Scuba diver's and swimmer's
alert: Jellyfish stings
What are jellyfish?
"Jellyfish are
free-swimming, non-aggressive, gelatinous marine animals surrounded by
tentacles. These tentacles are covered by sacs (nematocysts) that are filled
with poison (venom) that can cause a painful to sometimes life-threatening
sting. The marine animals included in the "family" are jellyfish, box
jellyfish (sea wasps), Portuguese man-of-war, hydroids, anemones and fire
coral jellyfish found throughout the world. But, the most deadly ones are
found in the Indo-Pacific and Australian waters." (1)
For swimmers and scuba divers
alike, there is growing concern about the large numbers of jellyfish inhabiting
oceans and freshwater lakes, all around the world. It has been suggested that
the greenhouse effect, created by the burning of fossil fuels is contributing
to an imbalance in the ecosystem that is encouraging the overgrowth of
jellyfish.
Normally, fresh water jellyfish
are not harmful to human beings, but in the ocean, intensely painful stings by
jellyfish can lead to anaphylaxis and immediate death. Thus, immediate, medical
treatment is recommended.
First aid measures or
professional medical treatment for jellyfish stings should include the following
measures:
The person who has been stung
by a jellyfish must get out of the water immediately or be assisted to do so,
by someone who is able to help him or her. Note that jellyfish in the water,
always present a hazard for rescuers and thus, protective suits and gloves must
be worn for any rescue attempt.
If necessary, CPR should be
administered to the patient, immediately.
Nematocysts or jellyfish
tentacles may still be clinging to the skin and should be washed off, as soon as
possible, with salt water or removed immediately, with gloves or tweezers. If
necessary, a knife or the sharp edge of a razor blade may be used to scrape the
remaining tentacles off the skin. Never touch the tentacles with your hands, as
you may be stung, too.
The jellyfish sting will cause
intense pain and itching and become what appears to be a skin rash with raised
welts.
Vinegar (3-10 % acetic acid)
should be applied directly to the sting area, but caution must be taken, so
that it does not get into the patient's eyes.
Do not rub the area of the
sting with a towel or clothing, as more toxins may be 'fired' or released.
Applying fresh water, alcohol or ammonia may also cause more toxins to be
released.
Epinephrine or adrenaline may
be given via an epi-pen injection.
Antihistamines, like benadryl
(diphenhydramine), can be administered to relieve itching of the skin. Topical
steroids or oral steroids may be prescribed.
A paste made of baking soda and
water, may be applied every 15-20 minutes to reduce itching.
Ibuprofen (Motrin), Aleve and
acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be administered for pain relief. The intense pain
will last for approximately half an hour.
Measures to decrease the spread
of the alkali-based venom may include the use of ice or a pressure bandage.
Restricted movement will reduce the flow of venom in the body.
Watch for symptoms of abnormal
heart rhythm, lowered BP, nausea, vomiting, faintness, confusion, chest pain,
weakness and swelling. Numbness, tingling and muscle spasm may be evident,
depending upon the location of the sting. With facial stings, the patient may
experience swelling of the lips and tongue. He or she may also experience
abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea. Swelling of the lymph nodes may occur.
For severe symptoms, like
difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, call 911 in order to obtain
immediate medical advice and assistance.
For more information on the
treatment of jellyfish stings, please see the following websites:
Learning how to treat jellyfish
stings could save your life and that of others! Scuba divers and swimmers should
always be alert to the presence of dangerous jellyfish.
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