The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association is fortunate to have two dark sites, TIMPA west of the city and CAC a very dark area south east of the city. These sites are dark due to their isolation from population centers and by their nature are remote. With those benefits comes risks. Both sites have some development to make them useful, but are primarily unimproved desert.

The Risks – These sites have inherent hazards and risks associated with walking during the day and especially at night, transportation of equipment related to the site activities, and traveling to and from portions of these sites. Inherent hazards and risks include but are not limited to: 1. Risk of injury from the activities and equipment utilized can be significant including the potential for permanent disability and death. 2. Falling, tripping due to uneven ground, animal homes and other obstacles causing broken bones, sprains, severe injuries to the head, neck and back which may result in severe impairment or even death. 3. All “act of nature,” including but not limited to, inclement weather, thunder and lighting, severe and or varied wind, temperature and other weather conditions. 4. Environmental risks that include, extreme heat, extreme cold weather, animals, insect bites including attack by or encounter with venomous insects, venomous reptiles, and/or animals. 5. In the event of injury, the availability of prompt medical care can be limited due to the distance from medical facilities.

Site Medical Equipment – CAC has a defibrillator and first aid kit in the utility room of the site central restroom. TIMPA has a first aid kit in the site restoom.

Medical Facilities

CAC

TIMPA

Desert Bite First Aid – from the Mayo Clinic

Visiting the desert southwest can be a beautiful and wonderful experience. But some dangers may be lurking. The rattlesnake is one of the creatures visitors should be on the lookout for.

“The most important thing to do is to avoid the rattlesnake.”

Dr. Steven Maher, an emergency department physician, explains what you should do if you are bitten.

“The most important thing is what not to do. You don’t want to try and suck out the venom, or try and cut. The best thing to do is try and immobilize the area, and seek medical treatment right away.”

A creature to look out for is the scorpion. Each person reacts differently to the sting, and symptoms can vary from severe pain to blurred vision.

“If you’re concerned at all, talk to your local poison center. And if symptoms are severe, get help right away.”

If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you.

If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:

Move beyond the snake’s striking distance.
Remain still and calm to help slow the spread of venom.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
Clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Caution

Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice.
Don’t cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed your body’s absorption of venom.
Don’t try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment. If you have a smartphone with you and it won’t delay your getting help, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification.