Yes it is important to know the poisonous species of snakes in your aria but what abut how to treat them, yes get to the hospital ASAP, but it’s not always immediately available. If your hiking in the middle of nowhere it could be a long time before you get there. It’s important to know what to do and even more important to know what not to do. There’s a lot of old, out of date methods on how to treat rattlesnake bites, many of which we now know are dangerous and can cause even more damage! When my family and me moved to the upper Midwest we knew there were going to be rattlesnakes. They aren’t that common but I have seen a few. Almost stepped on one when I was running on a hiking trail but I heard its rattle at the last secant and jumped back startled, but then so was the snake judging on how fast it took off. It doesn’t bother me that much that we have them here but still its smart to be prepared so I looked up what to do in case of a rattlesnake bite and here’s what I’ve learned.
Of cores stay calm, one way you can help your self do this is by remembering that rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal even when there not treated. Even in severe cases it usually takes hours before you start to go unconscious, giving you lots of time to fined help. Also you should know 25 % of rattlesnake bites are dry bites with no venom injected.
Keep the affected limb lower than the heart.
Treat for shock and preserve body heat.
Remove any shoes, rings, watches or other restricting items from the bitten limb. It will swell.
Apply a light constricting band a couple inches above and below the bite, however never place the bands on either side of a joint (such as above and below the knee or elbow). The band should be made up of wide, soft material, like a handkerchief or shredded clothing. The purpose of constricting bands is to restrict lymphatic flow, not blood, so they should not be too tight. It should be loose enough to stick a finger between you and the band. Readjust them as necessary when they tighten due to swelling.
Do not apply cold and/or ice packs. Recent studies indicate that application of cold or ice makes the injury much worse.
Don’t cut the bite. The additional tissue damage may actually increase the diffusion of the toxins throughout the body.
Never try to suck out the venom by mouth. If you don’t want the venom in your body you don’t want in it your mouth. It can seep into your blood stream and you’d be spreading it in an even worst way. You could try the suction cup in a snakebite kit if it doesn't delay other needed treatment. Suctioning seldom provides any measurable advantages though.
Don’t apply a tight tourniquet. Such action can result in the loss of the limb.
Wash the wound if you can
If you see this plant,
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/plantain2.JPG http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/asse...o%20major2.jpg
Broad-leaved Plantain a common weed which grows throughout the US, pick it, mash/ chew the leaves and put the pulp on the bite. It will absorb some of the poison. But if you don’t see it don’t spend to much valuable time looking for it, you could have a friend go look for it quick but he needs to get you to a hospital ASAP.
If you really don’t like snakes you could get some guinea foul http://www.bigstockphoto.com/thumbs/...ium/470406.jpg I hear they love to eat snakes!
