Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Last of '08
Diane treated us to some great finds at Tasi Tolu today. Although the visability was terrible, she found two seahorses, including a species we hadn't seen before. And it was in only 6 meters of water!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Stonefish Poisoning
A few days ago I was lying on the sand at Tasi Tolu, mesmerized while photographing a lacy scorpionfish. I generally anchor myself in the sand with a steel pointer and stay a few inches off the bottom. And it's a good thing. I felt something moving under me and raised off the bottom to discover a small stonefish (about 20cm). This brush with danger made me consider what I would have done had I been 'stung' by the dorsal spines of the stonefish...especially given the lack of medical services here in Timor.
So here's a bit of advice from the Wildness Medical Society in Australia.
Proper management of stonefish poisoning involves immediate evaluation and stabilization of the patient. The wounds should be explored and copiously irrigated using sterile techniques. This cleanses the wound area and may remove venom as well as components of the spine, slime, and sand. Any foreign material left in the wound is likely to delay or arrest the healing process. Stonefish venom is heat labile; therefore, hot soaks (115°F/45°C) should be performed for 30 to 90 minutes or until the pain is relieved and does not recur. The wound may be infiltrated with local anesthetic without epinephrine if pain relief is required. Systemic analgesics or narcotics are rarely needed. General wound care should be administered, including antibiotics if indicated. The affected area should be elevated. Antivenom administration should be considered in cases of severe stonefish poisoning. This should be given as soon as possible after the initial sting, preferably within 48 hours.
Let's hope we never have to apply this knowledge, but there's more info if you follow the link to WMS.
Note: Lidocaine, xylocaine, prilocaine and mepivicaine (Isocaine) are common local anesthetics that are available without epinephrine.
So here's a bit of advice from the Wildness Medical Society in Australia.
Proper management of stonefish poisoning involves immediate evaluation and stabilization of the patient. The wounds should be explored and copiously irrigated using sterile techniques. This cleanses the wound area and may remove venom as well as components of the spine, slime, and sand. Any foreign material left in the wound is likely to delay or arrest the healing process. Stonefish venom is heat labile; therefore, hot soaks (115°F/45°C) should be performed for 30 to 90 minutes or until the pain is relieved and does not recur. The wound may be infiltrated with local anesthetic without epinephrine if pain relief is required. Systemic analgesics or narcotics are rarely needed. General wound care should be administered, including antibiotics if indicated. The affected area should be elevated. Antivenom administration should be considered in cases of severe stonefish poisoning. This should be given as soon as possible after the initial sting, preferably within 48 hours.
Let's hope we never have to apply this knowledge, but there's more info if you follow the link to WMS.
Note: Lidocaine, xylocaine, prilocaine and mepivicaine (Isocaine) are common local anesthetics that are available without epinephrine.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Harlequin Shrimp
Diane found this tiny (~1cm) Harlequin Shrimp this afternoon at Tasi Tolu. Our last sighting of a Harlequin was February 2007!
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