Safety with Scorpions
Safety is the No.1 priority!
Introduction
The venom of European scorpions is not considered to be harmful to most humans.
However, as with bee stings, some people can suffer a bad allergic reaction.
It is always a wise precaution to treat ALL scorpions with respect and take every care to
avoid being stung in the first place.
Effects of a Sting
The resulting pain from a European scorpion sting is typically equivalent to a mild bee sting.
However, the effects can be variable. Certain individuals may experience increased pain or other symptoms such as:-
- swelling & inflammation of the skin surrounding the sting wound
- numbness of the sting wound
- redness of the skin & an itching or burning sensation
- increased levels of pain
- nausea, headache, dizziness & even fainting
and in serious cases, more severe symptons -
- convulsions
- tightening of the chest & difficulty breathing
- paralysis
- coronary seizure
- DEATH !
Some of the more serious symptoms may seem a little overly melodramatic but around the world people still die as a result of scorpion stings, although admittedly these casualties tend to be located in (but not limited to) warmer climates, e.g. Mexico & Africa, where some of the more dangerous species exist.
Individuals at High Risk
Certain individuals are considered to be most at risk from the above effects:-
- young children
- the elderly
- pregnant women
- people suffering with blood-pressure irregularities (high or low)
- people who are ill or are suffering from a reduced immunity
- people with existing medical conditions
- people known to suffer with allergies
Assessing the Danger (signs to watch out for)
There is always a level of risk when dealing with any venomous creature. As a guideline,
narrow pincers on a scorpion are often an indication that it possesses a potent sting,
although this is not always the case and should never be taken as a reliable indicator.
This method of assessing the danger from a sting can be misleading as some species with larger pincers are also highly venomous.
- Firstly, Don't Panic!
- Ensure that the wound from the sting is kept clean and protected from further injury
- Seek medical attention immediately as a precaution
(if possible & safe, attempt to capture the scorpion and show it to the medic for accurate identification) - Request a Tetanus booster inoculation to help prevent any secondary complications.
As an afterthought (and without further endangering either yourself or others), advise any other people present and in close proximity to the offending scorpion to be aware of the risk. This is particularly relevant if the scorpion is on the loose! If practical, try and arrange for a responsible person to attempt to isolate or capture the creature if it is safe to do so. However, under no circumstances should anybody else be placed in a position of potential danger.
© Copyright 2004 Gary J. Drew