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Information

Treatment: Marine Vertebrate Envenomations

  • Immerse the affected part immediately in nonscalding hot water (113°F/45°C) for 30-90 min or until there is significant pain relief. Repeated hot-water therapy may help with recurrent pain.
  • Explore, debride, and vigorously irrigate the wound after local/regional anesthetics are given.
  • Antivenom is available for stonefish and serious scorpionfish envenomations. In the United States, contact the nearest regional poison control center for assistance.
  • Leave wounds to heal by secondary intention or to be treated by delayed primary closure.
  • Update tetanus immunization.
  • Consider empirical antibiotics to cover Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species for serious wounds or envenomations in immunocompromised hosts. Coverage should be broadened to include Vibrio species if the wound is primarily closed.

Outline

Section 2. Medical Emergencies