Texas Survey July 2025 - Flipbook - Page 36
INSURANCE/ANCO
What NOT to Do
• Don’t use a tourniquet. It can cut off blood flow and cause more damage.
• Don’t cut the bite or suck out the venom. That old myth can cause
infection and doesn’t work.
• Don’t apply ice or submerge the wound. Cold can make the damage
worse.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine. Both can speed up venom absorption.
Symptoms to Watch For
Venomous bites don’t all look the same, but common symptoms include:
• Sharp pain, swelling, or bruising at the bite site
• Nausea, dizziness, or vomiting
• Tingling in the face or limbs
• Blurred vision or difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse or low blood pressure
Prevention Tips for Surveyors
Wear high boots and long pants. Gaiters are a smart investment in
snake-heavy regions.
• Use a machete or pole to move brush. Don’t use your hands.
• Stay alert in early morning or evening. Snakes are most active during
cooler hours.
• Never reach blindly into crevices or vegetation. Tap the ground ahead
with your stick or tripod.
As a land surveyor, you already prepare for weather, terrain, and safety
hazards. Add snakebite readiness to your field protocol—it’s another way to
make sure you and your crew make it home safe.
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