Preparing for the Unexpected

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Preparing for the Unexpected

Trail side First Aid -- What to do if bitten by a venomous snake...

It's hot, it's dusty, you find yourself riding in, what seems to be, the middle of nowhere. You notion to your fellow riders for a ten minute rest stop. The pack pulls off the trail and departs from their quads. You pull off your helmet and stretch your legs. Everyone's happy and having a great time. Then you hear a friend bellow, -- Oh my God, he's been bitten by a snake! Your first thought is "yeah right". But soon you realize this is no joke. A poisonous snake just sunk its fangs into your friend. What do you do? What don't you do? You're in a state of panic with no idea how to help. Don't get caught off guard. Here's some emergency first-aid information that might give your friend the time he needs.

Allow bite to bleed for 15-30 seconds
Cleanse and rapidly disinfect area with Betadine (assuming the victim is not allergic to iodine or shellfish) pad
If bite on hand, finger, foot, or toe, wrap leg/arm rapidly with 3" to 6" Ace or crepe bandage past the knee or elbow joint immobilizing it. Leave area of fang marks open. Wrap no tighter than one would for a sprain. Make sure pulses are present.
There are also extractor kits available. These kits aid in keeping the venom from spreading. If extractor not available: apply hard direct pressure over bite using a 4 x 4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Tape in place with adhesive tape. Soak gauze pad in Betadine™ solution if available.
Overwrap dressing above and below bite area with ACE (elastic) bandage. Make sure pulses are present.
Check for pulses above and below elastic wrap; if absent it is too tight.
Immobilize bitten extremity, use splinting if available.
If possible, try to keep bitten extremity at heart level or in a gravity-neutral position. Raising it above heart level can cause antivenom to travel into the body. Holding it down, below heart level can increase swelling.
Go to nearest hospital or medical facility as soon as possible.
Try and identify, kill or bring (ONLY IF SAFE TO DO SO) offending snake. This is the least important thing you should do. Visual identification/description usually suffice, especially in the U.S.A.
Bites to face, torso or buttocks are more of a problem. Disinfect. A pressure dressing made of a gauze pad may help if an extractor kit is not available. An ACE bandage cannot be applied to such bites.
Antivenom is the only and best treatment for snakebites. Antivenom should not be delayed. Up to 20 vials may be needed to neutralize the effects of rattlesnake or other venoms in North America. Children and a smaller person may need more.
At the hospital, ask staff to contact Poison Control Immediately and use physician consultants available thru Poison Control

WHAT NOT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A VENOMOUS SNAKE

Contrary to advise given elsewhere DO NOT permit removal of pressure dressings (an extractor or ACE bandage) until you are at a facility ready and able to administer antivenom. As soon as the dressings are released the venom will spread causing the usual expected problems of venomous snakebites. The hospital at this time must be prepared to administer the antidote.
Do not eat or drink anything unless okayed by medical sources
Do not engage in strenuous physical activity
Do not apply oral (mouth) suction
Do not cut into or incise bite marks with a blade
Do not drink alcohol or use any medication
Do not apply either hot or cold
Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, necktie or cord
Do not use a stun gun or electric shock of any kind
Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill, bag or bring in offending snake
Remember Ace or other wide bandaging must not be wrapped so tight as to cut off systemic venous or arterial circulation. Properly applied, such bandages will NOT compromise the systemic circulation.

There are many types of venomous snakes. Experiencing nature can be very rewarding and sometimes costly. Gather as much information as you can before venturing into a new area. Become familiar with the venomous snakes in the area in which you are riding by visiting your local library or via the internet.

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