Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre - Safety Guide

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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

Police 911 or (+592) 225 8196

Medical assistance 913

Fire service 912 or (+592) 226 2411

Bartica Police Station (+592) 455 2222

Bartica Regional Hospital (+592) 455 2339 or (+592) 455 2846

British High Commission (+592) 226 5881

Sophia Point Team

Sam Airey (Centre Director) (+592) 662 7074

Desmond (Caretaker) (+592) 637 2588

Sese (Facilities Officer) (+592) 662 3264

Baganara Island (close geographical contact) (+592) 222 8053

Lincoln (local support) (+592) 691 0430


Sophia Point map
Emergency information

This plan provides relevant information on emergencies, basic recommendations for emergency
prevention, and basic procedures to be followed in each scenario.

General safety guidance

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

On the water & in the boat


● You must wear a buoyancy aid at all times when in the boat
● Follow all instructions of the boat captain when travelling via boat
● Bathing or swimming in the river must take place in pairs
● Always check for wildlife (venomous sting-rays present) and passing boats before
entering the water

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.

Potential emergency events

SUSPECTED CATERPILLAR ENVENOMATION


Lonomia caterpillars exist at Sophia Point. These are deadly caterpillars and administration of
anti-venom is required if stung. Be aware that anti-venom does not exist in Guyana, it exists
only in Brazil.

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.

What to do in event of suspected caterpillar sting:

● Report to a Sophia Point member of staff immediately


● Seek medical attention and call the medical emergency number (913) immediately
● If possible, record the time of incident and the description of caterpillar, take a photo
● The patient will require critical medical support at Georgetown Hospital as soon as
possible, with the possibility of medical evacuation

Lonomia sp.

SUSPECTED SNAKE BITE


Venomous snakes exist at Sophia Point. The labaria or Fer-de-lance in particular is difficult to
see and highly venomous. Take caution whenever out on trails and be vigilant with where you
are stepping to avoid coming into contact with these snakes.

What to do in event of suspected snake bite:


● Report to a Sophia Point member of staff immediately
● Seek medical attention and call the medical emergency number (913) immediately
● Do not move the patient unless instructed, keep them still and calm
● Keep the bitten area below the heart if possible
● Take off any rings, bracelets or watches near the snake bite area
● Do NOT administer any tourniquets
● Do NOT cut, suction or place ice on the wound
● Do NOT medicate, inject, or operate
● If possible, record the time of incident and the description of snake

This is a medical emergency and requires medical attention in a hospital. Acting


fast can save a life.

Labaria snake (Bothrops Atrox) Bushmaster snake (Lachesis Muta)

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.

SUSPECTED ENVENOMATION BY A SPIDER OR SCORPION

● 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)

EXTREME WEATHER (THUNDERSTORM WITH RAIN OR STRONG WIND)


What to do:
● Take refuge in one of the centre buildings (the main house and office has a lighting rod),
do not run.
● Do not use electrical appliances
● Do not use the boat and avoid the river
● If you are in the rainforest, try to find a clear area and avoid being stationary under a tree.
Return to the centre as soon as possible and take refuge in a building
● Contact the emergency fire brigade if required

OTHER MEDICAL EMERGENCY


What to do:
● Do not move the patient unless absolutely necessary
● Seek immediate medical attention, call the medical emergency number (912) and
contact a Sophia Point member of staff
● Do not leave the patient alone
● Ensure access for first responders
● There is a first aid kit located in the main house bathroom. This has all basic first aid
materials as well as an automatic external defibrillator.

LOST IN THE RAINFOREST


What to do:
● Follow the safety guide prior to entering the rainforest
● Ensure you have all necessary equipment (compass, water, snack, long boots) and that
you are not alone
● Trail markers identifies the trail 50m apart, if you become disoriented look around you to
re-find the path
● If you become lost in the rainforest, stay where you are and contact a member of the
Sophia Point team if you are able to
● Once you have spoken to a member of the Sophia Point team, remain where you are
● If unable to contact a member of the team, head West using your compass and you will
arrive at the river where you can attract attention from passing boats, or obtain better
phone signal. DO NOT HEAD EAST
● Take note of the location of the sun (rises in the East and and sets in the West) if you do
not have a compass, follow accordingly

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