1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow Pictures
2. First Aid Bandaging Injuries Slideshow Pictures
3. First Aid Sprains & Strains Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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If medical attention is not readily available, the following guidelines are recommended in treating a stingray sting:

• Flush the wound with fresh water.
• For pain relief, soak the wound in water as hot as the person can tolerate (approximately 110 F, 43.3 C)
• Use tweezers to remove the stingers.
• Scrub the wound with soap and fresh water.
• Do not cover the wound with tape or close it with stitches. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
• Apply topical antibiotic ointment if signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat, occur.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.

Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for infection.

• Continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared.
• Let the doctor know about any drug allergy prior to starting an antibiotic.
• Use a sunscreen because some antibiotics may cause sensitivity to the sun.
• Patients with an impaired immune system (for example, HIV, diabetes, cancer) should seek medical care.

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