The hot weather is here, which means more and more people are spending time at the beach and in the water. For some people, their work involves them being in and around the water all throughout the year.
Marine stings or bites can happen to anyone, and in Australia there is the risk of a marine sting every time we’re in or on the water. It’s important to know first aid for marine bites and stings so that you know how to respond in the event that you or someone nearby is injured by a sea creature.
Jellyfish sting
A standard jellyfish sting is one of the most common marine life injuries. A jellyfish releases toxins when a tentacle comes into contact with skin, and while the reaction can vary from person to person, a jellyfish sting may cause symptoms from numbness and itching to severe pain.
To treat a jellyfish sting, ensure all remaining tentacle pieces have been removed from the skin – use a gloved hand or tweezers to remove any pieces if required. Flush the sting area with saltwater. Soak the sting site in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated) for 20 minutes to relieve pain. Repeat as necessary and apply calamine lotion if pain persists.
Standard jellyfish stings are usually not serious, but if the person’s condition deteriorates, seek medical treatment.
Box jellyfish
A sting from a box jellyfish can be fatal. These sea creatures are found in tropical Australian waters, with the stinger season peaking from November to March.
As opposed to a standard jellyfish sting, a sting from a box jellyfish may cause red or purple marks on the skin, immediate severe pain throughout the body, increased heart rate, anxiety, sweating, nausea or vomiting, or cardiac arrest.
In the event of a box jellyfish sting, call triple zero (000) and request an ambulance. To treat a sting from a box jellyfish, vinegar should be poured over the tentacles on the person’s skin for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will deactivate the sting and allow the tentacles to be removed. Seawater can be used if vinegar is not available – but don’t use fresh water.
While waiting for the ambulance, keep the person calm and still. If they are unconscious, you may need to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continue until the ambulance arrives.
Fish stings
There are numerous types of venomous fish in Australian waters. Fish stings usually cause immediate intense pain that can last around 30 minutes to an hour. However, there are usually no other symptoms or effects.
For pain relief, immerse the stung area in hot water for a maximum of 90 minutes. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can be taken if necessary, or apply calamine lotion or a burn and bite gel.
Sea urchin injuries
Sea urchins have venom-coated spines which can become lodged in the skin. Injuries from sea urchins can be painful, but are rarely dangerous.
To treat a sea urchin injury, soak the affected area in hot water and remove the spines. An antiseptic ointment such as betadine spray should be applied if possible. Pain relief such as a burn and bite gel or over-the-counter medication can be used to help reduce and manage pain.
Stingrays
Injuries from stingrays are more common in the shallows. Reactions can vary, but may include weakness, nausea and severe pain.
The wound should be washed and cleaned, with the affected area placed in hot water for pain relief. Seek medical attention, as there is a risk of infection or the possibility of heavy bleeding from the bite site.
Blue-ringed octopus and sea snake bites
Bites from a blue-ringed octopus and sea snakes can be serious.
The bite itself is usually painless, but a person bitten by a blue-ringed octopus or sea snake may have small puncture marks and experience facial numbness, vomiting, vision changes, tightness in the chest and trouble breathing.
Call triple zero (000) for immediate medical attention. A pressure immobilisation bandage should be applied, and try to keep the person still and calm. If the person is not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continue until medical help arrives.
Other potential danger signs
Some people may have a severe allergic reaction from being stung by a marine animal. This can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is potentially life threatening. If you are concerned the person is experiencing an allergic reaction, seek medical help. Further symptoms to watch for following a marine sting include:
- Difficulty talking
- A swollen/thick tongue
- Pale and floppiness in children
- Swelling of the throat
- Wheezing or coughing
Prevention
There are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself against marine stings.
- Avoid swimming during known stinger season, or wear a full-body stinger suit
- Do not enter the water if the beach is closed
- Enter the water slowly. This allows marine animals to swim away
- Visit beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards that can offer assistance or advice, or administer first aid if required
- Ensure you are aware of the marine animals in the area in which you are swimming, and know the first aid required for each sting
- Some marine stings are common among particular industries such as fisheries, from people handling or pulling marine animals from nets. Ensure you can identify dangerous marine animals on sight, and avoid touching them
- Wear thick-soled shoes or reef shoes if walking through the shallows or on reefs to avoid stepping on marine animals that may sting or bite
First aid for marine bites and stings
Other tips for managing marine animal stings:
- Have a marine first aid kit on board if you work on the water or have your own boat, to ensure you have everything you need on hand in the event of a marine animal injury
- For minor injuries, you can apply a wound dressing to the affected area to keep the bite site clean
- If in doubt, seek medical help
Shop the extensive range of wholesale medical supplies at LFA First Response to ensure you’re prepared to treat any bites and stings that can occur while you’re on the water.
