Irukandji symptoms and what you need to do if stung

WHEN it comes to first aid for stingers Hervey Bay's Glen Bowman has plenty of experience under his belt.

WHEN it comes to first aid for stingers Hervey Bay's Glen Bowman has plenty of experience under his belt.

He has 30 years of first aid experience and is a qualified medical technician and dive instructor.

When working in Yeppoon as a paramedic about seven years ago, Mr Bowman regularly managed Irukandji syndrome.

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Mr Bowman said there are offshore and onshore varieties.

"Irukandji affects people differently - there are mild symptoms like goose bumps and feeling unwell and joint paint right through to having a crisis with life-threatening symptoms which can include a massive rise in blood pressure," he said.

It comes after a recent discovery of an irukandji found by James Cook University associate professor Jamie Seymour.

Fraser Island - Surf Life Saving Queensland have conducted marine stinger drags on Fraser Island. The drags were to look for Irukandji - Jellyfish expert, Associate Professor for James Cook University and advisor to Surf Life Saving Queensland, Jamie Seymour caught this Irukandji on Friday night, 30 metres off the Fraser Island Shore. Picture: Valerie Horton

Mr Bowman said some symptoms can be gradual and the severity of the sting depended on if the Irukandji had used the venom to paralyse previous prey or not.

"If the creature has used the venom to paralyse prey the venom won't be as catastrophic as opposed to a fully charged irukanji that hasn't used venom on a previous prey," Mr Bowman said.

He also explained that those who are fit and healthy wouldn't be as likely to suffer as severely.

Mr Bowman said as a diver it was important to wear protective clothing and this would be a precaution for swimmers if they're concerned.

"Don't panic, if in doubt wear protective clothing and take your vinegar with you," he said.

Mr Bowman said the vinegar deactivates the stinging cells but won't do anything for the pain of the sting.

"There is nothing much you can do for the pain first aid wise - you need to call an ambulance," he said.

Mr Bowman explained that a cool compress would act in relieving the pain to some extent.

FIRST AID

Irukandji - Irrigate sting with vinegar for up to 30 seconds, call an ambulance.

Box shape jellyfish - flush off the tentacles with vinegar. If in doubt call an ambulance.

Round shaped jellyfish - Copious amounts of sea water to flush off the tentacles. For some a warm compress may help but if that doesn't work try a cool compress. If in doubt call an ambulance.

Unknown severe marine sting - if in doubt use vinegar.