Field Bite Kit's?

[ont_herper]

Hey,

IF this had been discussed just let me know.

I was wondering if and what you guys take with you on field trips to treat bites? I've read some of the things venomous keepers have in their hot rooms and was wondering if any of you bring some of this stuff into the field? For example would you take, correct me if I'm wrong, Benadryl and or adrenilin shots? incase of Anaphylactic Shock, or to ease symtoms etc.

Just wondering what your personl protocols and experiences are.

thanks alot,

Dan

[cobraman]

Being a paramedic, I would carry a "Sawyer Extrator", at least 100mg of diphenhydromine (injectable), epi, and an "ace" wrap.

[Matt]

I think the Ace wrap and the epi is very important.

Ray, are you serious about the extractor?

[BWSmith]

Originally posted by Matt
Ray, are you serious about the extractor?

He just likes giving himself hickies :D

[cobraman]

Actually, Yes I am serious. I am not saying that it will make a significant difference, but every little bit helps. It has a great deal of suction when applied, and only takes 2 seconds to apply. In most of my cases where the bite was on fingers, the extractor will not even stay on, and is threrfore of no value. But when I was bitten on the arm, I used it and noticed that it drew out a lot of fluids (mostly blood, but no doubt some venom was drawn out as well).

Again, I am not saying this silly little $9 piece of plastic will save your life, but it takes no extra time to use, it requires no cutting, and it can't hurt. If it were to remove one drop of venom, with some of the stuff I work with, that may bee the drop that pushes you over the line.

[BWSmith]

But by the same token, it may concentrate necrotic agents and cause a great deal more tissue damage.

I think of an envenomation like a glass of water. If you squirt food coloring into it, there is no way to get it back out. And a SQ envenomation is like squirting that same food coloring into a sponge.

But good news. The extractor does have a great use for envenomation! If you are with someone that gets bit and is not quite up to speed, you can apply it NEXT TO the bite site. Most people with THINK that it is working, thus calming them down and slowing the spread of venom.

Just my 2 cents.