05/31/2026
Over the weekend, Chiefs Alex and Pavel Gut participated in a two-day Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling Course! 🐍
Both chiefs share a huge passion for reptiles and personally keep several species of their own, making this an exciting and educational opportunity. The course focused on the basic identification of venomous snake species, proper handling and containment techniques, and important safety practices when working around these incredible animals.
The training also covered basic first aid for snake bites along with education on the different types of antivenom available. Participants also discussed relocation guidelines for venomous snakes, emergency preparedness planning, and the safe keeping and responsible management of these animals to ensure the safety of both handlers and the public.
Day two consisted of a morning time exam and then gave participants the opportunity to safely handle several venomous species under professional supervision — an unforgettable experience and a chance to further respect and understand these beautiful animals. Training included hands-on experience with native New England species such as Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads, providing valuable insight into the venomous snakes that can be encountered right here in our region.
While encounters involving venomous snakes are certainly not a common occurrence in EMS for our area, Western Mass is home to venomous snakes, and knowledge is power. We hope to bring some of the information learned from this course into the EMS field through future education opportunities and training for providers.
Expanding knowledge outside the “normal” EMS environment helps us stay prepared for the unexpected — and keeps learning fun along the way! 🚑🐍
