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If someone needs immediate help with jellyfish sting, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was stung by a jellyfish in the sea or on the beach — burning pain and raised welts.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Out of water. Rinse seawater. Scrape tentacles. Hot water soak. Hospital if bad.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Immediate burning pain with whip-like red lines on skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tentacle pieces stuck to skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Muscle cramps, chest pain, or difficulty breathing — box jellyfish emergency.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Jellyfish tentacles contain stinging cells that fire on contact. Some species (box jellyfish) are deadly and need immediate emergency care.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pain can be severe even from common jellyfish. Tentacles may continue stinging until removed.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Help the person out of the water without touching tentacles yourself — use a board or towel.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 immediately for chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing after a sting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Alert lifeguards if present.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pour seawater over the area — fresh water can trigger unfired stingers on some species.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Treatment varies by species. When in doubt, rinse with seawater, remove tentacles without bare hands, and seek care for severe symptoms.
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]."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Box jellyfish and Irukandji stings are medical emergencies — antivenom may be needed.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Urinating on a jellyfish sting neutralizes the venom
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Urine does not reliably deactivate stingers and may introduce bacteria. Seawater rinse and hot water immersion are supported approaches.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active dog attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dog is currently biting, chasing, or mauling a person.
Bee/wasp swarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is being stung by many bees or wasps, or has dozens of stings — a life-threatening emergency.
Rabid animal
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact with a wound from an animal acting rabid — foaming, paralysis, aggression, or unusual behavior.
Crocodile encounter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone else is near, being attacked by, or was bitten by a crocodile or alligator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Scrape tentacles off with a shell, card, or stick wearing gloves if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Immerse in hot water 43–45°C for 20–45 minutes for pain relief when species is unknown.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not rub the area — this spreads venom.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seek care if pain is unbearable, sting covers face, or symptoms worsen after leaving water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Humiliation and infection without pain relief while venom continues to act.