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Terrill

Joined
Feb 23, 2000
Messages
632
Be careful, it's that time of year. I was so busy trying to photograph deer I almost step on this thing! Nine rattles! The photo was taken at two feet! I thought they were suppose to warn you!
Snake1.jpg
 
Interesting.. I just heard on the news tonight that Rattle Snake anti-venom is in very short supply at local hospitals.

S.
 
While we're on the topic, let's talk about snake bites. If you are miles from civilization and you are bitten - what is the best thing to do? If there is someone else with you, do you send them for help? If you are by yourself, what then?
 
snake bites treat as follows:

gently wash off any venom from the surface of the skin. take a long bandage and bandage from the joint above the bite down over the bite nice and tightly (this helps stop the venom spreading). keep the limb cool by immersing in water etc (this too helps stop the venom spreading due to reduced blood flow) stay clam (also stops venom spreading) and send for help. Of course if youre on your own and your cell phone isnt working (as they often dont in the wilds) then you have to get yourself someone where someone can help and its a slightly different story, follow the above but obviousley dont just lie there you ahve to get help. walk steadily to the nearest point of help. as with all things the key is to stay calm.
 
If you are by yourself and you can, WALK to help.
If someone is with you, send them, sit down and relax (right!)
Of course I'm assuming the snake has been removed.
Very few heathy people die from snake bite but severe mamming can take place. The old "suck the poison out" is way outdated and more damage can be done cutting the wound. Also remove any ring, shoes, watches etc. in the area of the wound, it will swell!
 
Originally posted by Terrill

Of course I'm assuming the snake has been removed.
Click to expand...

LOL

yes cutting the wound and sucking is a very bad idea, if for no other reason than the person sucking is taking a risk, what if the poison caused their mouth to swell so they couldnt breathe and then you would both be stuck! but it causes alot more damage cutting the wound and doesnt fix anything
 
The Sawyer Extractor is a must have item in the first aid kit while operating in the boon-docks where their are poisonous snakes. It is not only very effective in removing snake venom but, venom from insect bites and bee stingers. Wally World has them for around $12.00.
 
terril,

that is an excellent photo!

can I have your permission to down load. I will not use it in any form for profit.

I just love snakes :D

we have lots down here too! one day I was walking and came across a black racer. they are not poisonous but still very formidable looking. there is something that happens inside when I see a snkae in the wild I can't explain it but it is............deep

I do not touch or provoke or collect just admire from a safe distance.
 
Thanks for the comment and go for it. Anytime I put a shot up on the web I don't object to anyone downloading.
 
Aww... come on Terrill! That snake recognized you and just wanted its picture taken!
 
Los Angeles Times had an article last month, it said antivenin supply is low because only two companies manufacture it, one decided to stop production (not profitable, iirc) and for some reason a major batch from the other was spoiled. Lots of bad factors comming together at the wrong time (summer ), the most bites in Souther Calif. have been in Ventura county suburbs.
Martin
 
Martin, here in NC we have a large number of bites each year but most are from Copperheads. Every now and then I get a reminder to myself about being aware of the surroundings. Even being on my own land, I have to remember that I am in the outdoors and there are dangers just waiting for someone to stumble along. I believe the best thing we learn from this forum is to think about what is out there.
 
bladefixation: I've actually got some information that you should actually should not try to tie some sort of tourniquet because they can not only cause too much circulation to be cut off (you may loose a limb), but also somehow you could actually make your system to pump blood faster, and wouldn't be very good for you. Perhaps I'll double check with a MD about this.
The Sawyer Extractor kit is definately something to have. It's the only one that does has enough sucking power to remove some of the venom.
Keeping calm is the definately required, so that your heart ain't going t start pumping blood a lot faster than it needs to be. Walking slowly toward civilization would definately help, and preferably go wth someone so that if you're in trouble, you have someone to help you out.
 
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