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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Stingray Injury Treatment

Call 911 if the person has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness in throat
  • Itching
  • Nausea
  • Fast pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness

See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment.

1. Bathe Wound in Seawater

  • While still in water, irrigate wound to remove fragments of spine and tissue.
  • Get the person out of the water.

 

2. Stop Bleeding

  • Apply pressure above the wound if it is bleeding.

 

3. Soak Wound in Hot Water Until Bleeding Stops

  • Hot water inactivates any remaining venom and may relieve pain.
  • Apply a hot pack if the wound is still bleeding.
  • Gently remove obvious pieces of spine. Do not remove pieces of spine from the neck, chest, or abdomen.

 

4. Scrub Wound

  • Clean with soap and water.
  • Apply dressing. Do not tape it closed.

 

5. Go to a Hospital Emergency Room

6. Follow Up

  • At the hospital, the barb and remnants of stingray spine will be removed.
  • X-rays may be done.
  • A tetanus shot may be administered, if necessary.
  • An antibiotic and pain reliever may be prescribed.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on October 03, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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