Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1
A teenage girl and her two friends were swimming in a creek, a 10-minute walk from civilization. The creek is closed due to the increased number of box jellyfish found in the area. However, a first aid kit was placed next to the no entry sign just in case. The girls, however, decide to swim there anyway because it isn’t during stinger season. They brought three towels and had a phone. One girl is swinging off a rope swing into the creek without checking the depth or for any dangerous objects in the water. The water was shallow and she landed on a sharp rock, slicing open the bottom of her foot. A second girl slid into the water to help the girl get out of the water, and as she began swimming over to her injured friend, a box jellyfish stung her on the right leg. What must the third friend do to save her two friends?
Solution
The third girl quickly unties the rope from the swing, and performs a rope toss out to the girl sting by a jellyfish, as it would be dangerous for her to go into the water whilst there are box jellyfish. She swiftly pulls her in, and lays her completely still on top of a towel. Call an ambulance immediately. It is important for her to stay still as movement can release more venom into the skin, and remove the stinger using tweezers found in the first aid kit, sticks, thick clothing or gloves. Quickly pour the vinegar over the sting found in the first aid kit, soaking it for 30 seconds before removing the tentacles. Make sure to not apply a bandage as it causes additional venom discharge, and do not wash with tap water. Whilst waiting, the girl, once again tosses out the rope to the other injured person, pulling her in. She uses a towel to tightly wrap the towel around her wound, applying pressure to try and stop the bleeding. Using a credit card, ID card or a Go card, gently shave over the sting to remove any additional stingers. Reapply vinegar. She must clearly instruct the police where they are and what she has done to help the situation. Carefully monitor the girl suffering from a box jellyfish sting. If they begin to go into cardiac arrest, which usually occurs in these situations, commence CPR on the victim. For the pain due to the cut, take a pain reliever as per instructions on the box. Calm both victims down, and reassure them help is on the way. It is important for them to stay calm. Wait for help to arrive.
A teenage girl and her two friends were swimming in a creek, a 10-minute walk from civilization. The creek is closed due to the increased number of box jellyfish found in the area. However, a first aid kit was placed next to the no entry sign just in case. The girls, however, decide to swim there anyway because it isn’t during stinger season. They brought three towels and had a phone. One girl is swinging off a rope swing into the creek without checking the depth or for any dangerous objects in the water. The water was shallow and she landed on a sharp rock, slicing open the bottom of her foot. A second girl slid into the water to help the girl get out of the water, and as she began swimming over to her injured friend, a box jellyfish stung her on the right leg. What must the third friend do to save her two friends?
Solution
The third girl quickly unties the rope from the swing, and performs a rope toss out to the girl sting by a jellyfish, as it would be dangerous for her to go into the water whilst there are box jellyfish. She swiftly pulls her in, and lays her completely still on top of a towel. Call an ambulance immediately. It is important for her to stay still as movement can release more venom into the skin, and remove the stinger using tweezers found in the first aid kit, sticks, thick clothing or gloves. Quickly pour the vinegar over the sting found in the first aid kit, soaking it for 30 seconds before removing the tentacles. Make sure to not apply a bandage as it causes additional venom discharge, and do not wash with tap water. Whilst waiting, the girl, once again tosses out the rope to the other injured person, pulling her in. She uses a towel to tightly wrap the towel around her wound, applying pressure to try and stop the bleeding. Using a credit card, ID card or a Go card, gently shave over the sting to remove any additional stingers. Reapply vinegar. She must clearly instruct the police where they are and what she has done to help the situation. Carefully monitor the girl suffering from a box jellyfish sting. If they begin to go into cardiac arrest, which usually occurs in these situations, commence CPR on the victim. For the pain due to the cut, take a pain reliever as per instructions on the box. Calm both victims down, and reassure them help is on the way. It is important for them to stay calm. Wait for help to arrive.