Facts
- Scorpions are small, very slim, and can vary from light straw colored to black in color, with a stinger at the tip of the tail.
- They like shade and are often found around lumber piles and old tree stumps
- Though painful, a scorpion sting is usually not lethal.
- The severity of reaction depends on the victim's sensitivity to the venom.
Causes of Injury
- Injection of venom from a bite of a scorpion
Prevention
- Do not pick up or disturb a scorpion.
- Avoid locations where scorpions are found.
- Wear gloves when working outside.
- Shake out clothing and bedding before use.
- When sleeping, leave boots upside-down atop sticks thrust into the ground.
Planning/Packing Guide
- Gloves
- Antihistamine
- Acetaminophen
Symptoms
- Pain or burning at the site
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Restlessness
- Fever
- Fast pulse
- Breathing difficulty
First Aid
- Clean the wound.
- Apply a cold pack.
- Keep the bite area immobilized at heart level.
- For severe pain use oral painkiller (acetaminophen).
- For severe reaction take antihistamine (Benadryl).
- Seek medical attention if no signs of improvement.
Related Links
- Scorpion Sting http://phoenix.about.com/od/scorpions/qt/scorpionsting.htm