Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with scorpion sting, use emergency mode.
Do this nowThis content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was stung by a scorpion — common in rural homes, fields, and when sleeping on the floor.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Wash sting. Cool compress. Call 112 if child or trouble breathing.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sharp pain at sting site — often on foot or hand.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Numbness, tingling, or spreading pain up the limb.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Muscle twitching, sweating, nausea, or difficulty breathing — especially in children.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Scorpion venom causes severe pain and, in some species, dangerous effects on heart, nerves, and breathing — especially in children.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stings often happen when scorpions hide in shoes, bedding, or stacked firewood.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on in scorpion areas.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If stung, sit the person down and keep them calm.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Look for the scorpion to confirm what happened — do not handle it with bare hands.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wash the area with soap and water.
When and how to get professional help.
Children stung by scorpions need emergency care — adults with breathing problems or severe symptoms too.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most adult stings are painful but not life-threatening. Watch for worsening symptoms and seek care for vulnerable groups.
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."
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Scorpion stings are always deadly and need folk remedies like tying cloth tight
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most adult stings cause pain but resolve with monitoring. Tourniquets and cutting do not help. Hospital care matters most for children and severe cases.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active dog attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dog is currently biting, chasing, or mauling a person.
Bee/wasp swarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is being stung by many bees or wasps, or has dozens of stings — a life-threatening emergency.
Rabid animal
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact with a wound from an animal acting rabid — foaming, paralysis, aggression, or unusual behavior.
Crocodile encounter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone else is near, being attacked by, or was bitten by a crocodile or alligator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Apply cool wet cloth for pain — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Remove tight jewellery near the sting before swelling.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Monitor breathing and consciousness — especially in children under 12.
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Harmful folk treatments delay proper monitoring and antivenom when needed.