Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre - Safety Guide
Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre - Safety Guide
Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre - Safety Guide
Sophia Point is the gateway into the rainforest and is an amazing place to be, but it does not
come without risks. This plan aims to give relevant information on emergencies, how to identify
them and the basic steps to take in a given event.
Make sure to take a photo and add these numbers to your phone so they are available in the
event of an emergency.
Emergency numbers
This plan provides relevant information on emergencies, basic recommendations for emergency
prevention, and basic procedures to be followed in each scenario.
At the centre
● Venomous animals exist in Guyana and at and in the vicinity of Sophia Point. These
include, but are not limited to, venomous and deadly: snakes (such as the Bothrops Atrox
and Lachesis Muta), spiders and scorpions (such as the Tityus Obscurus), caterpillars
(such as the Lonomia caterpillars) and stingray. It is important to be alert and aware of
these, and to take care to look when walking around. It is advised to research these
animals prior to your arrival.
● There are also large mammals (Jaguar, Puma etc).
● Do not touch wildlife (especially snakes, scorpions, spiders or caterpillars), unless
trained, and try to keep a safe distance
● Use the mosquito net provided at night and wear long sleeves and long trousers, in
addition to mosquito spray, early in the morning and in the evening to avoid mosquito
bites and mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue
● In case of an emergency, stay calm and contact a member of the Sophia Point team
immediately
● Report any illness, injury or allergic reaction, however minor, to the a member of staff
● Drink water regularly to stay hydrated (drinking water is always available on site)
● Wear closed high boots or welly boots (long boots) when walking beyond the buildings.
We have a stock of these on site which you can borrow for the duration of your stay.
● Wear indoor shoes when in the buildings (avoid being barefoot)
● Carry a head-torch when walking between buildings at night
In the rainforest
● Walking in the rainforest must be done in a minimum group of 3 persons
● Welly boots must be worn at all times in the forest (protection against snakes)
● Notify a member of staff whenever you leave the centre clearing, tell them your intended
trail route and your expected time of return - there is a whiteboard for documenting this
● When going into the rainforest, take with you a mobile phone, a compass, a water bottle,
food, and a head-torch
● Be vigilant of where you step
● Remain on the trail at all times unless with a trail guide
Travel Insurance
Healthcare is free in Guyana however, if travelling from outside Guyana, we strongly recommend
you take out comprehensive travel insurance, with medical coverage including medical
evacuation/repatriation.
Please be aware that Bartica Hospital is located about a 15 minute boat ride from Sophia Point,
however resources and medicine here can be limited. Georgetown Hospital is the largest and
most equipped hospital, but may still have limitations for medicine and treatment. It is not
guaranteed that anti-venom treatment is available in Guyana at the time of your trip, e.g. for
snake bites, Lonomia envenomation (anti-venom available in Brazil), or other envenomation. We
recommend travel insurance for these reasons.
Envenomation can lead to severe hemorrhagic syndrome. A visitor at Sophia Point has
experienced an envenomation by a Lonomia caterpillar on site and critical medical attention
was required at Georgetown Hospital, with anti-venom sent from Brazil and administered in
Guyana. Do not touch or go near these caterpillars. Indoor shoes are advised to avoid contact
and individual caution is encouraged.
Lonomia sp.
These are two common, highly venomous snakes in Guyana, their appearance may vary from
the picture. Other venomous snakes exist and all snake bites must be treated as an emergency.
It is not guaranteed that anti-venom for highly venomous snake bites will be available in Guyana
at the time of your visit.
● If possible, record the time of incident and the description of animal, take a photo (if safe
to do so)
● Whatever the animal, report to a Sophia Point member of staff immediately and treat
seriously, the staff member will be able to assist with identification
● The patient may require critical medical support at hospital
SUSPECTED FIRE
What to do:
● If the fire is in a building, leave the building immediately via your nearest exit in a calm
manner and contact a member of the Sophia Point team
● Do not return to collect your belongings
● Make your way to the fire assembly point (beach) and inform the emergency fire brigade
(912)