Close encounters of the jellyfish kind are occasionally an unfortunate part of swimming in the ocean. Each SBR boat is equipped with a StingNoMore Pro Kit to quickly and effectively treat any jellyfish stings.
StingNoMore Pro Set
30 ml StingNoMore® Spray
10 ml StingNoMore® MilSpec+ Cream Airless Pump
Reusable 45oC HotPack (3” x 5.5” in Reusable 45oC 45 minute Hot Pack)
Read about this product:
Popular Science - You’re Treating Jellyfish Stings all Wrong
MDPI Journal Article - Cubozoan Sting-Site Seawater Rinse, Scraping, and Ice Can Increase Venom Load: Upending Current First Aid Recommendations
StingNoMore Website Alatalab Solutions, LLC - http://stingnomore.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if you are stung by a jelly?
Look immediately around in the water to try to see the size, shape and color of the jelly that caused the sting. Seek information from local lifeguards or other professionals as to the type of jelly. Use a vinegar spray if possible or sea water to wash off tentacles if they are still adhering to the skin. If there is a suspicion of box jellyfish and if the victim experiences extreme burning pain, difficulty breathing, dry mouth and extreme anxiety, call 911. Here is a summary of recommendations (https://www.academia.edu/12014049/What_To_Know_About_Box_Jellie)
Are there home remedies you can use?
Hot water saturated with Epsom salts to soak the affected area can be used to heat inactivate the venom, as well partially remove injected venom from the sting site. Vinegar is not a “treatment” and will not inactivate venom that has been injected deep into the skin, but it rapidly inactivates undischarged stinging cells in the tentacles. Urine is likely a “do no harm” remedy that provides low pH but can lead to infection if the site is scratched.
Would you recommend calamine or lidocaine to ease itching and discomfort? Could you take an OTC pain reliever? Like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?
Calamine and lidocaine are virtually ineffective in actually inactivating the venom per se. They can be useful for post sting pain but these and other topical anesthetics do nothing to reduce the impact of the venom. Antihistamines and steroidal anti-inflammatories do work directly addressing the mechanism of action of the venom.
Must you see a doctor?
If there is a suspicion of box jellyfish and if the victim experiences extreme burning pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramping, dry mouth and extreme anxiety or cardiac symptoms.
What should you definitely not use to treat it?
Do not use alcohol, ammonia or fresh cold water. Do not apply dermaplast or other agents which contain alcohol or menthol. Do not scrape or rub the sting site. Do not use ice packs as they do nothing to inactivate the venom and only cause a temporary delay in symptoms.
Where are people most likely to be stung (which waters, which coasts in the US?)
There are jellies in all U.S. waters. There are increasing number of reports of box jellies in the Caribbean and Florida but they can be found over much of the southeastern seaboard. Box jellies washed up along the New Jersey shore last fall.