Page 144 - Participant Manual

Marine Life Stings

Many forms of marine life (such as jellyfish, stingrays, sea urchins, stinging coral and spiny fish) cause stinging
wounds (Table 7-3). Stings from marine life can have effects that range from merely painful to very serious
(such as allergic reactions that can cause breathing and heart problems, paralysis or even death).

Signs and Symptoms of Marine Life Stings

Signs and symptoms of marine life stings include pain and swelling at the site. You may also see a puncture
wound or laceration. If the person is allergic to marine life stings, the person will show signs and symptoms of
an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (see Chapter 5).

First Aid Care for Marine Life Stings

Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number if the person has been stung by a lethal jellyfish, does not
know what stung him or her, has a history of allergic reactions to marine life stings, is stung on the face or
neck, or starts to have trouble breathing.

Jellyfish Stings

Get the person out of the water as soon as possible, then take steps to neutralize the toxin and reduce pain.
For most types of jellyfish typically found along the east and west coasts of the United States, flush the
injured area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds to offset the toxin. You can also apply a baking soda slurry if
vinegar is not available. For Portuguese man-of-war (bluebottle jellyfish), which are found in tropical waters,
flush with ocean water instead of vinegar. Do not flush any jellyfish sting with fresh water, ammonia or rubbing
alcohol because these substances may increase pain. Carefully remove any stingers or tentacles with gloved
hands or a towel. After deactivating or removing the stingers or tentacles, immerse the affected area in water
as hot as the person can tolerate (no more than about 113° F [45° C] if the temperature can be measured) for
at least 20 minutes or until the pain is relieved. If hot water is not available, use dry hot packs, or as a second
choice, dry cold packs to help decrease the pain. (Remember to wrap the hot or cold packs in a thin, dry
towel to protect the skin.) Do not rub the area or apply an elastic (pressure immobilization) bandage.

Stingray, Sea Urchin or Spiny Fish Stings

If you know the sting is from a stingray, sea urchin or spiny fish, flush the wound with tap water. Ocean water
also may be used. Keep the injured part still and soak the affected area in water as hot as the person can
tolerate for at least 20 minutes or until the pain is relieved. Check with a healthcare provider to determine if a
tetanus shot is needed and monitor the wound for signs and symptoms of infection.

Rash-Causing Plants

Plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak (Table 7-4) are covered with an oil called urushiol
that causes an allergic skin reaction in many people. In people who are sensitive to urushiol, touching or © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
brushing against the plant or other items contaminated with urushiol causes an itchy, red rash with bumps or
blisters. The rash can range from irritating to incapacitating, depending on the person’s sensitivity, the amount
of exposure and the rash’s location. If urushiol is inhaled via smoke caused by burning the plants, severe
reactions can result, including irritation of the lungs and swelling of the throat.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 136 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 137 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual