'Jellyfish, Bee Stings, Snake Bites Warning'... Gangwon Fire Department Issues 'Outdoor Safety Accident Alert'

Jellyfish and Bee Stings, Snake Bites Surge, Need to Know Emergency Treatment Methods

Photo materials [Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As the peak summer vacation season begins, the Gangwon Provincial Fire Department has issued an 'Outdoor Safety Accident Warning' due to a surge in bee stings and snakebite incidents.

According to the provincial fire department on the 18th, on the 15th, a woman in her 60s was stung by a bee at a beekeeping farm in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon, showed signs of shock, lost consciousness, and was transported to a hospital.

Earlier, on the 14th, a woman in her 50s working in farming in Chuncheon was bitten by a snake, complained of pain, and was taken to a hospital. The number of bee and snake-related incidents, which was 45 cases until June, has surged to 149 cases as of the 14th of July.

In the past three years, there have been 2,270 safety accidents involving jellyfish stings, bee stings, and snakebites in Gangwon Province, with 1,450 cases (63.8%) occurring from July to September, the highest number. This is followed by 719 cases (31.6%) in autumn and 96 cases (4%) in spring.

With the increase in outdoor leisure activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing, an average of 756 outdoor activity safety accidents have occurred annually over the past three years.

In particular, being stung by bees or bitten by snakes can lead to 'Anaphylactic Shock' depending on the individual's physical condition or allergic reactions, so special caution is required.

'Anaphylactic Shock' is a very intense and excessive allergic reaction that occurs when a person sensitive to a specific antigen is exposed to that substance again, which can lead to cardiac arrest due to airway obstruction or blood vessel dilation.

To prevent bee stings and snakebite accidents, it is necessary to carefully check the surroundings before entering mountains or bushes and wear protective equipment and clothing such as long clothes or boots to protect the body.

Also, bees tend to be aggressive toward bright-colored clothes and strong scents, so these should be avoided during outdoor activities. Snakes have a habit of attacking when threatened, so if you encounter a snake, do not try to catch or chase it but quickly leave the area.

When swimming at the beach, it is advisable to wear clothing that can protect the skin on the arms and legs as much as possible.

Jellyfish are mainly found in areas with floating debris or foam and slow water flow, so you should carefully check before entering the water. Dead jellyfish may still have venom, so never touch them.

Yong Seok-jin, head of the Prevention and Safety Division, emphasized, "This is a time when special caution is needed, especially for children or those with a history of anaphylaxis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.