Marine Envenoming and Poisoning (MEP)

Introduction

Marine envenoming and poisoning represent a significant but often underappreciated public health challenge in Malaysia, particularly in coastal and island communities. The lack of awareness and standardized clinical management for marine injuries has resulted in inconsistent practices, delayed interventions, and suboptimal patient outcomes.

Recognizing these gaps, a group of Emergency Physicians and Clinical Toxinology experts established the Remote Envenomation Consultation Services (RECS) under the auspices of the Malaysian Society on Toxinology (MST) and The College of Emergency Medicine Special Interest Group on Clinical Toxinology. This initiative ensures expert guidance and optimal care for patients suffering from marine envenoming and poisoning.

Through their work, RECS has identified widespread knowledge gaps among healthcare providers, particularly regarding the identification and management of marine toxins and envenoming cases. Outdated or inaccurate references used by medical students, pharmacists, and clinicians have further compounded these issues, resulting in inappropriate clinical practices.

In response to these challenges, RECS developed the Marine Envenoming and Poisoning (MEP) program—an intermediate-level educational initiative designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage marine injuries effectively. First introduced as a pre-conference workshop, MEP has evolved into a dynamic platform for interactive learning, knowledge sharing, and discussion, enabling participants to gain confidence in treating patients affected by marine toxins.

General Objective

To enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of healthcare providers in managing marine envenoming and poisoning, ensuring effective and evidence-based care for optimal patient outcomes.

Specific Objective

1. Recognize Marine Hazards of Medical Significance:
   Introduce participants to marine creatures of medical importance in Malaysia, including jellyfish, stingrays, sea snakes, and fish species such as stonefish and lionfish, along with their associated venom effects.
2. First Aid for Marine Envenoming and Poisoning:
   Provide evidence-based first aid practices for marine injuries, including venomous stings, bites, and toxic ingestions, in prehospital and hospital settings.
3. Clinical Management of Marine Toxin Cases:
   Present appropriate clinical management strategies, including symptomatic treatment, toxin-specific interventions, and prevention of complications from marine envenoming and poisoning.
4. Marine Envenoming Management Guidelines:
   Familiarize participants with up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines for managing marine envenoming and poisoning tailored to Malaysia's healthcare context.
5. Raise Awareness of RECS Services:
   Increase awareness of the Remote Envenomation Consultation Services (RECS) and its role in supporting healthcare providers with expert advice on marine envenoming and poisoning cases.

Program format

MEP is a one-day workshop/seminar designed for healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The program features a highly interactive format, including expert-led lectures, case discussions, and practical hands-on learning sessions. The workshop is conducted multiple times a year, based on requests from healthcare institutions and organizations.

Why Choose MEP?

• Access expert-led, evidence-based training in marine toxin management.
• Improve clinical decision-making in marine envenoming and poisoning cases.
• Build confidence in handling complex marine injury scenarios.
• Gain insights into Malaysia-specific marine toxin challenges.
• Engage with peers and toxinology experts in a collaborative learning environment.

Get Involved

Interested in organizing or attending the MEP program? Contact our MEP Program Manager for more details and to schedule a session for your institution. Together, let’s improve outcomes for patients affected by marine envenoming and poisoning in Malaysia.

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