was a mistake.

"I went to my truck and about midway, I got bit by the copperhead [snake] on my foot."

Cannon said he immediately realized something was wrong when the bite went from feeling like a poke to seething pain.

"Tightening up, throbbing and within five minutes I had a lot of swelling," said Cannon. "Definitely scared me because I've never been bit by a snake. I've always heard about it."

Cannon said when he realized he'd been bitten he called out for his wife to call EMS and let them know, while he limped to his truck.

"By that time, my foot was really tight, couldn't really move it," said Cannon. "It was definitely painful."

Cannon said he was transported to a Norman hospital for treatment where he was admitted and given 13 vials of anti-venom to stop the venom from spreading. Cannon said he was told the cost was around $200,000 before insurance.

Cannon said he was cleared from the hospital to go home, but doctors told him he couldn't work for the next 2-3 weeks while he recovers.

News 4 employees spoke with Pernell Volunteer Fire Chief Brent Balentine who said the situation was tense for him and his fellow firefighters. He said he had reached out to all of the firefighters who volunteer to let them know what happened to Cannon and how he was doing.

"I was concerned," said Balentine. "I could tell it was pretty serious the way people were talking."

Cannon said that he's thankful the bite wasn't worse, but doesn't want Oklahomans to think they'll have a similar outcome if they follow in his footsteps.

"Definitely wear tennis shoes at all times," said Cannon. "If you go outside at night, use a flashlight. Be aware of your surroundings at all times."

If you'd like to help, a fundraiser has been set up to support Cannon and his family.