Overview
Jellyfish are aquatic invertebrates that can sting people who come into direct contact with them. The stingers, which are typically located on the ends of the jellyfish tentacles, contain poisons that are often toxic to humans.
Although most jellyfish are not especially dangerous to people, some are extremely toxic.
Portuguese man-of-war is not actually a jellyfish but rather a colony of small, predatory animals (hydrozoan). However, due to their similarity with jellyfish, this information applies to Portuguese man-of-war stings as well.
First Aid GuideThe rescuer should take care to avoid injury by wearing gloves and protective clothing or any readily available barrier.
- Remove the affected individual from the water.
- Wipe stingers or tentacles off with a towel.
- Wash the affected area with salt water.
Some self-care measures will help some jellyfish stings but will cause an adverse reaction in other types. For that reason, the following should be avoided without advice from a medial professional.
- DO NOT wash or soak the affected area with fresh water if the injury occurred in salt water.
- DO NOT apply vinegar, urine, alcohol, or meat tenderizer/water solution to the affected area.
- DO NOT rub the affected area.
- DO NOT raise the affected area above the level of the heart.
- DO NOT give the person medication.
