Of the venomous scorpions, Parabuthus granulatus is medically the most important. The venomous snakes can in broad terms, be divided into neurotoxic, cytotoxic and haemotoxic categories, although there is significant overlap of toxic effects in some snake venoms. The neurotoxic snakes include the mambas and neurotoxic cobras. Some of the minor adders, such as the berg adder, are both cytotoxic and neurotoxic. Some neurotoxic snakes and scorpions can cause life-threatening envenomations and death within 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Respiratory failure is usually the primary cause of death.
Time must not be wasted on unnecessary treatment modalities, such as bandaging, etc. The use of a mobile telephone or any other means of communication to alert a medical facility or doctor can be life-saving. First aid should focus on maintenance of vital functions, such as support of breathing. Unnecessary movement should be discouraged. Constricting items, such as rings or clothing distal or proximal to the bite site, should be removed.