[pct-l] snake bite kits?

[jgus at sunbow.org (Gustafson)]

> Hi All would making sure you had your tetanus shot before you hike 
> help any
> for snake bites?      Ground Pounder Bill

An up to date tetanus shot (within 5 years) is a pretty darn good idea 
for backcountry travelers.  The tetanus organism resides in soil, and 
is also the resident bacteria in the gut of many animals, including 
horses and cattle, who deposit it on the ground.  It is an anaerobic 
bacteria that thrives in deep flesh wounds, so suffering a puncture 
wound with a dirty stick while on the trail area might very well 
introduce tetanus into your wound.  And what is a snake bite but a 
puncture wound?  Tetanus boosters are recommended every ten years for 
the general population, but I get mine every five years because of 
gardening, backpacking, and just generally frolicking in the dirt in a 
way that often results in broken skin.  Something to consider.

Two Legs