9) Where To Ask For Help

The foundations of effective emergency response for any bite or sting is the emergency response plan. This simple document is vital in the heat of the moment and applies to all medical emergencies, not just scorpion stings. It contains 4 sections.

• Details of your nearest medical facility and animal hospital.
• Poison information helpline emergency contact number.
• Removal and relocation specialist (renowned expert).
• Notes.

Display your emergency response plan and notes in a prominent place. A good idea is to take a picture of the plan using your mobile phone. This ensures you have all of these details with you all of the time. Download the following Emergency Response Plan Template (with instructions) below.

Many countries have a national poison information helpline that can assist in any case of bite or sting. Within the context of envenomation, it should be your first point of contact in your country in the following instances:

• If someone has been bitten or stung by a venomous creature.
• If someone thinks they have bitten or stung by a venomous creature.
• If a medical professional requires advice regarding the treatment of bites or stings, or the use of antivenom.

Note that this helpline can also assist for medical situations internationally. Data collected from this free service is used to shape and refine our understanding of bites and stings, of medical treatment, and the use of antivenom. 

Renowned experts can also be contacted for advice. Whether you just have a question, require training or dealing with a medical emergency, use these contact details. They are also in contact with medical professionals. 

If you don’t have a helpline or know of someone to contact, then the nearest hospital will be the next best contact. In areas where scorpion stings are common, your local hospital or clinic will be familiar with the treatment of a scorpion sting.