Scorpion First Aid

Stay safe
If you are not the person who got stung, protect yourself from infectious diseases by practicing universal precautions and wearing personal protective equipment, if available. Never touch the scorpion with your bare hands.  Capture the scorpion for identification if it is possible to do so safely.

Determine how severe the sting is
Scorpion stings showing signs of anaphylactic shock, such as hives, wheezing, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, will need emergency medical care. Scorpion stings can cause muscle spasms, random movements, and tremors of the neck or eyes, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, and sweating, especially in kids. There is often severe pain at the site of a scorpion sting but rarely swelling. Ice may be applied directly to the sting site (never submerge the affected limb in ice water). If any of these signs or symptoms are present, follow step 3 and go to the ER.

Get to the ER
Call 911 for suspected scorpion stings or anaphylactic reactions. If 911 is not available, take the victim to the emergency department as quickly as possible. There hasn’t been a death due to scorpion stings recorded in the United States in 50 years, but scorpions can be deadly. Don’t wait, make your way safely to the ER as fast as possible.