5.0 Critical First Aid Mistakes: Actions and Myths to Avoid

Persistent myths and misguided traditional remedies endanger public safety. These incorrect treatments are not only ineffective but can actively worsen the injury by causing more venom to be released into the skin. It is imperative to avoid the following actions:

• Do NOT Use Fresh Water or Alcohol: Rinsing with fresh water or alcohol will cause a change in osmotic pressure that can trigger any remaining nematocysts to fire, thereby increasing the dose of venom and intensifying the pain and reaction. Always use salt water.
• Do NOT Apply Urine or Ammonia: There is no scientific evidence to support the use of urine or ammonia for jellyfish stings. These substances are not effective at neutralizing the venom and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.
• Do NOT Rub, Scrape, or Vigorously Dry the Area: Applying mechanical pressure through rubbing, scraping with a credit card, or aggressive toweling can cause undischarged nematocysts to rupture, releasing more venom and making the injury more severe.
• Do NOT Apply Ice or Excessive Cold: While it may seem intuitive for pain relief, applying ice or very cold compresses is not recommended. Heat is the proven application for breaking down jellyfish venom; extreme cold may actually increase the venom’s effects and worsen pain.

An effective response plan begins long before an incident occurs, with proactive safety measures.