Marine bites and stings.
What should you NOT do when treating a person stung by a box jellyfish?
Pressure immobilisation has shown to be contraindicated. Applying copious amounts of vinegar is still recommended. It has been shown that vinegar stops the venom cells (nematocysts) firing off that have not done so. However in vitro research by Jamie Seymour suggests that with the nematocysts that have already fired off, vinegar increases the venom coming out of them.
How did the stingray kill Steve Irwin?
Steve Irwin dived down towards the stingray. It flicked up its barb and with multiple strikes lacerated his right ventricle. He subsequently died in the dive boat from blood loss.
Which of the following is NOT true about the bluebottle?
There is no antivenom. Although the sting is painful it gives only mild systemic symptoms at worst so an antivenom has not been developed.
Which of the following treatments is NOT an option if you stand on a stonefish and get 2 barbs penetrating your foot?
These stings are very very painful. If hot water and narcotics dont control the pain then antivenom can be given. A popliteal nerve block behind the knee is a very good option. A femoral nerve block is of no use.
What is the largest (longest) crocodile ever recorded?
The crocodile was Lolong---measured in the Philippines in 2011. Brutus and Dominator are 2 massive Northern Territory crocs that come in at rank 3 and 4.
This is Carukia Barnesi the most famous jellyfish to cause Irikanji syndrome. Which of the following statements about Irikanji syndrome is NOT true?
Stings may occur close to shore or out in the open ocean around the barrier reef islands.
This unwise man has a blue ringed octopus on his hand. What will the bite cause if he is envenomated?
It actually bites you with its beak. It has tetrodotoxin (Like Fugu--puffer fish) Treatment is supportive with the paralysis lasting a few hours. No antivenom is available.
How does the cone shell deliver its toxin which causes paralysis and severe pain?
The harpoon with venom can stretch all around the cone---so there is no safe way to pick one up.
Which of the following is NOT true about sea snakes in Australia.
Unlike many other marine bites and stings a sea snake bite is not overly painful.
Marcia Hathaway, an actor was killed by a shark in Sydney in 1963. The picture shows bystanders trying to push the ambulance up the hill to get to hospital. Where did it occur?
Between 1791 and 2018 there were 237 fatal shark attacks in Australia. 11 more in 2020 2021.
Mind you in 2021 270 people died in motor vehicle accidents in NSW alone. The drive to the beach is probably more dangerous than being in the water.