10 November 2014
Irukandji jellyfish…
apply vinegar still correct despite recent claims
Following recent hot weather and increased numbers at beaches across Queensland, St John Ambulance (Qld) is urging all beachgoers and fishermen to learn the correct first aid treatment for potentially deadly stings.
St John Ambulance first aid expert Darryl Clare said recent studies into the first aid treatment were unsubstantiated and not supported by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
“St John (Qld) fully supports the continued research and improvement into first aid treatments.
“Recent reports indicating that vinegar is no longer the correct first aid treatment are not supported by the ARC or St John Ambulance (Qld),” Darryl said.
St John (Qld) is advising that until new research is properly looked into, and implemented into training, the correct first aid treatment for box jellyfish and irukandji jellyfish still firmly remains as applying vinegar to the sting site and call triple zero for an ambulance.
“Symptoms of irukandji jellyfish stings are severe, and they usually do not occur until 5 to 40 minutes after being stung, so ensuring you are confident in administering first aid really could mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
Darryl said knowing the correct first aid for an irukandji jellyfish sting can not only minimise pain and stabilise the casualty, but also potentially decrease the chances of a fatality.
“Ensuring that you and your family (including children) know the basic DRSABCD action plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation) means that the life of a friend or fellow beachgoer could be saved,” Darryl said.
“When someone presents with a marine sting, it is important to ensure there are no dangers - such as other jellyfish in the water - around you or the casualty and to be well away from the water’s edge,” he said.
“Irukandji sting casualties will often complain of abdominal and back pains as well as suffer from nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating and a feeling of impending doom.
“Flooding the stung area with vinegar will limit further injection of venom into the body and decrease the chance of death,” Darryl said.
“When an irukandji jellyfish sting occurs, it is important to call triple zero ‘000’ for an ambulance.
Darryl said if you know first aid, you are never alone because you can rely on your skills to help out.
“Emergency situations are very stressful for casualties and bystanders. Having an understanding of first aid means you could stabilise an injured person and potentially defuse a life or death situation.”
St John (Qld) offers one and two day basic first aid courses that are nationally accredited. For more information, or to book a first aid course, visit www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 360 455.
MEDIA RELEASE
St John Ambulance (Qld)
Media contact: Angela Madden on (07) 3253 0579