Dive Medicine: Sea Urchin Puncture WoundMedical Author:
Barbara J. Drobina, DO
Barbara J. Drobina, DOBarbara J. Drobina, DO is an Emergency Physician in the United States Navy. Dr. Drobina graduated from University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, IA. Dr. Drobina completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Sea Urchin Puncture OverviewSea urchins have globe to flattened-shaped bodies covered with spines. They are non-aggressive marine animals found all over the world. They live in shallow, rocky bottoms, or hide in sandy cervices. Human contact with sea urchins is either accidental or intentional. People accidentally step on them in shallow surf, or intentionally pick up the urchins, unaware that they must handle the spines with care to avoid injury. Sea urchins have two types of venomous organs - spines and pedicellaria. Spines produce puncture wounds. Pedicellaria are small, delicate seizing organs that lie between the spines and release venom when they attach to an object. Viewer Comments & ReviewsDive Medicine: Sea Urchin Puncture Wound - ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Share your sea urchin wound experience. |
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Dive Medicine: Sea Urchin Puncture Wound
Scuba Diving Emergency Contacts »
Diving Emergency Facilities Around the World
For diving-related emergencies, contact the following:
Australia: within 1800-088200, outside 61-8-8212-9242
Belgium: Ostend 050-55-87-13, Brussels 02-262-22-82
Canada: 416-340-4131, Divers Alert Network (DAN) 919-684-8111, or 919-684-4326 (accepts collect calls)
Europe: (DAN) 39-039-605-7858
Germany: Kronshagen/Kiel 0431-54090 or Berlin +49-30-4551708
Japan: (DAN) 81-3-38124999
Latin America: (DAN) 919-684-9111 (accepts collect calls) or 919-684-4DAN (4326)
Italy: 39 06 49970424
Malta: Qormi 356-491972 or St. Julians 356-371849
Malaysia: (DAN) 05-930-4114
New Zealand: 09-445-8454, (DAN) 0800-4DES 111
Philippines: (DAN) 02-815-9911
Singapore: (DAN) 6758-1733 (Naval Medicine & Hyperbaric Center)
Spain: 93-4331551
Southern Africa: (DAN) within 0800-020111, outside 27-11-254-1112
United Kingdom:
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Echinoderm Envenomation »
The phylum Echinodermata includes a diverse group of marine animals that are slow moving and nonaggressive, including brittle stars (class Ophiuroidea), starfish (class Asteroidea), sea urchins (class Echinoidea), and sea cucumbers (class Holothuroidea).
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