What to do if you are bitten by a scorpion and there is no doctor nearby

A scorpion sting can become an emergency in a matter of minutes, especially if it occurs far from a hospital or health center. These arachnids, common in hot and dry areas, usually hide in shoes, clothes, crevices or under stones, and often the attack occurs unexpectedly. Knowing how to act in the first few minutes can make a big difference between a quick recovery and a serious complication.

This article explains step-by-step what to do if you or someone close to you suffers a scorpion sting and immediate medical attention is not available.

How to recognize a scorpion sting

After a sting, symptoms can appear almost immediately. The most common are:

• Severe pain at the site of the sting
• Burning or feeling of electricity
• Redness and swelling
• Tingling or numbness
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath in severe cases
• Muscle spasms or tremors

In children, older adults, and people with chronic diseases, the effects can be more severe.

What to do immediately after the bite

If a doctor is not nearby, these steps can help reduce your risk while you arrive:

1. Stay calm

Panic speeds up the heart rate and allows the venom to distribute faster through the body. The affected person should remain as calm as possible.

2. Immobilize the affected area

Avoid moving the part of your body where the bite occurred. If it was in one hand or foot, keep it in a comfortable and effortless position.

3. Wash with soap and water

Gently cleanse the area to avoid secondary infections. Do not rub or press hard.

4. Apply cold

Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help reduce pain and slow down the absorption of the venom. Do not place the ice directly on the skin.

5. Remove tight objects

If the sting was on a limb, remove tight-fitting rings, bracelets, watches, or shoes, as the swelling can increase quickly.

What NOT to do

In emergency situations, it is common to resort to dangerous myths. Avoid these actions:

• Do not cut or suction the wound
• Do not apply alcohol, ammonia or chemicals
• Do not use tourniquets
• Do not apply heat
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages

These practices can worsen the damage or cause infections.

How to help your body while assistance arrives

If the person is conscious:

• Stay hydrated with small sips of water
• Watch for shortness of breath, blurred vision, or weakness
• Keep the person lying down and warm

If vomiting occurs, place it on its side to prevent choking.

When is an extreme urgency

Even if there is no doctor nearby, you should seek help as soon as possible if they appear:

• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Foaming at the mouth
• Involuntary movements
• Pain that gets worse quickly

These are signs of serious poisoning.

Prevention to avoid future bites

To reduce risk:

• Shake clothes and shoes before wearing them
• Keep the house free of debris
• Seals cracks in walls and floors
• Wear gloves when moving stones or wood
• Place mosquito nets and check beds before going to sleep

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