Snake!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[Jer]

Get his snakey ID?

Racist.

[Rabid]

Get his snakey ID?

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.

[funkymonkey1111]

Sucking out venom, either by mouth or with a pump, does not work and may harm the affected area directly.

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.

[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.