[pct-l] Snake Bite Kit

[dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (David Davis)]

For whatever it's worth, I'm pretty well convinced that sucking out the
poison really works.  My large dog got bit right right between the eyes.  I
was able to suck poison and blood from one of the two holes, but the other
was in a hollow between the eyes where there was no way I could get suction.

Eventually we got her to the vet for anti-venom.

After a week the wound that I had sucked was healed.  The one that I could
not was an ulcerous mess.  Ultimately a big hunk of skin just died and fell
off of the untreated fang wound.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith Gustafson" <jgus@sunbow.org>
To: <michaelgosnell@hotmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 12:05 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snake Bite Kit


> I believe the only "snake bite kit" that is currently considered useful
for
> envenomated snakebite is the Sawyer Extractor.  Its use has been taught
(and
> probably still is) in Wilderness First Responder courses. This is NOT the
> traditional old "cut and suck" system that is usually referred to as a
> "snake bite kit."  The Sawyer Extractor is a small "pump" device with 2 or
3
> suction cup fittings that is most effective when used quickly after the
bite
> occurs.  The extractor pump creates suction which removes venom from the
> body by sucking it out through the bite wound itself. NO CUTTING!  A razor
> is included in the kit only to shave away body hair that impairs the
suction
> seal.  Sawyer has an interesting website which describes how to use the
> extractor, plus other information on stinging and biting critters:
> http://www.sawyerproducts.com/Extractor/   Other sawyer products include
> water filter sport bottles, sunblock, and insect repellent.  (I do not
work
> for or own stock in Sawyer Products.)
>
> The extractor comes in a plastic case with instructions, alcohol prep
pads,
> a razor, etc., and the whole shebang weighs about 3 ounces.  Since I live
> and hike in rattlesnake country, I usually carry it, but only 2 suctions
> cups, the extractor, and abbreviated instructions in a ziploc, which
weighs
> one ounce or so.  I will probably carry it in the desert sections of the
> PCT.  There is a "mini" extractor available but it appears worthless (to
> me).
>
> The Sawyer Extractor is a helpful tool, but is NO SUBSTITUTE for
evacuation
> to appropriate medical care if envenomation has occurred. Envenomation
> always occurs with juvenile rattlers, which lack the ability to withhold
> venom, but frequently does not occur with adult snakes who seem to know
that
> we are not food and they don't want to waste venom on us. Even though you
> can't get all the venom out, removal of as much as possible with the
> extractor apparently reduces the havoc venom can cause to tissues.  If you
> plan to carry one, make sure you practice using it well before need.
>
> The best treatment for snakebite, of course, is prevention.  We have seen
> some excellent advice on this list for that.  Has anyone reading this had
> personal experience with snakebite?  My worst critter experience was being
> sprayed by a skunk.
>
> Judith Gustafson
> "Two Legs"
>
>
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