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Jellyfish death prompts first aid drive on beaches

Jellyfish death prompts first aid drive on beaches

SURAT THANI: A jellyfish attack on Koh Phang Ngan that killed a Thai traveller on Friday (July 31), the second such death in two years, has prompted new measures to ensure tourist safety.

accidents
By Chiang Mai Post

Monday 3 August 2015 12:15 PM


Thousands of jellyfish swarm along Ratchakarun beach in Trat's Muang district to feed on plankton swept in during the rainy season. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Thousands of jellyfish swarm along Ratchakarun beach in Trat's Muang district to feed on plankton swept in during the rainy season. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Chayanan Surin, a 31-year-old woman from Bangkok, was stung and killed by a Box jellyfish while swimming in the ocean during the full moon party on the resort island's Had Rin beach on Friday night. 

The jellyfish stung Chayanan around 8pm when she was in the water with three friends, and she went into shock shortly after and was taken to a clinic on Had Rin beach.

She died on the way to Phang Ngan hospital, where she was being taken for further treatment. (See story here)

In a similar case in August last year, a five-year-old French boy died after he was stung by Box jellyfish on Khuad beach in Koh Phang Ngan.

Krirkkrai Songthani, the Koh Phang Ngan district chief, said lifeguards will be deployed along beaches on the island to ensure the safety of tourists and prepare immediate first aid for jellyfish victims.

Beach guards will receive first aid training so they can treat jellyfish stings.

The district chief said he had discussed the jellyfish problem with beachside hotel owners, who are now aware of how to help tourists who are stung.

Victims should rinse the sting with vinegar and also avoid rubbing the area, as it can spread the venom and impair blood circulation, according to Koh Phang Ngan Hospital.

Deaths by poisonous jellyfish stings can be prevented if first aid is applied correctly, Mr Krirkkai said.

During the annual bloom of jellyfish in the rainy season, beachgoers are advised not to go into the water, and watch out for swarms of jellyfish if they do, he said.

Read original story here.