Annex 1 - First Aid Response - Possible Exposure to Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)

Health Impacts of Exposure

According to SA Health, exposure to algal fragments or biotoxins through spray, or foam from HABs — particularly species of the Karenia genus — can cause short-term, transient effects in humans.

Common impacts include:

  • Skin irritation: rash, itchiness, stinging, or burning sensation.
  • Eye irritation: redness, watering, discomfort.
  • Respiratory symptoms: coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath — particularly in windy conditions or when aerosolised particles or foam are present.

For most healthy individuals, symptoms resolve within a few hours after leaving the affected area, with minimal intervention. There is currently no credible evidence that the current Karenia blooms in South Australia cause long-term health effects in otherwise healthy people.

Higher-risk groups

People with known asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other form of chronic lung disease may be more vulnerable to the respiratory effects of biotoxins and should avoid areas where there is discoloured or foamy water, particularly if there is an onshore breeze.

Risk Factors for Exposure

  • Presence of discoloured water, foam, or visible surface blooms.
  • Windy conditions (especially onshore winds) or surf spray that can aerosolise algal particles or toxins.
  • Walking on beaches with foam or near the shoreline where wave action tosses up algae or foam.
  • Swimming in, or immersing in, affected water.
  • Consuming wild caught bivalve molluscs (like oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis, scallops) or abalone from areas affected by blooms which may cause nausea and diarrhoea.

Immediate Response

  1. Remove from exposure
    - Move the person away from affected water or airborne irritants (i.e. away from the beach area or indoors).
    - Once away from the exposure area, encourage slow, steady breathing.
    - Remove any clothing contaminated with water, aerosols or foam, taking care to avoid contact with the irritant and wash exposed areas in fresh water. Put any contaminated clothing through a standard laundry cycle.

  2. Flush skin and eyes
    - Rinse thoroughly with plenty of fresh water.
    - Continue flushing until irritation eases.

Breathing Support

  • If the person has asthma or breathing difficulties, assist them with their reliever inhaler as directed.
  • Follow the First Aid Emergency Asthma Plan.
  • Use a spacer if available.
  • Call an ambulance (000) immediately if symptoms worsen after using a reliever or are severe at any time.

Monitoring

  • Mild symptoms (skin irritation, mild eye redness, slight cough): continue to monitor until symptoms settle.
  • Severe symptoms (worsening breathing difficulty, swelling, ongoing distress): call 000 immediately and provide first aid until help arrives.

Follow-up

  • Monitor symptoms: advise them to monitor for 24–48 hours, as effects may persist for up to 48 hours. If they are not improving after then or they have severe symptoms then seek medical attention.
  • Report in Ops App (new incident report):
    • Record suspected exposures under Other Contributing Factors → Other.
    • In the incident description, note: “possible exposure to harmful algal bloom (HAB)” and describe observed impacts.

Severe Asthma Symptoms

  • Gasping for breath (with or without wheeze)
  • Unable to speak more than one or two words per breath
  • Intense chest tightness
  • ‘Sucking in’ of throat or rib muscles, using shoulder muscles, or bracing with arms to breathe
  • Bluish colour around the lips
  • Pale, sweaty skin
  • Marked distress or anxiety
  • Reduced level of consciousness
  • Little or no relief after reliever medication
  • Rapidly worsening symptoms

This document must not be displayed, including in a patrol room, or reproduced in any form, without permission from the Lifesaving Department, Surf Life Saving SA.