Injuries from Sting Rays
A sting ray is a flat fish that is circular to rhomboidal in shape. These fish prefer the shallows and are found in tropical and warm temperate waters around the globe. The weapon of the sting ray is a barbed, bony spine located on top of the tail. Different species of sting rays have tails and spines of varying lengths, and the location of the spine along the tail also varies from species to species. The sting has sharp, recurved teeth on either side and is enveloped in a layer of skin known as the integumentary sheath; this sheath contains venom.
An estimated 750 sting ray injuries occur yearly along the coasts of North America. Death from sting ray injuries is rare and is usually due to penetration of the heart or abdomen by the stinger, or to secondary infection such as tetanus.
Rays lie partially buried on the bottom in the surf, on mud flats, bays, or sloughs. They sting only in self-defense; virtually all stings result from either stepping on the fish or handling them carelessly. When stepped on, the ray whips its tail up and around to reach its victim. Stings in the chest or abdomen may occur in those who are swimming very close to the bottom.
Sting ray injuries are either puncture wounds or lacerations. The actual wound is often much larger than the sting, and may be as long as 6 to 8 inches. Portions of the integumentary sheath are often found in the wound as grey or pink fragments of tissue.
Initially, the wound bleeds freely, and is soon surrounded by an area of blue to white discoloration. Shooting or throbbing pain is the predominant symptom, may be severe, and reaches its greatest intensity within ninety minutes. Discomfort may persist for six to forty-eight hours, though usually diminishing in severity. Pain in the groin or armpit, vomiting, diarrhea, falling blood pressure, cramps, muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and paralysis may occur. The symptoms and signs of poisoning are usually confirmed to the area of the wound, however. Fainting, weakness and nausea are the most common generalized symptoms.
Treatment for Sting Rays Injuries
Immediate treatment of sting ray wounds consists of thorough cleansing of the site with the salt water at hand. Any portions of the integumentary sheath found in the wound should be removed. Writers disagree 'on the advisability of using tourniquets in sting ray injuries.
The injured limb should be immersed in water that is as hot as the victim can tolerate for thirty to ninety minutes. After the hot soaks it may be necessary to cleanse the wound further. When all debris or foreign matter present has been removed, the wound can be stitched up. Some physicians prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, but infections are rare with proper treatment. Anti-tetanus measures should be employed.
Prevention Tips for Sting Rays Injuries
Bathers and waders can avoid stepping on these fish by sliding their feet along the bottom rather than stepping. Careless handling of captured specimens may result in injuries.
An estimated 750 sting ray injuries occur yearly along the coasts of North America. Death from sting ray injuries is rare and is usually due to penetration of the heart or abdomen by the stinger, or to secondary infection such as tetanus.
Rays lie partially buried on the bottom in the surf, on mud flats, bays, or sloughs. They sting only in self-defense; virtually all stings result from either stepping on the fish or handling them carelessly. When stepped on, the ray whips its tail up and around to reach its victim. Stings in the chest or abdomen may occur in those who are swimming very close to the bottom.
Sting ray injuries are either puncture wounds or lacerations. The actual wound is often much larger than the sting, and may be as long as 6 to 8 inches. Portions of the integumentary sheath are often found in the wound as grey or pink fragments of tissue.
Initially, the wound bleeds freely, and is soon surrounded by an area of blue to white discoloration. Shooting or throbbing pain is the predominant symptom, may be severe, and reaches its greatest intensity within ninety minutes. Discomfort may persist for six to forty-eight hours, though usually diminishing in severity. Pain in the groin or armpit, vomiting, diarrhea, falling blood pressure, cramps, muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and paralysis may occur. The symptoms and signs of poisoning are usually confirmed to the area of the wound, however. Fainting, weakness and nausea are the most common generalized symptoms.
Treatment for Sting Rays Injuries
Immediate treatment of sting ray wounds consists of thorough cleansing of the site with the salt water at hand. Any portions of the integumentary sheath found in the wound should be removed. Writers disagree 'on the advisability of using tourniquets in sting ray injuries.
The injured limb should be immersed in water that is as hot as the victim can tolerate for thirty to ninety minutes. After the hot soaks it may be necessary to cleanse the wound further. When all debris or foreign matter present has been removed, the wound can be stitched up. Some physicians prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, but infections are rare with proper treatment. Anti-tetanus measures should be employed.
Prevention Tips for Sting Rays Injuries
Bathers and waders can avoid stepping on these fish by sliding their feet along the bottom rather than stepping. Careless handling of captured specimens may result in injuries.
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