Stingray Injury

Wound care for venomous spines in shallow coastal water

Step by Step

Stingray injuries usually happen when a ray is stepped on in shallow water, and its barbed tail strikes the foot or ankle. The wound is a puncture or laceration that is intensely painful and swells fast. Get out of the water and control bleeding with direct pressure. The most effective first aid is hot water immersion: soak the wound in water as hot as the person can safely tolerate, not scalding, for 30 to 90 minutes, which breaks down the venom and eases pain. Seek medical care for all but the smallest wounds, since pieces of the barb can remain inside, and infection is common. Call emergency services for stings to the chest, neck, or abdomen, or with breathing difficulty, weakness, or collapse. Shuffle your feet when wading to avoid stings.