Education

Rattlesnake Bite, 24 Hour after initial bite. Final outcome was extensive tissue loss to affected thumb and limb. Injury range from local swelling (edema) , pain, to massive tissue edema, hypotension (low blood pressure), shock and other symptoms.

A Timber rattlesnake's average adult length is 36-48 inches. Rattlesnakes and Copperheads (and other critters) basks and hibernate on sun-warmed ledges.

1. DO NOT DISTURB THESE CRITTERS. THEY ARE HARMLESS UNLESS DISTURBED.

2. REPORT SITTINGS TO THE NJDEP RATTLESNAKE PROGRAM.

3. IF BITTEN BY A VENOMOUS PIT VIPER:

3. A DON'T PANIC, RETREAT FROM CLIMB, GET MEDICAL HELP IN AN EMERGENCY ROOM.

3. B. IMMOBILZE AFFECTED AREA, REDUCE PHYSCIAL MOVEMENTS, REST PERIODICALLY.

3. C. GET TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

4. THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL PRE-HOSPITAL MEDICAL ADVICE. OTHER FIELD TREATMENTS ARE IMPLEMENTED BY TRAINED PERSONNAL. THIS IS NOT DEFINTIVE.

REFERENCE: 2ND EDITION MANAGEMENT OF WILDERNESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES. CHAPTER 17. SULLIVAN AND WINGERT.

BOULDERING INFORMATION

1) An attentive spotter who prevents the person bouldering from hitting the ground thus decreasing risk of injury.

2) Black-pads to prevent soil compaction and prevents damage to fragile undersoil. also used to reduce risk of injury (not always used). Bouldering usually takes place 1 to 4 feet off the ground, making the crash pad (safety pad) most effective, thus reducing risk of injury.

3) Chalk-bag - chalks is used on finger to prevent slips of fingers and hands. often abused by climbers. climbers are reducing use of chalk, nationwide. Adopt a Crag events are used to clean up parks and climbing sites.

4) Specialized rubber soled shoes - prevents slips of feet, provides friction on rocks. Some people who boulder bring a tooth-brush which is used to brush holds of fine particles. These shoes are often known as "slippers".

5) Loose fitting clothes that allow movement on rock. Climbers perform trail work in parks and on resource inventories.

6) Location of boulder problem: no plant species, no under-growth, no rare critters. Boulders found next to existing trails and roads. Tree's and branches that touch the boulder sites are not touched. Bouldering is the "zen" of climbing. Bouldering breaks down to 1 person and a
rock. Some boulder problems require years to be solved.

7) No bolts or fixed anchors placed. Bouldering is one aspect of climbing. You boulder and walk away.

8) Bouldering is a safe activity and anchors a stewardship of environmental protection. Bouldering moves are specific techniques used to move on a rock or large boulder.

9) Climbers pack out what others carry in and leave behind. Climbers are responsible, historic users of the NJ Highlands.