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[pct-l] Snake Bite Kit
Hah hah. W. Bob the PH.deed zoologist!!! Good old Dr. Bob. The copperhead is
much more dangourous than the rattlesnake- bucu people die from copparheads
however nary a one from a rat'lar!!! Your scary post reminds me of the
people that rfun indoors at the first sign of a thunderstorm b ecause they
are afraid of being struck by lightnin'!! Those peeple are funny just like
you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They also have as much chance of being hit by
lightning as you have of being bitten by a poisonous reptile in the United
States!!!
moose
P.S. The above was a troll, by the way, in case you like oir own good
administrator can't reconize one.
----- Original Message -----
From: <wandering_bob@msn.com>
To: "PCT List Forum" <PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 4:28 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snake Bite Kit
--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
Moose - you're entitled to your opinions, but please get your facts
straight.
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
species of snake, (2) the age and health of the person bitten, (3) the
location of the bite, (4) whether or not venom was injected (about 40% of
the bites 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
medical care.
1. 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, it
is a serious medical emergency since this snake has both a neuro- and a
hemotoxin in its venom. With other rattlers, the seriousness of the bite
depend upon The Mojave Green notwithstanding, untreated bites seldom cause
death from the toxin alone, but can result in tissue death (necrosis),
ulceration, and secondary infection that can in themselves become
life-threatening. There is a huge difference in severity between the bites
from a 10 inch Pigmy rattler and a six foot Eastern or Western Diamondback
rattler.
2. If I read your comment about Copperheads as indicating that you consider
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-threatening 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. You are correct about the Coral Snake; it's bite represents a true
medical emergency to anyone of any size due to the neurotoxin injected.
4. You neglected to mention the Cottonmouth Water Moccasin. This snake tends
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. 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 chew
on the bite site to abrade it. The fangs are usually too small to inject 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 bite.
Seek immediate medical attention.
6. 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
attacked, 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 to
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 amount
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
question, "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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