Blue Ringed Octopus Envenomation

These small octopuses belong to three species and are found in all Australian coastal waters. They are characterized by developing vivid coloured (blue-purple) rings on their body and tentacles when alarmed. Bites from the Blue ringed octopus usually only occur when they are picked up and placed directly on the skin (like when a man picked one up and placed it on his bald head to get a photograph! They have a beak capable of penetrating a wet suit.

Saliva of these creatures contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin. The average adult octopus carries enough saliva to paralyse and kill ten adult human men.

Symptoms of envenomation

A Blue ringed octopus is not overly painful and envenomation does not always occur. Mild envenomation frequently presents with tingling around the lips and mild weakness of muscles in the arms and legs. Severe envenomation will present with rapid onset of muscle weakness which can progress on rapidly (within 30 minutes) to complete paralysis in severe cases. There are a number of cases where resuscitation has been required on the beach for rapid paralysis of breathing muscles.

First Aid in the field

The principles of first aid in the field are to minimise the spread of venom into the blood stream while awaiting transfer to expert medical care. In addition to General First Aid principles, any suspected victims of blue ringed octupus envenomation should receive pressure immobilisation of the affected limb. Prolonged cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation may be required and life support needs to be continued until the effect of the venom wears off.

There is no antivenom available

No attempt should be made to capture or kill the offending octopus.