Jellyfish most commonly injure swimmers in summer. There are several species of tropical jellyfish found in the coastal waters of Asia and northern Australia. One of these is the box jellyfish, which is the most venomous jellyfish in the world. Its sting can be fatal unless the antivenom is given urgently. All species have long tentacles with stinging cells, which cause excruciating pain as they inject venom. The tentacles break off and are left on the victim’s skin, allowing more cells to inject venom.
The victim may complain of any of the following: immediate pain in the stung area; pain in the back and in the large muscles; pain in the groin and armpits; nausea, vomiting and severe sweating; and breathing difficulty.
Urgent medical treatment is required. It is vital to stay calm and to send someone to call for an ambulance without delay. And while waiting for professional medical help to arrive, here are experts’ suggested first-aid treatments:
1) Restrain the victim from rubbing the stung area as this will add to the pain. If the victim has been stung by any jellyfish in the tropical waters of Northern Australia or Southeast Asia only, pour vinegar over the stung area for up to 30 seconds to kill the remaining stinging cells.
2) Then use the pressure immobilization bandaging technique: apply a wide crepe roller bandage firmly over the sting site. If you have not used vinegar, do not apply the bandage, to avoid squeezing more venom into the victim.
3) Apply a second wide, crepe bandage to the affected limb, working upwards from the toes towards the knee. Apply firm, even pressure over the soft tissues of the limb. Use as many bandages as necessary to cover the area.
4) Ensure total immobilization by splinting the legs together. Improvise a splint to keep the leg still with a tightly rolled blanket or clothing placed between the victim’s legs to restrict muscle movement.
5) Tie the victim’s legs together with bandages or improvise by using whatever clothing is to hand. Keep the limb as still as possible during the process. Continue reassuring the victim and explain what is being done and why.
6) Keep the victim lying down to decrease the rate at which venom enters the circulation. If conditions are cool, cover the victim with clothing or a blanket. Improvise shade if the victim is in the sun.
Experts advise to watch for signs of loss of consciousness. If it becomes necessary, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) promptly.
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