Sting - Cone Shell

The Cone Shell, which is mainly located in tropical waters, can fire a venomous dart-like barb when stepped on or touched.

Without medical treatment, the venom can cause paralysis and death due to respiratory failure within 30 minutes.

First Aid for a Cone Shell sting

If someone has been stung by a Cone Shell, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If they are unconscious or lose consciousness at any time, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.

Step 1: Lay them down

• Ask them to lay down (on their back) and remain still. This will slow the spread of poison
• Keep calm and reassure them
  
  

Step 2: Bandage the bite site

• Firmly bandage the bite site directly with a compression bandage. This is called the pressure immobilisation method
• You do not need to remove cloths
• If there aren't bandages available, use clothing or towels
• Avoid wrapping too tight to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the limb, toes or fingers
• Clip the end of the bandage or tuck it underneath the final loop
  
  

Step 3: If bitten on a limb, apply a second bandage

• If the bite is on a limb, apply a firm compression bandage starting just above the fingers or toes
• Wrap the bandage upwards on the limb as far as you can
• Avoid wrapping too tight to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the limb, toes or fingers
• Clip the end of the bandage or tuck it underneath the final loop
• Mark the bite site on the bandage
  
  

Step 4: Apply a splint if bitten on a limb

• If you have a splint board, tie it at the ankle, then above and below the knee. If the bite is on the arm, then place it underneath the forearm
• If the bite is on the leg, splint by placing the legs together and tie them to each other with bandages. Once below the knees and again at the ankles
• If the bite is on the arm, make a splint and place it underneath the forearm. Then, tie or tape it to the arm at the wrist and just below the elbow. Place in a sling
• If you don't have bandages for tying, you can use long bits of fabric such as a t-shirt or towel
  
  

Step 4: Monitor symptoms

• Monitor the person closely. If they lose consciousness at any time, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
• If they become cold, cover them with a blanket, towel or clothes
• Write down the time of the bite and when you finished bandaging. This will assist medical help later
• Check circulation by squeezing the edge of the big toe or thumb for 3 seconds. Release and check if the colour returns - it should return within 2 seconds