First Aid: Stonefish First Aid Treatment

The Stonefish definitely causes a love/hate relationship for those who are trying to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Not even the Great Wall of China can compare in size and it is the Earth's only living thing that is visible from space. Aside from that, this is the world's largest coral reef with more than 3,000 coral cays and reef systems, hundreds of tropical islands and a never-ending supply of colorful, exciting and beautiful marine life. Unfortunately, an encounter with a Stonefish can quickly make this paradise fade into the background and become a nightmare.

Like many other marine creatures, the Stonefish is one that is so camouflaged that you typically don't see until you are standing on top of one. Of course, when this happens, it means that you are far too close! Feet sustain the majority of Stonefish-related injuries. This is why it is always recommended to wear diving boots or shoes when you are enjoying any of the waters around Australia's coastline.

Signs

If you intend on spending some time at the Great Barrier Reef, you should familiarize yourself with signs of a Stonefish sting. These include:

 The individual will experience an intense amount of pain as well as swelling at the sting location.

 The wound could appear to be open and/or bleeding.

 Quite often, the skin that surrounds the Stonefish sting will become discolored, appearing to be blue or gray.

 The individual may become irrational and many will panic.

Treatment

Dealing with a sting from a Stonefish should be done as promptly as possible. If you or someone else has been stung, apply the following first aid tips:

 The sting area needs to be placed in very hot water. This water should be as hot as the victim can stand without becoming uncomfortable. Always test the water first with an unaffected area of skin to check the temperature. If the water is too hot for the individual, do not use it. Add a little cold water and test it again.

 Keep the individual calm by reassuring them and convince them to rest. Getting upset will worsen their condition.

 If hot water does not appear to be relieving the individual's pain, exchange this for an ice pack. Applying hot water is typically the most effective option but ice offers more comfort in some people. Never apply the ice directly to the skin, always wrap it in something first.

 Call a paramedic or ambulance at 000 in Australia. If you encounter these fish in the USA, you will dial 911.

 Use Standard First Aid Practice techniques to monitor and record the individual's vital signs. Provide this essential information to the paramedic upon arrival.

Chris Le Roy is the owner of One-on-One Professional Business Training. His company provides first aid training regularly through out Queensland. If you need first aid training Brisbane then check out his website for dates and times.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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