Ran over a rattlesnake today...
02-13-06, 07:07 PM
#26
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Funny, people in California get goosebumps thinking about us up here mountain biking in the shadow of an active volcano. I get goose bumps thinking about running into an angry rattler. From the Florida side, A2psyklnut has a story about jumping over an alligator!
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02-14-06, 01:40 PM
#27
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I am not a doctor or a herpetologist. I have read a lot of books on snakes and have handled a fair share of them as well. This information applies mainly to snakes within the United States.
1) Do NOT waste money on a "Snake bite kit". Read on and you'll understand why.
2) Stay calm. They always say this, but when you're bit by a pit viper, you're going to freak out, at least a little bit. Seriously, stay as calm as you can, given the circumstances.
3) Do NOT apply suction to "draw" out the venom. Snake venom contains neurotoxins* but it is mostly digestive enzymes. These enzymes' job is to breakdown, (read digest), the protiens in animal tissues. In order to be effective, they have to bond with the cells in these tissues. As a result, when injected, the venom is almost instantly absorbed by the muscle and fat. There's nothing short of lyposuction that is going to get the venom out of the victim.
4) Do NOT slice open the fang marks to try and get the venom out, (see point 3). This will only increase the chances of introducing bacteria. If you've been bitten by a venomous snake, you've got enough on your plate without having to deal with an infection, also.
5) Do NOT apply a tourniquet. Since the venom is absorbed by the tissues, it is not spread through the body by the vascular system. Thus, a tourniquet is useless in combating envenomation, (see point 6), and could cause the loss of the limb.
6) Splint the affected limb to reduce movement. Venom is moved around the body via the lymph system. The lymph system is stimulated by muscle contractions. So, less muscle activity = reduced area of envenomation.
7) Keep the affected extremity elevated to help control swelling.
8) Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps the body to fight off shock** and the effects of envenomation.
9) Seek medical attention, immediately. In cases of minor envenomation, the doctors will likely use some combination of antihistamines, vitamin B-12 and cortisone to reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling. Also, antibiotics and a tetanus shot are usually administered. In cases of moderate to severe envenomation, the treatment is the same except that antivenin is also used to counteract the neurotoxins.
A note about medical care: Some "old school" doctors may want to perform a fasciotomy. This is a procedure in which the skin and underlying tissue is cut open and left exposed for a designated period to reduce swelling. This practice has all but been abandoned in today's hospitals. If a fasciotomy is suggested, demand a second or even third opinion.
* The percentage of neurotoxins in the United State's venomous snake population is relatively low. Western and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake venom does contain more than Copperhead and Water Moccasin venom. Coral Snakes have the highest concentration of neurotoxins in their venom, however these snakes' mouths are so small that they can only bite a human, if they are being handled, (i.e.-fingers, along the edge of hand). Nerve damage is more common in these occurrences. Immediate medical treatment is the key to preventing and reducing this.
** Severe shock is a rare occurrence in venomous snake bites. This only happens in the most severe cases or when someone is allergic to the venom and has an anaphylactic reaction, (similar to an allergy to bee stings).
1) Do NOT waste money on a "Snake bite kit". Read on and you'll understand why.
2) Stay calm. They always say this, but when you're bit by a pit viper, you're going to freak out, at least a little bit. Seriously, stay as calm as you can, given the circumstances.
3) Do NOT apply suction to "draw" out the venom. Snake venom contains neurotoxins* but it is mostly digestive enzymes. These enzymes' job is to breakdown, (read digest), the protiens in animal tissues. In order to be effective, they have to bond with the cells in these tissues. As a result, when injected, the venom is almost instantly absorbed by the muscle and fat. There's nothing short of lyposuction that is going to get the venom out of the victim.
4) Do NOT slice open the fang marks to try and get the venom out, (see point 3). This will only increase the chances of introducing bacteria. If you've been bitten by a venomous snake, you've got enough on your plate without having to deal with an infection, also.
5) Do NOT apply a tourniquet. Since the venom is absorbed by the tissues, it is not spread through the body by the vascular system. Thus, a tourniquet is useless in combating envenomation, (see point 6), and could cause the loss of the limb.
6) Splint the affected limb to reduce movement. Venom is moved around the body via the lymph system. The lymph system is stimulated by muscle contractions. So, less muscle activity = reduced area of envenomation.
7) Keep the affected extremity elevated to help control swelling.
8) Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps the body to fight off shock** and the effects of envenomation.
9) Seek medical attention, immediately. In cases of minor envenomation, the doctors will likely use some combination of antihistamines, vitamin B-12 and cortisone to reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling. Also, antibiotics and a tetanus shot are usually administered. In cases of moderate to severe envenomation, the treatment is the same except that antivenin is also used to counteract the neurotoxins.
A note about medical care: Some "old school" doctors may want to perform a fasciotomy. This is a procedure in which the skin and underlying tissue is cut open and left exposed for a designated period to reduce swelling. This practice has all but been abandoned in today's hospitals. If a fasciotomy is suggested, demand a second or even third opinion.
* The percentage of neurotoxins in the United State's venomous snake population is relatively low. Western and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake venom does contain more than Copperhead and Water Moccasin venom. Coral Snakes have the highest concentration of neurotoxins in their venom, however these snakes' mouths are so small that they can only bite a human, if they are being handled, (i.e.-fingers, along the edge of hand). Nerve damage is more common in these occurrences. Immediate medical treatment is the key to preventing and reducing this.
** Severe shock is a rare occurrence in venomous snake bites. This only happens in the most severe cases or when someone is allergic to the venom and has an anaphylactic reaction, (similar to an allergy to bee stings).
02-14-06, 02:37 PM
#28
Train hard
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I hit an Armadillo here in Texas a couple years ago. I tried to jump it but that little endeavor wasn't too successful.
I have successfully jumped over dead ones in the road though...
Chuck
I have successfully jumped over dead ones in the road though...
Chuck
02-15-06, 03:08 AM
#29
My life be like ooh aah
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Originally Posted by Flak
For some reason we have some of the most deadly critters anywhere. Snakes, spiders, jellyfish etc. For that reason the dangers of certain things were drilled into me at a young age at home and at school. I grew up playing in the bush and i would teach the same thing to my son if he were to grow up playing in the bush like i did.
Im sure most aussies have the same knowledge. Knowing what to do in the event of a snake or spider bite is kind of par for the course i would think? Neon? Hopper? Do you agree?
Im sure most aussies have the same knowledge. Knowing what to do in the event of a snake or spider bite is kind of par for the course i would think? Neon? Hopper? Do you agree?
