How to treat an adder snake bite
We are very fortunate in the UK that the only venomous snake is the Adder or European viper (vipera berus). Adder bites are uncommon and only normally occur if the snake is provoked.
Do: Calm and reassure your patient
Do: Wash the surface of the wound to remove any venom left on the surface
Do: Immobilise the limb which has been bitten
Do: Transfer patent to hospital quickly, by ambulance if possible
Bites may cause significant discomfort and medical problems but death is very rare.
Do Not: Try to catch the snake
Do Not: Suck the wound
Do Not: Touch the wound
Do Not: Apply a tourniquet
Share this Tip
Related Courses
More Tips
- Face-to-face First Aid Training Restarts
- CIMSPA Endorsed CPD Points
- Claim REPs CPD Points until 14th November 2020
- COVID-19 UPDATE - First Aid Certificate Expiry Date Extension
- COVID-19 UPDATE - Alternative Delivery Methods for First Aid Qualifications
- First Aid - Can I be sued?
- Myth Busting - Adults can't put plasters on children's cuts!!
- Concussion management in sports first aid
- What do 'Levels' mean in first aid qualifications?
- Anaphylaxis training recommendations from the Resuscitation Council (UK)
