Hazardous Marine Life. Flashcards
Jellyfish Tx
(1) Signs and Symptoms:
(a) Pain
(b) Erythema
(c) Edema
(d) Pruritus
(e) Vesiculations
(f) Anaphylaxis
Treatment
(a) Rinse the area with seawater. Do not rinse with freshwater
(b) Remove tentacles with a gloved hand the scrape off any remaining nemocysts.
(c) If species is identified more specific therapy can be done.
(d) Antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and pain medications
How are nemoctys are removed after a sting?
by covering with sand/shaving cream/baking soda and scraped off with straight edge. Sticky tape may also remove nemocysts
Coneshells Tx
(1) Signs and Symptoms:
-(a) Mild to severe pain
-(b) Stinging or numbness
-(c) Local to total paralysis
Treatment:
(a) Pressure Immobilization Dressing and supportive care to include close monitoring of respiratory status
(b) MEDEVAC for advanced supportive care, possible need for ventilation if symptoms worsen. Usually resolves in 24-72hrs
Stingray and stinging fish
(1) Signs and Symptoms:
-(a) Barbed spines that are a penetrating injury and envenomation.
-(b) Spine commonly remains lodged in wound
Treatment:
(a) Remove and irrigate to remove fragments
(b) Toxin is heat labile and immediate relief of pain can be obtained by placing the wound in water heated to 40-45 Celsius (104-113 Fahrenheit) for 30min intervals
(c) Local anesthetic can be used to help with pain if hot water immersion ineffective
(not in combination)
(e) Prophylactic Doxycycline 100mg BID for 7 days
True/False
Stingray and stinging fish stings respond well to pain relievers
False
How hot should the water be when treating stingray and stinging fish?
40-45 Celsius (104-113 Fahrenheit) for 30min intervals
Stonefish stings not responsive to hot water immersion- should receive _______,
and patient closely monitored for ______
antivenom, anaphylaxis
True/False
scorpionfish and catfish envenomation are treated similarly to stingray and stinging fish
True
