Stingrays are bottom dwelling marine animals common in the shallow inshore waters. When disturbed they flick their tails and cause cuts from their venomous barbs.
Prevention
- Stingrays are often hard to see – keep close watch
- Slide your feet along the sand when walking in shallow water
Symptoms
- nausea
- vomiting
- salivation
- sweating
- respiratory depression
- convulsions
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- cardiac arrhythmia
- myocardial ischaemia and, rarely, death.
Treatment
- Immerse wound in hot water (about 45C) for at least 30 minutes for pain relief.
- Carefully examine the wound and remove any foreign material.
- Seek medical advice