Marine animals
Blue bottles
Stings from Physalia species leave a painful whip-like wavy line on the skin from the tentacle.
First Aid:
- Clear away the tentacles
- Immerse in hot water for 20 minutes for pain relief or have a hot water shower (be mindful to supervise children with hot water)
- Do NOT apply a pressure immobilisation bandage
- Seek medical advice if pain continues
Tropical jellyfish
Australian jellyfish are extremely dangerous and can cause death. Box
jellyfish and irukandji are found in the tropical waters of northern
Australia - see map.
First Aid:
- Remove the person out of water
- Pour vinegar over the affected areas of skin
- Carefully remove any tentacles
- Do NOT apply a pressure immobilisation bandage
- Call 000 if box jellyfish sting, or if pain persists, transport the patient to medical care
- If the person is unconscious or stops breathing, start resuscitation
Blue-ringed octopus & Cone snail
Blue-ringed octopus bites and cone snail stings can be life-threatening, as they can cause paralysis and stop breathing.
First Aid:
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the entire affected limb
- Call 000 to take the patient to the nearest hospital
- If the person is unconscious or stops breathing, start resuscitation
Sea snakes
Sea snakes are venomous and highly dangerous. Treat as for snake bite.
First Aid:
- Call 000
- Keep the person who has been bitten as still as possible. If possible, lie the patient down to prevent walking or moving around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (preferably use a wide elasticised bandage if available)
- Keep still await the arrival of the ambulance for transport to the nearest hospital.
- If the person is unconscious or stops breathing, start resuscitation