A cut in the kitchen, an ankle that twists on a wet autumn path near Bragernes, a slip on fallen leaves: minor injuries happen fast, and it is easy to wonder whether this is something your GP can look at, whether you should go to the out-of-hours clinic, or whether to call 113. Here is a simple overview, plus what you can do yourself while you decide.
Three routes to help in Norway – and what each is for
If you are new to the Norwegian system, it helps to know that care is organised in layers. Your regular doctor is called the fastlege (GP). The out-of-hours medical service is called the legevakt. And 113 is the national emergency number.
- Your GP is the first choice during opening hours when the injury is not urgent, or when you need follow-up after an injury.
- The legevakt (call 116 117) is for injuries and illness that cannot wait until your GP is available. Helsenorge recommends calling first, because phone advice is often enough and staff can tell you whether to come in. We explain more in What does the Drammen legevakt do – and not do?
- 113 is for emergencies where life or health is at risk. Helsenorge (in Norwegian) says to call straight away if you think the situation is dangerous or could quickly become so – including if you suspect an injury to the neck, back or hip, in which case the injured person should not be moved.
The legevakt is not free: you normally pay a user fee unless you hold an exemption card. Helsenorge gives the 2023 range as roughly NOK 160–360, so the current amount may differ. Calling 116 117 and 113 is free.
Cuts and wounds: what to do first
Ung.no, a public information site written by a doctor, describes four simple steps: wash your hands, stop the bleeding by pressing gently with a clean cloth or bandage (raise the wound if you can), rinse the wound clean with ordinary tap water, and cover it with a clean dressing that you change if it gets wet or dirty. The full guide is on ung.no (in Norwegian).
When should a wound be checked?
Both ung.no and Norsk Helseinformatikk (NHI) advise contacting a doctor or the legevakt if:
- the wound is deep, long or gaping – it may need strips or stitches
- bleeding has not stopped after 20–30 minutes of gentle pressure
- dirt or foreign material is left in the wound after cleaning
- the wound comes from a dirty object or a bite
- the area becomes red, warm, swollen or more and more painful over the following days
NHI also points to tetanus (stivkrampe) vaccination. A booster is recommended every ten years, and if more than ten years have passed, you should get one as soon as possible and within 48 hours of the injury. If you are not sure of your vaccination status, or you were vaccinated abroad, your GP can help check it.
Do not wait if a wound is large, deep and gaping. A wound that needs stitches should be assessed quickly, not the next day. If heavy bleeding cannot be stopped with pressure, call 113.
Sprain or broken bone? It is not always easy to tell
Helsenorge describes first aid for a sprain with the abbreviation RICE: rest the area, cool it for up to 20 minutes at a time (with a damp towel between skin and cold pack), use a support bandage that does not cut off circulation, and raise the injured limb above heart level. Avoid putting weight on the injury for the first 24 hours.
At the same time, NHI notes that an ankle injury can easily resemble a fracture, and that an X-ray is needed to rule one out. You should have the injury assessed by a doctor if you:
- cannot stand on the foot or move the joint
- see that the body part looks crooked or has changed shape
- have severe pain when touching or moving it
- have swelling or bruising that keeps increasing
- notice numbness, coldness or pale skin below the injury
If you are unsure and it is evening, weekend or night, call 116 117. During opening hours you can contact your GP, who can assess the injury and refer you for an X-ray if needed. Remember that the legevakt prioritises by severity, so waiting times can vary.
Suspected injury to the neck, back or hip (do not move the person), loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that will not stop, major injuries after a fall from height or a traffic accident, or whenever you think the situation is dangerous or could quickly become so. If in doubt, calling is the right choice.
How to prepare
- Bring ID and a list of any regular medicines you take.
- Note how and when the injury happened – it helps the doctor.
- If you can, take a photo of the wound or injury before covering it.
- Check when you last had a tetanus vaccination.
For an injured child the assessment is the same, but the threshold for getting help should be lower. For fever in children, see child with a fever in the middle of the night.
Looking for a GP in Drammen?
Hotvet legesenter is at Rosenkrantzgata 75 in central Drammen. With a regular GP you get follow-up after injuries, vaccination checks and a safe first point of contact when something happens. Call us on 31 02 13 00, or see which lists have places open. If you are new to Norway, we are happy to explain how registering with a GP works.
See available GP places