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What should you do if you are bitten by an adder in Norway?

First aid, warning signs and who to call.

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Short answer

If an adder bites you in Norway, stay as still as possible, keep the bitten limb at rest and raised, and call 113 if serious symptoms appear. Serious symptoms are vomiting, dizziness, fainting, breathing problems or fast swelling. Do not squeeze, cut or suck the bite. The Poison Information Centre answers day and night on 22 59 13 00.

Emergency numbers in Norway a shield icon with a check mark next to a tent and a small no-campfire sign on a green hillside

Why

  1. Giftinformasjonen at Helsenorge says serious symptoms often come quickly, within 1–2 hours, and that you should follow the development for at least 6–8 hours after the bite.
  2. The adder (hoggorm) is the only venomous snake in Northern Europe, and Store norske leksikon says adder bites are rarely life-threatening.
  3. In Norway the adder lives as far north as Sømna in Nordland, according to Store norske leksikon.

Details

Mark the edge of any swelling with a pen and note the time, so you and the health staff can see how it develops. Mild reactions are slight swelling and bluish discolouration around the bite, and some bites contain no venom at all, which are called dry bites. A large amount of venom can cause serious poisoning in anyone, and antivenom may be needed.

Tip

Save the Poison Information Centre's number, 22 59 13 00, in your phone before a summer hike, so you can get advice straight away.

What may differ

Children under about 10–12, pregnant women and older people from about 70 should as a rule be checked by a doctor or at hospital after a bite. The same applies to anyone bitten on the head or neck.

Common misconception

You should cut the bite open or suck out the venom.

What actually happens

Giftinformasjonen advises you to leave the bite alone: do not squeeze, cut or suck it, and keep the bitten limb still instead.

People also ask

  • What should I do if I get bitten by a snake in Norway?

Sources

This answer is for reference only and does not replace medical advice. In an emergency, call 113.

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