Snake!

[funkymonkey1111]

Pretty interesting story about a lucky guy saving his arse with a snake bite kit he learned to use post-bite.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/hunter-saves-own-life-after-rattlesnake-bite/

[wctriumph]

Pretty neat, I should probably add one of those to my bug out kit.

[Wulf202]

Just make sure to get the suction kit they show. The little pill sized Coghlans ones don't work

[Irving]

Interesting, I picked up one of those Coghlans ones and was considering not carrying it because I wasn't sure how effective it would be.

[BuffCyclist]

Living in the desert with rattlesnakes not even a few miles away from my house, it sounds like I definitely need to get at least one of these and keep it nearby...

[wreave]

I have one of the Sawyer Extractor kits.

However, when I last recertified for Wilderness First Aid, they said they were no longer teaching to use them or even recommending them. They were just recommending wash it and get medical help. I even asked the trainer one-on-one, did he really believe in not carrying them anymore, and he said yes.

This article is exactly why I think it's still worthwhile. In the backcountry, it could be hours at best before you get out. Worst case scenario, using the kit will do no harm.

[Scogin]

I carry one when I am in the woods. I figure we carry so much other crap "just in case" that adding this doesn't make that much of a difference.

[Dingo]

Chuck Norris would have bit the snake, and the snake would have needed an extractor to pull all of the awesome out of the wound...

[whichfinger]

I have one of the Sawyer Extractor kits.

However, when I last recertified for Wilderness First Aid, they said they were no longer teaching to use them or even recommending them. They were just recommending wash it and get medical help. I even asked the trainer one-on-one, did he really believe in not carrying them anymore, and he said yes.

This article is exactly why I think it's still worthwhile. In the backcountry, it could be hours at best before you get out. Worst case scenario, using the kit will do no harm.
I think we're looking at two different kits. Medics have, for a long time now, said do not make any cuts at the bite site. The kit in the article seems to be simply a suction device, used without cutting over the bite marks. I don't see how it could possibly make things worse, whereas a layman in this situation generally has no idea what might be in the area of a potential cut.

[Ah Pook]

I haven't heard of "cutting" being taught for at least thirty years. The premise being that the venom is already in the system. Plus you still have to suck on the cuts. My thought is that people were getting carried away with the cut marks and doing more damage.

My Mother was bitten by a rattlesnake when she was a teen. She still has two little X marks on the back of her calf.

[rocktot]

Ha, yea this came out that those kits were worthless a few years ago. I still carry it in my car kit. I think cutting would also help, you just have to do it right. Also, really hot water soaking might help lessen the anti-protein elements in the venom, but I can't confirm it. Luckily I learned never to trust the MSMedia, so I always carry the kit and have given it a test run also. Now I need to include a tourniquet of some type in the kit. Or 2. I'll be going down south in rattlesnake country this summer.

Seems like a saline flush would be a good option also, just keep flushing the wound out a bottom hole, until most of the venom is gone.

[Wulf202]

The suction kit is based off cupping such has been around for atleast 1000 years. It works for all kinds of stuff. Usually done with fire and a glass cup.

Bleeding has been around alot longer and it does work for some things but not effective against snake bites

[rocktot]

I have one of the Sawyer Extractor kits.

However, when I last recertified for Wilderness First Aid, they said they were no longer teaching to use them or even recommending them. They were just recommending wash it and get medical help. I even asked the trainer one-on-one, did he really believe in not carrying them anymore, and he said yes.

This article is exactly why I think it's still worthwhile. In the backcountry, it could be hours at best before you get out. Worst case scenario, using the kit will do no harm.


I wonder if it is considered 'racist' to use one of these. Wonder if Political Correctness caught up with proper usage of these? Really, or was it people are just too stupid to use them effectively?

[Rabid]

I have one of the Sawyer Extractor kits.

However, when I last recertified for Wilderness First Aid, they said they were no longer teaching to use them or even recommending them. They were just recommending wash it and get medical help. I even asked the trainer one-on-one, did he really believe in not carrying them anymore, and he said yes.

This article is exactly why I think it's still worthwhile. In the backcountry, it could be hours at best before you get out. Worst case scenario, using the kit will do no harm.


wreave is dead on. I have a W-EMT certification and was never trained in any sort suction device and was told flat out that they are ineffective and a waste of time. Mainly what EMT's do is start an iv line and mark bruising and swelling every 10 min. What you are supposed to do is identify the snake if possible, get to a hospital as quick as possible, keep the patient calm (from the book: First, remind yourself or the patient that they are not going to die from the snakebite (almost 100% true) and to keep calm which lessens the increase in heart rate and decreases circulation which will help decrease the absorption of the venom.), remove any rings or bracelets near the bite area because it will swell and cut circulation causing you to loose digits or a hand, keep bite area below heart level. The rest is life threatening if done wrong so i will keep that to my self. If a snake bite kit keeps you calm by all means use it but if your taking time away from getting to a hospital it is not worth it.

[Rabid]

Ha, yea this came out that those kits were worthless a few years ago. I still carry it in my car kit. I think cutting would also help, you just have to do it right. Also, really hot water soaking might help lessen the anti-protein elements in the venom, but I can't confirm it. Luckily I learned never to trust the MSMedia, so I always carry the kit and have given it a test run also. Now I need to include a tourniquet of some type in the kit. Or 2. I'll be going down south in rattlesnake country this summer.

Seems like a saline flush would be a good option also, just keep flushing the wound out a bottom hole, until most of the venom is gone.
You might want to take even a basic first aid class before you start inventing your own treatments. Its your live you can do what ever you want with it but do not spread your miss information to others.

[Ah Pook]

wreave is dead on. I have a W-EMT certification and was never trained in any sort suction device and was told flat out that they are ineffective and a waste of time. Mainly what EMT's do is start an iv line and mark bruising and swelling every 10 min. What you are supposed to do is identify the snake if possible, get to a hospital as quick as possible, keep the patient calm (from the book: First, remind yourself or the patient that they are not going to die from the snakebite (almost 100% true) and to keep calm which lessens the increase in heart rate and decreases circulation which will help decrease the absorption of the venom.), remove any rings or bracelets near the bite area because it will swell and cut circulation causing you to loose digits or a hand, keep bite area below heart level. The rest is life threatening if done wrong so i will keep that to my self. If a snake bite kit keeps you calm by all means use it but if your taking time away from getting to a hospital it is not worth it.
Get his snakey ID? [Coffee]

[Jer]

Get his snakey ID? [Coffee]

Racist.

[Rabid]

Get his snakey ID? [Coffee]

Sometimes it is really hard to figure what pocket they have their wallet in. The reason for this is because you have two basic types of venom, hemotoxins (i.e. rattlesnake) and neurotoxins (i.e. coral snake). The anti-venom's are different and it could save your life knowing what kind of snake it was. Also if they know you got bit by a small rattlesnake they know it is a lot more serious then a big one.

[whichfinger]

Sucking out venom, either by mouth or with a pump, does not work and may harm the affected area directly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_bite#Outmoded).

[funkymonkey1111]

Sucking out venom, either by mouth or with a pump, does not work and may harm the affected area directly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_bite#Outmoded).

i wonder if the doctor from the original story would disagree with that helpful wikiipedia article? Next time i'm in for a procedure, i'll be sure to check if my doc is up on what wikipedia has to say about it.

[Firehaus]

Also if they know you got bit by a small rattlesnake they know it is a lot more serious then a big one.

This is important to realize. The potency of the venom is higher in hatchlings. Also, if the animal has just ate it reduces the amount of venom available to inject in to you.

Also knowing the difference between a milk snake and a coral snake could save you a lot of panic or let you know your pretty much dead. Jk, kind of...

[TheGrey]

It's also helpful to wear appropriate protective gear when you're walking in snake country. Tall boots (such as cowboy boots, or higher boots made with thick leather) and heavy pantlegs (denim) can help to decrease the chance of the snake actually reaching your skin.

[Irving]

I JUST bought that kind of snake bite kit TODAY at the store. For more than in the article. Oh well.

[Gcompact30]

27063

[whichfinger]

i wonder if the doctor from the original story would disagree with that helpful wikiipedia article? Next time i'm in for a procedure, i'll be sure to check if my doc is up on what wikipedia has to say about it.
The "helpful wikipedia article" includes references to relevant studies, but I understand how the concept of hyperlinks can be confusing.

[00tec]

The "helpful wikipedia article" includes references to relevant studies, but I understand how the concept of hyperlinks can be confusingThe article says suction AFTER 3 minutes is ineffective. I doubt the guy who got hit by the snake waited very long to whip out his little toolbox of tricks.

[TheGrey]

I've been poking around just to see what sort of equipment is available for people that frequent snake country. I never realized there were so many items- nor did I realise there were actual "snake hunters". This item, for instance: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Foreverlast-Snake-Guard-Shields&i=421820&r=view&aID=503L9&cvsfa=2586&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=343231383230&s_kwcid=goobase_goobase_filler&cID=GSHOP_421820

It makes perfect sense to have something like this.

[funkymonkey1111]

The "helpful wikipedia article" includes references to relevant studies, but I understand how the concept of hyperlinks can be confusing.

Nearly as confusing as jackasses that would rely on wikipedia

[Wulf202]

This is important to realize. The potency of the venom is higher in hatchlings. Also, if the animal has just ate it reduces the amount of venom available to inject in to you.

Also knowing the difference between a milk snake and a coral snake could save you a lot of panic or let you know your pretty much dead. Jk, kind of...

Incorrect reason why the hatchlings are more dangerous. Young snakes dump ALL the venom they have, an adult snake will give you enough to kill 10 mice, or just a few drops. The young snake will dump everything on every bite until it figures out how to deliver doses.

[Firehaus]

Learn something new everyday. Been awhile since I was around hot snakes all the time.

http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2009/10/are-bites-from-baby-venomous-snakes.html?m=1

[whichfinger]

Nearly as confusing as jackasses that would rely on wikipedia
Or Jackasses that get confused by references to actual studies.

[Irving]

So, this extraction kit should not be used to exfoliate your face, unless you want to wake up to perfectly round "hickeys" all over your face the next morning.

[Wulf202]

So, this extraction kit should not be used to exfoliate your face, unless you want to wake up to perfectly round "hickeys" all over your face the next morning.

Actually you'll only have hickeys the first few times. After that it leaves red rings.

[Richard K]

Several years ago there were some articles which advocated using electrical shock around the bite ie taser, car battery etc. Purportedly it neutralised the venom and several "saves" were attributed to it. Had a friend who swears he saved his dog by using a taser on the bite. Haven't heard anything about that method in years.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

I always carry a snake bite kit in the truck and pack. I was a dumb Fu*k in my younger days and had a pet Diamondback Rattlesnake while going to school in Arizona. Got bit twice on both hands. NOT fun. 2 days in intensive care, and 2 more in regular hospital room. 21 vials of anti venom. They wanted to amputate my middle finger. I told them to F-Off. Still got!! [Coffee]

[ChunkyMonkey]

I always carry a snake bite kit in the truck and pack. I was a dumb Fu*k in my younger days and had a pet Diamondback Rattlesnake while going to school in Arizona. Got bit twice on both hands. NOT fun. 2 days in intensive care, and 2 more in regular hospital room. 21 vials of anti venom. They wanted to amputate my middle finger. I told them to F-Off. Still got!! [Coffee]

Ouch... Dave... That sucks

[DSB OUTDOORS]

Ouch... Dave... That sucks
Ya the pain was incredible. They started me off with Morphine for the pain and then stepped me down to Percocet, Percodan. Tylenol 5, etc. And the swelling, they had to make a brace for my right hand to keep my wrist from bending, cutting off the circulation. It Sucked!!

[Rabid]

This is important to realize. The potency of the venom is higher in hatchlings. Also, if the animal has just ate it reduces the amount of venom available to inject in to you.

Also knowing the difference between a milk snake and a coral snake could save you a lot of panic or let you know your pretty much dead. Jk, kind of...


Incorrect reason why the hatchlings are more dangerous. Young snakes dump ALL the venom they have, an adult snake will give you enough to kill 10 mice, or just a few drops. The young snake will dump everything on every bite until it figures out how to deliver doses.

I have heard both arguments and they always say the other side is not true. Who knows.

Just remember what ever you do get your self to a hospital ASAP and stay calm. In Colorado we only have, that i am aware of, rattlesnakes and a pygmy rattlesnake (a false rattlesnake). The biggest cause for concern is local damage where the bite occurred i.e. necrosis and in turn amputation. In Colorado do not tourniquet the area, blood flow dilutes the venom and decreases the local damage. Do not cut your self because it only leads to infection. If it makes you feel better to uses a snake bite kit, wash it out, to taser the crap out of your self or attach some jumper leads to see if you turn in to a Christmas tree light on the way to the hospital go for it.