AQUATIC HAZARD

• What are some Aquatic

Hazards?

• How should first aid be

administered to Victims of
these aquatic hazards?


 AQUATIC HAZARDS


JELLYFISH FIRE CORAL PORTUGUESE MAN-

OF-WAR
 People stung by jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war or fire corals will
experience swelling, burning and severe pain. when stung one must:

 1. Get the Person out of the water
 2. To stop the stinging::
a) Wash the area with sea water (not fresh water )to deactivate stinging
cells.
b) Rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds .if vinegar is not
available, a solution of baking soda can be used. This will Deactivate the
stinging cells.
c) Next, soak the area in hot water for at least 20 minutes if possible. Cold
packs can be used instead if the area can be soaked in hot water.
d) To relieve inching and swelling, use mild hydrocortisone cream or oral
antihistamine.

 Bring to the nearest medical facility if the person exhibits
severe allergic reaction or if the sting covers more than half an arm or leg.
If the sting also came from a box jelly fish, then the person needs to be
brought to the hospital immediately .The victim may suffer from intense
pain and experience swelling. Box jellyfish can be fatal.

 SEA URCHIN WEEVER FISH

 Sea urchin puncture and weever fish stings are treated in a similar way.
 Remove large spine carefully with tweezers.
 Scrub wounds with soap and rinse with fresh water.
 Do not close the wound with tape.

Call for urgent medical attention if severe allergic reactions are

observed.
 STINGRAY

You should immediately call a life guard and seek speedy medical help as there is no
antidote for stingray venom. While waiting for the ambulance, do the following first aid:

 To control pain, immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without
burning skin ) for30-90 minutes.
 Any large spines should be carefully removed from wound using tweezers ( avoid touching
the spine with bare hands.) spines embedded in or near joints or tendons must be assessed
and spines may need to be surgically removed.
 Clean wound using soap and fresh water , do not cover wound.