Marine Life Stings
Jellyfish, sea urchins, blue bottles, sea anemones, and certain sponge species are some of the stinging marine life which can inflict painful injuries to Divers.
Jellyfish
Injury Mechanism: Most tentacles of jellyfish have active nematocysts, or stinging cells which are discharged upon contact. Nematocysts discharge venom once they penetrate the skin. The severity of the injury varies, depending on the kind of jellyfish and the amount of venom discharged.
Symptoms: mild to severe pain, red and swollen rashes, stinging and burning sensation, muscle cramps, fever, nausea, cardiovascular failure
First aid:
- Ensure the ABCs of the victim (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation). Administer CPR when necessary.
- Rinse the injured part with sea water.
- Pour liberal amounts of vinegar to neutralize nematocysts and remove tentacles left in the injured part.
Sea Urchins
Injury Mechanism: A sea urchin has many slender spines which puncture the skin and break off.
Symptoms: immediate pain, numbness, burning sensation
First aid:
- Remove the spines and clean the injured area.
- Soak the injured part in hot water to relieve pain and swelling.
- Give local anesthetics to control pain.
- To prevent infection and further damage, topical antibiotics and tetanus protection should also be offered.
Blue Bottle (Portuguese Man-of-War)
Injury Mechanism: It has a transparent blue bladder with long, threadlike, blue tentacles which can reach lengths of up to 30 meters. Severe cases can result to death.
Symptoms: intense pain, stinging and burning sensation, muscular pain, difficulty in breathing
First aid:
- Rinse the injured part with sea water to remove any tentacles left in the skin.
- DO NOT apply vinegar, as this will only worsen the situation.
- Apply heat or cold (depending on what feels better to the victim) to ease severe pain.
Sea Anemone
Injury Mechanism: It is usually found attached to rocks or corals. It is characterized by a central mouth which is surrounded by multiple tentacles with nematocysts. These stinging cells can paralyze other small sea animals, and even Divers.
Symptoms: pain, itching, burning sensation, abrasions, laceration
First aid:
- Clean the injured area thoroughly.
- Some cases may require debridement, or the removal of dead or damaged tissue from the wound. A qualified doctor is needed to perform this.
Fire Sponge
Injury Mechanism: Very few species of sponges are known to be toxic. This includes the fire sponge which has small needle spicules that produce toxin.
Symptoms: redness, swelling, burning sensation, rash, blisters, joint pain
First aid:
- Rinse the affected part thoroughly.
- Use an adhesive tape to remove any bristles left in the injured area.
- Seek medical help if the red area spreads, feels warm, or the blisters have pus. Tetanus protection may also be necessary since some species of sponges have bacteria that can cause tetanus.
Crown of Thorns
Injury Mechanism: This is a type of starfish which can grow up to 60 cm in diameter and can have more than 16 arms covered with sharp and toxic spines. Aside from secreting venom, the spines can remain embedded on the wound.
Symptoms: severe pain, tingling sensation, itching, swelling, redness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, joint aches, headaches, paralysis
First aid:
- Immerse the injured area in hot water for 30 to 90 minutes, as hot as the victim can bear.
- Use tweezers to remove spines left in the wound.
- Clean the injured part with soap and water.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching.
- If symptoms persist, seek medical help.
Scorpionfish, Stonefish, Lionfish
Injury Mechanism: These poisonous fish have erectile spines found on their fins. These spines are venomous and can inject venom.
Scorpionfish can blend with the environment so take caution on where you put your hands on. Contact with this marine creature can result to moderate to harsh poisoning.
Stonefish are perfectly camouflaged. They look like rocks and are usually motionless. They can attack when caught or stepped on.
Lionfish are ornate venomous fish which usually have a striped appearance and are characterized by long and slender spines.
Symptoms: severe pain that can last for a considerable period of time, redness, swelling, numbness, tingling sensation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, paralysis, and even death
First aid:
- Immerse the poisoned area in hot water for 30 to 90 minutes, as hot as the victim can tolerate.
- Use tweezers to remove spines left in the affected area.
- Clean the wound. Rinse the area with fresh water.
- Seek medical help.
Most marine animals make the underwater environment colorful and exhilarating to look at. However, it can turn into a dangerous place for uninformed Divers. Knowing the marine species which have stings and cause injuries will make you cautious and careful when underwater.
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