There are at least 1,500 scorpion species and only 25 of them produce venom that causes serious harm to adults.It is possible that a scorpion sting can cause an allergic reaction, which can be dangerous in its own right.If you have identified the species and know it is harmless, you should treat the wound and be prepared to call the emergency services if you feel any pain or swelling.
Step 1: If you need emergency services, call them.
If there are any symptoms besides pain and swelling, call the emergency services.If the victim is a child, elderly person, or someone with a weak heart or lungs, you should call.Some of these serious, systemic symptoms include muscle spasms, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reaction and may also include those symptoms experienced with snake bites.You can find an ambulance number listing for other countries.
Step 2: The poison center can give you advice.
If you don't need immediate medical attention, call a poison control center to report your symptoms and get expert advice.If your region's poison control center is not listed, you can find it online.If you can't find one, call one of the following numbers long-distance, choosing one in a location as close to you as possible.If you want to find a poison center nearer to you, you can call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 in the USA.The World Health Organization's database can be used to locate a poison control center outside of the USA.
Step 3: You can describe the victim over the phone.
Medical personnel can use the victim's age and weight to evaluate the risk and recommend treatment.Let the emergency services or poison center know if the victim has an allergy to insect bites or medicines.If possible, give the exact time the victim was stung.Mention when the injury was noticed if you're not sure.
Step 4: You can tell the medical assistance about the scorpion.
An emergency response service may not be able to advise you over the phone, but a poison control center should ask you for a detailed description of the scorpion.If you want to know how to catch a scorpion if it's still around, look at the section on identifying scorpions.
Step 5: If necessary, get someone to take the victim to the hospital.
If dangerous symptoms develop, the victim may not be able to drive or walk.If you can find someone with a car or other transportation that can take the victim to the hospital, you should.The victim should be monitored for the next week in case symptoms get worse.
Step 6: If you have serious symptoms, seek medical help.
Children, infants, the elderly, and people with a damaged heart or lung should always seek medical attention for a scorpion sting.The most dangerous scorpion sting can be treated at home.If you see any of the symptoms, immediately seek medical attention.Vomiting, sweating, drooling, or foaming at the mouth.
Step 7: Search for the sting location.
A scorpion sting can be small or large.Any scorpion sting will cause a burning sensation at the time of injury, followed by a sharp pain.Sting areas may include the rest of the body.
Step 8: The sting area needs to be washed.
Remove clothing from the area and wash it gently.This helps keep the wound clear and reduces the risk of infections.
Step 9: The injury area is below heart level.
Unlike some injuries, scorpion sting wounds should not be raised above the heart as this can cause the venom to spread more quickly.The venom will spread more quickly if the area is kept at a lower heart rate.
Step 10: The victim should be calmed.
The rate that venom is absorbed can be increased by anxiety or excitement.If possible, prevent the victim from moving.Most scorpion sting results in no permanent damage.
Step 11: A cold pack or ice should be applied to the sting.
The cold slows the spread of venom, reduces swelling, and numbs the pain.Wait an equal amount of time between applications to apply the cold pack or bag of ice.Within two hours of injury, this treatment is the most effective.If the victim has a circulatory problem, apply ice for five minutes at a time.
Step 12: Nonprescription painkillers can be used to reduce pain.
Ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can be used to relieve pain.Follow the directions on the label.Opioid painkillers can suppress breathing, so do not use them.Ibuprofen and aspirin are both anti- inflammatory drugs that will help to reduce swelling.Seek medical attention for intense pain.
Step 13: If it's necessary, provide first aid.
If you experience unexplained or severe spasms, call an ambulance.If you suspect the patient's heart has stopped, learn the basic steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Step 14: You should check in with a doctor.
If you feel like you've recovered from self-treatment, you should see a doctor.If you want to reduce the risk of infections, you should get a tetanus shot, take muscle relaxants, or use antibiotics.Don't give yourself these medicines without a doctor's advice.
Step 15: Only if you can do it safely can you capture the scorpion.
Getting help for the victim is more important than catching the scorpion.In the case of venomous species, medical professionals will be able to give you the correct treatment if you identify the scorpion species.If you have a glass jar much larger than the scorpion, attempting to capture it will give you the best chance of identification.If you can't see the scorpion, you should try this step.It is easy to find a large glass jar that is large enough to cover the scorpion and tall enough for you to hold it upside-down.If you have them, find a pair of tongs that are at least 10 inches long.The jar or tongs can be used to capture the scorpion.Place the jar over the scorpion.If you have tongs that are long enough to hold the scorpion, place it in the jar instead of using them.The lid needs to be fastened.If the jar is upside-down, slide a large piece of construction paper or cardboard under the opening and flip it.Attach a tight lid or place a large book over the opening.
Step 16: If you can't catch the scorpion, take a picture.
If you don't have the right tools, take a picture of the scorpion.If possible, take several photographs from different angles.If you need to seek expert attention, having images to refer to will help you identify the species for you.
Step 17: It is possible that a fat-tailed scorpion may be dangerous.
Many scorpions have thick, fat tails and are more dangerous than thin ones.If you are in Africa, India, or the Americas, you should seek medical attention if you have not yet experienced serious symptoms.If you only have a good view of the pincers, you can estimate your risk from them as well, since large, powerful pinschers indicate the scorpion relies on them for defense more than venom.This system isn't perfect, but it may be useful information to pass on to a medical professional.
Step 18: There are scorpions in the United States and northern Mexico.
If you are in the southwestern United States or northern Mexico, look for images of the "Arizona bark scorpion" online and compare them to the scorpion that caused the injury.Bark scorpions at high altitudes tend to be striped, while desert dwellers are usually tan or light brown.The sting of these scorpions can be fatal.There is a low risk of serious injury from scorpion sting if you are elsewhere in the United States.If you experience an allergic reaction or other serious symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Step 19: Look for scorpions in the Middle East and Africa.
The "deathstalker scorpion", also known as the Israeli desert scorpion, grows to a maximum of 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) and can vary in color and pincer size.Because of the risk of heart or lung failure associated with their sting, any sting from a scorpion smaller than an adult's hand should be treated by medical professionals as soon as possible.Many species of fat-tailed scorpions are found in this region, and they can be very dangerous.Due to the large number of scorpion species in Africa, not all of which have been thoroughly studied, be prepared to seek medical attention if any symptoms besides pain and slight swelling develop.
Step 20: There are dangerous scorpions in South America.
There are exceptions to the fact that most scorpions are not dangerous to adults.The "Brazilian yellow scorpion" has a thick, fat tail and is one of the more dangerous scorpions.
Step 21: There are dangerous species in other places.
It is always a good idea to seek medical attention if the victim experiences any symptoms besides pain and mild swelling around the injury site, even if not all scorpion species have been identified.Stings from small, red or orange scorpions in India, Nepal, or Pakistan should be treated immediately.These may be scorpions.There is a low risk of death or serious injury for an adult due to scorpion venom from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand.If you experience severe symptoms and need to report them to a medical worker, identification is still a good idea.