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      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 (nearest stop light). The hospital is on the left.

 

911 INFO:

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

Green Acres Address: 64577 Cactus Drive

Cross streets: Highway 62 and Sunkist Rd

 

CACTUS NEEDLES

Pull them out with tongs or something other than your fingers if possible. There is a first-aid kit in the kitchen which should have tweezers for pulling out small needles. For very teeny needles, scrape them out with a 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 bees, 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 run into a Rattlesnake on the property. She followed the little snake around until it went into a hole. Watch where you put your feet and hands. Don‛t carelessly dig into wood piles or other crevices where snakes might be relaxing. If one rattles at you, freeze. 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.