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.
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 an information helpline. These helplines can assist in any case of bite or sting. These helplines often provide a 24/7 assistance for telephonic advice on any bite or sting. This service is free. Within the context of envenomation, it should be your first point of contact in your country in the following instances:
Note that some of these helplines can also assist for medical situations internationally. Data collected from these helplines is used to shape and refine our understanding of bites and stings, of medical treatment, and the use of antivenom.
In other countries there are qualified and experienced indoor individuals who offer good solid advice. Whether you just have a question, require training or dealing with a medical emergency, use these contact details.
If you don’t have a helpline in your country, 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. The vast majority of scorpion stings do not require antivenom.
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