After a jellyfish sting to the leg with severe pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, a trunk-wide red rash, and hypotension, the EMT should?

• A. Administer oxygen and epinephrine and prepare for rapid transport
• B. Administer antibiotics and observe
• C. Perform defibrillation if needed
• D. Place patient in Trendelenburg and monitor vitals

Answer: (A)

Jellyfish stings can trigger a systemic allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which immediately threatens airway, breathing, and circulation. The combination of severe pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, a trunk-wide red rash, and low blood pressure signals this progression. The priority is to reverse the airway and circulating problems quickly. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly reduces swelling, relaxes airway passages, and constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure. Providing supplemental oxygen helps ensure adequate oxygen delivery as breathing becomes compromised. Rapid transport is essential because symptoms can worsen or rebound, and advanced care may be needed.

Antibiotics aren’t helpful for an acute allergic reaction and wouldn’t address the airway or circulatory collapse. Defibrillation is only needed if the patient has a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest, which isn’t indicated by the presentation here. The Trendelenburg position isn’t beneficial for anaphylaxis and can hinder breathing, so it’s not recommended.