Adder bite in the British Army 1979-1988: a decade of experience

The results of hospital admissions for adder bite suffered by British Army personnel were reviewed over a ten year period. They confirmed the low bite rate and the risk factors previously demonstrated in earlier studies. In particular, the dangers of handling and attempting to catch the snake were highlighted. Also illustrated was a general ill-preparedness by clinicians to manage the condition. In this connection, the use of specific Zagreb anti-venom preparation for cases of severe poisoning is advocated, as is admission to hospital for assessment and appropriate monitoring. Adder bite is both unusual and unpredictable so caution needs to be exercised in the initial clinical appraisal.