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What should I do if I'm stung by a scorpion? Is the venom harmful to humans?

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The answer is right there in your link. Some select tidbits to answer your question:

  • All known scorpion species possess venom

  • Of the 1000+ known species of scorpion, only 25 have venom that is dangerous to humans; most of those belong to the family Buthidae.

  • First aid for scorpion stings is generally symptomatic. It includes strong analgesia, either systemic (opiates or paracetamol) or locally applied (such as a cold compress). Hypertensive crises are treated with anxiolytics and vasodilators.

Unless you're an entomologist specializing in scorpions and you are damn sure the scorpion that stung you is not one of those dangerous to humans, you need to get medical attention ASAP. You probably won't have morphine or another opioid analgesic, but you might have a cold compress, so use it. As for vasodilators, you probably won't have any of them handy either, so, as I said, get to a hospital ASAP. And the advice in the snakebite question about lying down and trying to slow your pulse while someone (hopefully the third in your party, leaving one to look after you) runs to get help is a good idea.

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Treat it like it is a snake bite. always have a snake bite kit with you when hiking and camping. As well as a basic first aid kit. Also have an Epi-pen handy.

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  • I would never recommend Epi-pen without at least further information. Of course an anaphylactic reaction is a possible outcome of toxication and there an Epi-pen comes in handy, but possible reactions to scorpion venom include hypertension and other affections of the cardiopulmonary system in which case adrenaline (thats what an Epi-pen contains) is harmful and potentially lethal.
    – imsodin
    Commented Jul 14, 2015 at 20:53
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    The epi pen is not for the scorpion sting but to have incase some one gets a bees sting. thanks for the negative comment about a life saving suggestion. I guess having a first aid kit is a bad idea as well. thanks again.
    – SkipBerne
    Commented Jul 14, 2015 at 21:00
  • I suggest you read my comment more carefully. The important part: further information. If you would elaborate on why to take an epi-pen, well then it can be viable. Without additional information it is simply dangerous, having an epi-pen without any ideo on when and why to use it is more dangerous than not having one.
    – imsodin
    Commented Jul 14, 2015 at 21:04

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