Paramedic pete, good question.
Massacre, no affront taken. I like proof too!

For those who are medically minded this is the explaination (quoting Ron's report) " In vitro studies have demonstrated loss of enzymatic activity of the coagulase and phosphatase enzymes when placed in an electric field. SDS-Page protein electrophoresis does not show any alterations in the protein of the crude venom following shock. However, upon purification of the phosphoesterases from the crude venom, the "inactivation"of the enzyme by electrical shock disappears." This is from the german experiments that were done.

Also an explaination can be found in The Lancet December 6 1986 page 1335 (available from any good main library). And check out Ron's publication concerning 34 cases of snake bite in The Lancet July 26 1986 page 229.

Just a correction, I assumed the 322 person study was done in the early eighties, although there was no start and finish date given. Ron has informed me that the study period was from 83/84 to around 95.

I now have made a pdf of the lancet publications and the oklahoma state med. ass. journal articles if any members would like copies send me a PM with your e-mail addresses. Warning- It is 12mb though! I m not aware of any links to these publications online. The Publications which they put out are available from the Oklahoma State Medical Association (you have to call).

As far as peer review goes in actual fact the review is funneled through just a couple of people for each area of expertise. If they are not open minded to certain things (history has shown that all the great advances were strongly resisted) Then no further studies can be accepted for peer review. Those of you who are wise, read between the lines here.

This First Aid method seems to work best when used within a short period of time after the bite has been inflicted. The more time that elapses the less local the reaction is and the harder it is to treat effectively. This would be more noticeable with very fast acting venoms. If the blood has stopped clotting it sure would help having some antivenom and benadryl handy!

Something I cannot stress enough is that this process cannot be touted as a treatment or cure for snakebite, but a first- aid treatment only. (this is for legal reasons) That way everyone is covered.