How to Identify and Treat Injuries From Stingrays and Sea Urchins

Stingrays and sea urchins both move slowly across the bottom of the ocean to feed, and will sting to protect themselves if startled. Shuffle your feet across the sand to avoid encounters, but if you are stung, treat in the following manner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Advanced First Aid Certification
• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Tubs
• Antibacterial Soaps
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Bandages
• Compression Bandages
• Eyebrow Tweezers
• First Aid Kits
• Gauze Pads
• Irrigation Syringe
• Evacuation Insurance
• Bandages
• Tubs

1. Look for the signs and symptoms of a stingray sting: lacerations or puncture wounds on the ankle, foot or lower leg that may bleed or contain barbs; intense pain at the site of the wound for up to 24 hours after the sting.

2. Look for the signs and symptoms of a sea urchin sting: small spines embedded in the skin; a localized brownish-purple color where the barbs made contact with the skin.

3. Use sterile tweezers to remove any embedded spines.

4. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.

5. Irrigate the wound with an irrigation syringe.

6. Clean the wound with a disinfectant solution.

7. Immerse the foot in hot water for at least 30 minutes, until pain subsides.

8. Elevate the foot to control swelling.

9. Dress the wound with a sterile bandage.

10. Monitor for signs of infection. These signs include swelling, redness, pus, red lines radiating from the site of the wound, heat at the site of the wound, and fever. Seek medical help if infection should occur.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/8/2006 Soak in urine ASAP, next best is vinegar. The acid will dissolve them. Do not let the spikes stay in your body.

on 6/30/2006 I was in St. Thomas and got stung by a sea urchin. Everyone told me to urinate on it. I know sounds disgusting, but I was in so much pain I would have tried anything. I did it, and the pain and purple coloring went away within 5 minutes.

on 11/22/2005 If you urinate on the wound the pain should subside.

on 11/22/2005 I was recently stung on my Achilles tendon. I cleansed the wound with sea water when I arrived home. I soaked my foot with Epsom salt and hot water(boiled). I did this every 30 minutes for 24 hours. After applying a baking soda mixture to open follicles, I then pulled out any objects. A lot of rest(my ankle) and aspirin, and I used an antibacterial soap. Always wash your hands before touching the wound.