Box jellyfish and IrukandjiNot in your state
Tropical northDo now Out of the water. Pour vinegar on the sting for 30 seconds. Start CPR if they are not breathing.
Police, fire and ambulance. Free from any phone.112 works from a mobile. 106 is the text relay if you are deaf or have a speech impairment. Need an interpreter? Say “I want a [your language] interpreter”.Stay on the line. The call taker may give you first aid instructions.Not sure where you are? The free Emergency+ app shows your location. Install it before you need it.
SourcesQueensland Ambulance Service — calling an ambulanceTriple Zero — Australian GovernmentEmergency+ app
Dangerous, and in the tropical north only (see the map). The stinger season typically runs November to May, but stingers can be in the water all year in tropical Queensland. A severe box jellyfish sting can stop a person breathing and cause cardiac arrest. Irukandji are small and usually not seen. Their sting is minor at first, then severe pain, vomiting and sweating can start 5 to 40 minutes later.
- In stinger season, swim only at a patrolled beach under the guidance of lifesavers.
- Stinger nets help against box jellyfish but are not reliably effective against Irukandji.
- If stung: get the person out of the water, call 000, pour vinegar over the sting for at least 30 seconds, and start CPR if they are not breathing.
- For any tropical jellyfish sting, keep the person out of the water and watched for 45 minutes.
SourcesSurf Life Saving Queensland — marine stingersBeachsafe — IrukandjiShire of Broome — Irukandji (Nets and Irukandji)ANZCOR — marine envenomation (9.4.5)