Firefighters and EMT’s are warning the weekend beachgoers to be careful of stingrays. They say with one misstep you could find yourself in a world of pain.
Stingrays can usually be found out on top of the sand in the Gulf of Mexico. If you step on one, the stingray swings its tail up, stings the foot, and unleashes painful venom. But there is a technique that can be used to avoid it.
Sunbathing, swimming, and even surfing are all part of the beach going experience. But the good times come with the bad.
David Beers is a firefighter with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department. He explained that it is currently stingray mating season and if you step on one, they will make you regret it.
"They like to come in and camouflage themselves by hiding under the sand so you can't really see them," said Beers.
Beers says he literally sees the pain first-hand because he constantly treats people who are stung.
"In the peak stingray season there can be up to four to five calls per day," said Beers.
Beers explained there is a technique people can use to avoid getting stung by a stingray. He calls it the stingray shuffle.
"The best thing to do is shuffle your feet. They'll actually hear you coming and get out of the way," said Beers.
He explained it is simple knowledge that can make your beach going experience a pain-free one.
If you are stung, you need to get your foot into a bucket of hot water as soon as possible. The venom is attracted to heat and the longer it is in your body, the farther up it will move. It can potentially move to your mid-section which is the warmest part of your body.
You should also call 911 and make sure a professional looks at the wound so it will not get infected.
Source From Al & Mike News http://alandmike.wordpress.com
