Sharks are one of the most feared animals in the world, which is primarily due to famous Hollywood movies, where sharks attack humans. In actuality, of the hundreds of identified shark species all over the world, there are only a few dozens that are particularly considered dangerous. The shark species most commonly involved in shark bites are the great white shark, tiger shark and bull shark.

Types of Shark Bite Attacks

There are three types of shark bite attacks: hit-and-run, bump-and-bite and sneak attack. Although the latter two are less common than the first, they are considered to be more serious and more lethal.

• Hit-and-Run Shark Bite Attack
  • Most common
  • Shark takes a single bite and leaves the victim after
• Bump-and-Bite Shark Bite Attack
  • Shark head butts the casualty a few times before going back to take a few bites
• Sneak Attack Shark Bite Attack
  • Shark bites without warning to the casualty and follows-up with further attacks

Signs and Symptoms of Shark Bites

In most cases of shark bites, the casualties are not aware that a shark is nearby. The only warning can be in the form of the shark’s fin approaching or sometimes, the bump (heat butt) before the attack. The following signs and symptoms are common of shark bites:

• Crescent–shaped shark bites
• In less serious cases, only an abrasion may appear due to the friction of the skin against the tooth of the shark (slightly superficial cuts)
• Parallel cuts
• In more serious cases, amputation of a whole body part
• Bleeding

Fortunately, most puncture wounds caused by shark bites do not harm the blood vessels or cause injuries to the nerves.

First Aid Management of Shark Bites

Although some shark bites may not seem serious, it is still necessary t seek medical treatment immediately. Moreover, it is important to apply first aid as soon as the casualty is out of the water. Keep the casualty calm and reassure him/her at all times.

• Control the bleeding by applying deep pressure on the wounds. Use any clean, absorbent cloth. If the cloth is already soaked in blood, place a new absorbent cloth on top of the old one.
• Once the bleeding is controlled, wash the wound with soap and warm water.
• Apply an antiseptic and a sterile dressing to help avoid infection.
• If there is heavy bleeding, cover the victim with a towel or blanket to avoid loss of body heat. This is done to avoid hypothermia and shock.
• Check the casualty for circulation, airway and breathing. Initiate CPR if necessary.
• If there is an amputated limb, wrap the amputated part in sterile bandages and place inside a plastic before placing it in another plastic with ice.

Learn how to manage shark bites and bites of other animals by enrolling in First Aid Courses and CPR Training.

Shark bites occur when any specie of shark attacks a human and leads to a bite. Oftentimes, shark bites are caused by mistaken identity, but most require medical treatment

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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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Part of undergoing lifeguard training revolves around knowing that there are a number of scenarios that you should expect. These are enactments created for the purpose of training so that individuals are able to know what to expect and how to act when emergency strikes. This is one of the major reasons why individuals who are keen to undertake such training need to be adequately prepared. The enactments are also another reason why when it comes to lifeguard training it is imperative to choose an offline form of treatment.

Carry out an evaluation of the adult victim from head-to-toe. In children and infants, the process is reversed so that it is carried out from toe-to-head. This plays a fundamental role because it allows you to notice any abnormalities present.

i)                    For the purposes of first aid procedures indicated in training in the capacity of a lifeguard, one should take steps to make sure that they are prepared to call for backup. During the call, the lifeguard will carry out first aid procedures as taught during lifeguard training, all the while taking time to accurately describe the patient’s symptoms as well as any signs of injury.

ii)                   One should also make sure that they outline the steps required when addressing medical professionals, as and when is necessary. In line with this, if the patient is conscious, it is imperative that the lifeguard explains the procedural instructions that they are meant to undergo.

Listed below are some of the typical scenarios that one should expect during the duration of training. Note that while these are examples, they certainly do not act as replacement for proper and formal training as a lifeguard.

Scenario 1: you are at the poolside and a 5 year old comes running to you, telling you that they have sprained their ankle. Their guardian is at the far end of the pool. How do you treat the situation? Lifeguard training teaches that you must first seek consent from the guardian before proceeding to provide first aid for the sprain.

Scenario 2: You are hanging out with your friends at a barbecue party when you are called by one of the friends and told that there is someone who needs attention urgently. The reason is that they are feeling dizzy, and suspect that their sugar levels could have taken a dip. The first aid solution for this will be taking first aid steps for sudden disease as well as dealing with diabetic episodes.

Scenario 3: you are walking down the beach and you notice a person foaming at the mouth. What steps do you take? Lifeguard training teaches you to carry out first aid for persons experiencing seizures.

Granted, it is not possible to outline every kind of medical emergency, but the first aid procedures covered will go a long way in ensuring preparedness.

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Duties in the job description of a lifeguard

–          Generally speaking, the job description of a lifeguard involves watching people at the swimming pool or by the sea to make sure that they are safe. Other areas where it is necessary to have a life guard include water amusement parks and private clubs. In case there is an accident, it is also your duty to make sure that you rescue them and give first aid before medical help arrives.

–          It is also the duty of the lifeguard to supervise swimmers, and especially those who are just beginning to learn how to swim.

–          The lifeguard should also be able to identify potential hazards in order to prevent accidents from occurring.

–          The lifeguard is in a position to provide advice as far as water related sports are concerned.

–          It is impossible to talk about the job description of a lifeguard without making mention of the importance of first aid knowledge. Of utmost importance is the lifeguard’s mastery of CPR techniques.

–          Due to the nature of the job, a lifeguard must also be able to keep chaotic situations under control to prevent any water accidents.

What criteria must be met for anyone looking to understand the job description of a lifeguard?

–          You must be at least 16 years and must have passed tests offered by the relevant body in your country. This will often incorporate the following:

• Ability to dive into the deep end of the pool as well as deep waters as is the case in the sea.
• Ability to swim 100 meters in less than 2 minutes.
• Ability to surface dive to the bottom of the pool.
• If you intend to work at the beach, you must be able to run a minimum of 400 meters because unlike the poolside, the beach can stretch for kilometers and it is important to be able to attend to individuals promptly.

What traits are required for the job description of a lifeguard?

–          One must be courageous in the face of adversity, and calm under pressure.

–          The incumbent must also be likeable as this makes it easy for people to approach them.

–          You must also be sociable to be able to interact with the public.

–          A sluggish individual does not make a great lifeguard as one must be able to spring into action when called upon to do so.

–          To be a great lifeguard, you must keep fit so that you are able to respond swiftly.

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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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The beginning of the summer season means that many people will now open their swimming pools. Pool owners and parents especially those with kids should keep in mind that the swimming pool is a great health hazard because it is easy for the kids to drown. It is possible for a kid to drown instantly and silently, in most cases without screaming or splashing. This will definitely lead to death because it is not possible for a child to prevent the risk posed by the water. It is also good to note that children are more attracted to water because its sparkling, thing float on it and makes a great sound when smacked. This calls for need for extra caution to prevent drowning not only for children, but also adults. It is estimated that hundreds of Canadians drown each year with the children and adolescents being the most affected. There is also those who require emergency assistance as a result of non fatal submersion.

How to prevent drowning

The key to prevent drowning involves putting multiple levels of protection. The following precautions can be used to help keep the children safe from the swimming pool.

Put a fence or wall

Physical barriers act as the most effective ways of protecting your swimming pool. They will prevent the children from having access to the swimming pool. The fences or wall give the parent or the lifeguard more time to reach the child before accessing the pool. The wall or fence protecting should be built four feet high and installed completely around the swimming pool. The fence gates should be self latching and closing. The latch should be built where a child cannot reach it. For above grounds swimming pools, ladders and steps to the pool should be locked, secured, removed when there is no one using the pool.

Supervision

Putting barriers may not offer the full protection from accidental drowning. Children need to be supervised because they can at times open the gate and have access to the pool. Therefore, make sure that the children are in a place where you can see them.

Get rid of toys

Never at any time should you leave pool toys bobbing in the water when no one is using it. This is because children may try to retrieve the toy leading to drowning.

Cover the swimming pool

You can put a motor powered cover to provide a barrier over the water when the pool is not used. The cover should be able to hold the weight of two adults and a child in case there is a need for an urgent rescue.

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Near drowning refers to an individual that almost dies from suffocation under water, usually fresh water or sea water. In other words, a person is not able to breathe as a result of being submersed under water. There is survival for more than 24 hours after the incident occurred. Near drowning is different from drowning where there is death within 24 hours from suffocation by immersion in a liquid.

According to Red Cross Canada (2003), there were 3,000 hospitalizations for near drownings from 1991 to 2000. Near drowning may occur in as little as a few inches of water. A study from Canada reported that inadequate adult supervision is the most significant factor of infants and small children drowning in the bath. Other factors involve co-bathing, use of infant bath seats and presence of other medical disorders that increase an infant’s risks of drowning. It is necessary to manage every near drowning situation, even if there are no evident complications. Complications may not develop until hours later, which can include, dry drowning and recovery syncope, among others.

Causes of Near Drowning

Cases of near drowning are typically accidents. The most common causes of near drowning include:

• Inability to swim or panicking while swimming
• Leaving small children unattended around bathtubs or any body of water
• Drinking alcohol while swimming or engaging in other activities that involve the water
• Falling through thin ice
• Head trauma or seizures while in the water
• Suicide attempt

Signs and Symptoms of Near Drowning

Although near drowning is dramatized as a loud, full of screaming scene in movies, this is often not the case. Most cases of near drowning do not have loud sounds, thus one must watch out for cases of near drowning in pools, lakes, rivers, beach, or anywhere there is a body of water. Some of the signs and symptoms of near drowning are the following:

• Uneven swimming motions
• Body is sinking or has sank, typically only the head is shown above water
• Cyanosis of the face, especially around the lips
• Cold skin and pale appearance
• Abdominal distention
• Chest pain
• No breathing/ rise and fall of chest
• Coughing with pink, frothy sputum
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Gasping respirations
• Loss of consciousness

First Aid Management for Near Drowning

It is necessary to apply first aid in all cases of near drowning as it may just help save a life. Recommended steps for near drowning includes:

• Do not get into the water unless one is sure that it is safe and unless one knows how to swim. It will be harder to treat if there are more victims.
• If one is trained to swim and rescue people, do so. Otherwise, other steps may be done.
• Attempt to extend a long pole, fallen tree branch, or throw a rope with a buoyant object, such as life ring or life jacked, attached. After tossing to the person, attempt to pull the victim to the shore.
• If the victim is unconscious, check for circulation, airways and breathing. Initiate rescue breathing and CPR if necessary.
• Avoid turning or bending the neck.
• If there are other injuries, such as bleeding, apply first aid appropriately.
• Remove and wet, cold clothes from the person and cover with something warm, if possible, to avoid hypothermia.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice and should not be substituted for formal first aid training. The information given should not be used for self-diagnosis. Seek medical attention when necessary. It is important to recognise medical emergencies at all times to avoid complications from developing. To learn more about to how to manage near drowning, enrol in standard first aid training with a credible Canadian provider.

Sources:

Draper, Richard. (2011, May 23). Drowning and Near Drowning Patient Plus. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Drowning-and-near-drowning.htm

Near Drowning. (2011, January 4). National Institute of Health. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000046.htm

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