Hey guys Doc here, I am not sure if this kinda thing has been done before or if i am the first to try it but I wanted to contribute something as kinda like a bring something to the table that can be helpful to the community and a little off the norm. So alittle personal background I major in Emergency Medicine, I started as an EMT back when i was 16 and became a Combat medic in the military right after high school right fter i returned home and back to my civilian life i continued my career path and became a paramedic and then finally went a completely different direction when i found out sadly theres no money in EMS in NJ but thats off topic. Any ways when it comes to first aid and emergency medical care i just cant get enough and a passion of mine is teaching first aid and emergency Medicine to others... So i know you guys are thinking what the heck does this have to do with Reefing doc?! well during my research getting into reefing i came across numerous articals and youtube videos about the Dangers of Palytoxin Poisoning and how Palytoxin is commonly found in Reefers houses especially those that keep the coral zoanthid so to me this was an awesome learning and teaching experience.
What is Palytoxin? Palytoxin is a toxin commonly found in marine life such as invertebrates (coral, anemones, jellyfish, and crabs) and certain types of fish. It is one of the most extremely potent toxins known to man and is known to produce sever reactions in most cases in which a subject has been exposed to it and in the most severe cases it can be fatal. Palytoxin is found in the bodily fluids of the creatures that host it and can be expelled when the creature is distressed, injured, or eaten. It poses a higher threat to us Reefers who frag our corals because it is constantly released throughout the process.
In order to be exposed to Palytoxin the toxin needs to enter the body threw one of the following routes
Patients with known exposure to Palytoxin Poisoning report symptoms such as a bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, sweating, and fever. Patients sometimes relate these symptoms to flu like or a bad cold. In the most severe case Palytoxin affects the heart muscles and respiratory system causing swelling of the airway and fluid buildup in the lungs as well as a slow or irregular heartbeat.
***disclaimer the above are common symptoms reported, symptoms vary in a case by case basis lack of a symptom or a symptom present not listed above should not be taken as an excuse to not seek treatment. Palytoxin Poisoning can be a serious life threatening emergency, those who suspect it should seek treatment immediately***
The following is some basic first aid for people exposed to Palytoxin poisoning. It should be noted that first aid is not an exception for seeking professional medical attention.
For exposure to the eyes, the patient should immediately flush his or her eyes for several minutes under cold water blinking excessively to help remove any residue of palytoxin. This should be repeated as necessary until symptoms diminish.
The patient should continue to monitor his eyes and any loss of vision or pain or discharge should be immediately treated by a medical provider.
***It has been reported by subject effected by Palytoxin in the manner that it is extremely painful and cause irritation to the eyes for several days.
Inhalation of vapors ingestion or injections should be treated as sever and emergency medical care should be sought immediately. Patients exposed in this manor should be monitored for signs of respiratory distress if available oxygen should be provide during transport to the hospital, and care should be given to the patients comfort.
There is NO KNOWN ANTIGEN to palytoxin, treatments or only symptomatic and therapeutic until the toxin has been removed by the body’s own mechanisms.
***even the most minor exposure can become severe this is why its important to take care an monitor yourself or others exposed to Palytoxin. When in dout its better to be safe then sorry Call 911 or Poison Control***
So now that I scared you all (sorry for that) let me tell you that its extremely easy to protect yourself and as long as you take precautions and be aware of its presence Palytoxin is not something to be feared.
Wear Gloves when working with corals known to contain Palytoxin and be mindful working in tanks doing cleaning that are known to contain corals with palytoxin.
Use eye protection when cutting or fragging corals
Wear a face mask to prevent inhalitation when using tools such as dremals or rotary saws that create spray or mist of small particles
Wash your hands, tools and work site immediately after you complete your task
BE AWARE and educate yourself, and others, especially new comers to our hobby.
I hope this was helpful and some one out there enjoyed it or learned something if you guys like this kinda things let me know i have some other ideas for injury's from urchins jelly fish or poisonous fish
What is Palytoxin? Palytoxin is a toxin commonly found in marine life such as invertebrates (coral, anemones, jellyfish, and crabs) and certain types of fish. It is one of the most extremely potent toxins known to man and is known to produce sever reactions in most cases in which a subject has been exposed to it and in the most severe cases it can be fatal. Palytoxin is found in the bodily fluids of the creatures that host it and can be expelled when the creature is distressed, injured, or eaten. It poses a higher threat to us Reefers who frag our corals because it is constantly released throughout the process.
In order to be exposed to Palytoxin the toxin needs to enter the body threw one of the following routes
- The blood stream via a cut, open wound , or injection
- The mucus membrane (oral, nasal, eyes0
- Ingested via mouth
- Inhaled as a fluid or a vapor (*scene in cases were people boiled there rocks) The exposure site should be monitored for any signs of swelling abnormal color or pain. If symptoms persist medical attention should be sought
- For exposures to the skin, cuts, wounds, the patient should immediately flush the site with cold water for several minutes and then wash with warm soapy water to clean any residue left on the skins surface.
- **special note: though uncommon skin exposure to the fluid may cause irritation but is not a direct means of exposure to the toxin
Patients with known exposure to Palytoxin Poisoning report symptoms such as a bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, sweating, and fever. Patients sometimes relate these symptoms to flu like or a bad cold. In the most severe case Palytoxin affects the heart muscles and respiratory system causing swelling of the airway and fluid buildup in the lungs as well as a slow or irregular heartbeat.
***disclaimer the above are common symptoms reported, symptoms vary in a case by case basis lack of a symptom or a symptom present not listed above should not be taken as an excuse to not seek treatment. Palytoxin Poisoning can be a serious life threatening emergency, those who suspect it should seek treatment immediately***
The following is some basic first aid for people exposed to Palytoxin poisoning. It should be noted that first aid is not an exception for seeking professional medical attention.
For exposure to the eyes, the patient should immediately flush his or her eyes for several minutes under cold water blinking excessively to help remove any residue of palytoxin. This should be repeated as necessary until symptoms diminish.
The patient should continue to monitor his eyes and any loss of vision or pain or discharge should be immediately treated by a medical provider.
***It has been reported by subject effected by Palytoxin in the manner that it is extremely painful and cause irritation to the eyes for several days.
Inhalation of vapors ingestion or injections should be treated as sever and emergency medical care should be sought immediately. Patients exposed in this manor should be monitored for signs of respiratory distress if available oxygen should be provide during transport to the hospital, and care should be given to the patients comfort.
There is NO KNOWN ANTIGEN to palytoxin, treatments or only symptomatic and therapeutic until the toxin has been removed by the body’s own mechanisms.
***even the most minor exposure can become severe this is why its important to take care an monitor yourself or others exposed to Palytoxin. When in dout its better to be safe then sorry Call 911 or Poison Control***
So now that I scared you all (sorry for that) let me tell you that its extremely easy to protect yourself and as long as you take precautions and be aware of its presence Palytoxin is not something to be feared.
Wear Gloves when working with corals known to contain Palytoxin and be mindful working in tanks doing cleaning that are known to contain corals with palytoxin.
Use eye protection when cutting or fragging corals
Wear a face mask to prevent inhalitation when using tools such as dremals or rotary saws that create spray or mist of small particles
Wash your hands, tools and work site immediately after you complete your task
BE AWARE and educate yourself, and others, especially new comers to our hobby.
I hope this was helpful and some one out there enjoyed it or learned something if you guys like this kinda things let me know i have some other ideas for injury's from urchins jelly fish or poisonous fish
