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Post by olebama on Jun 20, 2019 19:45:17 GMT -7
Have we discussed rabies in SHTF situation?
My niece (close to new orleans) thinks she got bitten by a bat. Dusk, something flying around, pain in shoulder and a wound. Also heard a chattering noise, pulled up bat sounds and that is what she heard outside her house. Went to ER. Had to tell her story 5 times to 5 different people. The nurse practioner didn't seem too bothered by it. However, the doctor came in and heard part of the story and said, "stop, you need to get the rabies shots." Having to go thru the rabies series. 2 shots immediately then one tomorrow and one more at the 2 week mark. However, there is some sort of disconnect in the medical community down there. ER gave her two shots and said go see your regular doctor. Regular doctor didn't have a clue what to do. So it sounds like there will be some retraining of the medical group down there sometime soon.
My uncle was bitten by a rabid dog as a child (1920ish). Had to go to New Orleans for the shots. There is some indication that a great great uncle (I think) was bitten by a rabid animal and they tied him to the bed to keep him from hurting anyone.
Rabies has almost 100% fatality rate. Vaccine is 3 doses over 28 days. However, they recommend that people who are potentially exposed (lab workers that work with rabies) get tested periodically to see if they need a boster. Cost is anywhere from $400 to $1500 per shot (0 to $50 with insurance).
Probably all of us think about getting a tetanus shot, but has anyone thought about rabies? Would it be worthwhile? I don't know with the cost and how likely would it be to get bitten? In a SHTF situation, dogs and cats no longer being vaccinated....
But with a near 100% fatality rate....
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Post by marc on Jun 23, 2019 6:00:25 GMT -7
I have always felt that medical is my biggest preparedness weakness and this just reminds me of the many things that can popup. Before moving north, we had a coalition of people, including medical. They are now all 200 miles away.
Snake anti venom is another concern on a long list of likely needs. Between the cottonmouths, copperheads and timber rattlers, necrosis leading to gangrene and/or death is easy to envision. We sell a lot of batteries for very small solar driven medication refrigerators (mostly for insulin dependent preppers) but everything has a shelf life.
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Post by olebama on Jun 23, 2019 20:06:21 GMT -7
Good point, Marc. I also have questions about snakes. I guess we all grew up with the idea of sucking out the poison. Now the medical community says that can make it worse and just get to the doctor. my question is, what if there are no doctors? THEN should you try to suck out the poison. Too many questions...
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Post by thywar on Jun 24, 2019 14:08:02 GMT -7
I think in this day and age as long as modern medicine, doctors, and facilities are available I’ll use those but with a curious mind. When SHTF I think I’ll use an old Boy Scout handbook, books on herbs and what’s now referred to as ‘alternative medicines’ (which we know was the original medicine before science came along). Reading about the many facets of ‘alternative medicines’ makes me think lots can be done but it’ll take a learning curve.
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Post by sirderrin on Jun 24, 2019 16:32:16 GMT -7
simple facts about snake bites.... Horse shoe shape bites are usually non venomous you can get same shape with a poisonous snake but there will be no mistaking the venom marks... Bigger the snake the better (older - size isn't the issue)- older snakes are smarter tend do more "dry bites" they won't inject venom unless they want to eat most times... Copperheads are usually only fatal if you are a very small or sickly older person... they tend to cause a rotting effect but you will live if you can keep up with basic common sense treatment Rattlers tend to be the same only their toxins effect the older weaker folks or young 'ins faster sense it is a neuro toxin and will usually kill with in a day or three.. cottonmouth/and or moccasins... same general game... coral snakes - hope for a dry bite... As a general rule healthy adults will survive most snake bites.. Might have an issue with dead flesh but long as you keep it trimmed ect all will be as good as can be in the end.. www.medicinenet.com/snake_bite/article.htm#what_are_the_%09symptoms_of_a_venomous_snakebite
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Post by thywar on Jun 26, 2019 3:21:52 GMT -7
I hate snakes. Any snake. Small, large, old, young, hungry or not. Doesn’t matter. Don’t like ‘em, don’t want to see ‘me, and don’t want them seeing me. Ok. I think that about covers it.
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Post by ColcordMama on Jun 26, 2019 11:54:53 GMT -7
I agree with TW. I am terrified of snakes, right down to the very core of my being. (Yeah I know, why do I live on the edge of the Sonoran Desert then, right? Not my choice. Family thing.)
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Post by Cwi555 on Jun 26, 2019 13:52:05 GMT -7
I've been bit twice. Once by a cotton mouth, once by a rattler. They are not the death sentence some people make them out to be. Life is going to royally suck for a few days without immediate medical attention, but you can survive.
When it comes to snakes, size definitely matters. Small people and children are definitely more at risk along with the infirm.
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Post by woodyz on Jun 29, 2019 20:57:25 GMT -7
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Post by marc on Jul 1, 2019 11:52:29 GMT -7
A full on hit from a Timber Rattler is the one that concerns me the most.
They are protected, but have caused two deaths in Central Texas that I personally know of. One man died on the way to the ER and the other passed just as the Life Flight helicopter landed. One was a heavily provoked attack by the victim, the other was an accidental encounter. Generally, Timber Rattlers are very clear with their warnings and posturing providing you lots of chances to retreat.
I have worked hard (still am) to be able to properly ID snakes so that I can let the good guys do their thing - like eating bad guys! I have a 9mm that will cleanly cycle snake shot rounds.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Jul 6, 2019 8:58:42 GMT -7
Wow, I don't think I can add any thing to this thread. Well covered and great info! Thanks guys. P.S. My backyard is home to seven venomous snakes. 2 types of coral snakes, 3 types of rattlesnakes, cottonmouth and copperhead. When I walk around in my yard my head is like being on a swivel, I look up, down and all around. Can you imagine a cottonmouth falling out a tree right on your head. Yikes!!
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Post by solargeek1 on Jul 6, 2019 10:10:26 GMT -7
Wow, I don't think I can add any thing to this thread. Well covered and great info! Thanks guys. P.S. My backyard is home to seven venomous snakes. 2 types of coral snakes, 3 types of rattlesnakes, cottonmouth and copperhead. When I walk around in my yard my head is like being on a swivel, I look up, down and all around. Can you imagine a cottonmouth falling out a tree right on your head. Yikes!! I love you CL but I am NEVER VISITING YOU AT HOME.
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Rabies
Jul 8, 2019 9:33:28 GMT -7
Post by olebama on Jul 8, 2019 9:33:28 GMT -7
A full on hit from a Timber Rattler is the one that concerns me the most. They are protected, but have caused two deaths in Central Texas that I personally know of. One man died on the way to the ER and the other passed just as the Life Flight helicopter landed. One was a heavily provoked attack by the victim, the other was an accidental encounter. Generally, Timber Rattlers are very clear with their warnings and posturing providing you lots of chances to retreat. I have worked hard (still am) to be able to properly ID snakes so that I can let the good guys do their thing - like eating bad guys! I have a 9mm that will cleanly cycle snake shot rounds. What is the 9mm that you have that will cleanly cycle the snake rounds??
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Post by marc on Jul 8, 2019 17:47:47 GMT -7
Actually it's two. They are both CZ75B Compact clones. Tristar (Canik) T100 and C100 with 15+1, 3.75" barrel. (You can use CZ extended mags for 18+1, but that defeats the purpose of a concealable) Each has over 1,000 rounds and have proven to be 100% reliable.
I had a Ruger that would not cycle them reliably and a Taurus G2 which won't cycle normal CCI shot shells at all, but gladly eats everything else I feed it.
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Rabies
Jul 8, 2019 19:29:05 GMT -7
Post by olebama on Jul 8, 2019 19:29:05 GMT -7
thanks marc
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