Summer Vacation Tips: Immediate Treatments for Ocean Emergencies

Because of my extensive research and education in the health field I am able to bring to my readers this helpful article. Many of us go to the ocean, especially during the summer, but are we prepared for emergencies in this environment? Let's find out.

There are so many ocean emergencies that one should prepare for before taking their family to the ocean for vacations. The ocean is definitely a place to be enjoyed but not at the expense of your life or the lives of those you love. There are immediate treatments for ocean emergencies that can mean all the difference in the world to the unsuspecting victim. Many emergencies are so severe that death is likely to occur so the time that is spent right now can be the deciding factor of whether or not you and your loved one will survive your ocean vacations.

Sharks as many of us know are the fiercest problems in the oceans, partly because of the many movies surrounding the blood thirsty beasts. But there are things that can be done to help prevent being lunch. Firstly, do not swim alone... this is one of the biggest attractions, they almost can't resist it. Swimming in the ocean with a group tends to scare most sharks away. Secondly, do not EVER hold a wounded marine animal to your body. If there is a bleeding ocean dweller near you then get out of the water calmly but quickly.

Now for a few quick treatments for these types of ocean emergencies. If a shark rubs up against your body chances are your skin will get a burn as their skin is very rough and can cut someone easily. Treat this just like you would a second degree burn. By this I mean make sure that the wound has been wiped clean to remove pieces of skin, seaweed and any other debris- but DO NOT rub the burn itself. Antiseptic cream should be applied and the burn should be wrapped with a clean cloth. Keep the area clean until it begins to heal on its own. If it looks as though infection is present seek medical attention as this could end up being one of those severe emergencies.

Eels can be another problem that is commonly faced among those that go to the ocean for vacations. Of course a lot of times people actually provoke them even if they don't mean to. If you're swimming off your boat pretty far out in the ocean and accidentally kick an eel or of swat at it trying to get it to go away this can actually be perceived as antagonistic behavior to them. They have a tendency to bite and not let go. During one of these emergencies a person will usually need to break the jaw in order to get them to release. The bites should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Until one can be located the bite should remain clean and bandaged.

I feel that I should definitely mention sponges as one of the ocean emergencies that everyone needs to prepare for especially because of popular Nickelodeon show Spongebob Square Pants. It is essential that parents talk to their kids about real ocean sponges. They are not harmless things. Usually one of two things will occur when handled. One, a rash will appear because of a severe allergic reaction, or two, very small (almost microscopic) spikes enter the skin and break off. Both are painful. Always carry vinegar on your vacations to the ocean just in case one of these types of emergencies occurs and here's why: The vinegar, when applied, will draw out the spikes that you can not see, after it dries use the sticky side of any tape you may have to gently press onto the affected skin. Carefully pull it off and repeat the process. This will take out the irritations caused by the sponge's defense mechanism. Use hydrocortisone cream when completed and bandage.

Vinegar can also be used for coral burns, and other stings that are unidentifiable. By flooding the wounds with this agent, the poison will be pulled out and drained for the most part. Rubbing alcohol works too but hurts a little more.

My last trip to Dillon's Beach in California was odd to say the least. There were hundreds, maybe even thousands, of jellyfish washing up to the shore. Some were alive and some were not. But that is not my point. My point is this; jellyfish are another very serious ocean emergency. There are so many types and some have different effects than others but still there are immediate treatments that can be used to help in emergencies like these.

Anaphylaxis shock is one of the most severe emergencies a person will face. And yes, it is life threatening. For this type of ocean emergency you must have an allergy kit (which everyone should carry anyway when going on vacations). These contain syringes of epinephrine which is mandatory for survival. There is the Ana-Kit and EpiPen products that contain epinephrine for children and adults. If the allergic reaction is not bad then Benadryl should be immediately taken to reduce the 'snowball' effect that theses types of allergic reactions can sometimes have. Get to a medical facility as soon as possible to be further evaluated.

Sea Urchins are another one of the ocean emergencies that require immediate treatment. The urchin is the spikey ball resting on the ocean floor waiting to be stepped on. If you do, take out the spikes that are apparent and be very careful not to crush pieces left behind. The spikes have powerful venom but the fun doesn't end there kids... they also use pincers to inject more poison into the victims. First the wound needs to be submerged in hot water. Do not panic if you see black or other colors in the water or the skin of the infected individual, this is normal because of the dye they carry. To remove any other small spikes that may be left behind during one of these emergencies, simply shave the area and the razor will catch the spines and pull them out.

So before you take off to the ocean for your upcoming vacations, be sure to bring along certain necessary items found here in this article to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.