Prevention Tips in Field

Prevention Tips in Field

Normally not aggressive but will bite when disturbed

Shake out clothing and shoes at end of work day(items that hang in storage)

Wear Gloves ( cloth)

Eliminate clutter, long standing piles of wood

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse - Violin

Black Widow Spider

Range: This species occurs in West Virginia from the eastern panhandle, through the Alleghenies south to Mingo and Mercer Counties. This distribution is likely a result of the mountainous terrain found in these areas.

Timber Rattlesnake

Northern Copperhead

First Aid for Brown Recluse

Remain calm and collect spider if possible for ID

Apply antiseptic and apply ice packs

Transport victim to emergency room

Key is fast administration of cortisone-type hormones to combatthe hemolysis and systemic complications

Range: This species occurs in West Virginia from the eastern panhandle, through the Alleghenies south to Mingo and Mercer Counties. This distribution is likely a result of the mountainous terrain found in these areas.

Timber Rattlesnake

Northern Copperhead

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse

Symptoms -2-8 hour awareness/reaction to bite

sting followed by intense pain

small white blister at bite site surrounded by swollen hours

volcano lesion within 24 hours surrounding site

Control of Lyme Disease

Use a DEET- based repellent as Permanone

Wear light clothes and cover -up

Tuck in clothes

Inspect Inspect Inspect your clothes

Lyme Disease

A characteristic bullseye rash at the bite site

Symptoms include: fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches

Unchecked:developed symptoms include inflammation of joints

Early detection is critical

First Aid... First Steps…

1. Remove tick with sharp tweezers, close to skin

2. Avoid crushing the tick

3. Save tick for ID/ flush

4. Wash and disinfect area of bite

5. Medical attention

Summary Slide

• Poison Sumac, Oak

Poison Sumac, OakBest Defense is to avoid exposure

cover up legs, arms

Sumac and Ivy Blocks are on market

sensitive/allergy persons require medical attention( within 1-4 hours)

Heat Heat Heat

Heat Cramps: associated with exercise

severe cramps in legs and abdomen

weak and sweating

Managing Heat Cramps

Increase salt intake

prevention first ( breaks)

Move victim to cool area

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include pale skin and profuse sweating

nausea and/or vomiting

Dilation of Pupils

Weakness or reduced level of consciousness

Managing Heat Exhaustion

Prevention

Move victim to cool arealoosen clothing

Apply Ice packs or cool water to skin

Elevate legs above heart

provide cool liquids

Heat Stroke

Symptoms includeSymptoms include high body temperature

Reddish tinge to skin

Rapid Pulse

Nausea and vomiting

Weak and dizzy

Managing Heat Stroke

Call Doctor immediately or get to an emergency room

Reduce body temperature as fast as possible

Elevate head

Provide with Fluids ( if victim will accept)

Fun in the Sun

Sunscreen even if you are not at risk

Sunglasses and hat (extended brim)

Recommend screening for melanoma

ABCD’s of Melanoma Detection

A symmetry

B order irregular

C olor varies

D iameter larger than pencil or eraser

Field Emergencies

Sign out procedures

Buddy system

Car Phone

First Aid Kit, extinguisher in vehicle

Direct travel to local Emergency Room

Hint to Phil- may need tailoring