First aid

Use hot water immersion for all penetrating marine injuries. Immerse the affected limb in hot water (45ºC) for up to 90 minutes or until the pain subsides. Check the patient can tolerate the temperature on an unaffected limb beforehand.

If hot water immersion does not relieve pain from a penetrating injury from a venomous fish, use systemic analgesia.

For advice on wound care for penetrating injuries from venomous fish, see Wound management for penetrating marine injuries.