[Tabasco]

I was dealing with this at work and thought it would be good to share!!



The following safe practices shall be followed by DGS employees prior to any work at these barn facilities or any location that poses a snake threat:

DGS staff can not work alone. They must have two staff at all times. (If Boys ranch staff can assist that is acceptable)
Phone communication device shall be kept with at least one of the DGS employees at all times.
A First aid kit must be kept at least 25 feet of employees at all times.
A 50 foot barrier area around the barns needs to be mowed down for visibility.
A spotter with the primary duty of watching for snakes needs to be provided. (If Boys ranch staff can assist that is acceptable)
Chaps must be worn, which can be purchased from Cabellas (800-237-4444)





The following is additional required training information.

ALL DGS STAFF, Print out this e-mail and use as a training handout to any staff prior to working in the areas identified above. Have employees sign a training log this e-mail has been given to them and was reviewed with them by their supervisor. When completed please send a copy to our office.

Poisonous snake bites are medical emergencies, and they can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size. However, the right anti-venom can save a victim's life. Getting the victim to an emergency room as quickly as possible is the top priority, as many snakebites if properly treated will not have serious effects.
Snake bites can cause severe local tissue damage and often require follow-up care.

Causes

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

rattlesnake
copperhead
cottonmouth (water moccasin)
coral snake
All snake species will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid an encounter if possible and only bite as a last resort. Snakes found in and near water are frequently mistaken as being poisonous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites will not be life-threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it seriously.
Symptoms

bloody wound discharge
blurred vision
burning
convulsions
diarrhea
dizziness
excessive sweating
fainting
fang marks in the skin
fever
increased thirst
localized tissue death
loss of muscle coordination
nausea and vomiting
numbness and tingling
rapid pulse
severe localized pain
skin discoloration
swelling at the site of the bite
weakness
First Aid

1. Keep the person calm, reassuring them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.

2. Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.

3. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous.

4. Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the victim flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the victim with a blanket.

5. Get medical help immediately.

6. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done without risk of further injury. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it -- a dead snake can bite from reflex for up to an hour.

Do Not

DO NOT allow the victim to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the victim to safety.

DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
DO NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
DO NOT try to suction the venom by mouth.
DO NOT give the victim stimulants or pain medications unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.
DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the victim's heart.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call for help if someone has been bitten by a snake that you think may be poisonous, especially if the person experiences symptoms. Time is of the essence. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that anti-venom can be ready when the victim arrives.

Prevention

Even though most snakes are not poisonous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained.
Many serious snakebites occur when someone deliberately provokes a snake.
When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible.
Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding -- under rocks, logs, etc.
Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area with an obscured view of your feet. Snakes will attempt to avoid you if given adequate warning.
If you are a frequent hiker, consider purchasing a snakebite kit (available from hiking supply stores.) Do not use older snakebite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs. Newer kits, such as those made by Sawyer, may be of value.

[Paul]

Good info - Thanks!

[Mr. Mister]

Ever see the cartoon of the FED-OSHA Cowboy?

I'll see if I can find it.

[Tabasco]

Mr. Mister, on 29 July 2010 - 09:18 PM, said:

Ever see the cartoon of the FED-OSHA Cowboy?

I'll see if I can find it.

Yea, I have seen it.....pretty funny!!


I also have seen a report of one of our carpenters that died of a snake bite at that location in the 70's.....

That facility has been closed due to budget cuts and snakes are going into the buildings and our guys still need to maintain certain things at that facility.......

[Tonysnow]

Tabasco, on 12 August 2010 - 01:24 PM, said:

Yea, I have seen it.....pretty funny!!


I also have seen a report of one of our carpenters that died of a snake bite at that location in the 70's.....

That facility has been closed due to budget cuts and snakes are going into the buildings and our guys still need to maintain certain things at that facility.......

I tired to figure out the relevence of this topic. Then it dawned on me. A bunch of the guys that I meet up with in Elko religiously carry "snow snake medicine"........... they must see a hell of a lot of snakes cause the medicine is generally all gone by the time we get back.