Top 5 first-aid tips for marine stingers and boating injuries
Here's the good oil from Paramedics on first aid for ocean bites and stings, as well as potential boating injuries, over the otherwise happy holiday seasonMedical data shows that its paramedics attend hundreds of incidents each year involving patients injured by marine life in Australia.
There are more and more cases involving stingrays, blue bottles and jellyfish. At the extreme end, paramedics are called to suspected shark attacks that range from minor injuries to fatalities.
While a blue bottle sting could be a perceived as relatively minor, such incidents should not be dismissed.
Each individual's reaction and each scenario is different. Blue bottle stings can induce a potential anaphylactic or severe reaction in some people, particularly if there is any immune compromise.
If you get a series of stings or if you get stung around the airway, you can get some swelling and some possible airway compromise.
Due to the variety of effects that some of these bites and stings may have, it is important to remove the affected person from the water or potential danger where possible.
Basic first aid and life support measures should be applied where appropriate and Triple Zero (000) contacted.
As boaters are by their very nature on and around the water, we are often seeking expert first-aid advice about ocean bites and stings. So here you go...
TOP FIRST AID TIPS FOR MARINE STINGS
Paramedics further advise the following first aid tips:
Bluebottles/non-tropical jellyfish:
Rinse area with seawater to remove any remaining stings. If possible, place in hot water, no hotter than the patient can comfortably tolerate.
Stingrays, barbed marine creatures:
If possible, place in hot water, no hotter than the patient can comfortably tolerate. Control any bleeding. If the barb is embedded, do not remove it.
Blue-ringed octopus:
Treat the same as a snake bite by applying a pressure immobilisation bandage.
Limb injuries:
Partially severed limb - Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure. Protect the limb as much as possible from dirt and further damage.
Severed limb - keep the severed part dry, wrapped and cold. If possible, place the part in a dry, sealed plastic bag and then place within another bag filled with cool water. Do not place part in direct contact with water as this will damage the tissue. Do not place the part in direct contact with ice as freezing kills the tissue.
Bleeding:
Control bleeding by applying direct pressure.
With these five first aid tips and treatments you should be able to keep your patient alive and kicking until medical attention arrives.
It's also important to carry a decent first-aid kit with topical ointments to reduce rashes and itching.
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