Click to read NSW Ambulance Media Release on Ocean Stings and Bites

Paramedics further advise the following first aid tips:

Bluebottles/non-tropical jellyfish:

• Rinse area with seawater to remove any remaining stings. If possible, place in hot water, no hotter than the patient can comfortably tolerate.

Stingrays, barbed marine creatures:

• If possible, place in hot water, no hotter than the patient can comfortably tolerate;
• Control any bleeding
• If the barb is imbedded, do not remove it.

Blue-ringed octopus:

• Treat the same as a snake bite by applying a pressure immobilisation bandage.

Limb injuries:

• Partially severed limb - Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure. Protect the limb as much as possible from dirt and further damage.
• Severed limb - keep the severed part dry, wrapped and cold. If possible, place the part in a dry, sealed plastic bag and then place within another bag filled with cool water. Do not place part in direct contact with water as this will damage the tissue. Do not place the part in direct contact with ice as freezing kills the tissue.

Bleeding:

• Control bleeding by applying direct pressure.