How to Treat a Scorpion Bite on the Oregon Trail

In the United States, scorpion stings can be painful but are rarely fatal.

You can quickly and easily treat scorpion stings by completing the same process followed worldwide for scorpion venom. If you plan a trip to the Oregon Trail region, remember that very few U.S. scorpion species have fatal venom. The only one that does, the Centruroides, lives primarily in Arizona and New Mexico.

Things You'll Need

• Ice (optional)
• Cloth or rag
• Soap
• Painkillers

Instructions

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water.

2. Apply a cool compress by soaking the cloth or rag in cold water or wrapping ice in it and applying it to the site of the sting.

3. Elevate the affected limb to heart level.

4. Give the bite victim a painkiller for pain and discomfort.

5. 

   Seek medical attention as soon as you can for scorpion bites.

   Transport the bite victim to an emergency medical facility as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Obviously, take steps not to get stung in the first place. Wear boots and gloves when possible. Use caution when reaching into areas where you can't see, such as piles of rocks, wood or leaves. Always check boots, gloves, sleeping bags and so on for scorpions before using them. Most scorpions will glow in the dark under ultraviolet light, so with the right flashlight they will stand out at night.

References

• University of Arizona: Scorpions
• Emedicine: Scorpion Envenomation
• Sciencedirect.com: Introduction of the scorpion Centruroides exilicauda into California and its public health significance

Resources

• Texas A&M University: Scorpions
• Softpedia; 10 Things You Did Not Know About Scorpions