READERS COMMENTS

Yes, I agree with Tom, well; because either he researched he talked about or is really a professional. Also, it is a pretty logical article. You've heard the saying, what people don't understand they fear. Well, I believe it's that ignorance that could put them at even more danger in such an environment with the object of their fear. There is a differnce between careful and afraid. And even if one is careful and still gets bitten they need to have learned to be calm under said circumstances.
Posted: Oct 01, 2011 Ephraim Franklin

Yes, I agree with Tom, well; because either he researched he talked about or is really a professional. Also, it is a pretty logical article. You've heard the saying, what people don't understand they fear. Well, I believe it's that ignorance that could put them at even more danger in such an environment with the object of their fear. There is a differnce between careful and afraid. And even if one is careful and still gets bitten they need to have learned to be calm under said circumstances.
Posted: Oct 01, 2011 Ephraim Franklin

The "Sawyer extractor" if used in the first few minutes can increase a snake bit victims window of opportunity to get to medical help

Posted: May 29, 2011 Anonymous

Seriously, Backpacker? What a useless article. I feel "tricked" into clicking on something that gave me no new info at all. As other comments have said -- I learned more from the comments than from the article itself. Maybe you should ask some of the commenters to write for you instead of Ms. McGivney!
Posted: Jun 29, 2010 bookgeekgirl

I have had patients use the charcoal poultice with good results for copperhead bites; however, I would add two additional items: large doses of Vit. C and Colloidal silver (oral and topical). The Vit. C has been shown in clinical studies to have a strong action of neutralizing toxins at 1000mg every hour up to tolerance, as well as boosting the immune system to help prevent infection. The colloidal silver has been touted as a cure-all, and reality isn't far off! It kills all known bacteria on contact and inactivates many viruses. It is well-known to also neutralize many types of toxins, including bee stings instantly. I do not go camping without it (nor without Jewel weed tincture for the bug bites and poison ivy). There has not been any clinical studies on silver for snake bites, but the biochemistry is well understood and theorized. I would certainly try it while out in the woods and on the way to get medical help.
Posted: Jun 29, 2010 Ryan

Wow! was lookin for something new....Not all venomous snake bites will kill you...a significant number are dry hits if from and older snake. Young ones an babies haven't learned to control their venom release and their bites may be more dangerous.

Most women and kids are bit on the foot & ankle...more men get struck on the arm & face...the effect of that whiskey on the trail...bet you can't catch it or bet you won't kiss it.
Posted: Jun 28, 2010 Jeff Burns

So, what did we learn from this article--not much! Even if one is close to the trail head it can then be as much as an hour drive to an ER. Go to the local vet it is the same antivenin but usually only $500.
Posted: Jun 27, 2010 steve

I was not able to read all the comments but I saw nothing about a charcoal poultice. I have personally known a hikers that got bitten by a rattle snake and had no possibility of getting out in that time frame. He used a charcoal poultice and took 5 capsules every 2 hours for the next 8 hours with absolutely no side effects from the bites. It has also worked with our cat who would have died without the charcoal. We never leave home without it. It works, I would stake my life on it.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Loren

Hello Editors,

I'm an Emergency & Wilderness Medicine Physician (not to mention loyal Backpack reader) and have tried to contact you directly in the past regarding advice columns such as this. If you would like the benefit of an expert's review. or more substantive information for pieces like this, please contact me: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjoslin.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Jeremy Joslin, MD

I was not able to read all the comments but I saw nothing about a charcoal poultice. I have personally known a hikers that got bitten by a rattle snake and had no possibility of getting out in that time frame. He used a charcoal poultice and took 5 capsules every 2 hours for the next 8 hours with absolutely no side effects from the bites. It has also worked with our cat who would have died without the charcoal. We never leave home without it. It works, I would stake my life on it.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Loren

At the risk of being pedantic. A poison is any substance that when introduced to a living creatures causes death or injury, and venom is a poisonous liquid secreted by an animal. The mechanism of transfer is irrelevant. If I inject you with cyanide, then you have been poisoned, not envenomated; on the flip side, if my kid bites you, and the drool of death kills you by causing total nervous system failure, you've probably been envenomated. Regardless, dead is dead, does not matter what you call it unless your a coroner. Don't waste any time, but rather get medical help as soon as possible. If you are 20 miles from help and don't have a beacon, radio or cell to call for a car or helicopter ride, better luck in the next life...
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Stone Knives and Bear Skins

At the risk of being pedantic. A poison is any substance that when introduced to a living creatures causes death or injury, and venom is a poisonous liquid secreted by an animal. The mechanism of transfer is irrelevant. If I inject you with cyanide, then you have been poisoned, not envenomated; on the flip side, if my kid bites you, and the drool of death kills you by causing total nervous system failure, you've probably been envenomated. Regardless, dead is dead, does not matter what you call it unless your a coroner. Don't waste any time, but rather get medical help as soon as possible. If you are 20 miles from help and don't have a beacon, radio or cell to call for a car or helicopter ride, better luck in the next life...
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Stone Knives and Bear Skins

Correction, my friend had twenty viles at $2,000 apiece. Her total treatment came to $250,000. An elderly woman, bitten twice and a very long hospital stay.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tracey

The article gives the same advice that the herpetologists at the Sonoran-Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ give. Don't try to self treat, get to the ER as fast as possible. The most important device to have on hand in case of snake bite is a cell phone. A friend of mine was bitten in her back yard, a quarter million dollars in antivenon (at $2,000 a dose) was required to save her life.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tracey

The article gives the same advice that the herpetologists at the Sonoran-Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ give. Don't try to self treat, get to the ER as fast as possible. The most important device to have on hand in case of snake bite is a cell phone. A friend of mine was bitten in her back yard, a quarter million dollars in antivenon (at $2,000 a dose) was required to save her life.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tracey

when did snakes become poisonous????
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 jamie

Hike out and get to a medical facility? Gee, thanks for the stunning advice. What if I'm 20 miles from my vehicle and 2 hours until sunset? Is there nothing to be done at all? Very disappointing article.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tracy

Hike out and get to a medical facility? Gee, thanks for the stunning advice. What if I'm 20 miles from my vehicle and 2 hours until sunset? Is there nothing to be done at all? Very disappointing article.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tracy

what do you do if you can't get to a hospital that quickly?
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Jess

C'mon now! What harm can come from a sip or two of whisky? It has soothed many a pain out in the mountains over the years.
Posted: Jun 25, 2010 Tom from Chicago

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