Powder Springs Reptile Presentations

06/25/2019

To my friends interested in or working with rattlesnakes:

Please be aware that recent toxicology studies have determined that the venom of the two nominate timber rattler species (crotalus horridus horridus and horridus atricadautus) have two very potent neurotoxins in their venom profile.

These toxins are present in small amounts and do not even come close to moving the timber rattlers out of the hemotoxic group into the neurotoxic group. Nonetheless, they can trigger significant and potentially fatal systemic reactions if not allowed for in a bite profile.

The canebrake rattler remains a fairly laid back member of the crotalus family, and the northern timber remains an aggressive SOB, but they now give us even more to think about in the case of a bite.

Just a heads-up, my friends.

09/18/2018

09/18/2018

09/18/2018

Had an interesting week with the Smyrna Fire Department.

Scheduled to teach six classes, but it didn't work out that way.

Tuesday morning got started late, but we got the class in with no problems. Tuesday afternoon, Smyrna had its first general alarm fire in several years. My class disappeared. Seems they had better things to do. The fire involved all of Smyrna's Fire Equipment and several supporting units from Cobb County.

Wednesday went great, except my venomous snake was in a bad mood and wouldn't cooperate. Oh, well, that happens occasionally.

Thursday morning went well, until just after the class ended. One of the paramedics approached me and said I didn't look well. He asked me to sit down and the next I knew there were fire fighters and medical equipment everywhere.

They hooked my up to a heart monitor and immediately called for an ambulance. Seems my heart rate was dangerously LOW, of all things.

So, I got to spend Thursday at Kennestone Hospital. Nice facility with a great bunch of doctors and nurses.

The cardiologist released me on Friday morning. However, I have to go in next Monday to have a portable heart monitor fitted, while they decide if I need a pace-maker. Sheesh.

The things you get into when you work with fire fighters. . . . .

Many thanks, Smyrna. You guys are the best!