< Use distal and proximal contricting bands

< Use of the Sawyer Extractor is recommneded for use within 5 mintues of bite.

I've got one in my backpack, it's there for emergencies, but I've never had the occasion to use it.

Do you think that it would be a serious mistake to push down on the plunger while treaing a person for snake and insect bites ?

I get the impression that it would be a SERIOUS MISTAKE to push down on the plunger because it would force toxic venom right back into the wound. The downward motion of the piston would force the venom deeper into the victim's body. OK, but how are you supposed to maintain "suction" with the device if you cannot push the down on the plunger while treating someone for snake and insect bites ?

I think it says somewhere in the instruction manual that you're supposed to get "suction" by coating the wound with a fine layer of petroleum jelly. OK, but now let's imagine the worst-case scenario and let's assume that you don't have any petroleum jelly on you, then what ?

LW.