Scorpion venom disrupts the nervous system in various ways and at various levels. As with all bites and stings, there is an immediate set of symptoms followed by a delayed set of symptoms (if any).
First response is largely focused upon understanding the severity of the situation. A decision needs to be made to do nothing because that is what needs to be done, or transport the patient to medical assistance as soon as possible. Between these two extremes lies the answer to the question: As First responder, what should I do?
When responding to a scorpion sting event, always begin by assessing the situation in 3 ways.
- Question the patient - what did the scorpion look like, how are you feeling, where is the scorpion now?
- Are there any factors that influence symptoms severity -are there any significant factors that influence symptoms severity. How do these factors influence the outcome of the scorpion sting?
- Are there any red flags - red flags represent combinations of factors that together represent a medical emergency. Red flags are particularly important when the patient is a child or an animal that has (or has not) been stung by a scorpion. These factors can be used to predict future symptoms and should not be ignored.
Immediately respond to any red flags by transporting the patient to professional medical assistance.
There are many home remedies when treating a non-medically important scorpion stings, some of which may have a beneficial effect (see page 132). Others, however, provide no benefit or are even harmful. The following are not recommended when responding to any kind of scorpion sting.
- Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply a crepe bandage.
- Do not apply a tourniquet bandage.
- Do not burn or apply an electric shock to the sting-site.
- Do not eat the scorpion.
- Do not rely upon snake stones.
- Do not use vacuum pump devices to suck out the venom. (these devices do not work!)
- Do not rub milk, vinegar, petrol, diesel, meat tenderiser, lemon juice, battery acid, baking soda, tooth paste, salt, urine or faeces onto the sting site.
- Do not ingest alcohol, milk, petrol or diesel.
- Do not use home remedies, reiki healing, crystal healing or homeopathic preparations.
Contact your local poison information helpline for advice with the treatment of Class 2 symptoms. Ineffective first aid for Class 3 symptoms, prolongs the recovery period and increases the complexity and cost of treatment.
