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[RC] Snakebite - k s swigart

Kathy Garner said:


Unfortunately, this info doesn't address being 2 or
3 hours out on the trail with no cell service.


Yes it does (see paragraph quoted below).  It says, don't panic, don't rush, 
just get yourself to the nearest hospital.  If the nearest hospital is 2 or 3 
hours away (or even six), so be it; just go to the hospital.  Most of the 
problems associated with rattlesnake bites are caused by the stupid things that 
people do after they get bit trying to "treat" it in the field.  Even if you 
are half a day's journey away from medical care, you are probably not going to 
have a problem with the rattlesnake bite.  If you ARE going to have a problem 
if you don't get to medical attention soon enough, then you are going to have a 
problem no matter what you do.  In the field, the things you can do can make it 
worse, but not better.  Consequently, this piece of advice has a list of things 
NOT to do that will just make it worse.

Rattlesnakes use venom to incapacitate mice so they don't resist being eaten 
alive.  It is not intended to kill, not even mice.  It can lead to tissue 
necrosis (i.e. gangrene) if left to its own devices, which is why restricting 
blood flow is not a good thing (so, no tourniquets and no ice/cold therapy).

BTW:  Getting bit by a rattlesnake hurts like the dickens, but using 
anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen) to kill the pain is also contraindicated.  
I don't know the recommendation for other pain killers (like opiates).

kat
Orange County, Calif.


Like all wilderness emergencies, rattlesnake bites are best handled with
a clear head and a little knowledge.

...

This is one of the few wilderness emergencies you really can't do much
for in the field -- pack it up and head for the nearest hospital. 




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