Snake Reminder!

[Firehead]

For all you desert rats out there:

I had a close call today with a friend. We were out in the desert(down the road from my house) having a little pistol battle(this was about...9:15, we had been out there for about an hour, when it wsa still light outside). I had just loaded a new mag, and went to engage my friend, when one of this rounds hit something, and the something started making shitloads of noise, so I turned around and ran like a little girl. Now I'm sure at this point in my story most of you are typing something like "dumbass" without reading the story. Okay...story is over. I understand the risks of being out in the desert at night, with all the little critters at night, but I'm just reminding all of you out there, watch yourself, day and night. Thats all for now....no bitching about my "stupidity".

[Lasivian]

Some info about snakebites and treatment

According to my mother-in-law (Doctor) all "major" AZ hospitals carry antivenin, most carry Crofab.

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

They'll probably try to treat you with Crofab instead, which is a drug that breaks down rattlesnake venom rather than using horse antibodies like antivenin. Supposedly it's only good within the first 6 hours. (it's $1650.00 a vial BTW and a normal bite takes 6 vials, hope your insurance is paid up) Hospitals like it since it has a 30-month shelflife and doesn't need refrigeration like normal antivenin does.

So remember this when you're playing around with that snake next time, heh.

[Firehead]

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

1.) its Anti-Venom
2.) its more than $100-$200 bucks, try $10,000(depending on what you get bit by). That is what I was told.

[Raith]

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

1.) its Anti-Venom
2.) its more than $100-$200 bucks, try $10,000(depending on what you get bit by). That is what I was told.

1)No, snake anti venom is called antivenin.
2) I've heard the lower numbers as well.

[AddoAduro]

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

1.) its Anti-Venom
2.) its more than $100-$200 bucks, try $10,000(depending on what you get bit by). That is what I was told.

1)No, snake anti venom is called antivenin.
2) I've heard the lower numbers as well.

I normally refrain from pointless posts like this, but I couldn't resist:

pwnd!

[Firehead]

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

1.) its Anti-Venom
2.) its more than $100-$200 bucks, try $10,000(depending on what you get bit by). That is what I was told.

1)No, snake anti venom is called antivenin.
2) I've heard the lower numbers as well.

Maybe I misunderstood what he said, I swear to god he said "Anti Venom". Ah well, f*ck me.

edit: He probably did say Anti Venom, becuase I just read that its "slang" for anti venin(he most likely said that to not confuse stupid kids).

[IcePlatinumSky]

Some info about snakebites and treatment

According to my mother-in-law (Doctor) all "major" AZ hospitals carry antivenin, most carry Crofab.

Antivenin costs $100-$200 a dose and lasts about 18 months in refrigeration. Treatment can take from 5-20 vials depending on the amount of venom, the location of the bite and how long after the bite it is administered.

They'll probably try to treat you with Crofab instead, which is a drug that breaks down rattlesnake venom rather than using horse antibodies like antivenin. Supposedly it's only good within the first 6 hours. (it's $1650.00 a vial BTW and a normal bite takes 6 vials, hope your insurance is paid up) Hospitals like it since it has a 30-month shelflife and doesn't need refrigeration like normal antivenin does.

So remember this when you're playing around with that snake next time, heh.

There is also a chance that you could have an allergic reaction to Anti venom. How you get anti venom is by injecting a horse with real venom, and somehow its ectracted, and due to antibodys  it becomes antivenom. Tests are done in order to see if you are allergic to horses. I dont know the whole process of how to make antivenom. but, I am allergic to horse  hair.

[Mooncruiser]

-Venin  is correct, but the point is made.

Rattlers don't necessarily rattle before they strike. If you do see/hear one, just stand still for a spell, LOOK around, and if you spot it (sometimes a mate, too),, Just go the other way.

Few people in AZ get snakebit, but if it's gonna happen, hikers and us have the best chance. Be alert to it, but don't get paranoid.

If bitten, sticking your bit place in a ice chest is best 'till you get to a hospital. Don't try sucking out the poison, tourniquet, that sort of thing. (More damage can result from a turniquet than just ice on the wound).

[Dust2Dust]

My dads friend was mountain biking and got bit by a snake.  He got to the ER, and his insurance bill came, it was $1000 for the antivenin.  

We've had a few run ins with snakes while playing, *knock on wood* and thank god no one has been bitten (sp).

[IcePlatinumSky]

I talked to EMT tec's on the liklyness of getting bit by a rattle snake. They said that in the AZ that a study was done, and came to the conclution that if your a White Male, with Tattoos, and intoxicated you have the highest chance out of anyone to get bit. However, I cant remmber the %. I belive it was 97% but dont quote me!!!

[Lasivian]

Don't try sucking out the poison.

Not by mouth at least, the only "treatment" option I found any doctor even vague recommending was this thing:

http://www.sawyerproducts.com/sawyer_pr ... ractor.htm



"These devices are often included in commercial snakebite kits and can help remove up to 20% of the injected venom within 30 minutes of the bite. Negative pressure suction devices may mitigate the effect of envenoming and need for large doses of antivenom, but they should be applied immediately to be effective."
(Medical Review) http://www.ajtmh.org/cgi/content/full/68/2/253

Literally it's just a suction pump that pulls the venom from the wound. There's no hard evidence it makes a huge difference, lots of studies say it's useless, but experts do agree it won't make things any worse. It's not terribly expensive either.

[Dust2Dust]

HAHAHAHA I HAVE THAT THING!   It's in our packs for mountain biking.  Works great for pulling those really tiny thorns out too!

[Bullseye]

I talked to EMT tec's on the liklyness of getting bit by a rattle snake. They said that in the AZ that a study was done, and came to the conclution that if your a White Male, with Tattoos, and intoxicated you have the highest chance out of anyone to get bit. However, I cant remmber the %. I belive it was 97% but dont quote me!!!

Percentage increases if he's wearing:
1) Cutoffs
2) flip-flops
3) and a "Wife-beater" t-shirt.....


Points for the snake - I woundn't go NEAR the dude