Jelly Fish Stings and other Marine Life First Aid

Apart from Jelly fish stings there are a whole host of other sea creatures you can get stung by. Stings from marine life hurt but usually aren't deadly, there are a few exceptions.

Here is a list of a variety of marine life that can cause bites or stings:

Barracudas

Catfish

Coral

Cone shell

Electric eels

Hydroid

Jellyfish

Moray eels

Portugal Man-of-War

Sea urchins

Sea anemone

Sharks

Stingray

Symptoms: 

Localised Symptoms Pain

Swelling

Redness

Cuts  and bleeding

Generalised Symptoms Armpit or groin pain

Cramps

Fever

Sweating

Nausea and/or vomiting

Dizziness, weakness, fainting

Difficulty breathing

Paralysis

First Aid Treatment

Keep the patient quiet and still

Remove the stingers. If possible wear gloves so you will not get stung as well

Use a towel to wipe off tentacles and stingers

Wash the area with salt water

If instructed by a health professional soak the wound in hot water. As hot as the patient can tolerate for 30-90 minutes

You may be instructed to neutralise certain types of stings with vinegar or a meat tenderiser mixed in a water solution

DO NOT attempt to remove the stingers without protecting your hands

DO NOT raise the affected body part higher then the heart

DO NOT allow the patient to exercise

DO NOT give any medication unless instructed to do so by a doctor what about pain relief

Seek immediate medical help if....

the patient has any of the above 'generalizsed symptoms'

there is uncontrollable bleeding. If medical help is not at hand go to First Aid for Uncontrolled Bleeding

there is any difficulty breathing. Start CPR if breathing ceases

the sting occurred on the face, chest or genitals