Jellyfish stings should be at the top of any diver's "list of cautions".Most jellyfish stings are painful, but the Box Jellyfish, or sea wasp, can kill you!
And if that's not enough, now we need to wonder about the Irugandji
Stinging Mechanism
The sitinging mechanism of the jellyfish is extremely efficient. Tiny pockets called "nematocysts" are filled with a complex venom which is a compound of proteins, enzymes, polypeptides and teramine.When the tentacles come in contact with a victim, the nematocysts act like thousands of syringes and inject their venom into the victim. And that venom acts very quickly.
Death has been known to occur in less than 5 minutes.
Jellyfish Venom
The venom of jellyfish attacks the system in several ways. It triggers a histamine reaction, a condition similar to anaphylactic shock. At the same time, the teramine affects the nervous system in a manner similar to curare.Symptoms usually appear rapidly and may include.
- Pain, varying from mild to severe
- A hot rash with redness and swelling
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulties and shock
Treatment for jellyfish stings needs to begin immediately!
- Summon emergency medical treatment and/or get the victim to a medical facility
- Wash the affected areas with salt water (not fresh water)
- Carefully remove any remaining tentacles. Do so with a mechanical device or gloved hand
- Flushing the skin with vinegar may relieve some of the pain
If vinegar is not available, most suggest sea water as to rinse remaining stingers. Fresh water triggers nematocysts to inject venom.
Observe the victim carefully and administer CPR if breathing stops.
Additional Reading
Scuba Doc
Divers Alert Network
