| INDEX THIS PAGE Scorpion Bites Snake Bite Treatment Anaphylaxis Hypothermia Special Considerations For Children FIRST AID.org MEDICINAL PLANTS |
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What a scorpion
is: |
Scorpions are venomous arthropods of the class Arachnida and are considered relatives of the spiders, mites, ticks and harvestmen. There are approximately 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide, characterized by an elongated body and a segmented tail that is tipped with a venomous stinger As arachnids, scorpions have mouthparts called chelicerae, a pair of pedipalps, and four pairs of legs. The pincerlike pedipalps are used primarily for prey capture and defense, but are also covered with various types of sensory hairs. The body is divided into two main regions, a cephalothorax and an abdomen. The cephalothorax is covered above by a carapace (or head shield) that usually bears a pair of median eyes and 2 to 5 pairs of lateral eyes at its front corners (a few cave and litter-dwelling scorpions are eyeless). |
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The abdomen consists of 12 distinct segments, with the last five forming what most people refer to as the "tail". At the end of the abdomen is the telson, which bears a bulb-shaped structure containing the venom glands and a sharp, curved aculeus to deliver the venom. On its underside, the scorpion bears a pair of unique sense organs called pectines; these are usually larger and bear more "teeth" in the male and presumably sense textures of surfaces they walk across and serve as chemoreceptors to detect pheromo own species of scorpions, found mainly in the warmer parts of the world. The "long-tailed" South African Scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) reaches a length of over 8 inches, and is probably the longest scorpion in the world. Some of the African and Asian Emperor Scorpions routinely reach (and probably exceed) 7 inches. The largest scorpions in the US are members of the genus Hadrurus (giant desert hairy scorpions), obtaining a length of about 5 inches. |
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What a scorpion sting looks and feels like:
If a person gets stung by a scorpion, the area of the sting
will get swollen and may change color, depending on the type of
scorpion. More severe reactions from the venom involving other
parts of the body also can occur.
Scorpion Venom:
The venom of scorpions is used for both prey capture and defense.
Scorpion venoms are complex mixtures of neurotoxins (toxins which
affect the victim's nervous system) and other substances; each
species has a unique mixture. Despite their bad reputation, only one species in the U.S. and about
20 others worldwide have venom potent enough to be considered
dangerous to humans.
The US species, Centruroides exilicauda (formerly called C. sculpturatus), is found over much of Arizona. A small population occurs in extreme southeastern California, and a few records exist for southern Utah. The venom of this scorpion may produce severe pain and swelling at the site of the sting, numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficulties in breathing (including respiratory paralysis), muscle twitching, and convulsions. Death is rare, especially in more recent times. An antivenin is available for severe cases.
The world's most dangerous scorpions live in North Africa and the Middle East (species of Androctonus, Buthus, Hottentotta, Leiurus), South America (Tityus), India (Mesobuthus), and Mexico (Centruroides). In some of these areas, scorpion stings may be a significant cause of death, but reliable data on human mortality are not readily available. Some available statistics suggest typical mortality rates up to about 4% in hospital cases, with children and the aged being most susceptible. Death by scorpion sting, if it occurs, is the result of heart or respiratory failure some hours after the incident.
What you should do:
If you ever think you've been stung by a scorpion, tell
an adult immediately. Because it's hard to tell a scorpion
that has poisonous venom from one that doesn't, all scorpion stings
must be treated by a doctor. With an adult's help, put an ice
pack on the sting immediately to help slow down the spread of
the venom.
What a doctor will do:
Doctors treat someone bitten by a scorpion with medications
that help control the body's reactions to the venom. They may
give a medicine called antivenin that fights the scorpion's venom
to someone who doesn't get better with the other medications.
How to avoid getting bitten:
If you live in the American Southwest and keep your shoes
in a garage, basement, or mudroom, shake them out carefully before
putting them on.
Try to draw out venom immediately with the Sawyer EXTRACTOR™ PUMP
SEEK PAIN RELIEF. Sawyer recommends ITCH BALM PLUS. Cool water or ice may also reduce the
pain.Monitor for allergic reaction.
SEEK MEDICAL HELP --- especially for CHILDREN
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OFFENSIVE POISONS DEFENSIVE POISONS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR MULTIPLE BITES, SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTION, OR ANY SCORPION BITE --- ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. |
Sawyer Products manufactures a complete line of First Aid items for treatment of bites and stings, including:
Sawyer Extractor Pump to suction out poisons and other foreign fluids, thus relieving pain, itching and swelling, and reducing the risk of more serious reactions.
SAWYER TICK PLIER or TICK SCOOP to remove ticks safely without squeezing, twisting, or even touching the tick.
SAWYER STING CARE WIPES are soaked in benzocaine for instant relief from pain.
SAWYER ITCH BALM PLUS contains hydrocortisone for relief of itching, an antihistamine to reduce the body's reaction to poison, and tetracaine, a pain reliever.
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Children often spend more time outdoors than adults and because they have twice the skin surface to body weight as adults they need to be watched carefully and taught basic outdoor guidelines |
In all emergencies, large and small, stay calm yourself and
reassure the young victim.
Tell him or her that the pain will not get worse and that you
are taking action.
Children's fear and horror can make even a minor incident serious
if they react with hysteria. Shock is always a consideration.
1.Take extra precautions to avoid exposure to sun. Up to 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to the sun occurs by the age 18. Though it shows up many years later, this is when skin aging & skin cancer begins.
2.Apply sun block liberally. Be sure to select a bonding base formula. If the child will be swimming, apply at least ten minutes before exposure to water. See Children & Other Considerations in the Sun section.
3.Teach them to wear a hat (wide brim if available) and sunglasses.
4.Be sure the child understands how to better cope with heat.
5.Encourage plenty of fluids while watching for listlessness which may be caused by electrolyte depletion.
6.Avoid exertion at peak sun and heat times of the day.
7.Allow for frequent rests in shaded areas.
8.Avoid excessive application of any repellent. Read labels carefully and use only the amount necessary. We recommend Sawyer Controlled Release™ for most applications. See also How Insect Repellents Work.
9.Take extra precautions to protect against cold. Have the child wear layered clothing and watch him or her carefully for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
10.Teach your child basic First Aid techniques. Kits such as Sawyer's First Aid Kit For Kids can be helpful in bringing first aid to their level. First Aid Kits for kids should contain enough supplies for camp, and instructions written so 7 to 12 year olds can learn and perform basic first aid.
Treatment For Bites, Stings, and Poison Ivy
Treatment for children is generally the same for adults, but keep the following in mind:
Allergic reactions: - Reactions can occur unexpectedly in children. The first time a child is stung, he or she
may have no visible reaction other than normal pain and swelling. The child's body may, however, create
antibodies which, with a subsequent sting or bite, will be ready to do battle with the allergens in the venom,
producing an allergic reaction that could be very serious. If a child shows signs of allergic reaction such as
general listlessness or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. Bear in mind that even a
"non-allergic" child can go into shock from the pain and fear resulting from multiple stings or bites.
Stings in the mouth: - A child's small throat may swell up, causing difficulty in breathing. Seek medical
attention at once.
Venoms: - Children often have more severe local reactions to stings and bites and, because of their low body
weight, are more seriously threatened by venoms than adults. Any child who is bitten by a snake, scorpion or
venomous spider, or stung by a jellyfish (especially a Portuguese Man-of-War), or who receives multiple bites or
stings, should be taken to a doctor or emergency facility at once.
Ticks: - Any tick bite should be treated as serious and the child should be carefully monitored for symptoms of
Lyme Disease.
Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac: - Rare is the child who can resist scratching. Cut fingernails short to minimize
further damage to the skin.
MEDICINAL PLANTS for treatment in Scorpion bites and other conditions.
| Common Name |
Botanical Name |
Part Used |
Active Ingredient |
Action |
| LOBELIA | LOBELIA NICOTIANAE FOLIA |
LEAVES | LOBELINE | ANTISEPTIC,
IN ASTHMA AND SCORPION BITE |
FIRST
AID.org
INDEX
OF TREATMENTS
Bites: Insect, Marine, Animal and Human
Spider/Scorpion Bite/Sting:
Signs and Symptoms:
Bite mark
Swelling
Pain
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty breathing or swallowingTreatment:
Wash wound
Apply a cold pack
Get medical care to receive antivenin
Call an Ambulance, dial 911 or your local emergency number, if necessary
Anaphylaxis is a condition where there is a
serious and rapid allergic reactions to a substance (food or medications)
or insect bites
and stings. The allergic reaction usually involves more than one
part of the body. If severe enough this condition can kill. Allergic
reactions that occur almost immediately tend to be the most severe.
Causes:
Wasp and bee stings:
When a sting causes faintness, breathing difficulties, rashes
or swelling on a part of the body which has not been stung. If
you just get swelling at the sting site, you are probably not
going to have anaphylaxis if stung again.
Exercise:
Exercise can cause reactions in some and so may exercise after
food.
Foods:
Especially nuts, some kinds of fruits like bananas, avocados,
kiwi fruit, figs, oranges etc. Vegetables including potatoes
and tomatoes.
People may get anaphylaxis from fish and some spices.
Drugs and Medications:
Penicillin's, Anesthetic drugs, Aspirin and other painkillers.
Latex:
Mainly latex gloves, condoms and medical products. but also in
many things encountered in daily life. Sufferers are nearly
always health care or food preparation workers who have occupational
contact with latex.
Unknown:
Some sufferers have unexplained attacks where no cause is found.
This is called 'idiopathic anaphylaxis'. This term
means, "they don't know the cause".
Signs and Symptoms:
An itchy rash.
Faintness and unconsciousness this is due to very low blood pressure.
Swelling
Swelling in the throat, causing breathing and swallowing difficulties
Asthma symptoms
Vomiting
Abdominal pains, diarrhea and cramping
Swelling or tingling feeling in the lips or mouth.
Treatment:
If you have not experienced serious allergic reactions before,
you should call your Doctor or an Ambulance immediately.
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition.
Adventure-Media
Website
The goal of venomous snake bite treatment is to either remove venom, prevent
it causing harm, and/or neutralizing it as well as providing normal puncture
wound care. Removing venom is difficult. The only proven device has been
with the Sawyer Extractor®, a powerful vacuum device. Studies show that if
applied three minutes after a bite it can remove about 37% of the venom. After
ten minutes, venom removal was almost nil. Cutting and suction by mouth or
with rubber suction cups provides no benefit and only causes further harm.Other standard first aid measures are treating for shock, immobilizing the
bitten limb, and evacuation to medical help. Apply ice causes increased tissue
damage. A tourniquet causes increased damage.The antivenin available in North America is polyvalent, thus working against all
of the pit vipers from that area. Unfortunately, it is weak and derived from
horse serum. Due to its potential side effects, no expert suggests carrying and
using it in the field.A constriction band is suggested by many experts, but the real danger is that it
might be applied too tightly, basically forming a tourniquet. It is not usually
necessary to carry a person out, rather after initially providing first aid
treatment as indicated above, they can usually walk out on their own.
Exposure to Cold
Hypothermia is a condition that comes about when the body's heat
regulating mechanism can't cope with the conditions it's working
in. The
metabolism gets slower, the body temperature drops, and the sufferer
becomes drowsy, confused and moves unsteadily. You don't have
to feel shivery in order to have hypothermia. It's dangerous,
and a doctor and cardiac ambulance should always be called if
it's suspected.
NEVER ASSUME THAT A HYPOTHERMIA CASUALTY
IS DEAD
EVEN IF BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT APPEAR ABSENT.
Treatment:
If breathing and heartbeat have stopped, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation.
If casualty is breathing but unconscious, place in the recovery position.
Warm patient gradually. Heat the room as well as the casualty.
Place warm material around the victim, covering body, neck and head but not the face.
Remove from cold environment to hospital if necessary.
Conscious casualties should be given hot, sweet drinks, NOT ALCOHOL.
Need more information on Hypothermia? select this link
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