Any snake bite experts out there want to chime in on the efficacy of sucking venom out of wound?  I thought it was more important not to get your heart rate up and to get medical attention ASAP but maybe having a device like the Sawyer Products B4 Extractor Pump Kit ($14.48 Amazon) in your pack if you’re traveling through snake country would be worthwhile precaution. Here’s what you get: 

  • Small, reusable vacuum pump helps draw venom from below your skin in 1 quick motion; pump is easy to use with 1 hand
  • Kit includes Extractor pump, alcohol prep pads, adhesive bandages, sting care wipes, razor (for hair removal), and instruction manual- 2 Packs total.

“The pump has been used successfully for over 30 years as an adjunct in the treatment of snake bites and for bee sting venom removal. The pump is not a replacement for quickly seeking professional medical treatment. The victim should also be taken to a hospital for further examination and medical treatment. The Extractor Pump is also a safe and useful first aid device for treating bee and wasp stings as well as spider, scorpion, fly, or mosquito bites.

* If used immediately after bite or sting; seek medical attention if you suspect a Brown Recluse or Black Widow bite.”

Effective Treatment for Bites from:

  • Snakes*
  • Bees
  • Wasps
  • Hornets
  • Spiders
  • Ants
  • Mosquitoes
  • Ticks
  • Flies
  • Scorpions

Treating Snake Bites

When the Extractor Pump is used quickly after a bite, treatment results may be significantly improved. Some doctors recommend carrying and applying two pumps, one for each fang bite site.

If you are known to be allergic and carry an Epipen pen, this is in no way a substitute; however, rapid relief from the pain or itching from a bite can be achieved. Retrieving venom from a snakebite can significantly improve treatment results. The effectiveness of the Extractor Pump varies with the location of the bite. Most snake bites occur in extremities (arms, lower legs, feet, and ankles).

Venom often pools outside of the muscles in bites to the hands, feet and ankles. The Extractor Pump can most effectively retrieve venom that is pooled outside muscle areas. In large muscle mass areas, such as the calf muscle, venom enters the circulatory system much more quickly and the Extractor Pump is not as effective in removing venom in these areas.

Treating Insect Bites

Insect bites and stings leave venom, poison, or itchy compounds close to the skin’s surface where they can easily be retrieved. Best results occur when applying the pump quickly before the fluids enter the circulatory system. However, mosquito bites can often be treated successfully hours after a bite.

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