HOW TO USE THE EXTRACTORTM PUMP

The Extractor pump creates powerful suction designed to remove venom from the body by sucking it our the same cavity through which it was injected.

For snake bites DO NOT cut an "X" or suck out the venom with the mouth. this is ineffective and increases trauma in the area of the wound. the venom could get into the blood stream of the rescuer who has even a small cut in the mouth.

For bees, DO NOT pull out a stinger with fingers or tweezers as this will squeeze fore venom into the victim. Instead, carefully flick it out with the blunt side of a knife, a credit card or other non-sharp object.

1) Don't panic. Begin emergency treatment only after the victim is quiet. This will slow down the body's absorption rate of the poison. The extractor pump is most effective when used quickly after the bite.

2) If necessary to improve suction, us the safety razor provided to remove body hair from the bitten area. this should only be necessary for treating bites from snakes, spiders, or sting rays. Other techniques to improve suction include wetting or covering the surface under the suction cup with petroleum jelly. (Note: applies only to areas of heavy body hair.)

3) Fit the Extractor pump with the suitable size suction cup. the smallest cup may be fitted in either direction.

4) Pull the plunger out to its fullest extent and place the cup over the bite or sting

5)Using your thumb, push the plunger all the way in until you feel the suction, and let the pump remove the poison. this should take 60-90 seconds for insect bites. The first five minutes are most beneficial for applying the pump to a snake bite. However, suction may be left in place for several hours or until no longer possible due to swelling. Center a suction cup over one fang hole at a time. Alternate between fang holes every two minutes for the first twelve minutes, then at intervals such as 15 minutes.

6) Pull the plunger up gently to release the vacuum. If present, poison mixed with body fluids will be on the surface of your skin. Be careful. avoid a poison splatter. For snake bite, if no venom appears on the skin's surface, there is no swelling, you were not bit by a coral snake, and you have followed steps 1-6 properly, then you have most likely received a "dry" bite or a bite with no venom injection. If symptoms appear within 3-4 hours seek medical attention immediately.

7) Wash the fluids away carefully from the wound with soap and water. Apply alcohol and cover wound with the bandages provided in your kit.

8) Treat for shock and give artificial respiration, if necessary. A high quality firs aid kit such as sawyer's includes a manual which will be helpful.

9) Seek medical help immediately. Children and adults under 120 lbs. are particularly at risk, as is anyone who has received multiple bites, stings, or a full load of venom.

10) After the person bitten is properly cared for, and the danger has passed, wash the suction cup so as to remove all the fluid residue. when possible, sterilize the cups between uses, especially after exposure to snake venom. DO NOT wash the pump! This may destroy the vacuum-creating mechanism and the pump.

DO NOT use the pump in areas of sensitive skin such as eyelids, genitals, or ear cavities.

Return to Home Page