Outdoor Survival Tips
Helpful Tips for New ATV Riders
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First Aid - Spiders
A few dozen species of spider only have a bite
harmful to humans, either because they inject too little venom or their fangs
cannot penetrate human skin.
One of the most venomous, the black widow, at least
four species of which are common in the United States, bears the tag
"cosmopolitan," a spider found around the globe. Only the shiny female, two to
2.5 cm in length, poses a threat, and she packs more danger in every drop of
venom than any other creature in North America. The typically red "hourglass"
shape on her abdomen helps identify her. She has been found in every State but
Alaska, secreting her tattered web under logs and large pieces of bark, in stone
crevices, in trash heaps and outbuildings, deep in clumps of heavy vegetation.
Rarely aggressive, she may be touchy during springtime mating and egg-tending
days.
Her drop of poison is tiny, a huge boon to bitten
humans. Victims almost never feel the bite, although some have reported
immediate sharp pain. There may be little or no redness and swelling at the site
initially, but a small, red, slightly hard bump may form later. Within 10 - 60
minutes symptoms usually begin to occur. Pain and anxiety become intense. Severe
muscular cramping often centers in the abdomen and back. Burning or numbness
characteristically disturb the victim1s feet. Watch for headaches, nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, heavy sweating--common reactions.
It feels like, say victims, you're going to die, but
black widows kill very few humans, only two to four during an average year in
the United States, and they are almost always the very young, the very old, or
the very allergic.
If you find yourself a rescuer, keep the victim as
calm as possible and you'll be "applying" perhaps your best first aid treatment.
If you can find the bite site, wash it, and apply an antiseptic such as
povidone- iodine. Cooling the injury, with ice if possible, with water or wet
compresses if necessary, will reduce the pain. Cold also reduces circulation
which slows down the spread of the venom.
Evacuation a medical facility is a great idea, just
in case complications arise. Most people will receive painkillers and eight to
12 hours of observation. Youngsters, oldsters, and the very sick may be admitted
for longer. Antivenin is available if needed.
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ATV Club can not be held responsible for errors contained in this page or any
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strives to ensure that all our content is kept up-to-date. North East Wisconsin
Riders Inc. ATV Club is an all volunteer organization and please remember North
East Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club is NOT offering any legal advice. We
are simply trying to raise awareness. As an ATV owner it is your responsibility
to know and understand the rules and regulations regarding your ATV and the
surrounding community. Lets all try to work together to educate each other.
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