Recognising and Treating Jellyfish Stings in the UK – First Aid

Are you still peeing on people who’ve just been stung by jellyfish?! Save yourself some embarrassment and read this to get up to speed…

Updated August 2024.

What are jellyfish?

Jellyfish usually live in the sea, although some types can be found in fresh water. They usually have an umbrella shaped body, with long thin tentacles hanging underneath. The tentacles are covered with poisonous sacks called nematocysts which can give a nasty sting if touched.

How do I recognise a jellyfish sting?

  • The casualty will usually feel pain immediately.
  • The casualty will usually develop an itchy rash and welts (raised, circular areas on the skin) where the tentacles have touched their skin.
  • Sometimes they feel numbness and tingling.

How do I treat a jellyfish sting or a sting from other sea creatures?

  • Most UK jellyfish stings are pretty mild and can be treated easily.
  • If possible and safe to do so, move the casualty out of the water.
  • Flush the area with sea water (not fresh water).
  • Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. Wear gloves if available.
  • Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it.
  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to treat pain and swelling.

In the UK, the current advice is that vinegar is no longer recommended for treating jellyfish stings because it can make things worse by activating unfired stinging cells. Other things like baking soda and alcohol should also be avoided. Don’t urinate on the sting. It’s unlikely to help and may make the situation worse. The up to date guidance now states that ice packs shouldn’t be used either.

Dial 999 or 112 if:

  • The casualty is having difficulty breathing.
  • The casualty is experiencing chest pain.
  • The casualty is having a fit or seizure.
  • The casualty has severe redness/swelling.
  • The casualty is showing signs of anaphylaxis.
  • The casualty is severely bleeding or vomiting.
  • The casualty is light headed or losing consciousness.

Hopefully that’s cleared a few things up for you and now you have an idea of how to recognise and treat someone who’s been stung by a jellyfish in the UK.

This isn’t a substitute for first aid training. If you’d like to be able to deal with a variety of first aid issues with confidence, check out our 1 and 2 day Outdoor First Aid courses in Newcastle, the North East or wherever you need us! Get in touch for more information.