STING OF JELLYFISH
The effects vary from slight local reaction to large wheals, severe pain and sometimes swift death.
First-aid
1. Apply calamine cream, lotion or paste of sodium bicarbonate in water.
2. Send a severe case to a hospital immediately.
STING OF PORTUGUESE MAN OF WAR
The effects vary from slight stinging to cramps, nausea and difficulty in breathing.
First-aid
1. Swab the area with methylated sprit to which vinegar has been added to acidify it.
2. Do not rub or apply fresh water or sand.
3. Remove any gelatinous strands present in the flesh using cloth or soft paper, once the symptoms subside.
4. Send a severe case to a hospital immediately.
□ SEA URCHIN STING
The spine of a sea urchin can break off in the skin causing local burning and numbness. The wounds heal slowly and the rate of infection is high.
First-aid
1. Wear gloves while handling the sting.
2. Remove the spine.
3. Cover the wound with dry dressing.
4. Send him to a hospital immediately.
□ CONE-SHAPED SHELL STING
A snail like creature is found in such shells. It injects a very potent poison through a minute hollow barbed harpoon. It can be fatal and there is no antidote. Such a shell must not be handled.
First-aid
1. Watch the patient’s pulse and respiration, and give external cardiac massage and artificial respiration when necessary.
2. Send him to a hospital immediately.
□ CORAL CUTS
Coral is razor sharp. The cuts are large and deep and get infected readily. They heal slowly and tend to form ulcers.
First-aid
1. Swab the area with methylated spirit.
2. Remove all foreign material from the cuts.
3. Cover the wound with sterile dressing.
4. Send him to a hospital immediately.