Marine animal stings and bites and envenomation can be very mild and at times can be life-threatening. When we enter the ocean, although the risk is very slight, we know that there is an inherent risk that we may be subject to a injury at the hands (or fins) of the creatures who call the ocean their home. Some of these creatures include stingrays, jellyfish, blue fish, watersnakes, as well as some of the larger creatures of the deep which tend to avoid contact with humans, but at times, unfortunately due to animal’s curiosity, and or defense of their territory, they do have a run-in with humans which can result in injury from time to time.
The first assessment we try to make if, and when a person has the unfortunate experience of suffering, a marine bite., Is to determine if this was a venomous or non-venomous, sting or bite. If a non-venomous sting occurs, the patient then has to determine if the bite is one in which bleeding may be of concern.Some of the signs and symptoms that would indicate a venomous bite include, difficulty, breathing, vomiting, swelling around the bite site, chest pain, as well as a rash at the bait, site or elsewhere. Marine envenomation's can be mild and can also at times be severe. In the setting of a severe, allergic reaction or information, it is important that a person seek medical attention immediately.
Examples of dangerous, marine animals
Stingrays well, we generally think of as gentle creatures, are capable of administering a fairly powerful, venom through their tail stinger. The venom associated with stingrays creates an extreme amount of pain. A person can also have an anaphylactic reaction to the venom. This is typically seen in individuals who have known allergies to bee stings or wasp stings. In the case of a anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction, epi-nephron becomes the medication of choice. Stingray envenomation can also cause secondary infections. For this reason, it is important that the beta site be monitored for days after the sting occurs. In addition, the venom associated with the stingray is heat, labile. Therefore, if the person is able to put that part of their body into hot water, this can alleviate some of the potency of the venom, and therefore take away the pain associated with the sting.
Jellyfish:
Jellyfish as well as sea, anemone, and different types of coral, have tentacles which are covered in a tiny stinger known as nematocysts. Often, these are used in order to help capture prey. However, on occasion, tentacled forms of marine life have been known to use their venom in self-defense against an innocent passerby or human swimmer. Often times, this sting causes people to experienceMuscle pain, headache, sweating, occasionally chest pain. The two most severe jellyfish stings occur when a person is stung by either the Portuguese man-of-war or the Australian box jellyfish. These stings are known to be fatal at times.
Sea Urchins:
See origin, or another marine creature that can cause significant injury if handled inappropriately. See urchin, often make their home in the cracks and crevices of the rock and coral in the shallow waters by the edge of the coast. Unsuspecting swimmers often step on these Seargent, who intern release aSting through one of their spines, which often will break off and large into the persons foot. This intern creates a painful wound. If the spine is not removed completely, the wound can become inflamed, which subsequently can lead to muscle ache and joint pain.
Treatment for marine stings, and bites:
The treatment for a marine sting varies from case to case. However, there are a few general rules. Always a good idea to rinse wounds with clean water. If debris, or splinter, or foreign body is noted in the soft tissue, removing this is usually advised.In the case of a envenomation, it's important for the patient to keep their heart rate low, and to not do anything terribly exertional.
Specific treatment by species
Jellyfish:
After being stung by a jellyfish, if there are any tentacle pieces left in the wound, these can be removed. The area should be cleansed with clean water. Vinegar is no longer recommended as it may activate the stinging cells which have yet to fire. Instead, application of an ice pack I can reduce inflammation and pain, keep in mind, most jellyfish stings are minor and do not require anything beyond basic first aid. However, monitoring for symptoms of a more severe envenomation is critical. In addition, monitoring a wound site area to help ensure that a bacterial infection does not develop is ofParamount importance as well.
Sea Urchin:
It is important to remove any spines that are visible within the wound. This can be done with a sterile, tweezers, or a sterile needle. If the spines are penetrated deep into the soft tissue, they may need to be removed with the aid of anesthesia and physician.Often times, soaking the affected body part in warm water can help with release of pain. However, while the water should be warm enough to help with pain control, take caution not to burn your skin. Taking over-the-counter medication's like Motrin and Tylenol can help relieve some of the pain as well.
StingRay:
Typically, treatment for stingray information requires evaluation in the hospital. The pain can be severe and often requires intravenous narcotic pain medication's. Doing it self can be rinsed in the end term. Often times antibiotics are indicated as well as tetanus shot and occasionally stitches. The venom from the stingray is heat labile. Therefore, heating the affected body part with hot water, can help ease some of the pain as well.
Precautions for Prevention
Be mindful of your environment and the potential hazards around you especially in a marine environment. Stay out of the way of marine life. Be mindful of any warning signs posted. In addition, if you are in an area where stingray reside, be sure to shuffle your feet along the ocean bottom rather than stepping. If you are in an area with rock and coral. This is to be avoided at all costs.Take caution with your hands when reaching through into the water if its potential for any creature to be lurking underneath. In general, avoiding contact with any living creatures in the ocean is generally a good idea to.