HEALTH AND VACATIONS: VENOMOUS MARINE ANIMALS
The seas around Australia harbour a number of species whose bite or sting has proved fatal to man. Numerous other fish will, if eaten, cause serious illness, even death. The only warning that should be followed is: do not eat any fish which you cannot easily identify.
Three well-known lethal species of marine animals are the stoncfish, the blue-ringed octopus and the sea wasp (or box jellyfish).
The stonefish inhabits the coral reefs and estuaries around the coasts of the northern half of Australia. The fish, lying dormant on the bottom, resembles a piece of weathered rock or coral, but one of its 13 dorsal spines can pierce the foot of an unwary wader.
The immediate effect is unbearable pain, swelling, and paralysis of the muscles near the sting. The victim begins to find difficulty in breathing, and unless an immediate antivenene injection is available, his condition may become critical. Breathing should be encouraged by artificial respiration, and the excruciating pain can be relieved by soaking the affected part in very hot water. Get the victim to the nearest hospital as soon as he can be moved.
The blue-ringed octopus is a tiny creature, three or four inches long, found in rock pools along the coast. When disturbed, the coloured rings turn brilliant blue, and if the creature is picked up or examined, the bite of its tiny beak injects paralysing venom. Within minutes, a feeling of weakness, numbness about the face and difficulty in breathing are followed by respiratory paralysis. The only treatment at this stage is artificial respiration to aid the patient’s breathing and this may need to be applied for several hours. Urgent hospital care is necessary.
The sea wasp, or box jellyfish, found in the warm tropical waters of Australia, has up to 64 long invisible tentacles trailing behind it, each loaded with tiny stinging capsules. On encountering the tentacles, the victim recoils quickly, causing the tentacles to be torn from the animal and to be wrapped around the victim, resulting in more stings and excruciating pain.
The outcome of the stings is dependent on the amount of venom injected as well as the age and state of health of the victim. If a lethal dose of venom has been injected, there is little that can be done to avoid respiratory failure. If the sting is less severe, pour methylated spirits or alcohol over the affected area, taking care to avoid spreading the tentacles to unaffected skin; artificial respiration may become necessary during this procedure. Rush the victim to the nearest hospital.
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