In fact, there are about 1,500 species of scorpion in the universe, and only 25 of them whose venom production is capable of endangering the life of an adult. However, scorpion stings from any species can actually cause allergic reactions that are also dangerous. That's why, even if you are stung by a non-life-threatening species of scorpion, still treat it and call emergency services if symptoms develop beyond mild pain and swelling.
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Part 1 of 3: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Call emergency services, if necessary
If the victim experiences symptoms other than mild pain and swelling, contact the nearest emergency services immediately. Also apply this method if you think the scorpion is from a dangerous species (read how to identify a scorpion), or if the victims of the sting are children, the elderly, and people with low heart or lung conditions. Some examples of symptoms that are classified as serious are muscle spasms, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions, as well as other symptoms commonly caused by snake bites.
Search the internet to find phone numbers for ambulances or emergency services in other countries
Step 2. Call the nearest poison control center
If you do not need immediate medical attention, try to report your symptoms to the nearest poison control center and seek relevant advice from experts. If the poison control center in your area isn't listed in the following recommended databases, try typing the keywords in the name of the country and "poison control center" into an internet search page. If you still can't find it, call one of the numbers at the location closest to your current position.
- For those of you in the United States, immediately call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or browse this database for the location of the nearest poison control center.
- For those of you outside the United States, locate the nearest poison control center by accessing the World Health Organization database.
Step 3. Describe the victim's condition over the phone
Generally, emergency services will ask for information about the victim's age and weight to evaluate risk and recommend appropriate treatment methods. If the victim has an allergy or medical condition related to medication or insect bites, share this information with emergency services or a poison control center.
Also state the time of the victim's sting, if possible. If you don't know a specific time, admit it. Then, indicate the time when you became aware of the sting
Step 4. Explain the characteristics of the scorpion to a medical professional over the phone
Although the emergency services cannot provide advice over the phone, the poison control center should still ask for detailed information on the characteristics of the scorpion. Therefore, keep reading this article to find out how to identify scorpions in order to detect whether or not there is a serious danger, and how to catch scorpions if conditions permit.
Step 5. Ask someone to help monitor the victim's condition, and take them to the hospital if necessary
Because scorpion venom can trigger uncontrolled muscle movements, the victim may not be able to drive or walk after experiencing serious symptoms. That's why you should ask someone else to take the victim to the hospital if they can't contact emergency health services on their own. In addition, victims of scorpion stings should not be left alone for at least 24 hours, and should continue to be monitored for the next week to anticipate possible worsening of symptoms.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Scorpion Stings at Home
Step 1. See a doctor if you experience serious symptoms
Remember, children, toddlers, the elderly, and people with heart or lung problems should see a doctor immediately after being stung by a scorpion. While most stings can be treated at home, understand that some stings are poisonous and should be treated by a doctor! In particular, consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting, sweating, drooling, or foaming at the mouth
- Uncontrolled urination or defecation
- Muscle twitching, including uncontrolled head, neck, and eye movements, and difficulty walking
- Irregular or increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking, or seeing
- Swelling is very severe as the body's reaction to allergies
Step 2. Locate the location of the sting
Scorpion stings may or may not cause swelling. However, a scorpion sting is sure to cause a stabbing pain or burning sensation when it occurs. Generally, these symptoms will be followed by a tingling sensation or numbness in the same area. In addition, the areas susceptible to scorpion stings are generally located in, but not limited to, the lower body.
Step 3. Rinse the stung area with soap and water
Gently remove the clothing that protects the area, then rinse the stung area very carefully. This action will wash away the remaining toxins in the area and keep the area clean so that the risk of infection can be reduced.
Step 4. Position the affected area so that it stays below the heart
Unlike some types of injury, the wound from a scorpion sting should not be positioned above the heart to prevent the venom from spreading more quickly throughout your system. Instead, keep the stung area at the level of the heart or below it, and reduce body movement to prevent an increase in heart rate, which can spread toxins more quickly.
Step 5. Calm the sting victim
Be careful, anxiety or increased energy can increase the victim's heart rate. As a result, the rate of absorption of poison will also increase! Therefore, prevent the victim from moving too much and remind them that most scorpion stings will not cause serious damage.
Step 6. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the stung area
Cool temperatures can help slow the spread of toxins, reduce swelling, and reduce pain. Therefore, try applying a cold pack or ice pack for ten to fifteen minutes, then releasing the compress for the same amount of time before applying again. This method will be most effective if done within two hours of the body being stung.
If the victim of a scorpion sting has problems with circulation, try applying an ice pack for five minutes to prevent further damage
Step 7. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve pain
Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen to relieve pain and discomfort. However, make sure the medicines are consumed according to the recommendations listed on the packaging, yes! Do not use opioid pain relievers (narcotics) because they can put pressure on your airways. Instead, use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve swelling. If the intensity of the pain is increasing, immediately see a doctor!
Step 8. Perform first aid, if necessary
Loss of consciousness or severe muscle spasms are rare symptoms, but should be treated by a doctor immediately if they occur. Also learn basic CPR methods so you can use them as first aid for someone else who has had a scorpion sting and is suspected of having a cardiac arrest.
Step 9. Call the doctor
Even if you think your condition is completely recovered, you should still see a doctor or other medical professional to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. Chances are, your doctor will ask you to have a tetanus shot, as well as muscle relaxants or antibiotics. Never take these drugs without a doctor's supervision, OK!
Part 3 of 3: Identifying Scorpion Species
Step 1. Catch the scorpion if you feel the process can be done safely
Prioritize seeking help over catching scorpions! However, if possible, catch the scorpion to determine the type of treatment needed. If it turns out that the species is poisonous, catching a scorpion can also help your doctor recommend the right treatment method. If you have a glass container that is larger than the scorpion's size (usually a liter or more in capacity), try catching the scorpion to make it easier to identify. However, if you can't see the scorpion clearly or don't have the proper receptacle, do not try to do it.
- Look for a glass container that is large enough to hold the scorpion, and deep enough so that your hands don't have to be close to the scorpion's tongs when holding the container upside down. If you have the recommended container, also prepare tongs that are at least 25 cm long.
- Catch the scorpion with a prepared container or tongs. Hold the container upside down, then place the container on top of the scorpion to trap its entire body. If you have long enough tongs, use them to catch the scorpion and place it in the container.
- Close the container tightly. If the container is upside down, slide a piece of cardboard or other heavy paper under the container. After the mouth of the container is completely covered by paper, immediately turn the container over and put the lid on tightly.
Step 2. Photograph the scorpion if you can't catch it
If you don't have the right tools to catch the scorpion, try taking one. Take pictures of the scorpion from as many points of view as possible to make it easier for you to remember various details that can be shared with medical professionals when needed.
Step 3. Understand that fat-tailed scorpions may be life threatening
Generally, scorpions with thick, fat tails are more dangerous than species with thinner tails. While it's best to catch a scorpion for a more accurate identification, it's still a good idea to see a doctor even if you don't have any serious symptoms, especially if you're in Africa, India, or other parts of the Americas.
If you are able to observe the narrows clearly, try measuring your risk. In general, large and strong pincers indicate that the scorpion relies more on the power of the claw, rather than poison, to protect itself. Although the theory has not been scientifically proven, still convey it to the doctor to facilitate the diagnosis process
Step 4. Identify dangerous scorpion species in the United States and Southern Mexico
If you're in either area, type in the keyword "Arizona scorpion" and compare the resulting image to the characteristics of the scorpion that stings you. Remember, highland species will generally have a striped pattern along their body, while desert species will usually have a darker or light brown coloration. Arizona scorpion stings can be so fatal that they must be treated by a doctor immediately!
If you are in another part of the United States, the risk of serious injury from a scorpion sting is actually quite low. However, stick to treating the injury according to the recommended methods, and see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction or more serious symptoms
Step 5. Identify dangerous scorpion species in Africa and the Middle East
The "deathstalker" scorpion, also known as the Isreal desert scorpion, can grow up to 11 cm long, and has a variety of colors and sizes of pincers. Because the sting is so closely associated with the risk of heart or lung failure, any sting from a scorpion smaller than the palm of an adult in the area should be treated immediately by a doctor.
- As previously explained, fat-tailed scorpions can also be dangerous, and many species of fat-tailed scorpions can be found in the region.
- Generally, thin-tailed, unidentified species of scorpion are harmless. However, because of the large number of scorpion species in Africa, not all of them have been studied. Therefore, keep yourself checked if you experience symptoms other than mild pain and swelling in the stung area.
Step 6. Identify dangerous scorpion species in Central and South America
While most of the scorpions in the area are harmless to adults, there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of. One of the most dangerous species is the "Brazilian yellow scorpion"; like other dangerous scorpion species, this species also has a thick and fat tail.
Step 7. Identify dangerous scorpion species in other areas
Of the many remaining scorpion species capable of causing serious injury if stung by an adult human, understand that not all have been scientifically identified. That's why, there's no harm in getting a medical examination if a scorpion sting causes symptoms beyond mild pain and swelling in the stung area.
- Small red or orange scorpion stings originating in India, Pakistan or Nepal should be treated by a medical professional immediately! Likely, it's an Indian red scorpion.
- Indeed, the risk of death or serious injury due to scorpion venom originating from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. However, the identification process and medical examination should still be carried out if serious symptoms occur!
Tips
- When you have to move in a place that is prone to scorpions, try to always avoid dark areas, such as behind rocks. Oftentimes, predators not even related to scorpions can also be found in these areas!
- Since the scorpion doesn't leave a stinger in the wound it forms, there's no object you need to remove after being stung.
- Always check the condition of the shoes before wearing. Remember, scorpions like to hide in dark, damp, warm places.
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Reduce the risk of scorpion stings by avoiding dark, cool, and damp areas, such as in a woodpile or corner of a basement. To detect the presence of scorpions in your home, apply the following methods:
- Purchase an ultraviolet flashlight, or install an electric light bulb capable of emitting ultraviolet light.
- Use the emitted light to illuminate any room or area in the house where a scorpion is suspected of having entered.
- Look for an object that glows with a turquoise color. In fact, that is the color of a scorpion when exposed to ultraviolet light!
Warning
- Do not cut the area stung by the scorpion. Remember, doing so can lead to bleeding or infection, and is not helpful in removing scorpion venom from your bloodstream.
- Don't try to suck the scorpion venom with your mouth! Although many medical experts try to suck it with special tools, its true effectiveness is still not clearly proven.
