Australia’s national public health information service, Healthdirect, explains that a cold compress is the first aid to scorpion stings. This applies to cases where the reaction is mild and manageable. But, if a casualty experiences a severe allergic reaction from the sting, injecting an adrenaline shot may help. Find more about this first aid treatment and scorpions in Australia below.
What is the First Aid to a Mild Anaphylactic Reaction from Scorpion Stings in Australia?
Healthdirect suggests following first aid steps to treat scorpion stings in Australia.
- Apply an ice pack to the stung area
- Clean the wound to prevent infection with an antiseptic or water and soap
- Take medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain
Adding these items to a first aid kit may help manage the pain immediately, which is considered a mild reaction to scorpion stings. If it is severe, applying further treatment is advised.
What is the First Aid to a Severe Reaction from Scorpion Stings in Australia?
Healthdirect explains that some people may experience a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, from scorpion stings. The website considers this fatal and severe, so immediate application of the following first aid steps is advised.
- Lay the casualty flat and make sure that they are still
- Put them in a recovery position if they are unconscious
- Make them sit outstretched if they are vomiting or having difficulty breathing
- Inject an adrenaline autoinjector
- Call 000 for an ambulance
- Give an additional adrenaline shot if there is no response after 5 minutes
- Move the casualty to a hospital for observation
An anaphylaxis course provides training on adequately doing the above, especially the adrenaline injection.
What is in the Anaphylaxis Course for Scorpion Stings in Australia?
Training.gov.au, Australia’s National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET), outlines the following description of the anaphylaxis course.
- Identification and providing a first aid response to anaphylaxis
- Develop strategies to prevent exposure to allergens
- Reduce the risks related to anaphylaxis
The same website provides the names of registered training organisations, such as CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903), that have been approved to deliver the unit.
How Do You Know if it is a Severe Allergic Reaction from Scorpion Stings in Australia?
The first aid training for anaphylaxis at Neighbourhood Centre, Maroochy, 2 Fifth Ave, Maroochydore, discusses the following signs and symptoms.
- Difficulty in breathing and talking
- Swollen tongue
- Collapsing or dizziness
- Throat swelling or tightness
- Paleness and floppiness
- Wheezing or persistent cough
- Pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
If the casualty is known to experience anaphylaxis, performing the above first aid steps or following their action plans is advised.
Are there Many Scorpions in Australia?
Australian Geographic, composed of journalists, photographers, and editors, discusses on its website that there are more than 100 species of scorpions in the country. The website mentions the following common species.
- Desert scorpion
- Rainforest scorpion
- Spider-hunting scorpion
- Flinders Ranges scorpion
- Marbled scorpion
- Dwarf forest scorpion
- Salt lake scorpion
- Buchar’s scorpion
The website provides photos of the above to help you identify them from each other.
Are There Venomous Scorpions in Australia?
Australian Geographic explains that the Buthidae family includes the world’s most venomous scorpions. However, Australia’s buthids are much smaller, and most of their victims do not need medical assistance.
What is a Venomous Scorpion in Australia?
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology website has a Lychas marmoreus file. It calls it one of the more “venomous scorpion species” in Australia. It reports on a 1929 death of an infant girl in Pemberton, Western Australia, assumed to be from the species, but it was not confirmed. It also relays information on the reported sting that caused severe pain and a burning sensation for approx. 2 hours. It also led to a dull ache/throb for about 12 hours.
What does the Venomous Scorpion in Australia Look Like?
The same university describes Lychas marmoreus as having the following features:
- Approximate adult size of 35 mm
- Dark cream to a slate/grey colour
- Legs and pedipalps vary in colour
The source also considers the species one of the smaller Australian species.
Where in Australia are there Many Scorpions?
Australian Museum, Sydney’s hub for scientific information and collections, shows a distribution map of scorpions on its website. These are widespread nationwide and are found mainly in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth.
The website further discusses that scorpions live in various habitats throughout Australia, under logs, rocks, and shallow caves.
What do Scorpions in Australia Eat?
Australian Museum lists the following prey to scorpions.
- Beetles
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Slaters
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
It also discusses the Australian species, Isometroides vescus, eating trapdoor spiders.
Can You Avoid Scorpions in Australia?
The Australian Museum suggests wearing gloves and shoes in the garden and discourages avoiding things lying around the house or in the garage.
The same source recommends covering compost and garbage and cleaning up building materials around the house to prevent them from living in your area.
Conclusion
If necessary, the first aid to scorpion stings in Australia is an ice pack and adrenaline injection. The latter treatment may require knowledge of anaphylaxis management, which you will learn from first aid training at CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903). It also helps you identify the signs and symptoms to respond immediately. A CPR course also may come in handy as it may need to be delivered if a person stops breathing due to anaphylaxis.
Enrolling in the course may help in case of severe allergic reactions. There are 100 species of scorpions in Australia, with one considered venomous. Scorpions live in various habitats throughout the country and eat beetles, cockroaches, and spiders. Wearing gloves and shoes may help avoid them if you are in the garden.