European University of Lefke (EUL) Vocational School of Health Services, Department of First and Emergency Aid Lecturer Asst. Prof. Dr. Semra Aslay shared information about the first aid to be applied in jellyfish stings

“Jellyfish, also known as jelly fish, started to come to the agenda again in the TRNC with the summer season,” Aslay stated and continued as follows; Although they look quite naive and harmless in appearance, these creatures can reach gigantic sizes especially in the oceans. They are also known as flattened and adapted to swimming. Jellyfish feed on small sea creatures called zooplankton. Moon jellyfish are most common in Turkey and are non-toxic. They usually live up to 2 years. In the TRNC, there is no known species of jellyfish, although it is intermittently reported in the press.

“In contact with jellyfish, the microscopic barbed needles on the tentacles pierce the skin and inject the poison. Since the poison acts with the tentacles, the death of the jellyfish does not prevent poisoning. It should definitely not be contacted.” Aslay stated that even if itching and redness is a common finding, swelling, severe allergic reactions and even shock can develop, although rarely. Aslay also stated that the complaints that may develop vary according to the type of jellyfish, the location of the sting or the immune system of the victim, and that the situation may be more serious in jellyfish stings in children.

Washing the stung area with sea water or fresh water, applying alcohol, scraping the stung area or wrapping it with a towel, applying yoghurt are methods that are definitely not useful and not recommended.

“Irukandji syndrome is a clinical condition caused by jellyfish of the genus Irukandji, which live mostly in the oceans. This species does not act by contact but by throwing their venom directly. Therefore, in addition to the above complaints, cardiac complaints may occur in the poisoned person.”Aslay said and explained what can be done as first aid in jellyfish sting as follows; In jellyfish stings, needles can be removed with the help of tweezers. However, it should not be forgotten that there will be more than one needle. The stung area should be washed with hot water for at least half an hour. Washing the stung area with sea water or fresh water, applying alcohol, scraping the stung area or wrapping it with a towel, applying yoghurt are methods that are definitely not useful and not recommended. In case of severe reactions or inadequate first aid, 112 should be called.

Aslay continued her words as follows: There are also sites called Medussapp that show the places where jellyfish are found. Since thousands of jellyfish can be seen at the same time, it is necessary not to perceive this creature as a single one and to get as far away from the environment as possible. Pain, swelling, itching and burning are the most common clinical symptoms and the duration is different for each case.

Climate change, increase in sea water temperature, increase in nutritive elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen in the sea and the nutritional problems of jellyfish have disappeared. Naturally, their numbers have exceeded expectations. Thousands of them can be seen on the beach in a moment by being caught in the current. Since it is not immediately known which species it is and due to the large number of jellyfish, it is best not to touch and move away from the environment when jellyfish are seen.

Aslay finally noted, “Although the TRNC is still on the agenda with jellyfish news intermittently due to its clean beaches, it is not exactly one of the countries where a species is seen permanently. Nevertheless, one should be careful while swimming, swim on the beaches where security measures are taken and keep the beaches and seas clean