First aid for scorpion stings consists of washing the bite wound, applying a cool compress, taking a pain reliever, and not touching the stung area. Found in warm climates, scorpions hide around trees and rocks and come out at night to find food. When they are disturbed or frightened, they snap their tails and sting the victims. Some scorpions are poisonous, including several species in the Centruroides genus, and their stings kill their victims. Other species of scorpions merely leave a painful, lasting wound.
Scorpions have long, segmented tails that have stingers at the end. When stung, the victim feels a sharp, burning sensation at the wound site. If the person experiences a severe reaction, he may feel numb or have difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include a tight throat, blurry vision, drooling, or even seizures. If an appropriate first aid treatment is not administered, a poisonous scorpion sting may even kill the victim.
You should give first aid for scorpion stings quickly, no matter if the scorpion was actually poisonous or not. Remove the sting victim's jewelry and clothing around the wound and then wash the area with mild soap and water. Next, apply ice to the area. A dose of a pain reliever medicine like acetaminophen may help relieve the burning feeling at the wound site; aspirin or ibuprofen is not advised for scorpion stings.
Never attempt to suck out the poison of the scorpion sting wound. Furthermore, cutting into the wound can spread the poison around and make the sting even worse. The best course of first aid for scorpion stings is one that uses plenty of ice and cool compresses to halt the spread of poison. A basic first aid kit contains the necessary items to treat a minor, non-poisonous scorpion sting.
In the case of a poisonous scorpion sting, follow the basic first aid procedures for scorpion stings and then call the hospital immediately. Some hospitals have anti-venom medicines on hand for emergency cases. Even though scorpion bites are very painful, only a handful of individuals actually die from them each year. Most of these cases arise from allergic complications or compromised immune systems.
Learning first aid for scorpion stings is important if you live in an area where these creatures live. In addition, knowing which species are poisonous important for first aid administration. Fortunately, you can easily treat the majority of mild scorpion bites at home without the need for medical attention.