Yup, people out here in California do stupid stuff like that all the time, lol! When I was a kid, I picked up every snake I ever saw (except a 6' bullsnake that surprised me once and got away before I could grab him). But that was central Kansas. Nary a venomous snake around. It just amazes me when people pick up rattlesnakes and don't take any extra care doing it. My wife treated a woman who picked up a baby rattler along the American River bikepath in Sacramento because she thought it was "cute." Almost died.
Texas Doctors have been behind the times for decades (150 years?)in treating snake bites. The popular method still used in most areas is "Wait'n Scrape". Wait until the tissue dies and then scrape it away.
Anti-venom has to be sought out. It takes the Florida Docs to educate ours in treatment of such. After that incident three weeks ago, we know where to drive to, not another 450 mile U-turn.
Current price for anti-venom as of three weeks ago is $1000 per vial. He used up 8 vials.