Scuba Diving in Thailand

Treating Jellyfish Stings

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 Irukandji

Stinging Mechanism

The stinging 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

Researchers in Australia who have spent years studying jellyfish stings say that nothing works for sure. Vinegar, which is 5% acetic acid, has been shown to be the best for rinsing box jellyfish stings. It apparently neutralizes unfired nematocysts so they can't fire when touched for removal.

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.

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