Guide To Avoiding And Treating Rattlesnake Bites Poway Hikers Will Find Helpful
Those who enjoy spending time outdoors doing activities such as camping or hiking are quite likely to encounter a snake at some time, if they have not already. Rattlesnakes are common to the southwestern United States, and despite people's fear of them, these poisonous serpents are actually quite shy. If they bite someone, it's usually after being provoked in some way. By being armed with the knowledge of how to both prevent and treat rattlesnake bites Poway CA hikers and campers will be suitably prepared.
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.
Snakes possess the ability to slither up trees, which means one also has to be aware of this possibility and on guard when in wooded areas. Also, they love to use dark spots such as hollow logs, or spaces in rock piles as resting spots, so one must never carelessly stick a hand into such a place without first investigating it with a flashlight.
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.
Washing the bite thoroughly with soap and water can remove some of the venom. The wound also needs to be kept below heart-level, as this slows the venom's flow. Swelling may occur, in which case jewelry should be removed so that circulation isn't impaired. Snugly wrap a bandage about two to four inches above the bite and use a suction device found in a snake bite kit for up to ten minutes to help extract as much as 30 percent of the venom.
Do not make a cut above the wound to drain it, or suck the venom out with one's mouth. Ice should not be applied, since it can inhibit the effectiveness of a suction device. Getting upset emotionally increases one's heart rate, which actually promotes the venom's circulation throughout the body, so keeping still and calm is essential.
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.
Snakes possess the ability to slither up trees, which means one also has to be aware of this possibility and on guard when in wooded areas. Also, they love to use dark spots such as hollow logs, or spaces in rock piles as resting spots, so one must never carelessly stick a hand into such a place without first investigating it with a flashlight.
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.
Washing the bite thoroughly with soap and water can remove some of the venom. The wound also needs to be kept below heart-level, as this slows the venom's flow. Swelling may occur, in which case jewelry should be removed so that circulation isn't impaired. Snugly wrap a bandage about two to four inches above the bite and use a suction device found in a snake bite kit for up to ten minutes to help extract as much as 30 percent of the venom.
Do not make a cut above the wound to drain it, or suck the venom out with one's mouth. Ice should not be applied, since it can inhibit the effectiveness of a suction device. Getting upset emotionally increases one's heart rate, which actually promotes the venom's circulation throughout the body, so keeping still and calm is essential.
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