Month: <span>June 2019</span>

Attention Everyone- Rattlesnakes Are Out

Please be aware of Rattlesnakes!

• Watch where you step, look down!
• Listen to yor surroundings.  The rattle is a warning.
• Snake heads can bite up to an hour after they are dead.
• Watch your pets, they will find the snakes for you.

How to Treat Rattlesnake bites:

The first and most important thing to do is get away from the snake, as they can strike again if they feel threatened. Don’t waste time trying to catch the snake, but try to remember its size and color. This may help your medical team identify which species it was that bit you and locate the correct antivenin.

Seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Call for an ambulance if you’re able to.  You should reach medical help within 30 minutes of being bitten. If the bite is left untreated, your bodily functions will break down over a period of two or three days and the bite may result in severe organ damage or death.

There are some common misconceptions about the treatment of rattlesnake bites. While waiting for the ambulance, here’s how to minimize your risk:

• Don’t raise the area above the level of the heart. If you do this, your blood containing rattlesnake venom will reach your heart more quickly.
• Stay as still as possible, as movement will increase your blood flow and the venom will circulate faster.
• Remove any tight clothing or jewelry before you start to swell.
• Let the wound bleed, as this may allow some of the venom to be released.
• Don’t wash the wound, as your medical team may be able to use some of the venom from your skin to more quickly identify the correct antivenin.
• Place a clean bandage on the wound.
• Try to remain calm, as anxiety and panic can increase your heart rate, which will cause the venom to spread.
• If you begin to experience signs of shock, try to lie down on your back, raise your feet slightly, and keep warm.
• Don’t cut the wound, as this doesn’t help and you could cause an infection.
• Don’t try to suck the venom from the wound, as you then introduce the venom to your mouth as well as introduce the bacteria from your mouth to the wound.
• Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice or water.

It’s imperative that you get to the hospital as soon as possible. Don’t waste time on procedures that have been shown to be ineffective.

Here are a few links of useful information-

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/symptoms.html?fbclid=IwAR1Uztj6ADHmnqxIrllaVyPCHCqu-htBmKA8MI2ySZ7IUEwKnb807vI26Bo

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Rattlesnakes

It’s Summer – Be Aware

Today is the first official day of summer!  We have had some different weather this year and have finally started to get some warm and often HOT weather.  While it may be tempting to cool off in our local rivers and streams, The Rubicon Trail Foundation would like to remind everyone that water levels are high and often deceiving.  The water is cold and swift.

Be SAFE near water.

Spot- Spot the dangers- consider what is hidden under the water, check tides and currents, be careful around banks.

Advice- Always read the signs and wear life jackets.  Do not depend on floaties

Friends – Never swim alone

Emergency- Learn what to do in an emergency

Be prepared for changing water levels when camping and in the water.

Protect Yourself in the Sun:

• Cover Up- wear tight woven clothing that blocks out light.
• Use Sunscreen
• Wear a hat
• Wear UV protective sunglasses
• Limit Exposure – Reminder UV rays are the most intense between 10am-4pm

Snow Wheeling

This is the first in the series of educational pieces.

The snow is still up in the mountains, although it is melting fast.  These are just a few tips to keep in mind if heading up to the Rubicon or to play in the remaining snow this weekend.

If you have any questions or are curious about trail conditions do not hestitate to call us.

Introducing Rubicon U- Unlimited Outdoor Learning

We would like to introduce you to a new education piece that you will see us blogging about and providing information on via Social Media, in the Restrooms along the Rubicon Trail, at Events and during Camp Rubicon.

Education is a huge piece of what we do serving on the Rubicon Trail Foundation Board. Education helps us in our Mission and Vision of keeping the Rubicon Trail preserved, protected and available for future generations.

Our mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon Trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.

Our vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

If you have a topic that you would like to see more information on please let us know.