First Aid Guides
Sting - Jellyfish - Tropical
What to do if someone has been stung by a Box jellyfish
The Box jellyfish and Irukandji are found in tropical waters that range from Geraldton and extend north around the coastline of WA.
Box Jellyfish are large, cube-shaped and have tentacles hanging from the body which produce very potent venom. The stings from these are painful and can be deadly to humans. Stings from a Box jellyfish should be treated as an emergency.
The Irukandji are a smaller species of Box jellyfish and at times too small to be seen. The sting site might be small but can be very painful.
Read about signs and symptoms.
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for Box jellyfish stings
It can be hard to know which species of jellyfish stung you. Treat any sting as a Box jellyfish if:
- It is in the tropics of Australia
- You aren't sure what jellyfish
- There are multiple sting sites
- The person stung is unwell
If someone has been stung by a Box jellyfish, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Send for a nearby defibrillator if available.
Follow the first aid steps below. If they have difficulty breathing or lose consciousness, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.
Step 1: Rest and reassure
- Jellyfish stings are very painful, reassure and calm them
- Help them into a comfortable position
- Don't let them touch or rub the sting
Step 2: Clean the area
- Pour vinegar or seawater over the sting for at least 30 seconds - this prevents further toxins from being fired
- Carefully remove any remaining tentacles. Do not touch them with your bare hands. You can use things like gloves, a stick, even a credit card.
- Don't use fresh water, hot water or alcohol as this will release more toxins
Step 3: Apply pain relief if needed
- Once vinegar has been applied and the tentacles removed, apply a cold pack
- Avoid applying pressure to the sting
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin
- Remove after 15 minutes
Step 4: Stay with them
- Stay with them until an ambulance arrives
- Monitor their symptoms to make sure they aren't getting worse
- Talk to them to keep them calm and help them stay awake
- If they have difficulty breathing or lose consciousness, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.
What not to do
- Use fresh water, hot water or alcohol
- Compress or bandage the sting
- Put urine on the sting
- Apply cold pack before rinsing with vinegar and remove
