Diving is fraught with danger, yet we love it. In part two of this series, we’ll continue our dive with some of the world’s most dangerous underwater species, plus we’ll discuss some methods for providing first aid for the associated injuries.
Sharks
Let’s face it – sharks are apex predators, and that frightens us to death as we could potentially be on the menu. But did you know that sharks are not normally attracted to humans as prey? While being bitten by a shark might be at the top of your list of fears associated with diving, the fact is that a shark normally bites only if a diver is perceived as a threat or if a diver appears to be prey. In most cases, shark bites sustained by divers are not fatal.
Treating Shark Bites
The best cure for a shark bite is definitely prevention. Don’t be a daredevil! Stay at a safe distance and do not disturb or attempt to touch a shark. If you are bitten, leave the water. Clean your wound thoroughly, remove any debris, and use antiseptic. Cover the wound to keep it clean and consult a doctor as you may need antibiotics, stitches, or both.
Stingrays
There are several different stingray species, and some are quite large. Though these animals are typically quite gentle, they will inflict a serious sting if startled, and in some cases, these stings can prove to be fatal. If you survive a serious wound, pain and swelling can last for months, so use caution when diving with these animals.
Treating Stingray Wounds
Prevention is definitely the best cure for a stingray wound; these animals prefer to swim along sandy seabed areas; keep your distance and always keep an eye on the bottom before putting a foot or a knee down. Never try to grab or ride a stingray as this kind of activity is sure to lead to an injury. If you are stung, get to the surface and soak the wound in the hottest water you can tolerate. Clean the wound, remove the stinger if it is embedded, and apply antiseptic. Consult a doctor as soon as possible since tiny barbs from the stinger could still be embedded out of sight.
Cnidaria
Also known as jellyfishes, cnidarians are quite dangerous; bites and stings to divers are common, with even the slightest contact often resulting in agonizing pain. While some jellyfish are harmless, others pack deadly stings; keep your distance to avoid injury. Use caution ascending and descending as this is when most jellyfish stings occur.
Treating Cnidaria Stings
If you are stung, you’ll need to exit the water and begin treating your sting in many cases. If part of a tentacle is clinging to your wound, use baking soda to gently scrub it away. Vinegar and alcohol are not recommended as they could aggravate the wound, but ammonia and urine can help ease pain. Yes, it sounds gross to use urine to treat a wound, but don’t worry – it’s sterile when it leaves the body. Be sure to get medical help if you are experiencing pain, shortness of breath, or changes in heart rate. If you believe you have been stung by a Box Jellyfish or Man o’ War, get help immediately as these species can inflict deadly stings.
Sea Snakes
While some sea snakes are harmless, others are 20 times more venomous than a cobra. Even so, these shy animals are usually reluctant to bite and will not harm a diver unless frightened or disturbed. Their mouths appear to be small, however they can open their jaws to fit a person’s thigh in some cases. If you are bitten, you will need to exit the water.
Treating a Sea Snake Bite
Don’t touch a sea snake or reach into an area where one could be present, and you’ll greatly reduce the likelihood of being bitten in the first place. If you are bitten, try to remember what the snake looked like so you can give medical personnel details that will help them to treat you properly. Wash the wound thoroughly and apply direct pressure to prevent the venom from spreading. If a diver loses consciousness after being bitten, check respiration and pulse. CPR may be necessary.
Cone Shells
Though cone shells are small, and though they’re found in shallow water, they are equipped with strong, harpoon-like teeth that inject venom and which can paralyze prey within just a few seconds. Though you might be tempted to reach out and grab one of these little sea snails don’t do it! Their sting can be deadly.
Treating a Cone Shell Sting
If you are stung, you will need to get to the surface immediately since muscle weakness, loss of sight and hearing, and numbness, along with paralysis and death are some of the things that can happen to a diver who encounters a cone shell. To prevent poison from circulating while working to get medical help, keep firm pressure on the sting. Get medical assistance immediately upon reaching the surface.
Crown of Thorns Starfish
The crown of thorns starfish isn’t just a threat to coral reef health, it’s a threat to your health and safety too. These starfishes have more than a dozen arms, all of which are covered in sharp spices. Capable of reaching a size of up to 60 centimeters across, these animals are invading reefs across the planet.
Treating a Crown of Thorns Starfish Sting
If you are stung, you could experience symptoms ranging from itching and redness to severe pain and swollen lymph glands. Remove any spines from the wound immediately since symptoms will worsen as contact lengthens. Clean the wound and soak it in hot water to kill the venom. Next, apply an antibiotic solution to the wound. If pain and irritation persist, seek medical attention.
Sea Urchins
Like crown of thorns starfish, sea urchins can cause puncture wounds and inject venom. If spines are stuck in the wound, they are notoriously difficult to remove and can lead to serious infection if left in place.
Treating a Sea Urchin Sting
Soak your wound in hot water to neutralize the venom. Remove any visible spines with tweezers, and seek medical attention as some spines may not be visible and may need to be removed surgically. Be sure to keep your tetanus immunization up to date if you tend to dive in areas where these animals are prevalent.
Sea Worms
Tubeworms, Christmas Tree worms, and other types of sea worms can cause rashes, irritations, and even cuts. Don’t touch them, and they will not harm you.
Treating a Sea Worm Injury
If you’ve had a close encounter with a sea worm, cleanse the affected area with hot, soapy water, then disinfect it. You may need to take an OTC antihistamine to ease the itching.
Coral Cuts
Corals are found at almost all depths, and are capable of inflicting stinging cuts which can lead to infection and subsequent scarring. Keep your distance to avoid being cut.
Treating Coral Cuts
Scrub the affected area thoroughly then irrigate it with fresh water to remove any debris. Coral nematocysts are tiny and can cause severe irritation, so be sure to monitor your wound for any signs of infection including swelling, pus, or a foul smell. If you suspect you have not removed all the nematocysts, get medical attention.
Remember, the best way to enjoy safe diving is to keep your distance from animals and to avoid touching anything while underwater. By creating boundaries for yourself and sticking to them, you’ll be able to enjoy watching and photographing these animals without risking life and limb.