Jellyfish sting

●Urgent

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Box jellyfish — life-threatening
Tentacles still stinging
Anaphylaxis

Quick summary

Out of water. Rinse seawater. Scrape tentacles. Hot water soak. Hospital if bad.

Do This Now

Step 1: Get the person out of the water
Step 2: Rinse with seawater — NOT fresh water for most jellyfish
Step 3: Scrape off tentacles with a flat edge — do not touch with bare hands
Step 4: Soak in hot water (as hot as tolerated) for 20–45 minutes if available
Step 5: Go to hospital for box jellyfish stings or breathing difficulty

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT urinate on the sting — this is a myth and does not help.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT rub sand or alcohol on the wound.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use fresh water rinse for unknown jellyfish species.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 for difficulty breathing, chest pain, or stings covering large body area.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Jellyfish sting. Person has [symptoms]. Location [beach name]."

When Professional Care Is Needed

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Box jellyfish and Irukandji stings are medical emergencies — antivenom may be needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seek care if pain is unbearable, sting covers face, or symptoms worsen after leaving water.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Treatment varies by species. When in doubt, rinse with seawater, remove tentacles without bare hands, and seek care for severe symptoms.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 5

Call 112