Tuesday, May 2, 2006


The following was submitted by Marie Breakiron.  

Marie lives on the river. She sent this article just before the Spring Cleanup, but I had so little Internet connectivity at that time that I did not post it.

Marie is also a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), and a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR). She serves as the Emergency Room Manager and Perioperative Manager (OR manager) and RN First Surgical Assistant at Sweeny Community Hospital.

If you would like to see an article on any trauma subject, let me know.  ~eileen

Snake Bite Immediate Care

It's the time of year to watch for “snakes”. In case snakebite does occur, try to remain calm and try to keep the bite below the level of your heart and as immobile and still as possible.

Wash the bite gently with soap and water, remove jewelry or constricting clothing before any swelling begins, and seek medical care at once.

  • Do not elevate the bite above your heart.

  • Do not cut the bite.

  • Do not apply a tourniquet.

  • Do not apply ice.

  • Do not apply electrical shock to the bite (interesting treatment noted on some Web sites).

  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

According to the Texas Department of Health Services Web site, it is OK to suck or squeeze (just don’t cut) as much venom as possible “directly from the wound because venom is a protein and can be taken orally [by mouth] with no ill effects”.

Remember: CALM, CLEAN, IMMOBILE, BELOW HEART, IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE, and save the beer for the barbecue.

See you on the River!   

Regards,
Marie Breakiron

Texas Poison Center Network 1-800-POISON (1-800-764-7661)
911 for EMS

Reference: Texas Department of State Health Services
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/animal/bites/information/venom/snake/

Added by Eileen:

Here are some of the poisonous snakes around the San Bernard River:.

Copperhead
Coral Snake
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Rattlesnake timber rattlesnake

Click here to post a comment in the San Bernard River Discussion Forum

If possible, please send items to be posted to webmistress by 5 PM the day before they are to be posted.

 
Notices & Reminders What's New or Changed on the Web
  • Flags and Banners available for F.O.R. San Bernard. Order your flag or banner here.
     
  • First Meeting for the Memorial Day Boat Parade is set for this Thursday, May 4th,  7 PM at Dido's. All workers for this event need to attend--and everyone is welcome.
     
  • Saturday, May 13 - Can You Dig It? Try Try Again.  The river community will come together on our pristine beach at the mouth of the river. We'll  create a human line from the river to the Gulf, then symbolically dig out the sand obstruction to let our river flow. We will have other activities for children and adults. This is an important press event for us and we hope to have a very strong showing.
     
  • Saturday, May 27, 2006 - Memorial Day Boat Parade. More on this coming up very soon.
     
  • If you have feedback or suggestions for the OC, don't be shy. It is the goal of the Organizing Committee to keep this organization open and inclusive in every way. If ever you recognize something that doesn't fit that goal, please contact any OC member, or leave your feedback anonymously in the "Questions for the OC" form below.
 
  • River Height & Flow data updated for March, with added Water Temperature. It is available in a number of formats. Here is the link to the Excel data. Thanks to Bob Bailey in Lazy Oaks and  for Roby Warwick of Houston for collecting this data on a daily basis.
     
  • News article in Houston Chronicle here