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Weekly First-aid Topic: First-aid measures for jellyfish sting
From:Beijing Municipal Health Commission
Date:11/27/2019
How to save yourself in time after stung by a jellyfish? Here are some first-aid measures. The jellyfish tentacles are covered with thorn cells, which can emit venom. After the prey is stung, it will be quickly paralyzed and dead. When stung by a jellyfish, people may have breathing difficulties. Some jellyfish are more toxic and may kill people within ten minutes.
Here are some first-aid measures for jellyfish sting. The first thing to do is to remove the tentacle. If the jellyfish tentacles are still hanging on the skin, it is advised to use gloves or thick clothes, tweezers, and small wooden sticks to gently separate the jellyfish tentacles from the skin. Secondly, the wounded area should be washed with sea water to inhibit the activity of the unspun venom from the thorn cells on the skin. Fresh water should not be used, otherwise it will stimulate the injection of the nematocyst and release more venom. If possible, you could rinse the wound with vinegar or acetic acid for more than 30 seconds, or soak the wound in vinegar for 30 minutes. The third is to remove the nematocyst. If possible, you could use a knife, razor or a card to gently separate the nematocyst on the skin. It is better to apply it with a shaving foam or soap foam before scraping the cells. After scraping off the cells, it is necessary to reapply the skin with vinegar or saline solution or rinse with sea water. Finally, it is suggested to let the wounded skin dry naturally. You can take some antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling and go to the doctor in time.