The Right Step

A monthly newsletter from the Lambda Hiking Club for and about its members and the environment.

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6. OCTOBER 2000

L. H. C.

Planned Activities:

October 7

Day Hike - Dog Lake in Millcreek Canyon

October 21

Day Hike - Neffs Canyon

October 27-29

Car Camp - Goblin Valley.

Call 532-8447 to sign up for what to bring for Saturday's potluck dinner. There is a $10/person campground fee for this trip.

In November...

Winter activities begin! Plans include outdoor activities, indoor rock climbing, an excursion to Thanksgiving Point, the Thank-You banquet and Christmas party.

For all day hikes please bring the essentials: water, sack lunch,hat,sunscreen, and hiking boots.

CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED WEB SITE!

Webmaster Joe has recently revised our web site. It contains our mission statement, hike information, code of conduct, a list of club leaders, great photos, and much more! Give it a look at www.gayhike.org.

FREE-WILL OFFERINGS REQUESTED

Up until now club expenses, which include the newsletter, the web site, ads in the Pillar, fliers, and Pride Day entrance fees, have been covered by a few people. As we grow, we are now asking that all those who are willing and able, give the club a free-will offering of $10/year. Our treasurer, Sye Felt, will accept your offerings. Also, for a limited time, we can offer members a free e-mail account at gayhike.org for their offering.

GREAT BASIN RATTLESNAKES

By Sye Felt

The more we know about them -- how very unlikely it is that a bite will occur and what to do if it does occur -- will eliminate some unnecessary fears.

Snakes as a general rule are retiring, timid creatures. They do not attack people but will only bite when provoked, angered, or accidentally injured such as being stepped on. If you do encounter one, step back, give it plenty of room and let it go its way. When hiking, staying near the center of the trail will decrease the likelihood of a bite. Only around 12 snake bites occur annually in Utah and venom is injected only in a portion of these bites. The chance of death or even serious injury is relatively small and that is usually in older people or small children. It takes hours or days, not minutes or seconds, for the most powerful snake venom to kill.

Rattlesnakes make two distinct puncture wounds. There is an immediate burning pain at the site of the wound and swelling of the bitten limb. Over the next 20 minutes pain increases in severity and the victim becomes dizzy, nauseated, pale, and sweaty; blood pressure falls and there is an increase in heart rate. Thirst, headache and pins and needless sensation are common symptoms. Non-venomous bites still should be treated to prevent bacterial infection or tetanus.

First lets discuss the don'ts. Definitely no tourniquets. This could result in the member having to be amputated. A rubber band could be placed above the wound to decrease the rate the venom moves into the rest of the body. If this is done, it is mandatory that a pulse be located below the rubber band. Do not slit the skin at the wound site and try to suck out the venom. This nearly always results in more damage to veins, tendons, muscles, and arteries than good accomplished.

Now the do's. Calm and reassure the patient, get them to lie down and keep quiet. This will decrease the spread of venom through the system if any has been injected. Clean the bite area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic, then cover it with a sterile bandage. Immobilize the extremity with a splint. Transport the patient to the closest hospital and notify the hospital you have a snakebite patient en route.

For more information about the Lambda Hiking Club or any of its activities or to submit articles/suggestions:

Call - (801) 532-8447

E-mail - [email protected]

Visit - www.gayhike.org

Or write to: Randy Burks 627 E 100 S # D SLC UT 84102