Diving on Drugs
This covers the spectrum from illicit street drugs to medications prescribed by a physician and taken on a daily basis.
This covers the spectrum from illicit street drugs to medications prescribed by a physician and taken on a daily basis.
Ask anyone who regularly participates in these types of activities what one of their number one problems is, and you will inevitably hear water entering their ears and becoming trapped.
All divers have heard about lionfish. Once indigenous only to Indo-Pacific areas, they’re a growing threat to native fish and the environment in U.S. waters.
by Sue Endicott, MSN, RN:
Nothing can ruin a great dive or a day at the beach more quickly than a marine related injury. Whether it’s a lion fish sting, coral scrape or anything in between, being prepared can lessen the impact of these injuries.
Here are some basic guidelines for treating stings and marine related injuries. These injuries can range from localized skin wounds, to full allergic reactions, which in some cases can lead to difficulty breathing and Can Be Life Threatening. Remember it is not the initial injury itself that can cause the greatest amount of harm, but how the body reacts to it.
Below is a summary for caring for the most common marine injuries. These are treatment guidelines and should be used for first aid care only. Always follow up with a medical professional for further care.
These injuries can be painful, so administer pain relieving medications if available. If the patient begins to show signs and symptoms of allergic reaction, such as itching, hives or swelling, give the patient Benadryl and if signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction are noted such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, administer oxygen if available, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. If a patient has a known allergy, and carries an epi pen, encourage them to administer the pen at the first signs of severe allergic reaction.
In many situations the treatment calls for hot water. If hot water is not available utilize the hot pack in the Dive 1st Aid Sting Relief + to apply heat to the area.
Fire Coral
Swimmers who accidently come into contact with fire coral can easily be stung.
Lion Fish, Tiger Fish, Stone Fish, Scorpion Fish
Lion Fish continue to be a growing problem and are overrunning many dive sites as they have no natural predators. These stings are extremely painful
Sea Urchins
Sea urchin spine punctures are highly venomous and may cause difficulty breathing or weakness
Sting Rays
When sting rays are startled they whip their tail towards whatever intruder they feel threatened by. When they strike, pieces of skin and bone may be left behind in the wound. These injuries can be severe, and in some cases Life Threatening
Jelly Fish, Sea Anemone
These creatures cause painful sting injuries when the skin comes into contact with the tentacles of the jellyfish.
Portuguese Man-of War
Injury occurs when someone comes into direct contact with the tentacles
In summary, be prepared, be aware and get the proper training and supplies necessary to care for these common marine injuries before you are faced with one. The outcome will be much better if you do.
Happy Diving!
Sue Endicott, MSN, RN
Director of Education
Dive 1st Aid