Jelly Fish Season is here already this year. I have seen quite a few while stand up paddle boarding with my 4 1/2 year old on board in the water of Fort Pond Bay. They do not seem to be keeping anyone out of the water with this extreme heat wave. The jellyfish are not lining the beaches and surf right now so do not be too concerned but just be aware of what to do if you or your child should get a sting. I thought the advice on Life Magazine-Family Education was clear and understandable.
As it says on Life’s Website:
If someone gets stung by a jellyfish, follow these steps to provide first aid for the wound:
1. Check vital signs. If the victim seems to be in shock or having trouble breathing, immediately begin first aid for these conditions (see How to Treat Wounds and Stop Bleeding) and call for medical help.
2. Wrapping your hand in a towel or wearing a protective glove, wipe away any dangling tentacles from the wound site. (Be careful. You don’t want the tentacles to touch your skin!)
3. Remove any jewelry near the site (even from the hand/wrist if the upper arm is stung).
4. Alcohol or ammonia will neutralize a jellyfish’s poison. Simply wash the wound with either one. Alcohol can be used full strength. However, you should dilute the ammonia with fresh water (¼ part ammonia to 1 part fresh water). The chemical structure of salt water can dilute the ammonia’s fighting power. If it’s convenient, you can dilute a whole bottle of ammonia in two inches of bath water and have the victim sit in the bath for about an hour.
5. Dry the wound site with sand, powder, or cornstarch. Try not to apply creams or lotions if the sting is not neutralized, because it might trap the poison in the skin.
6. If there is swelling at the site, place a cold compress or an ice pack on the bite for twenty minutes every hour—or until help comes.
If the pain is very intense, try rinsing the bite site with some baking soda and water after you’ve followed your first aid steps. It can help decrease the pain until medical help arrives.
Even if the sting is mild and the victim feels fine soon after the episode, it’s good to keep watch for up to three days later. Jellyfish stings can get infected days after the incident. The best prevention? Antibacterial ointment—once the stinging sensation is gone.
