Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Insect and marine animal bites and stings
Marine bites and stings: first aid and medical treatment
Abstract
Despite there being many species of jellyfish and venomous marine animals, the first aid and medical treatment of their bites and stings can be grouped simply.
Key Points
- The use of ice or cold packs will help to reduce the skin pain caused by jellyfish stings.
- Pressure immobilisation bandaging is useful to retain large amounts of venom in one area, reducing absorption into the body until medical treatment is obtained.
- Heat treatment (with hot water) relieves the pain of penetrating spines caused by animals such as stingrays and stonefish.
- Antivenom is available for Chironex box jellyfish, sea snake, and stonefish envenomation.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be necessary for severe cases of marine envenomation.
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