Dr. med. Michael Rösel
Tips
Tips
First aid
Thorns and prickles
Thorns and prickles are present in abundance in Mallorca, in the most diverse forms on land and in the water. Such injuries should not be taken lightly. The wound often goes deeper than it seems at first sight. In addition, almost all spikes and thorns carry potentially infectious material into the wound.
Immediate measures
Even removed stings and self-treated wounds that didn't heal well the next day or even fester must be treated by the doctor. Otherwise blood poisoning can easily occur. Symptoms of poisoning from animal or plant contact beyond the affected area must be promptly investigated. Any kind of antibiotic therapy belongs in the hands of a doctor.
Weever
Many vacationers make the painful acquaintance of smoldering jellyfish, corals or sea urchins on Mallorca. The weever is one of the most poisonous fish in Europe. It appears on the Atlantic coast, in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea. The holiday season in spring and summer is the spawning season. The weevers seek out the shallow waters and burrow near the beach. Their dorsal fin has four to eight venom glands. The venom consists of heat-sensitive proteins, serotonin, histamine and trachinin, which enter the body when stung.
The weever is a very shy fish. As a rule, when walking in the water, the bather steps directly onto the fish from above and thus onto the dorsal fin set up for defense. Poisoning by the weever causes intense pain, comparable to a hornet bite. Individual cells can also die off in the area of the puncture wound (so-called tissue necrosis).
Immediate measures
The wound must be carefully cleaned. For safety there should be an active tetanus protection. If there isn't we recommend that you consult a doctor immediately to have the vaccination boosted.
Stinging jellyfish
The lion's mane jellyfish, found in the Mediterranean Sea, can be dangerous for holidaymakers if they come into contact with their skin. Touching the stinging cells of the fire jellyfish is extremely painful. Immediately afterwards there is a burning pain and an immediate reaction of the skin showing signs of reddening, swelling and sometimes blistering. Despite all the pain, try to stay calm in the water and get to land as quickly and safely as possible.
Immediate measures
Under no circumstances should the affected areas be rubbed on the skin or rinsed off with fresh water. Both release the stinging cells that have not yet “exploded” and cause further burns. If you still notice residues of nettle threads on your skin, remove them with sea water. In order to neutralize the poison of the tentacles on the skin and thus also to relieve the pain, rinse the affected areas with pure vinegar or high-proof alcohol.
In Mallorca you can also ask the beach lifeguard for help. They usually have remedies with them that bring immediate relief. Cooling with ice packs relieves pain and limits damage to the skin. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms become more severe after the exposure to a jellyfish sting.
Tips on traffic in Mallorca
• Never park where there is yellow stripe marking. This marking indicates a no-stopping zone.
• If there are blue markings, be sure to look for the parking ticket machine. The parking ticket must be placed on the dashboard where it is clearly visible.
• The absolute no-parking signs are very often attached to narrow streets on both sides of the street. Below the signs are the months when the parking or stopping ban on this page applies. As a rule, the no-parking zone on narrow inner-city streets is changed every three months.
• When parking in narrow streets, fold in the exterior mirrors.
• There is not a garage behind every gate. Therefore, you are generally allowed to park in front of gates on Mallorca, unless there is a no-parking sign on the respective gate or directly next to it.
• Should you nevertheless receive a fine ticket, pay immediately. Then you will be granted a discount. Foreign drivers are not always made aware of this rule of Spanish traffic law. You can pay for parking tickets at the local Polica Local office or by bank transfer. The banks are listed on the back of the parking ticket.
• Strictly obey speed limits
40 or 50 km/h in localities;
90 km/h on rural roads;
100 km/h on dual carriageways;
120 km/h on motorways.
• Alcohol: Limits are 0 .5 per mil in the blood, 0.25 per mil in the breath. For novice drivers and professional drivers, the maximum levels are 0.3 per mille in the blood and 0.15 in the breath. Violations will be strictly penalized.
• Particularities for motorcyclists. Anyone with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.2 pays and can expect to be arrested. Costs from 500 € and more could arise.
• Mobile phones are forbidden when refueling and at the wheel. Headsets and other earphones are also prohibited. Phone calls may only be made with a hands-free device. When refueling, the car radio and vehicle lights must be switched off. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 300 euros.
• Seat belt obligation: Violations can result in a financial penalty. A warning vest must be worn in the event of breakdowns on country roads, expressways and motorways. Pay particular attention to the required number of high-visibility vests when renting a car.
• Roundabout: Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. A main road does not entitle you to enter the roundabout first.
Emergency numbers
In Spain you can also use a German mobile phone – usually without dialing an area code. The emergency numbers are valid throughout Spain.
General emergency call Mallorca and Spain: 112
Fire Brigade Mallorca: 085
Policia Local Mallorca: 092
Guardia CiviL Mallorca: 062
Policia National Mallorca: 091
Ambulance Mallorca: 061
Sea Rescue Mallorca: + 34 900 202 202
Red Cross Mallorca: +34 971 202 222
Veterinary Clinic Mallorca: + 34 610 500 700
German Consulate: +34 97 170 77 37 / 41 (by phone between 3-4 p.m.)
Austrian Consulate: +34 971 425 146
Swiss Consulate: +34 682 840 471
Swiss Consulate: +34 682 840 471
British Consulate Palma:+34 933 666 200
Agence Consulaire de France: +34 971 730 301