If you read that August 18 post and think we only export angst here, this video from the Funny or Die people shows that dark humor is also offered from where power and prejudice reside in tandem in the governor's office:
http://www.funnyordie.com/embed/ccf82db57e
Meanwhile, here in the Navajo Nation, the days are shortening and the temperature is dropping. It's still August. I have my beloved winter beanie on - the one with the colorful border trim. It's like a basic bean and rice dish; no matter where I go in the world, it seems to fit in ok. Or at least I think it does.
Just to be reminded that I'm still in Arizona (if the occasional internet news isn't enough; there's no TV), a 3 yr old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake this week. He was whisked in by his frantic mother when she realized what had happened. I saw a swollen, slightly bloody foot, and thought it might by a bite from a small dog. I was wrong.
The entire lower extremity began to swell and darken with an alarming speed, and the child was inconsolable. As many reading this will know, the key is to keep the patient still and calm. So he was back boarded and sent traveling in the waiting ambulance the 50 miles to Chinle, where there is anti venom. An RN went with the paramedics for further support. By that time his foot and leg were so swollen it was difficult to see his toes; he had apparently received a large dose of venom.
From the Chinle Hospital, he was medevaced to Phoenix Children's ICU, where his definitive care proceeded. Rattlesnake bites break down the components of the blood's clotting factors, and his were indeed breaking down. It's as if you ingested rat poison, or all your granfather's coumadin at one sitting. The labs supported that ominous knowledge about this snake. Ongoing messages we are learning is that his condition is stabilizing.
In the Navajo tradition, rattlesnakes are not to be killed. Instead, they are asked to leave. I do hope by the time this family returns home there has been a ceremony to encourage their herpetologic visitors to move on.
The deluge of overnight rain has ended with the gray sun's meek arrival. My morning run will be muddy. On mornings like this, every being will leave their paw prints for me to see.
http://www.funnyordie.com/embed/ccf82db57e
Meanwhile, here in the Navajo Nation, the days are shortening and the temperature is dropping. It's still August. I have my beloved winter beanie on - the one with the colorful border trim. It's like a basic bean and rice dish; no matter where I go in the world, it seems to fit in ok. Or at least I think it does.
Just to be reminded that I'm still in Arizona (if the occasional internet news isn't enough; there's no TV), a 3 yr old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake this week. He was whisked in by his frantic mother when she realized what had happened. I saw a swollen, slightly bloody foot, and thought it might by a bite from a small dog. I was wrong.
The entire lower extremity began to swell and darken with an alarming speed, and the child was inconsolable. As many reading this will know, the key is to keep the patient still and calm. So he was back boarded and sent traveling in the waiting ambulance the 50 miles to Chinle, where there is anti venom. An RN went with the paramedics for further support. By that time his foot and leg were so swollen it was difficult to see his toes; he had apparently received a large dose of venom.
From the Chinle Hospital, he was medevaced to Phoenix Children's ICU, where his definitive care proceeded. Rattlesnake bites break down the components of the blood's clotting factors, and his were indeed breaking down. It's as if you ingested rat poison, or all your granfather's coumadin at one sitting. The labs supported that ominous knowledge about this snake. Ongoing messages we are learning is that his condition is stabilizing.
In the Navajo tradition, rattlesnakes are not to be killed. Instead, they are asked to leave. I do hope by the time this family returns home there has been a ceremony to encourage their herpetologic visitors to move on.
The deluge of overnight rain has ended with the gray sun's meek arrival. My morning run will be muddy. On mornings like this, every being will leave their paw prints for me to see.
Hello! I'm interested in becoming a health practitioner on a rez. Are you still on the Navajo reservation? I may be going to visit the area and it would be great to meet.
ReplyDeletethanks,
Christine