Marine Stingers

Minor skin irritation only.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Commence first aid as required (DRSABCD)
• Remove any adhering tentacles
• Wash area with sea water (not freshwater)
• Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (no hotter than the patient can comfortably tolerate)
• If local pain is unrelieved by heat or if hot water is not available, apply a cold pack or ice in a bag
• If pain persists or is generalised, or if the sting area is large or involves sensitive areas (e.g. the eyes), dial triple zero (000) and seek assistance from lifesavers/lifeguards if available

Minor skin irritation only.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Commence first aid as required (DRSABCD)
• Wash area with sea water (not freshwater)
• Keep casualty at rest and reassure5.Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (no hotter than the casualty can comfortably tolerate)
• If local pain is unrelieved by heat or if hot water is not available, apply a cold pack or ice in a bag
• Send for medical aid if symptoms persist or covers a sensitivearea (e.g the eyes) and seek assistance from lifesavers/ lifeguards

Its sting causes immediate severe burning pain and whip-like marks, often with tentacles remaining on the stung area. Severe stings may cause the casualty to stop breathing and suffer cardiac arrest.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Commence first aid as required (DRSABCD)
• Dial triple zero (000) and seek assistance from a lifesaver/lifeguard if available
• Assess casualty and commence CPR immediately if required
• If possible, treat the sting by pouring vinegar onto the sting area for at least 30 seconds and then pick off the tentacles

Usually minor skin burning, occasionally more severe. Usually, multiple raised welts with saw–tooth pattern and surrounding red flare.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Commence first aid as required (DRSABCD)
• Wash area with seawater (not freshwater)
• Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (no hotter than the casualty can comfortably tolerate)
• If local pain is unrelieved by heat or if no hot water available, apply a cold pack or ice in a dry plastic bag
• If pain persists and sting area is large or involves sensitive areas (e.g. the eyes) dial triple zero (000) and seek assistance from the lifesavers/lifeguards if available

Initial minor skin sting followed 5-40 minutes later by severe generalised muscular pain, headache, vomiting and sweating. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as Irukandji Syndrome.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Commence first aid as required (DRSABCD)
• Call for help –dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance
• Promptly administer CPR if required
• Treat the sting –douse the area liberally with vinegar for at least 30 seconds

May give mild Irukandji Syndrome (generalised muscular pain, headache, vomiting and sweating).

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• If has more than one localised sting or looks/feels unwell, call triple zero (000) and seek assistance from a lifesaver/lifeguard if available
• Assess casualty and commence CPR if necessary
• Liberally douse stung area with vinegar for 30 seconds to neutralise invisible stinging cells
• Patient may appear stable but experience Irukandji Syndrome –it is usually only the pain that is significant. Monitor for 45 minutes

Instant pain with whitish irregular blotchy welts, with reddening of the surrounding skin.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove any adhering tentacles
• Wash area with seawater (not freshwater)
• Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (no hotter than the casualty can comfortably tolerate)
• If pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available apply a cold pack or ice in a dry plastic bag
• Send for medical assistance if symptoms persist

Initial pain and burning sensation, single raised white welt with a prominent ‘beading’ effect, Occasionally, pain on breathing, back pain, sweating, anxiety and nausea may develop.

All jellyfish stings north of Agnes Water should be doused with vinegar and the casualty to remain out of the water.

• Remove casualty from water if safe to do so
• Do not allow rubbing of the sting area
• Remove any adhering tentacles
• Rinse the area well with sea water (not freshwater)
• Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (no hotter than the casualty can comfortably tolerate)
• If the pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or ice in a dry plastic bag
• Send for medical aid if symptoms persis