In Australia the standard first aid for a box jelly sting is to douse in vinegar for 30 secs or more – this doesn't ease pain; it paralyses the venom injectors. Pouring water hot or cold at first will increase the envenomation, as will peeing on the stuck tentacles. You could, in fact, kill the victim. As the victim is in imminent danger of heart failure, the sequence is this: get the person out of the water, apply vinegar, remove tentacles, and call for emergency medical help while monitoring breathing and starting CPR if needed.... once In the hospital, severe box jellyfish stings are treated with specific antivenom, cardiac and breathing support, and strong pain relief.
Create an account or sign in to comment