[at-l] Snakebite Treatment

[thornel at attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

Jeff Hunter adds his $0.02 with "One thing I would NOT do, is remain in the 
woods for several days (and thankfully, you don't have to along the crowded 
AT) as recommended below. Especially if you have the misfortune of being 
envenomated by a Timber Rattlesnake. That sort of decision can get you killed."

He is exactly correct. Rattlesnake bite = trip to ER and probably to ICU, 
at least overnight. I'm not aware we have neurotoxic rattlers on the east 
coast yet, but the hemotoxins are a real problem.

If you get bit, you do your best to immobilize the site and limb of the 
bite and get yourself evacuated. If you are alone, you do the best you can. 
If you have others, you work with them to assist your removal to medical 
attention. This is an excellent reason to keep a whistle handy.

Remember that the most common features associated with rattler bites 
involve testosterone poisoning, elevated blood alcohol levels and the 
desire to demonstrate bravado. Most commonly, the 3 words uttered before 
the bite are "Hey, looky this!" These victims aren't specific to any 
geographic or cultural origin, but no one usually wants to claim them.

OrangeBug