Scorpion sting

●Urgent

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Scorpion still hidden in clothing or bedding
Delayed respiratory failure in children

Quick summary

Wash sting. Cool compress. Call 112 if child or trouble breathing.

Do This Now

Step 1: Move the person away from the scorpion
Step 2: Wash the sting site with soap and water
Step 3: Apply a cool compress for pain — not ice directly on skin
Step 4: Call 112 if child, elderly, or breathing difficulty
Step 5: Go to hospital if severe pain, vomiting, or muscle twitching

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT cut or suck the sting site.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT apply tourniquets.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume an adult sting is harmless if the person has heart or lung disease.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 for children, pregnant women, or anyone with breathing difficulty after a scorpion sting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Scorpion sting. Person is [age]. Having [symptoms]. Need ambulance."

When Professional Care Is Needed

Children stung by scorpions need emergency care — adults with breathing problems or severe symptoms too.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Children with scorpion stings should be evaluated at hospital — antivenom may be needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seek care if pain is unbearable, vomiting occurs, or symptoms spread beyond the sting site.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most adult stings are painful but not life-threatening. Watch for worsening symptoms and seek care for vulnerable groups.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 5

Call 112

Scorpion sting — Do This Now | AidNow