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Old 02-18-2004, 09:25   #9
Sacamuelas
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Gulf coast
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Memories...
I used to hunt copperheads with my crossman pellet gun by walking the drainage canals in shorts as a kid. They are not that tough. It usually just swelled up and hurt for about a week from what I remember.

Great thread Doc T.

My take on the issue after refreshing myself:
-make possible ID of snake by noting pattern/color/shape of head,etc not by trapping it and risking further bite.

-Immobilize bitten extremity, use splinting if available.

-wrap tightly (make sure pulses present distal to your wrap. It is not an arterial tournaquet. It is only to slow lymphatic flow and drainage.

-If possible, try and keep bitten extremity at heart level or in a gravity-neutral position. Raising it above heart level can cause venom to travel into/towards the body. Holding it down, below heart level can cause an increase swelling.

-Go to nearest hospital/evac to medical facility ASAP
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Last edited by Sacamuelas; 02-18-2004 at 09:34.
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