Immunization to rattler bites

[Hikin_Jim]

U.S. Coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured and remaining stocks of in-date antivenom for coral snakebite will expire in the Fall of 2009 leaving the U.S. without a Coral snake antivenom at this time (January, 2009).

Note to self: Thou shalt not hike in Florida.

[halhiker]

U.S. Coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured and remaining stocks of in-date antivenom for coral snakebite will expire in the Fall of 2009 leaving the U.S. without a Coral snake antivenom at this time (January, 2009).

Note to self: Thou shalt not hike in Florida.

Aren't Coral Snake bites EXTREMELY rare? I heard Coral Snakes have a very small mouth which makes it difficult for them to bite humans plus they aren't pit vipers and they have to chew the venom into their victims.

[AlanK]

Maybe Jim is staying out of FLorida because of the gators.

[Hikin_Jim]

Maybe Jim is staying out of FLorida because of the gators.

So far my gaiters have been very effective against coral snakes.

[lilbitmo]

Is this where Jim is not going to hike?

Florida Power & Light crew putting in lines for an addition to the Orlando International Airport found the following in a culvert they were using...

The gator is/was 18' 2' long.


The rattlesnake roundup totaled 87.


Do dem dare gaiters hold up against these critters?

[zippetydude]

Ew. That rattler pic made me shudder.

z

[msugarpants]

Since the antivenom is for the dogs, any tips on snake bite kits or meds for us humans?

[neverwashasbeen]

I'm not an expert, but since I don't see Dr. Sean Bush posting, I share a little I've learned. Snake bite kits cause more damage than good. Effective meds that we can carry for snake bites don't exist. Far better to carry a cell phone, ham radio, emergency locator, etc. The best thing after being bit is to remain calm and move as little as possible to avoid spreading the venom faster throughout your body. Out away from speedy help, like on the Skyline, you're taking your chances.

Happy trails.

[SoCalJim]

According to Poison Control, snakebite kits are useless, may do more harm than good, and may delay someone from seeking treatment. I'm an RN and I've stopped carrying one. The only effective treatment is antivenin and the only place you're going to get it is in a hospital. If bitten and you're close enough to a rescue point or ambulance access, call for help; if you're out there, start walking until you run into someone who can go get help. Good news is, no venom is injected in a high percentage (40%?) of rattler bites, and the mortality rate is less than 0.5%. Of course, your hand or leg may end up not looking so good...