The most common world-wide first aid treatment used by the average lifesaver/lifeguard is the treatment of marine envenomation, especially the treatment of jellyfish stings.

It is important to use the correct first aid treatment for each type of envenomation. This study provides a simplified protocol for: -

1. Awareness of the geographical distribution and possibilities of envenomation enabling: -
2. Preventative strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from marine envenomation
3. First aid treatment of marine envenomation by jellyfish or other marine animals

This discussion is based on protocols developed for Surf Life Saving Australia and other first aid providers in Australia over the past ten years. Their success has been proven by a 30% reduction in the number of stings over the past 10 years (statistics from the author’s records).

Information for this article has been taken from: -

1. Venomous and poisonous marine animals: a medical and biological handbook produced by Surf Life Saving Queensland
2. The global problem of cnidarian stinging. MD Thesis by the author for the University of London.