| VENOM 1 MIAMI-DADE FIRE RESCUE |
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Venom Response Program is comprised of a highly specialized team of paramedic firefighters who are trained in
response, management, and treatment of envenomations. Miami-Dade County is home to numerous venomous and poisonous animals, and is also the
point of entry for a wide variety of venomous animals imported into the United States. The Venom Response Team is committed to delivering the highest
possible standard of medical intervention with respect to injuries due to venomous fauna.
MDFR's Venom Response Bureau provides ongoing education, training and awareness of the many dangerous and venomous species native to, or
imported into the United States and promotes interoperability and communication between numerous agencies, municipalities, healthcare providers and
poison control centers.
The Venom Response Team currently maintains the largest and only antivenom bank for public use in the United States. The Team employs the latest
techniques to prevent morbidity and mortality through antivenom intervention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, locally, nationally, and internationally.
response, management, and treatment of envenomations. Miami-Dade County is home to numerous venomous and poisonous animals, and is also the
point of entry for a wide variety of venomous animals imported into the United States. The Venom Response Team is committed to delivering the highest
possible standard of medical intervention with respect to injuries due to venomous fauna.
MDFR's Venom Response Bureau provides ongoing education, training and awareness of the many dangerous and venomous species native to, or
imported into the United States and promotes interoperability and communication between numerous agencies, municipalities, healthcare providers and
poison control centers.
The Venom Response Team currently maintains the largest and only antivenom bank for public use in the United States. The Team employs the latest
techniques to prevent morbidity and mortality through antivenom intervention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, locally, nationally, and internationally.
| Contact the Venom Response Team |
Venom Emergencies:
Within Miami-Dade County:
Dial 9-1-1 to activate the Venom Response Team.
Outside Miami-Dade County:
First dial 9-1-1 to activate your local emergency medical responders. Then, contact the on-duty MDFR Venom Response Specialist through the Fire Alarm
Dispatch Office by dialing (786) 336-6600.
For all envenomation emergencies, be prepared to provide the following information, if available:
* Animal Species
* Location of bite on patient
* Patient symptoms
* Name and location of hospital where patient will be transported
* Return phone number or other reliable contact information
If the proper antivenom is stored by the MDFR Antivenom Bank, it will be sent immediately to the patient's hospital location, by ground or by air, whichever is
most appropriate. The cost of the antivenom and shipping will be billed to the patient through the receiving hospital that administers it.
Non-Emergency Contact Information:
For non-emergency information or inquiries, you can e-mail the Venom Response Team at mdfrantivenom@miamidade.gov or you can call the Venom
Response Bureau during regular business hours at (786) 331-4444.
Within Miami-Dade County:
Dial 9-1-1 to activate the Venom Response Team.
Outside Miami-Dade County:
First dial 9-1-1 to activate your local emergency medical responders. Then, contact the on-duty MDFR Venom Response Specialist through the Fire Alarm
Dispatch Office by dialing (786) 336-6600.
For all envenomation emergencies, be prepared to provide the following information, if available:
* Animal Species
* Location of bite on patient
* Patient symptoms
* Name and location of hospital where patient will be transported
* Return phone number or other reliable contact information
If the proper antivenom is stored by the MDFR Antivenom Bank, it will be sent immediately to the patient's hospital location, by ground or by air, whichever is
most appropriate. The cost of the antivenom and shipping will be billed to the patient through the receiving hospital that administers it.
Non-Emergency Contact Information:
For non-emergency information or inquiries, you can e-mail the Venom Response Team at mdfrantivenom@miamidade.gov or you can call the Venom
Response Bureau during regular business hours at (786) 331-4444.
| The information provided here is strictly for informational purposes only! |
