Jellyfish
 Chironex fleckeri, Chrysaora and cohorts
Chironex Fleckeri
Picture: ThinkQuest (see link below)

 

 FACTS: Jellyfish and sea wasps occur in all tropical and sub-tropical latitudes. The Portuguese Man-o’-War follows the Gulf Stream all the way to European waters.

THREAT: Five species of jellyfish can cause death. They inject a venom that causes paralysis of the respiratory system.  The real villain, though, is a sea wasp called Chironex fleckeri or 'box jellyfish'. This is about 20cm in diameter with 3m tentacles. The sting can kill you within 4 minutes -- making the cone mollusc look like a wimp.
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 TREATMENT:  You might have a chance here, because the venom is relatively short-lived.  Dig out as much of the tentacles as you can.

For Chironex fleckeri only, wash out the wounds with lots of vinegar. The Australians have an anti-venom for this one, so let’s hope you get stung there. With the Atlantic jellyfish Chrysaora, use a 50% solution of baking soda. Then go for CPR.

Do NOT use any form of alcohol on jellyfish stings!  It stimulates venom release.

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