“There is absolutely no scientifically sound evidence that electric shock or the use of any stun gun on a snakebite, either in man or animal, is effective in preventing the effects of venomous snakebite.”
It is very hard to establish this for every scenario. Admittedly the supposed cases in which it helped are anecdotal.
“Application of electric shock with a stun gun is intended to immobilize a target, making it go down. It is risky and dangerous to apply this sort of insult to a person who may already be severely compromised by a venomous snakebite. The shock itself can be painful and damage to local tissues can exacerbate local tissue necrosis and infection.”
A brief application of a stun gun does not have this effect. I’ve been shocked with one before. It just made me move. There are cases where stun guns were used and the localized inflammation and necrosis have been lessened, according to testimonials of people who used this approach. This includes those who have used it to respond to spider bites and allergic reactions (known and diagnosed ones) to yellow jackets.
“use of a stun gun on electro shock can be dangerous as well as a useless, time wasting exercise and time would be better spent applying more conventional means of first aid and arranging transport to the nearest medical facility.”
This may be true in many cases, however it was not the case for the person in this article. I’m not saying it is reasonable to think he would have been saved by being shocked with a stun gun. However, it is possible. And it is possible that doing so only requires a minute or so delay in seeking other medical attention. This is another reason I favor it.
If medical science has a definitive solution in a given situation I certainly prefer that. Unfortunately I have seen endless cases of people following doctor’s orders and fully disclosing every symptom and medical history detail and yet the approach of the most qualified doctors often failed and exacerbated the problem. In general, modern medicine is a tremendous boon. And many times the failures of doctors are also the result of not applying the latest or most specifically indicated solutions, but it is nonetheless a serious problem.
Have it your way. You know it all anyway. I’m just glad I don’t have to go hiking with you.
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>> “There is absolutely no scientifically sound evidence that electric shock or the use of any stun gun on a snakebite, either in man or animal, is effective in preventing the effects of venomous snakebite.” <<
That statement will cost lives!
Stun guns work well if used immediately.
They dramatically simplify the complex protiens of the venom instantly if done correctly.
If you wait,and allow the venom to spread, there is no way it will work, as the blood moves rapidly.
I’ve used a stun gun on myself 3 times, and each time it reduced the venom to an insignificant mild toxin.
For a while I was stirring up rattlers every spring when I mowed our meadows. Now there are far fewer of them around.