47-year-old Pradip Patade volunteers as a life guard during immersion at the beach
With the memory of people writhing in pain after being stung by Box jellyfish and Stingray at Girgaum chowpatty two years ago still fresh in his mind, a water sports enthusiast has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to make arrangements for first aid. Not only that, he has volunteered to manage the process along with marine biology students. Pradip Patade (47), a resident of Girgaum, volunteers as a life guard during Ganesh immersion at the beach.
"I was stung by a Box jellyfish at Girgaum chowpatty on September 10. I also saw hundreds of baby stingrays caught in the nets of local fishermen. I immediately realised that the devotees entering the water for immersion will come in contact with these fish. In 2013, when a similar situation arose, the devotees who were in terrible pain could not be given even the basic first aid," said Patade, who has been systematically documenting the aquatic life on the beaches of south Mumbai.
He said he has written to the civic body officials, including the D-Ward officer, suggesting that apart from the regular emergency facilities, special facilities be arranged for people stung by Portuguese man o' War, Blue Bottle, Box jellyfish, Stingray and Eel-tailed catfish.
"A specially designated tent with proper signage can be set up on the beach, with a few collapsible beds and provisions for first aid for the victims. There should be arrangement for hot water as well as normal tap water, small bottles of vinegar and antiseptic soaps," said Patade, who is also in talks with marine biologist Rishikesh Dalvi in this regard. Dalvi is ready provide a few students studying marine biology from MD College in Parel to work as volunteers.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner D Kshirsagar said, "We have made adequate arrangements along with fisheries department to ensure safety of devotees coming to chowpatty."
First aid for Stingray, Eel-tailed catfish sting
Flush the wound with clean fresh water and then wash it thoroughly with an antiseptic.
Soak the wound in hot water as long as the person can bear.
If the wound is deep, apply antiseptic lotion and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Try to calm down the victim, if in panic.
First aid for Box jellyfish sting
Do not scratch the affected area. Flush the wound with clean fresh water to remove the attached tentacles, if any.
Soak the affected area in hot water as long as the person can bear.
If there is no bleeding, apply mild vinegar solution over the affected area.
Locally prescribed antihistamic tablets, such as Avil, may prevent allergic reaction.
Seek medical help immediately.
First aid for Blue Bottle sting
Don't touch or rub the wound. Rinse with salt water to remove tentacles.
Rinse affected area with hot water for pain relief. Later, apply ice.
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