First aid tips: What should you do after being stung by a stingray, jellyfish or bee?
BY KHOO BEE KHIM 12 APR 2021
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STINGRAY STING
First aid action: The first thing to do is to get the victim out of the water, and either call for the lifeguard or an ambulance, said Dr Chong. Check that the victim’s airway is not blocked and he is still breathing; otherwise, a trained person should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. “Visible, superficial stingray barbs or debris can be removed with a pair of tweezers or by hand,” said Dr Chong. However, if it’s a deep, puncture wound, especially in the neck, chest or abdomen, do not attempt to remove the barb but let the emergency medical team handle it, he cautioned. To reduce the pain, Dr Chong recommended immersing the affected limb in hot water (40 to 45 degrees Celsius). “A hot shower is also possible,” he said. If hot water is not available, apply a heat pack on the wound. Otherwise, use a cold pack or make one by wrapping ice in a dry plastic bag instead. Chances for self-treatment are low, according to Dr Ho, as stingray wounds generally require a tetanus shot (if yours isn’t up to date) – and an inspection of the injured area for any foreign body, non-viable tissue and severity of infection.
JELLYFISH STING
First aid action: Help the person out of the water immediately and call 995, advised the National Parks Board (NParks). While waiting for medical help to arrive, keep the person calm and still to minimise the tentacles from further discharging venom. To reduce the pain, apply vinegar directly to the wound, either by dousing or spraying, for about 30 seconds to deactivate the stingers, said Dr Chong. NParks noted that if the vinegar worsens the pain (non-box jellyfish stings may get more painful), stop using it and just flush with seawater. But do not apply fresh water, urine or other substances. After that, proceed to pluck visible tentacles off the skin and rinse the area with seawater, said Dr Chong. Do not rub the sting site to get the tentacles off as that may worsen the pain. A word of caution: If you don’t have tweezers and are picking the tentacles off with your bare fingers, you may feel a light stinging sensation. Rinse your hands with seawater when you are done.
BEE STING
First aid action: If a stinger is left behind in the wound, scrape it out by using the edge of a credit card as soon as possible, advised Dr Ho. To reduce the pain, Dr Chong recommended washing the affected area with soap and water, and applying a cold pack to the sting site. “If the sting is on an arm or a leg, elevation of the affected limb may help to reduce pain and swelling as well.” Then, observe the victim for signs of serious allergic reactions, which would require immediate medical attention.
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