Izmir Fire Department received snake catching training

In the summer season, reports of snakes entering houses’ gardens and car hoods, especially in rural areas, are causing the fire brigade teams to work overtime. Upon increasing complaints, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality started a training program to increase the awareness of firefighters in catching snakes. The teams learned intervention methods when encountering both venomous and non-venomous snake species in a practical manner.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department Presidency initiated a different study for the conscious capture of snakes frequently seen in homes or inside cars with the rise in temperatures. Upon increasing reports, the fire brigade personnel received practical training at the Toros Fire and Natural Disaster Training Center. Methods of capturing snakes were demonstrated using a one-meter non-venomous snake called South American Royal Python or Ball Python brought for training from Izmir Natural Life Park. Veterinary Health Technician Ilker Ömer Ertop and Veterinary Surgeon Duygu Aldemir from the Natural Life Park explained the snake species and demonstrated the techniques of capturing snakes with two different tools.

Received training for conscious intervention
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department President Ismail Derse stated that the reports of snake sightings received by Izmir Fire Department from the 112 call center have increased recently, and they initiated this study to prepare the teams for such situations. Derse said, ‘For our fire brigade teams to intervene in such incidents in a healthy manner, intervention awareness needs to be developed. That’s why we felt the need for such training.’ Derse added, ‘We specifically want our colleagues to capture the snake correctly with the right technique, first with proper safety equipment, protecting themselves. This training is important for them to be able to capture the snake easily without frightening it. Some of our colleagues are currently doing this job. However, the work needs to be carried out more professionally. That’s why we believe that the right technique, proper training, and correct knowledge are more beneficial.’

‘Do not intervene with snakes’
Veterinary Health Technician Ilker Ömer Ertop, who provided training on snake species to the fire brigade personnel at the Natural Life Park Branch of the Veterinary Affairs Public Health Department, explained that there are 58 recorded snake species in Turkey so far. Ertop said, ‘Fifteen of them are venomous, three are semi-venomous. The remaining forty are non-venomous. There are 4 venomous snake species in the Aegean Region. The snake brought for training is a species living in South America, known as the Royal Python or Ball Python.’ Providing information about snake capturing tools, Ertop said, ‘There are two tools. One is in the form of a hook, and the other is a clamp. We predominantly use the clamp tool to prevent venomous snakes from turning towards us. We capture them first from the head, then from the tail, and place them in a sack or box. Citizens cannot know if a snake is venomous. Therefore, they should not intervene. In case of such a situation, they can contact Izmir Fire Department or Izmir Natural Life Park.’

What to do in case of a snake bite
Ercan Doğru, serving as a First Aid Instructor at the First Aid Center under the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Health Affairs Department, explained what a person bitten by a snake should do. Doğru said, ‘A person bitten by a snake needs to remain calm and avoid panicking. The bitten area should not be moved too much. They can wash the bitten area with water, apply cold compress. They can make a bandage, but it should not be too tight. A tourniquet should not be applied, and no intervention should be made to the wound. There are misconceptions that we think are correct. Especially, the wound is cut and sucked. We should avoid such practices. If the animal is venomous, the poison spreads very quickly in the body. When we cut and suck the wound, the risk of taking the poison into our own body is very high. Therefore, one should stay away from such practices. In the event of a bite, it is necessary to go to a healthcare institution.’