Stingray injuries second only to bluebottles in NSW, prompting warning from paramedics
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Bluebottles may be a common sight at beaches in the summer, but paramedics have warned that people need to be just as vigilant about stingrays as well.
The number of stingray incidents in New South Wales is the second highest form of injury caused by marine life in the state, closely behind bluebottle stings, according to figures by NSW Ambulance.
Between September 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016 there were 116 incidents involving stingrays and 169 bluebottle stings.
In the same period, there were 20 shark attacks, six octopus and 14 jellyfish cases.
The greatest number of calls made to triple-0 relating to a stingray incident came from southern Sydney, followed by the north coast.
How to treat stingray wounds
- Get yourself out of the water and somewhere safe.
- Place the injured area in hot water, not scalding, for about 20 minutes.
- Control any bleeding.
- If the barb is imbedded, do not remove it.
- Seek medical treatment either with a doctor or emergency department.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated four cases involving stingray attacks on December 30, 2016 alone.
Those injured included a 55-year-old man at Ku Ring Gai Chase, a 25-year-old woman at Stockton Beach, a 19-year-old woman who was stung on the foot at Fingal Bay, while a 37-year-old man was stung at Moruya.
Since the start of the year, emergency staff at Sutherland Hospital have treated five poisonings and one puncture wound by stingrays, while Prince of Wales Hospital has seen one stingray injury.
"Generally we see stingrays, not at surf beaches but in calmer waters," paramedic Matt Burke said.
"I would encourage people if they are in the water and see a stingray around, give it a wide berth and don't approach it.
"If it's scared it may lash out so just observe them from a distance if you have to.
"It's quite a painful injury to have."
Mr Burke said more injuries from stingrays occurred in summer as people flocked to beaches and rivers to cool down.
Poisonous stingray barb
According to Mr Burke, lacerations on feet and lower legs are the predominant injuries caused by stingrays, although cases of poisoning from being stung can also occur.
Most injuries are caused by the poisonous barbs on the tail of stingrays, which are sharp and serrated.
"When it hits you it will cut you and there is a toxin on that barb," Mr Burke explained.
"It's a poison that enters the skin.
"They may need stitches and there are tendons in the lower leg that could get compromised and there could be infections due to the nature of the injury."
Often pieces of barb can be left behind in the wound also, he said.
Why use hot water?
According to a spokesperson from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, hot water inactivates the toxins "which are usually painful and irritating but rarely cause serious complications".
Ice packs can be used for pain relief if hot water is unavailable.
Mr Burke highly recommended that those injured should seek medical treatment either with a doctor or at an emergency department.
"There is an increased risk of infections as often pieces of the barb are left inside.
"People will usually need stiches and antibiotics."
Mr Burke also recommended people download the Emergency Plus app which will give them their latitude and longitude coordinates if they need to call triple-0.
Topics: animal-attacks, health, doctors-and-medical-professionals, marine-parks, marine-biology, animals, sydney-2000, nsw
