DANGERS and SAFETY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE THREE BASIC RULES

1. WATER. Drink lots of water, even in winter. Always carry plenty of water

2. MOBILE PHONE.  Keep it handy, even for short hikes.

3. WATCH WHERE YOU PUT YOUR HANDS and FEET. Don't put them where you can't see. Shake out bags, blankets, towels etc that have been left unattended. Watch where you step. Many snake bites are a result of stepping on them.

 

HOSPITAL and EMERGENCY

Hi-Desert Medical Center at 6601 White Feather Rd     (760) 366-3711

The nearest hospital/emergency room is a 4 minute drive. Make a left onto the 62 highway, then a left at White Feather Road. If you have time and want to go to a good hospital, opt for Eisenhower or Desert Regional down in Palm Springs.

 

911 INFO:

Tell emergency personnel that the ranch is on Sunkist Road, south of the 62 Hwy, second property on the left (east).

Green Acres Address: 6575 Sunkist Rd

Cross streets: Highway 62 and Sunkist Rd

 

CACTUS NEEDLES

Pull them out with a fork, comb, tongs or something other than your fingers. There is a first-aid kit under the kitchen sink which has tweezers. For very teeny needles, scrape them out with a finger nail, credit card, or try adhesive tape.

 

BEES and WASPS

During hot weather bees are attracted to any moisture source, including human perspiration. Don‛t swat at them, as they may become agitated and sting you. If you are stung:

1. Remove the stinger by scraping it out with a fingernail, knife, or credit card.

2. Apply ice, if available, to relieve pain and swelling.

3. Seek medical attention if breathing is difficult or you are allergic.

 

BLACK WIDOWS

These girls are nocturnal, shy by nature and only bite if provoked (touched/trapped/startled). If bitten: Get medical help immediately. Apply a cool compress over the bite and keep the affected limb elevated to near heart level.

 

RATTLESNAKES

Only one guest has ever seen a Rattlesnake on the property. Watch where you put your feet and hands. Don‛t dig into wood piles or other crevices where snakes might be relaxing. If one rattles at you, freeze and give it time to retreat. Back up very slowly if it doesn't leave. Don‛t run or make sudden movements. Most rattlers only insist on a few feet of personal space, and if you give them an escape route they'll generally take it.

 

IN CASE OF BITE:

"The best first aid for rattlesnake bites is your car keys or cell phone."

1. Drive to the hospital ASAP or call for an ambulance. All other considerations are secondary!

2. Keep the bite lower than the heart (less poison gets to the heart)

3. Calm the victim

4. Wash the bite area with soap and water if time permits.

 

DO NOT cut the bite, tourniquet, suck the bite, apply cold water and/or ice packs to the bite.

DO NOT drink alcohol, apply electricity, or give painkillers such as aspirin, tylenol or advil to the victim.