לבד בהרים, אחרי הכשת נחש: סיפור ההישרדות הבלתי ייאמן של המטיילת קרת הרוח

@_lecons On Sunday 21 June at 10:19 I was trail running near Valbonë in Albania when I was bitten by a European Nose-horned Viper. Here is a summarised snapshot of the events that followed with time stamps. I’ve been living in New Zealand the last 3.5 years so my knowledge of snakebite first aid in the moment was slightly hazy. I instantly filmed the snake for identification purposes, sat down on the trail and dialled 112 as this was the only line that I was able to call with my eSIM. Having no success with the operator and after they hung up on me, I called my dad in Australia who asked for my What3Words to give to Australian emergency services for Interpol. I then called a hostel owner in Shkodër who was able to assist by putting me in contact with local emergency authorities on WhatsApp (thank goodness for cell service) who gained my current location and dispatched an ambulance. In the meantime, I initially removed my socks and singlet to create a makeshift tourniquet higher up on the limb but realised this was incorrect action and later removed this to provide compression around the area of the bite. I had been informed to stay immobilised, despite being on a section of a trail that would be tricky to reach. Without cell service, this could have been a completely different outcome. Please travel with an inReach or PLB if you intend to be entering areas without internet coverage. Also download an emergency locator app like What3Words and always carry an appropriate first aid kit. #snakebite #albania #valbonë #trailrunning #solobackpacking ♬ original sound - Amy

@_lecons I’ve spent the last few weeks focusing on my emotional and physical wellbeing but I’m finally ready to speak out and address the articles that local Albanian media have released in the wake of my snakebite. Whilst I agree that my story showcases a small taste of the incredible hospitality of Albanians, I reject the message that my rescue should show the world that Albanians healthcare system is robust and ready for the growth that the country intends. This was only a glimpse into the healthcare I received over a few days as a tourist. I’m not claiming I had the worst experience, but I’m speaking up in support of the people of Albania. This is the reality many of them have lived with in the past, continue to face today, and may keep facing in the future unless meaningful change happens. I haven’t yet decided what I want to do with this unexpected following but thank you for your messages of support, I have been overwhelmed with gratitude. I am doing well and thanks to the patience of my guesthouse, have managed to get back on my feet and am continuing backpacking, with a big appreciation for the small things. Albania, thank you for an unforgettable adventure. I’ll be back one day to finish the hike that I started. I hope this message amplifies your voices. 🇦🇱 Never forget, life’s a climb, but the view is great. 🤙🏼 #snakebite #albania #albaniaprotests #tiranaprotests #flamingorevolution ♬ original sound - xavier