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ROYAL LIFE SAVING

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Irukandji

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please contact Triple Zero (000) immediately

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Introduction

The Irukandji is a tiny species of box jellyfish found in northern Australian waters, particularly during warmer months. Despite its small size, it is considered one of the most dangerous marine animals due to the potency of its sting. Irukandji are often difficult to see, making encounters hard to avoid. Awareness of their presence is important for anyone entering tropical waters where these jellyfish are known to occur.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Severe, spreading pain in back, abdomen, or muscles 

  • Restlessness, agitation, or feeling of doom 

  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting 

  • Difficulty breathing or collapse

What you should do?

  • Follow DRSABCD 

  • Call 000 urgently and advise Irukandji sting 

  • Place casualty in hot water immersion (up to 45°C) if possible 

  • Reassure and keep still 

  • Monitor airway, breathing and circulation 

  • Provide CPR if casualty becomes unresponsive

These fact sheets are provided by Royal Life Saving to support public, workplace, school, and community education. They must be used in their full and current format and are not permitted for commercial purposes unless written approval is obtained. The information is not a substitute for accredited First Aid training, and users are encouraged to complete recognised courses and refresh their skills regularly. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Royal Life Saving does not accept responsibility for how the material is applied, and users should always check they are referring to the latest version. Use of this content does not imply endorsement or partnership, and Royal Life Saving may request that use of its materials cease if considered inappropriate or unauthorised.

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