I think I'll be buying one of these.

[abo4ster]

FWIW, the molecular weight of the venom is such that it will stay in the localized tissue. Extractors, cut & suck, ice, tourniquets just cause more tissue damage according to Maynard Cox (RIP) from whom I learned. He wrote the emergency protocols for poisonous bites (not just snakes) that most hospitals use today. He said he saw far more tissue damage and amputations from poor care than bites themselves.

His advice was simple. Treat for shock. "If face is pale, raise the tail. If face is red, raise the head." And get to a hospital for anti-venom. AND you will know if you get a wet bite, as it will burn like someone is holding a lit cigarette to spot.

Can't tell you how many snakes I came across when I was working as a forester, it was that many. I can tell you though, unless threatened, they will absolutely leave you alone. I have unknowingly stepped right over diamond back and pygmy rattlers several times only realizing it after the fact. They let me go, I let them go. Who knows how many times I have done that and never knew. When you are cruising timber or mapping, that's what you are focusing on, not snakes.

Just last year I was walking on a hardly used trail that had thick ferns overhanging it so you could barely see the path. I was in my huaraches (super thin sandals) which you feel the ground before you commit your total weight. Started to put my weight on the middle of a 2.5' copperhead that was stretched out. In a instant, realized what I was stepping on and jumped forward from my other foot and pushing away with the one that was on the snake. That poor fellow must have done 2 or 3 barrel rolls. I figured he stopped there when my dog walked over him seconds before. Point is he froze and was waiting for the commotion to pass him by.

And if you do get bit, why would a venomous snake waste it's venom on something it knows it can't eat. I think wet bites on humans occurs in younger snakes that can't control their venom release or the snake got really startled and lost control and made it a wet bite. My $0.02 on the little I know about the subject.

I am just a Woofer, I believe there are some WEMTs here, would be a real value to this thread if someone qualified added some info about shock and how to treat. Maybe a new thread and the link included back here?

 

[Shotgun]

IMO treating shock is one of the most important parts to treating an injury yet most people don't talk about it. My assumption is most either don't know what shock is or they don't know how dangerous it can be. My mom was a retired nurse and when my brother in law stabbed himself in the leg at Christmasrolleyes even she didn't recognize clear as day signs of shock. When the eyes start to roll into the back of the persons head, you address that first. The bleeding can wait.

Edit: Wanted to qualify that last statement by saying "within reason." If it's gushing from an artery you just have to let them pass out.

 

[Hammer67]

IMO treating shock is one of the most important parts to treating an injury yet most people don't talk about it. My assumption is most either don't know what shock is or they don't know how dangerous it can be...

Absolutely. There is a lot of misunderstanding about what 'shock' is, and many still think of it as some sort of psychological condition rather than a serious physiological one, in first aid contexts. Many people with otherwise moderate injuries succumb to shock, especially in the backcountry. Understanding the different types of physiological shock is important as well.

Bottom line with a snakebite? Treat for shock and get to a hospital asap.

 

[Preacher Man]

I carry the Sawyer Extractor in my larger Kit. I have found it useful for minor needs, like bee stings, as I have never had to use it for snake bites. It is obvious the best course of action after a snake bite is to go to the ER, but having the Extractor with you for emergencies is not a bad idea.