After the death of a woman from box jellyfish stings at the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan on Friday, aquatic safety is a hot topic.
It is that time of year when we hear more and more about jellyfish, and each year we are warned about the dangers of jellyfish stings during the rainy season.
But how many people actually know what to do if they are stung by a jellyfish?
The box jellyfish, according to National Geographic, contains venom considered to be among the most deadly in the world and contains toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells.
Not a critter to mess around with.
Thankfully, the vice-dean at the faculty of fisheries of Kasetsart University, Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, is at hand to help.
The Dr posted on his Facebook page what needs to be done in the instance of a jellyfish attack.
Once attacked by a jellyfish, Dr Thon wrote, shout for help and don’t touch the creature with your hands incase you hit the tentacles. Walk slowly away from the jellyfish.
Once on land, check the wounds to see if they look like burns. Before heading to the nearest hospital, splash sea water on the area of the jellyfish sting
Do NOT apply fresh water, urine, alcohol or liquor as the poison will spread.
Do splash vinegar on the area for 30 seconds and apply ice to to help relieve the pain.
When the venomous barbs are removed, the pain will subside in 5-10 minutes after which apply more ice to the wounds.
Any serious symptoms of a jellyfish attack will occur during the first ten minutes, reported Thai PBS
So there you have it, the idea that you can pee on someone to help ease the pain has been dismissed by Dr Thon.
