Arizona Gold Prospecting Danger
The Bark Scorpion – the DEADLIEST Scorpion in the United States!
Although the Scorpions are out mostly at night, gold prospector should keep in mind that during the day they are usually in the shade, in between rocks and often occupying other animal holes or the cool entrances to abandoned mines.
Arizona Gold Prospecting Danger
Here’s a good size scorpion in my gold scoop, gold metal detecting just north of Yuma, Arizona.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, once included in Centruroides exilicauda) is a small light brown scorpion common to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. An adult male can reach 8 cm in length (3.14 inches), while a female is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 7 cm (2.75 inches).
Venom
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and its venom can cause severe pain (coupled with numbness, tingling, and vomiting) in adult humans, typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours. Temporary dysfunction in the area stung is common; e.g. a hand or possibly arm can be immobilized or experience convulsions. It also may cause loss of breath for a short time. Due to the extreme pain induced, many victims describe sensations of electrical jolts after envenomation. Two recorded fatalities have occurred in the state of Arizona since 1968; the number of victims stung each year in Arizona and New Mexico is estimated to be in the thousands.
Antivenom
An antivenom was developed for this species at Arizona State University by Dr. Herbert L. Stahnke, and produced in quantities sufficient to treat individuals within the state of Arizona. This antivenom was not FDA approved, but use within the state of Arizona was allowable and very successful in shortening the duration of symptoms and hospitalization. Production of this antivenom ceased by 2000 and the product was unavailable by 2004. A Mexican-produced antivenom, Anascorp [Antivenin Centruroides (scorpion) F(ab′)2, Laboratorios Silanes, Instituto Bioclon SA de CV], received FDA approval on August 3, 2011, and is now in use.
First aid
Basic first aid measures can be used to help remediate Arizona bark scorpion stings:
- Clean sting site with soap and water
- Apply a cool compress (cool cloth)
- Take acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen for local pain and swelling
Medical emergencies
Arizona poison control centers suggest immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur, particularly in young children. The Poison Center may be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
Arizona Gold Prospecting Danger
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Gold prospecting vacuum
The original Keene 151 Dry Washer is one of the big boy’s of drywashers. 2-3 adult men can pretty much shovel non stop into this beast and not clog it up. You can recover gold in the desert, dry river beds or any gold bearing area. This amazing drywasher can recover fine gold even in ground too damp for other drywashers to handle. Another amazing thing about this big unit is the fact that it will recover micro fine gold in addition to nuggets.
The Keene 151 drywasher uses three processes at the same time to recover gold. Electrostatic concentration occurs because the high-velocity air flowing through the unit creates an electrical charge which attracts and holds gold to the riffle tray cloth like a magnet. The same airflow then holds the material in suspension allowing the heavier materials to sink into the riffles where it is caught. The adjustable oscillating vibrator shakes the material at the same time further helping the gold to sink.
The Keene hot air induction blower 4-stroke engine helps create static electricity and allows you to run material that is damp. High velocity air passes through the concentrator creating an electrostatic charge to attract gold and other metalliferous values. The hot air from the engine is ducted into the radial blower, preheating the air and concentrator to 50 degrees above ambient making it possible to process a higher capacity of material and increases the electrostatic charge. An adjustable oscillation system creates increased vibration and air flow at lower engine speeds which increases fine gold production, especially in damp ground conditions. Equipped with an extra large hopper for greater capacity while steeper sides prevent material build up. The folding frame makes this model a dream for quick set up.
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