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[pct-l] Snake Bite Kit
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Moose - you're entitled to your opinions, but please get your facts straigh=
t=2E
There are 4 poisonous snakes and 2 poisonous lizards native to the USA.
The seriousness of a bite from any venomous reptile depends upon (1) the s=
pecies of snake, (2) the age and health of the person bitten, (3) the locat=
ion of the bite, (4) whether or not venom was injected (about 40% of the bi=
tes are dry), (5) how much venom (a factor of the age, health, and size of =
the snake) was injected, and (6) how far the victim is from adequate medica=
l care.
1=2E I submit that you're wrong about rattlesnakes. A rattlesnake bite is a=
serious issue at all times. In the case of the Mojave Green Rattlesnake, i=
t is a serious medical emergency since this snake has both a neuro- and a h=
emotoxin in its venom. With other rattlers, the seriousness of the bite dep=
end upon The Mojave Green notwithstanding, untreated bites seldom cause dea=
th from the toxin alone, but can result in tissue death (necrosis), ulcerat=
ion, and secondary infection that can in themselves become life-threatening=
. There is a huge difference in severity between the bites from a 10 inch P=
igmy rattler and a six foot Eastern or Western Diamondback rattler.
2=2E If I read your comment about Copperheads as indicating that you consid=
er the danger from them to be similar to that from the Coral snakes, then I=
submit that you are also wrong. A Copperhead bite is not normally life-th=
reatening to a healthy adult (accent on the "healthy" and "adult"). However=
, to a child or to an adult with a weakened immune system, the opposite is =
true and medical attention is needed ASAP.
3=2E You are correct about the Coral Snake; it's bite represents a true med=
ical emergency to anyone of any size due to the neurotoxin injected.
4=2E You neglected to mention the Cottonmouth Water Moccasin. This snake te=
nds to be large and highly aggressive. It is quite capable of delivering a =
bite under water (how do you think it catches the fish it eats?) as it can =
close off its trachea so it doesn't drown as it swims. Its bite is similar =
to a rattlesnake and the same factors for evaluating seriousness apply.
5=2E Both venomous lizards - the Mexican Beaded Lizard and the Gila Monster=
- have the fangs in the rear of the mouth. For this reason, they have to c=
hew on the bite site to abrade it. The fangs are usually too small to injec=
t the venom; they just let it flow out into the abraded wound. The venom is=
a neurotoxin and is considered to be almost as serious as a coral snake bi=
te. Seek immediate medical attention.
6=2E Your comments on how to avoid snakes and that they do not deliberately=
hunt humans are correct. It goes without saying that when cornered or atta=
cked, any creature may well turn and come after their attacker.
NOTE: Most antivenins are specific to the species of snake. Unless you are =
capable of absolutely identifying the snake involved, it would be helpful t=
o the medical personnel to have the DEAD snake brought in with the patient =
so it can be positively identified. It also helps them gauge the likely amo=
unt of venom injected. Don't risk another bite by trying to kill it!
Bottom line: It's YOUR life. If bitten, you have to ask yourself a questio=
n, "Do I feel lucky today?".
Wandering Bob
----- Original Message -----
Wrom: FXISHJEXXIMQZUIV
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 1:09 PM
To: Pacific Crest Trail Mailing List
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snake Bite Kit
Heh- the idea that a person needs any kind of anti-venom or suction device
for a little old thing like a rattlesnake bite is just silly. Just slap some
mud on it until the poison comes out then take it easy for a few days! Piece
of cake!! Its not a copperhead or coral snake!!! Of couse if you look and
pay attention to where you walk, sit and sleep a person will have no snake
bites what-so-ever!!!! Rattlesnakes DO NOT seek out and bite humans!!!!!
moose
----- Original Message -----
Wrom: OTQNQEMSFDULHPQQWOYIYZUNNYCGPKYLEJGD
To: <michaelgosnell@hotmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 2:05 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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> PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
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