Potentially deadly box jellyfish stings could be made worse by applying vinegar far north Queensland researchers say.

Australian researchers discovered decades ago that vinegar stopped box jellyfish from injecting venom from tiny organs on their tentacles that had yet to discharge. 

But James Cook University biologist Jamie Seymour said once vinegar is applied, organelles that have already injected venom 'squirt out even more'. 

"I've been saying use vinegar for 20 years. Now I'm going 'whoops'," Dr Seymour said.

Vinegar has been used as standard treatment for box jellyfish stings in Australia since the early 80s, Dr Seymour said. 

But the most recent study, completed by James Cook University and Cairns Hospital has claimed vinegar may increase poison levels from box jellyfish by 'up to 60 per cent'. 

The research group's findings, published in 'Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine', could change the way jellyfish stings are treated around the world, Dr Seymour said.

"It was a complete about face and we were like 'Whoah! What's going on there?'," he said.

"What we're suggesting now is don't use vinegar on any jellyfish stings."

The first two to five minutes following a jellyfish sting remain critical, Dr Seymour said.

"You should be checking the airways and reassuring the person who's been stung," he said.

"Then, if they stop breathing, apply CPR."

The current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines state that vinegar should be used for all box jelly fish stings.

Dr Seymour said he expected the protocols to change in the future.

"Our research shows this may not be the best course of action and .... we would expect the ARC to consider this to see if it needs to be modified," he said.

But Surf Life Saving Queesland's Peta Lawlor said life savers would continue to follow ARC's recommendations until further notice.

"At this point in time, SLSQ follows the marine sting guidelines and procedures established by the Australian Resuscitation Council," Ms Lawlor said. 

"These guidelines state that vinegar should be used as the primary treatment for box jellyfish stings. 

"SLSQ will continue to advise and act upon the approved existing treatments, unless otherwise advised by the ARC. 

"Should the ARC update or amend their treatment guidelines, SLSQ will respond accordingly."

Box jellyfish stings - whilst relatively rare - can be fatal, with more than 60 recorded deaths.

The study was funded by the Queensland Emergency Medicine Research Foundation.