Accident Assessment Answer: The ultimate diagnosis was ciguatera poisoning. Victims of suspected ciguatera poisoning should be evaluated immediately by medical personnel. Reef fish such as groupers, sea basses and snappers, and barracudas that prey on reef fish, may contain toxins that cause ciguatera poisoning. Initial symptoms of poisoning occur within six hours after someone consumes toxic fish; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and numbness and tingling, which may spread to the extremities. The classic symptoms — metallic taste in the mouth and reversal of hot and cold sensation in the hands and mouth, are not always seen. The symptoms will generally resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
Learn more: http://bit.ly/1az6uxw . Not all injuries or illness that occur on a dive vacation are dive-related, but DAN can still help by preparing you to recognize and manage these situations.
The DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course prepare you to recognize and manage seafood poisoning and other marine life-related illness and injuries. (http://bit.ly/1az6vl5 )
