The following content has been adapted and summarised from my Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Book. It is based upon the latest science, and is as much about values and beliefs, and our relationship with these animals, as it is about understanding the animals themselves. It offers a great overview from which to reduce the chance of being bitten by a snake nd ensure the best possible outcome should a bite occur in humans or animals.
Study the short course content. When you feel like you understand the content enough, take the 20 minute, 50 question assessment. Note that the pass mark for this course is 80%. If you score 80% or more, you will earn yourself a certificate!
Scorpions are truly enigmatic creatures. They are more recognisable than any Hollywood movie star, yet the average person knows very little about them. Their reputation is steeped in mystery, misinformation, old wives tales, yet there is a single aspect of their natural history that we are fixated upon… their venom.
My work with venomous animals has taken me to faraway places, interacting with people from different languages, cultures, age groups, economic and education levels. However, despite these differences, there is a common perception shared across these dividing factors.
My work with venomous animals has taken me to faraway places, interacting with people from different languages, cultures, age groups, economic and education levels. However, despite these differences, there is a common perception shared across these dividing factors.
My work with venomous animals has taken me to faraway places, interacting with people from different languages, cultures, age groups, economic and education levels. However, despite these differences, there is a common perception shared across these dividing factors.
My work with venomous animals has taken me to faraway places, interacting with people from different languages, cultures, age groups, economic and education levels. However, despite these differences, there is a common perception shared across these dividing factors.
It may be logical to think that all the symptoms of a sting are a direct result of the scorpion’s venom, but this is not the case. A sting from a highly venomous scorpion does not always result in class 3 or 4 symptoms, and a sting from a mildly venomous scorpion does not always result in class 2 or 3 symptoms.
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 to 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?
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.
The following papers are a collection of the best references if you want a deep dive into the medical treatment of scorpion stings in southern Africa.
Effective scorpion sting first response can be overwhelming. There are 2 important foundations that you should keep in mind. These are: Predicting outcomes based upon the venomosity rule of thumb, factors influencing symptoms severity, and red flags.
