How to avoid animal attacks

lmalterna said:
"All authorities" never in my years have I ever seen a 100% consensus amongst any authorities on any subject. But I think all would clearly agree that getting to an aid facility is the #1 goal- so I suppose consensus is possible.

Bill
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Truly, always willing to learn. "Consensus" on many issues has changed over the decades. Once, it was strongly advised not to use cold on any burn.

So, an authority who suggests using mechanical extractors? I know Sawyer thinks they are great, as do Sawyer retailers.
 
I have actually been "attacked" by a wild hog while deer hunting.
Usually hogs will avoid humans at all cost unless cornered, or threatened.
I walked into a clearing, and found myself surrounded by little piglets.. and they freaked out when they saw me.
Mom came to the rescue... I climbed nearest tree faster than a spidermonkey on Red Bull.

1. Do not find yourself between a sow and her piglets.
2. Hogs cannot climb trees, but they can outrun you, and they will kill you.
3. a sow will wait you out for hours if you climb a tree.
4. a pissed off sow is not afraid of a warning shot.
5. If you curse at her enough from the tree, she will eventually leave.


I have also observed a cougar once while hunting, and it suddenly became aware of exactly where I was ( eerily ESP-like) and exited the area as quickly and quietly as possible. I was silent, well hidden and quite a ways downwind.
He stopped dead-still and looked right into my eyes..err..scope.

I think a Cougar attack would be pretty rare and only under some extreme circumstances, but they are incredibly alert hunters and do have the tools to do some damage.
 
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Cougar's/mountain lions are near the top of my list of dangerous animals - particularly those who live in/near human populations. I have a healthy respect/fear for them.
 
you can suggest all you want, but Hell's Canyon has the most dense rattlesnake population I've ever seen, and I've lived all over the country. I can guarantee you the cut-suck-spit method is the ONLY way someone is getting out of there alive, short of satellite communication with SAR medevac by helicopter. You're either 7 days away by water or 14 days away by foot from the nearest person. Some of these things are 'suggested' because it's assumed most yuppie weekend adventurers are a cell phone call away from a 911 dispatcher. Conditions are different in every scenario, and these one-size-fits-all 'suggested' methods can get you killed.
 
Payette, not wanting to be argumenative, but you may want to consult current wilderness medical tech.

The cut-suck-spit method has been discouraged by the medical community (doc's, EMT's, Paramedic's, *every licensed, medical professional* - particularly those in the "mountain/wilderness" category) in the US since at least 1987 (my 1st year of EMT training).

Difficult situations require creative solutions, but the one you've provided has long been abandoned.
 
the use of suction has all ways been in debate, put it to you how I was taught.

If you are more then 2hrs from hospital care, and only pre hospital care is availible, using MECHANICAL (never your mouth) within five minutes of the bite, after the five minutes, the venom is diluted in the blood and suction will do nothing.

That said, many EMS agencies have eliminated suction for venomous bites, and only some will still use a constricting band.

my SOP's state that I am NOT to use constricting bands, nor suction, after initial assessment (LOC and ABC's) administer o2, elevate patient above the bite site, clean and dress the wound and cover with cold packs. patching through to patient drop off is a wise Idea so they can procure the needed anti-venom before you arrive.


This is all text book, from my 5 years of pre-hospital medical care experience, If I have a BLS unit or an ALS unit and can transport, I will. If im miles in the back country and the only thing to help a buddy is me and I have a snake kit ( not generally carried this far north) I will use suction and do WHATEVER I can to aid him/her.

theres a time and a place, situation dictates action. plain and simple
 
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