[Young reptile lover bitten by viper]

In the summer, an 11-year-old boy is bitten in his hand by a viper during survival camp. With extreme pain, swelling, vomiting and eventually loss of consciousness, he ends up in the emergency room. In the medium care, the arm swelling appears to be progressive. Antiserum delivered by express courier is finally given. Tourniquets, ice, incising and aspiration are obsolete. Gentle bandages with mild compression and a splint are an option. Immobilization is also important and haste depends on the symptoms (in 2 to 50% there is a 'dry bite'). Antiserum is given immediately in case of systemic effects such as coagulation disorder, dyspnoea, hypovolemic shock and renal insufficiency. In case of swelling, one should wait and see and determine the extent and progression of the swelling when antiserum is used. When administering the antiserum, a solid anticipation of anaphylaxis belongs.