[pct-l] snake bite kits?

[verber at gmail.com (Mark Verber)]

> I seem to remember being convinced that snake bite kits are not a good idea.
> Does anybody know of any articles pertaining to the pros or cons of snake bite kits?
> What do you think about them?

Lots of sources for this information.  Look in any of the backcountry
medical texts such as "Wilderness Medicine" by Forgey (5th edition),
first responder training material, web based sources such as
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/27066-1.asp

The only device you can carry which has any use is the Sawyer's
Extractor.  Basically a syringe with a cup on the end rather than a
needle to suction the venom.  I think it's suppose to be around 35%
effective if used within 3 minutes.  The cheap suction cups or using
your mouth are ineffective.  Cutting above the bite (which I what I
was taught 30 years ago) will make things WORSE.  The most important
thing when it comes to treating snake bite victims is to keep them
calm.

btw: The statistics I have seen are less than 10 people die from
rattler bites / year in the USA.  You are more likely to die from a
lightning strike.


--mark