Q: According to new 2010 ACLS guidelines what is the recommendation for jellyfish stings?


Answer: To iactivate venom load and prevent further envenomation, jellyfish stings should be liberally washed with vinegar (4% to 6% acetic acid solution) ASAP for at least 30 seconds. After the nematocysts are removed or deactivated, the pain from jellyfish stings should be treated with hot water immersion when possible. Literature shows that vinegar is most effective for inactivation of the nematocysts. Immersion with water, as hot as tolerated for about 20 minutes, is most effective for treating the pain.