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[suncoastpython]

Hi all.

I have a mate (a yank) who thinks that if you're bitten by a rattle snake you should not apply a tourniquet as it will have a confining effect and the bite area will be more severe and intense.
He also says that you should let the venom circulate to dilute the effect. Let the bite area bleed for 30 secs, clean the bite area. Lastly, use an extraction device to remove the venom.

I was always taught to apply a compression bandage all the way up the limb, immobilise it and get medical assistance. Not to clean the bite since medical staff can swab the area to test what type of venom it is. Don't suck the bite it's pointless since the venom is in the lymphatic system and not the blood stream. and by using a bandage the venom is less likley to move to the bloodstream where it can be circulated and kill you.

Maybe rattle snakes are different. but I thought it was the same for all species.

Any comments?