How quickly does acute pain diminish after fire coral first aid, such as hot water immersion?
Within 20 to 45 minutes
When prompt and correct first aid is administered following contact with fire coral, specifically involving rinsing with seawater followed by neutralizing the stingers with vinegar or immersing the affected area in sufficiently hot water (as hot as tolerated without causing a burn), the acute phase of intense pain should significantly diminish within a defined timeframe. This timeframe is specifically noted as being between 20 to 45 minutes after starting the appropriate treatment protocols. This rapid decrease in acute pain signifies the successful denaturing or deactivation of the injected venom that caused the initial intense sensation. However, it is crucial to remember that while the acute pain subsides, the resulting rash and inflammation associated with the venom's inflammatory response can linger for much longer, potentially days to over a week, even if the initial acute discomfort is managed quickly.
