Scorpion fish

Definition

Poisoning caused by a sting from a scorpion fish.

Poisonous Ingredient

• scorpion fish venom
  

Where Found

• scorpion fish
  
• related species
  

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o local pain (severe)
  o swelling at site of puncture(s) eventually involving the entire arm or leg
  
• gastrointestinal
  o nausea
  o Vomiting
  o diarrhea
  
• respiratory
  o Shortness of breath
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o high or Low Blood pressure
  o rapid or slow heart rate
  
• nervous system
  o fainting
  o delirium
  o seizures
  o paralysis
  

Home Treatment
Wash the area with salt water. Remove any foreign material at the wound site. Contact the emergency room. Soak the wound in the hottest water the person can tolerate for 30 to 90 minutes, if instructed to do so. Contact Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment instructions.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• identification of the marine animal causing the sting if possible
  
• the time stung
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital and advise of any appropriate first aid that can be administered immediately.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Wash the area.
  
• Remove any possible foreign material.
  
• Soak the wound.
  
• Remove any remaining material.