Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Guide To Avoiding And Treating Rattlesnake Bites Poway Hikers Will Find Helpful

By Lena Stephenson


The more time people spend outdoors hiking, camping or such, the more likely it is that they will eventually meet up with a snake. Perhaps one of the most feared of these reptilian foes is the poisonous rattlesnake, commonly found in the southwestern United States, however in most cases these creatures will not harm people unless they are provoked. In order to be prepared in case of experiencing rattlesnake bites Poway CA wilderness enthusiasts should know how treat them and preferably prevent them in the first place.

Always be able to clearly see where one is walking. This means sticking to the trails and staying out of areas dense in grassy underbrush, which are prime hideouts for these reptiles. If it's necessary to hike through tall grass, probing the ground with a long stick before stepping forward is advisable.

Not everyone is aware of the fact that snakes are able to slither up trees and hide amongst the branches, but since then can do this, one should be watchful when walking beneath foliage. Hollow logs, and crevasses between rocks are other favorite hangouts for snakes, so it's best to always investigate such spots with a flashlight before sticking one's hand inside.

Dead snakes retain some of their reflexes and are still capable of biting someone. Because of this, no one should ever poke at a dead snake, or a sleeping one for that matter either, since they are typically very watchful even during slumber for anything which may provoke them to attack.

Snakes are largely nocturnal, mostly hunting at night. Therefore it's safest to make sure that there are no rocky areas, tall grass, or large, fallen tree branches or logs on the ground where one sets up a campsite, as snakes could be lurking in these places and pay campers an unwelcome visit at night. Zipping up tents tightly and keeping footwear inside it is advisable, unless one wants to find a snake coiled up in their boots.

If a person does get bitten by a snake, he or she must try to stay calm, quickly perform first aid on the wound, and then seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The toxicity of the venom will need to be counteracted with a special serum known as "antivenin" which is made up of antibodies that are produced by introducing the venom into a horse's bloodstream.

First, wash the bite with soap and water to remove as much venom as possible, and keep the wound site below the heart to slow down the venom's flow. It can cause swelling, so remove jewelry as to not impair circulation. Next, the area should be tightly wrapped with a bandage about two to four inches above the bite. The suction device from a snake bite kit can eliminate up to 30 percent of the venom and may be left on for as long as ten minutes.

Ice should not be placed on the bite, because it will reduce the effectiveness of the suction device. Neither should anyone suck the venom out with their mouth or make a cut about the bite mark to try to drain it. An increased heart rate raises the risk that the venom will circulate throughout the body, so it's necessary to keep calm and not panic.




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