Thanks for the info. I've been looking though a lot of videos trying to find some numbers in terms of how much time you have to get to the hospital to survive if you are far away from a hospital. I've been having a hard time finding that info.
I usually run into rattlesnakes when I’m 20 miles in the backcountry with no cell phone service and am hiking solo. Even if I get to the car, it’s another couple hour drive to any kind of civilization. What do I do if I get bit? Try as I might, I’ve never found an answer to this question…
Invest in excellent high boots to prevent a bite from penetrating and maybe also use a hiking stick. A dog might also help although you would have to carry it out if it gets bit. AFAIK that's probably the best you can do. If you still get bit it would be best to have a hiking buddy if possible.
I came dangerously close to a huge rattlesnake while hiking in Big Bend (TX). The snake could've easily bit me but issued me a warning buzz. The sound of that was the most frightening sound I've ever heard. TV can't really capture the realism. I basically high kneed it immediately backwards. I got a good look at it and he was an absolute monster who was not backing down. But it saved my life by being a mature snake. It's the young ones you're more in trouble with. If I had been bit, it was a 3 hour hike back to the entry, and then who knows how long you're looking at from there. Probably looking at a lost leg if I'm lucky. I wasn't giving nature enough respect. Always be aware of the ground especially if there's bush or a tree next to the trail.
Same! What is the answer!? All these videos assume you just take hikes around the parking lot of a hospital. Not practical at all for people who actually go out on trails.
“Dr. Erickson emphasized this point by stating that the human mouth contains more bacteria than the snake’s mouth and could potentially cause more harm to the wound. We see this a lot in the movies, but it’s not helpful. It’s a tactic to dramatize Hollywood scenes.”
