Stingrays are common in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters throughout the world, and also includes species found in warmer temperate oceans such as the Whip Tail stingray and those found in the deep ocean. Most stingrays have one or more barbed stings on the tail, which is used exclusively in self-defense.
Stingrays do not aggressively attack humans, though stings do normally occur if a ray is accidentally stepped on. To avoid stepping on a stingray in shallow water, the water should be waded through with a shuffle. Alternatively, before wading, stones can be thrown into the water to scare stingrays away.
Contact with the stinger causes local trauma (from the cut itself), pain, swelling, muscle cramps from the venom, and later may result in infection from bacteria. The injury is very painful, but seldom life-threatening unless the stinger pierces a vital area. The barb usually breaks off in the wound, and surgery may be required to remove the fragments.
to effectively treat your marine sting.
Clean your hands with provided towelette. Do not directly touch the injured area without wearing the gloves provided in the kit.
If bleeding is brisk (this is quite unusual) apply pressure with the gauze pad. If blood spurts or continues after several minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
Carefully and gently remove any readily visible spines. Do not dig around the wound to fish stingray spines out as this runs the risk of crushing the spines making them more difficult to remove. Purple or black discoloring is commonly leached dye from the spine and should dissipate in 24-72 hours. Note: If discoloring remains after 48 hours, a spine fragment is likely still in the wound and may need to be removed surgically. Seek medical attention.
Snap to activate the heat pack and apply to the affected area for 15 minutes if possible. Pain may initially intensify but maintain heat application. Use the elastic wrap to hold the pack in place if necessary, wrapping just tightly enough to maintain skin contact without added pressure. If at any point the skin feels uncomfortably hot to the victim, remove the heat pack or gently place a thin barrier between the pack and skin. Water warmed to 110 to 113 degrees F (43.3 to 45 degrees C) may be used in place of the heat pack. Immersing the wound in the heated water or soak towels with the heated water and gently place them on the skin. This heat application should continue for 30 to 60 minutes. If pain recurs after the heat is removed, and the skin does not appear to be burned, re-apply heat for additional treatment.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to help keep the wound moist and avoid infection.
Cover the wound with non-adhesive gauze and gently wrap with elastic bandage. The wound should be cleaned and redressed twice a day thereafter.
If the person receives many wounds simultaneously, difficulty in breathing, weakness and/or collapse may be present; seek immediate medical attention immediately.
Always seek medical attention immediately if signs of infection appear following injury, the rash worsens, or the rash does not improve within 5 to 7 days.
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