Stingray fish injury - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Educational video describing stingray injuries.
Most stingrays have one or more barbed stings on the tail, which are used in self-defense. They will not attack humans but they will defend themselves when threatened especially when stepped on. Stingrays cause around 1500 injuries per year and are caused by puncture from their strong serrated, bony spine or barbs. The tail contains a sheath that will discharge venom once it is ruptured.
If you are stung by a stingray, clean the injury with soap and water. Make sure the spine is completely removed and use hot water (45 degrees C or 110 degrees F) in order to decrease the pain caused by the poison. Venom from the Stingray is thermolabile, which means that it will decompose with heat. The foot or leg is the most common area affected by these injuries due to stepping on the stingray which causes the tail to be thrust upward and forward.
Effects of the venom include constriction of the blood vessels and tissue necrosis. The patient will feel extreme pain and may experience edema and swelling. Sometimes a fragment of the barb may be stuck inside the wound and this may cause an infection.
Surgical exploration may be needed and the use of ultrasound is helpful in detecting the barb fragment.
The patient will typically recover with a positive outcome. Fatalities from these types of injuries are rare, but are possible such as the case of Steve Irwin.
In order to prevent stingray injuries it is recommended :
•Before entering the water, look for posted warning signs.
•Before entering murky water poke around with a stick
•Keep away from or be aware of Stingray gathering places, especially under piers and shallow water.
•Use protective water shoes, boots or stingray guards.
•Never swim over moving stingrays
•Slide your feet along the bottom as the stingray will notice your presence and swim away.

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