Find an online ambulance number listing to learn the emergency number for other countries.
In the USA, phone Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or search this database for a poison center nearer to you. Outside of the USA, locate a poison control center using the World Health Organization’s database.
Also communicate the exact time the victim was stung if possible. If you’re not sure, say so and mention when the injury was noticed.
Vomiting, sweating, drooling, or foaming at the mouth Involuntary urination or excretion (peeing or pooing) Thrashing or twitching muscles, including involuntary head, neck, or eye movements, or difficulty walking Accelerated or irregular heart rate Difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking, or seeing Severe swelling from an allergic reaction
If the victim has circulatory problems, apply ice for five minutes at a time instead to prevent damage. [8] X Research source
Find a large glass jar, easily large enough to cover the scorpion and tall enough that your hands will be well out of reach of the stinger when you hold it upside-down. If you have them, find a pair of tongs that are at least 10 inches (25 cm) long. Capture the scorpion with the jar or tongs. Hold the jar upside-down and place fully over the scorpion. If you have tongs long enough to use them while staying out of reach, use them to firmly grasp the scorpion and place it into the jar instead. Fasten the lid. If the jar is upside-down, slide a large piece of heavy construction paper or cardboard under the opening, then hold it from the outside as you flip the container upside-down. Attach a tight lid or place a large, heavy book over the opening.
Find a large glass jar, easily large enough to cover the scorpion and tall enough that your hands will be well out of reach of the stinger when you hold it upside-down. If you have them, find a pair of tongs that are at least 10 inches (25 cm) long. Capture the scorpion with the jar or tongs. Hold the jar upside-down and place fully over the scorpion. If you have tongs long enough to use them while staying out of reach, use them to firmly grasp the scorpion and place it into the jar instead. Fasten the lid. If the jar is upside-down, slide a large piece of heavy construction paper or cardboard under the opening, then hold it from the outside as you flip the container upside-down. Attach a tight lid or place a large, heavy book over the opening.
If you only got a good view of the pincers, you can estimate your risk from them as well: large, powerful pincers often indicate the scorpion relies on them for defense more than venom. This is not a foolproof system, but may be valuable information to pass on to a medical professional.
If you are elsewhere in the United States, there is low risk of serious injury from scorpion stings. [14] X Research source You should still treat the injury site as described below, and be prepared to see a doctor if you experience allergic reactions or other serious symptoms.
As noted earlier, fat-tailed scorpions can be extremely dangerous as well, and many species are found in this region. Unidentified, thin-tailed species are typically low risk, but due to the large number of scorpion species in Africa, not all of which have been thoroughly studied, be prepared to seek medical attention if any symptoms besides pain and slight swelling develop.
Stings from small, red or orange scorpions in India, Nepal, or Pakistan should be treated with medical attention immediately. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source These may be Indian red scorpions. There is low risk of death or serious injury for an adult due to scorpion venom from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. Identification is still a good idea in case you do experience severe symptoms and need to report them to a medical worker.
