Weight: 3.3 oz (entire package)
1.2 oz (vacuum pump and suction cups only)
Case measures 5" x 3" 1-1/2" deep.
Kit also includes 1 disposable razor, 2 alcohol prep pads, 2 sting
relief pads, 3 band aids and instructions.
The vacuum pump comes with four adapters for different sized wounds (the
coin in the upper left-hand corner is a quarter).
The Extractor is easy to use with one hand. When the plunger is
fully depressed a hole near the top of the handle allows the compressed air
to escape thereby forming a vacuum. Note in the
picture to the left how the forearm skin has been drawn into the
adapter by the vacuum. It may look painful, but it doesn't hurt.
The adapters come in a variety of sizes. Though in the picture
to the left the smallest adapter does not "draw in" as much skin, it
still applies the same amount of suction to the wound.
Excerpts from medical literature
Auerbach, PS, Donner HJ, Weiss EA. Field Guide to Wilderness
Medicine. Mosby, 2003. pg 320.
"The classic recommendation to incise and suck the wound also is
controversial. Incising the bite site across fang marks is not recommended.
Mouth suction is contraindicated (Moontrail translation: do not use
mouth suction). With regard to suction, a negative-pressure
device called The Extractor (Sawyer Products) may remove a clinically
significant amount of venom if it is applied over the bite within 3 minutes
of the bite and left in place for 30 to 60 minutes. However, it
may also promote local necrosis in the pattern of the applied suction."
Juckett G, Hancox JG. Venonous snakebites in the United States:
Management review and update. American Family Physician 2002;65(7):1367-74,1377.
"First-aid techniques such as arterial tourniquets, application
of ice, and wound incisions are ineffective and can be harmful; however,
suction with a venom extractor within the first five minutes after the
bite may be useful. Conservative measures, such as immobilization and
lymphatic constriction bands, are now advocated until emergency care can
be administered."
Forgey, WW, Ed. Wildnerness Medical Society: Practice guidelines
for wilderness emergency care. 2nd Edition. The Globe
Pequot Press, 2001. pg 85.
"The only scientifically proven method for extracting venom from
a bite site is with the Extractor device (Sawyer Products). In animal
studies, it has been demonstrated that up to 30 percent of total injected
venom can be removed if the device is used within three minutes after
the bite occurs."
Blackman JR, Dillon S. Venomous snakebite: past, present,
and future treatment options. Journal of the American Board of Family
Practice 1992;5(4):399-405.
"Field treatment [of a snake bite] focuses on the application of
a vacuum extractor and transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Although constriction band use can be helpful, tourniquets, incision
and suction, and ice therapy are contraindicated."
