Jellyfish are found in both the cold and warm parts of the ocean and more dangerously, along the shorelines. These jellyfish contain tentacles that have microscopic barbed stingers (stinging cells) that release venom. This venom is usually released in response to threat (thus it is used as a means of protection) or when capturing their prey before consuming them.

The Most Dangerous Jellyfish Stings

Majority of jellyfish species do not cause harm to humans, particularly those with short tentacles. The most toxic specie of jellyfish known to human is the Australian Box-like Sea Wasp. The other dangerous jellyfish stings may come from:

• Box Jellyfish (also called sea wasp)
  • Causes intense pain
  • May lead to serious reactions
  • Usually found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
• Portuguese man-of-war (also called bluebottle jellyfish)
  • Mostly thrive in warmer seas
  • Has a blur to purplish gas-filled bubble that allows it to stay on the water surface and act as a sail
• Sea nettle
  • Common in both cold and warm seawaters
  • Usually found in Chesapeake Bay and northeast coast of the United States
• Lion’s mane jellyfish
  • Largest jellyfish in the world (diameter = 1 meter or 3 feet)
  • Most common in cooler, northern regions of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans

Signs and Symptoms of Jellyfish Stings

Signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings usually emerge as soon as the stinging occurs. These include:

• Immediate, intense, stinging pain
• Itching
• Rashes
• Raised welts

The more serious of jellyfish stings to watch out for are:

• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Arrhythmia
• Tingling sensation or numbness
• Muscle spasms

For severe reactions to jellyfish stings, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coma
• Death – which may sometimes occur within minutes

First Aid Management for Jellyfish Stings

Most cases of jellyfish stings can be managed at home with appropriate First Aid Training. There is usually no need for emergency medical services unless serious or severe signs or symptoms manifest. To administer first aid on jellyfish stings, do the following steps:

• If possible, wear gloves. This can help eliminate contact between tentacles and the rescuer.
• To remove the remaining tentacles from the skin, use tweezers or a clean stick.
• To remove the remaining nematocysts (small poisonous sacs) stuck on the skin, apply shaving cream and use a razor blade or credit card.
• Soak the stung area in vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes to avoid the further release of toxins. If there is no vinegar available, use alcohol or seawater instead.
• Do not rub the area. Do not apply ice. More importantly, contrary to popular belief, urine should not be poured on the stung area. These will help avoid further damage to the stung area.
• For stings of Portuguese man-of-war (a type of jellyfish), do not apply vinegar or alcohol as it may exacerbate the pain. The pain will usually last only for 15 to 20 minutes.

Jellyfish have tentacles that have microscopic barbed stingers that release venom. Jellyfish stings are relatively common problem that may vary in severity and can usually be managed at home.

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Causes of Tsunamis

Tsunamis are of natural causes. This means that humans cannot do anything to cause, and in turn, prevent a tsunami from occurring as only nature can dictate when a tsunami can occur.

• Underwater earthquake
• Landslide into the ocean
• Volcanic eruption in the ocean
• Meteor impact

Warning Signs of Tsunamis

Tsunamis may strike shoreline with very little or no warning. Most people do not often notice warning signs thus they are left dumbfounded when a tsunami strikes. The following may be warning signs one can lookout for, especially for those living in coastal areas.

• A strong earthquake that lasts for more than 20 seconds, especially those that occur near the coast
• An observable quick recession (rise and fall) of water levels that is lower than the expected low tide, which usually occurs minutes before the shoreline is struck by the tsunami
• Abnormally large waves that may not be very tall in height but may continuously increase in size
• Change in animal behavior, such as seeking human shelter, grouping together, or running away from the shore
• Loud ocean roar

How to Survive Tsunamis

The following cannot guarantee any one individual that he/ she can be saved in cases of tsunamis but these tips can help likelihood of survival.

• When any of the warning signs mentioned above are observed, immediately move inland and to higher ground. If this is not possible, climb high, preferably a high and sturdy building. One may also opt to climb a tall and strong tree but should be done only as a last resort if there is no nearby building that one can enter.
• If an individual becomes caught up in water, find a floating object to use as a raft to keep self above water.
• If persons of authority give order to evacuate or move to higher ground, evacuate immediately.
• Always keep an emergency survival kit with complete supplies prepared for all kinds of natural disasters. Ensure that supplies are enough to last 72 hours for the whole family.
• Wait for reliable information from the radio on updates.

Tsunamis are series of waves that extend inland. It may be difficult to watch out for warning signs but one should always be prepared for tsunamis, especially those who live by the coastline.

Online Sources:

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tsunami

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/tsnms-bfr-eng.aspx

http://www.sms-tsunami-warning.com/pages/tsunami-warning-signs#.U04XK_mSybM

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070402-tsunami_2.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tsunami

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