Hi Geo and List,
I agree snake bite treatment has changed over the years. Rapid
transportation along with antivenom is the antidote for a snakebite. I
would always carry a cell phone, and a Spot locator / personal locator
in the field. With these two items, a cell phone and personal locator
you increase your chances of survival. Antivenom is the antidote for a
snakebite! There are so many variables that it would be hard to say
what is the ideal
thing to do.
Here is some of the current research for a venomous snake bite.
Recommendations for the treatment of rattlesnake bites
have been the subject of debate. Tourniquets may not be
helpful in affecting overall outcome. Originally designed to
obstruct lymph flow, the significance of lymph drainage to
systemic morbidity and mortality has never been clearly es-
tablished. In addition, tourniquets may be applied too tightly,
leading to venous congestion and further damage to an already
injured extremity. In general, incision and suction may not be
considered Some authorities still recommend
suction if a patient is more than an hour away from definitive
care, but it must be begun within 5 minutes and is of abso-
lutely no use if started more than 15 minutes after envenoma-
tion. At best no more than 10% to 20% of the venom can be
removed. In the past, applying ice had been recommended to
cool the snakebite area locally or even an entire extremity.
This is no longer recommended.
Recently the American Association of Poison Control
Centers and the American College of Emergency Physicians
have recommended the following measures for first aid: "(1)
immobilize the bitten part, (2) remove constrictive items and
rings, (3) put the victim at rest and (4)transport to the nearest
medical facility.
Venom ER
When snakes strike!
By Sean Bush, MD
Imagine that a rattlesnake has just bitten you. At first you can't
believe it, but you look at your leg and there are two fang puncture
wounds oozing blood. You have a strange metallic taste in your mouth.
Your leg starts to swell and you develop severe pain. Your whole body
goes numb. The muscles in your face, neck, and chest start to twitch
and writhe. Breathing becomes difficult. You feel as if you are going
to faint--as if you are going to die?
What should you do? Here is what you need to know.
First, call 911. Go to the closest emergency department where antivenom
can be given to you. Antivenom is the antidote for snakebite. It binds
venom and inactivates it so that further damage is stopped.
The case above describes what could happen in the worst case scenario.
Sometimes snakebites result in only minor injury. However, it is not
possible to predict which bites will result in mild symptoms and which
can potentially kill you. Therefore, you should always seek immediate
medical care after any venomous snakebite. All patients with
rattlesnake bites should be admitted to the hospital.If a snake bites
you
Let's return to our scenario of what could happen to you after a
rattlesnake bite. You should try not to panic and minimize activity if
possible. However, if you are alone in the wilderness or far from
access to medical care, you may have to hike out to the nearest
phone.Remove jewelry and tight-fitting clothes in anticipation of
severe swelling. Do not cut across fang marks and do not try to suck
out the venom with your mouth or a suction device. This could lead to
complications and infections. A tourniquet is not recommended because
it could cut off circulation. However, an ace wrap and splint may delay
the time to death in the rare event of a fatal bite, but could risk
further injury to an arm or leg.Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen after
snakebite. Many snake venoms can thin the blood and these medicines may
compound this effect, leading to bleeding.
Other first aid that does not help or that is potentially more harmful
than the snakebite includes applying electric shock, drinking alcohol,
and placing ice directly on the wound. Avoid further injury by staying
away from the snake.
Paramedics should arrive shortly and start you on intravenous fluids.
They should transport you to the hospital. Shortly after you arrive at
the hospital, antivenom may be started. You may start to feel better.
However, depending on the extent of injury, you may require pain
medication and a surgeon may be called to evaluate your bite wounds.
Sonny
-----Original Message-----
From: GeoZay <geo...@aol.com>
To: meteorite-list <meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Mon, Nov 15, 2010 8:20 am
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Mojave Green Jeans - Images of a Killer
Snake
Not sure the ice thing would be a good idea. The DoD, suggests that
ice is a cause of amputation in snake bites (see link below). Also the
CDC and WebMD discourages the use of ice in the treatment of
snakebite.<<I was in the Fire Service for 30 years and I'd swear that
the treatment for snake bite varied almost yearly. Not sure what the
current method is now, but doing something is better than doing
nothing. For sure try to keep the victim calm, quiet and not physically
active. I'd avoid the ice and put a light restricting band between the
swelling and the heart. Don't suck with the mouth, but use a suction
device. Don't cut across the fang marks and get to a doctors care
ASAP. Those are probably the major things in regards to snake
bite.GeoZay ______________________________________________Visit the
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Hi List,
What makes the venom of a Mohave Green so lethal is it's complex
hemo/neuro
cocktail of enzymes. It has a component that allows the venom to
diffuse through
human tissue quickly using the lymph and vascular systems. It takes
away the
ability of your red blood cells to carry oxygen while at the same time
shutting
down the sympathetic nervous system. Basically, you become paralyzed
and
suffocate to death while twitching, swelling and bleeding from almost
every
orfice and internally. The Mohave is rated as one of the ten deadliest
snakes in
the world and next to the nine foot Eastern Diamondback us the most
dangerous
snake in America. It is responsible for several deaths a season.
Many of us here in the Mohave Desert have developed and follow this ten
step
protocol to treat a venemous snake bite. I am not a physician and you
should
avail yourself of professional assistance if bitten. I am only relating
what I
have seen and been told by others for your
1. Sit victim down. 2. Call 911 and note the time. 3.Send for vehicle,
or
arrange to carry victim to pick up point keeping bite site below heart.
3.
Forcefully urinate in bite mark. (It's sterile and neutralizes some
enzymes in
the venom and washes it out of wound.) 4. Place suction cups from kit
on fang
holes, or cuts. 5.Draw two inch circle around fang marks with pen, or
marker. 6.
Don't squeeze on wound trying to get venom out. 7. Place lymph
restriction band
from kit on center of muscle of calf, or bicep, just tight enough to
depress
flesh 1/4 inch. 8. Place ice pack around limb above bite. 9. If
available, have
victim drink twice normal dosage of liquid antihystamine from an over
the
counter children's allergy medicine. 10.Photograph head and tail of
snake, or
bring it with you!!!
Look where you put your feet and hands. Meteorite canes and staffs will
protect
you somewhat.
Count Deiro
IMCA 3536
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