Recent media coverage has reported on the possible change of first aid treatment for the box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish.
The most current and nationally recognised first aid treatment is to apply vinegar to the sting site and call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
To the editor
Re: Changes to first aid treatment for jellyfish
Recent media coverage has reported on the possible change of first aid treatment for the box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish.
The most current and nationally recognised first aid treatment is to apply vinegar to the sting site and call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
St John Ambulance (Qld) supports the continued research and improvement into first aid techniques. This new research has been forwarded on to the St John Ambulance Australia Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) who will report on any implications the new research has on first aid training for marine envenomation.
There are still other steps involved before a finding such as this is implemented and introduced into our training.
St John Ambulance (Qld) would like to advise all Queenslanders that the correct first aid treatment still firmly remains as applying vinegar to a sting site for box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish only.
The current teaching on the management of marine envenomation will remain until there is a formal announcement nationally from the Medical Advisory Panel.
Yours sincerely
Errol Carey
Chief Executive Officer - St John Ambulance (Qld)
Media contact: Angela Madden on (07) 3253 0579