First Aid for RAY WOUNDS

For ray wounds without envenomation, clean by gently pulling the edges of the skin open and scrub directly inside the cut with clean gauze or a cloth soaked in clean, fresh water.
 

For ray wounds with venom release (evident by severe pain), rinse the area immediately with whatever water is handy (ocean water if fresh water isn't available) to remove poison gland tissue and venom. Remove any parts of an embedded spine with tweezers and thorough scrubbing and rinsing. Press on the wound to stop bleeding. If bleeding persists, or the edges of a wound are jagged or gaping, the victim likely needs surgery to trim, clean and repair the wound. For more details on wound care, see Staph, Strep and General Wound Care. For pain control after envenomation, soak the area in hot, nonscalding water for 30 to 90 minutes. (Helpers should test the water temperature on their own hand or foot first to make sure it isn't scalding. Victims in pain may not be able to judge if water is too hot.) Often, when the water cools, the pain returns. Repeat hot water soaks for up to two hours. After this, heat is of little value.
 

Ray wounds often become infected, and some people have reactions to the venom. See a doctor for redness, swelling, or delayed healing. Victims with a numb or abnormally moving finger or toe, or anyone with a feeling of general illness after a ray sting should go directly to an emergency department.