Friends For Life
Friendship goes a long way but how far would you go to save the life of your best friend? The following story will demonstrate.
Two lifelong fellow strollers, Pete and John, were walking from town to town crisscrossing the South African countryside. One day, just after leaving a small town, John decided to relieve himself . A snake hiding in the shrubs got annoyed at being showered and struck at the source of the stream of water.
Realizing that he was very close to death John sat down in the shade of a tree and sent Pete back to town to fetch the doctor. His friend arrived at the doctor’s rooms but the receptionist informed him that the doctor has gone to a far out farm to help with a woman in labor. She asked if she could assist in any way.
Pete explained John’s predicament but being very shy he failed to tell her exactly where the snake had bitten his friend. She told him to make two small incisions into each bite wound and to suck the poison out with his mouth. In a very confused state of mind he started his journey back to where his friend was.
When Pete arrived back at where John was still sitting in the shade John asked: “Hey Pete, where is the doctor? What did he say?”
Pete looked at his friend gravely and said: “John, the doctor said you’re going to die.”
Would you have tried to save him if he was your friend?
Comments (44)
Yes, and as we did not take an oath as doctors do we cannot even be sued for negligence or malpractice.
Another good reason to "be prepared" for anything...I would probably try to find another method to siphon the poison out of him!!..or always carry a vaccum...
you have a point, but I'm not sure if it will be practical to carry a suction pump around for in case of snakebite at some strategic place.
You may call me Pete from now on.
Then I would have no choice...I would have to hire a sherpa...to carry the suction device...lol!!
Not good strategy, I fear. Some may encourage snakes to bite simply to get the suction pump working.
I must be very truthful to you; I would have done the same. How far does friendship go? And what would he expect next?
I like your thinking...life over limb!!!...very practical!
Having seen how snake bites can rot even after being properly treated you might as well chop it off.
That's good advice dear a tourniquet , I will certainly remember that when I come across the situation .
Mr Cat foot , do you think so , how sad , so snake bite and its all over rover. Poor man . Best stay away from snakes. I think you must have some scary things going on in Africa .
I am exceptionally well. Busy week at work, and I tend to be quite pragmatic when I am busy. Efficiency is what I seek out... so the tourniquet seemed most appropriate.
Although in Australia, a pressure bandage will do... and of course hospital treatment thereafter. I guess it depends on how much you really like John.
Catfoot! ... if it's good enough for sheep... should it not be extended to snake bite victims...
Bing and bod had the typical male friendship. We are friends with each other but do nothing for each other, and expecting none.
Okay, I'm off into the forest now, will be back later. It is minus 1 C and frost outside so it is beautiful today.
Seems the debate has been settled...no need for a siphon...or a sherpa in my case...just a rubberband...Good advice to stay away from snakes then. Cheers!!
Gee but you are a hard woman.
I hope Mike reads this and works your case.
Enjoy the walk my friend. And beware of the snakes. The big bad wolf does not even come close.
Whou would have thought about a rubber band as an antidote to snakebite. CS is truly an educational experience.
Leave it guys. It is not worth it.
CS is very educational and yes, it is chilly here as well...Brrrr!!
I have learned a lot in this year since joining CS.
Then by the grace of God you are not John. And will never be.
At last the cavalry arrives!
But the commander brags about his big mouth.
Alas he has plenty of brave mounties who may get bitten by snakes.
Hope this one works
Glad you are save back home.
you cannot blame the woman. She will just blame her husband who will shift the blame to somebody else who will shift the blame to yet somebody else who will...
In the end the blame is going to end up with you and I.
Poor John
It is poor Pete who seems to be the villain in the story.
but then again, human nature does not let those think for themselves.