Steamboat teen on Animal Planet show tonight
Friday, October 16, 2009
Steamboat Springs — An Animal Planet TV show featuring Steamboat Springs teenager Mike Makens is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. Friday. Check local listings for the episode of "I'm Alive," which includes the story of how Makens, then 15, survived a black widow spider bite in September 2007 in Steamboat. As Makens fought to recover at Yampa Valley Medical Center, his father, Benji Amsden, traveled to Mexico City for antivenin after a lengthy search and series of challenges. Makens rapidly began to recover after receiving the antivenin outside of the hospital. His family has since worked to raise awareness about the dangers of black widow bites and how to receive treatment.
Comments
blinger 3 years, 7 months ago
There is no antivenin for BW bites in the US?? How is it that Mexico has it but we do not??
Brian Kotowski 3 years, 7 months ago
BW antivenin is widely available. The Makens chose not to have it administered: http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/20...
freerider 3 years, 7 months ago
Yeah..... how come the local hospital can't treat this when there's a ton of black widow's in Routt county ???? Interesting, guess I'll have to watch the show ...this article is a little void on info that might save your life
freerider 3 years, 7 months ago
Thanks SEP that expalins it...interesting hadn't seen this before
Whitney Isabel 3 years, 7 months ago
I watched this episode last week. (Hopefully it is re-airing tonight). Of course I tivo-ed it. I freak out whenever "Steamboat" is mentioned on TV. I'm a dork. Anyway - the show is interesting and entertaining. Especially the alternate scenario at airport security. Ha ha.
seminative 3 years, 7 months ago
The reason the family chose not to use the antvenin available here is because of the high risk of an allergic reaction, which could have killed Mike. The Mexican version does not have as high a risk.
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