Snakes, iguanas… these Seine-Maritime firefighters trained to handle reptiles

Have a snake or any other reptile in the hands, it doesn’t happen every day. And yet, firefighters may have to intervene with these animals.

Touch the reptile to become familiar

As such, two training courses have just taken place for firefighters from the Londinières fire and rescue center (Seine-Maritime).

In partnership with the Anidoc’ veterinary clinic located in Hautot-sur-Merseveral firefighters were able to benefit from this training provided by the head veterinarian. SDIS 76 (Departmental fire and rescue service), captain Jean-François Germaiprecisely attached to the Londinières barracks.

I would then like to develop this training with other centers in the sector, depending of course on each person’s agenda.

The objective of these two sessions was to provide reptiles such as snakes or iguanas among others, so that firefighters learn how to handle them safely, firstly for themselves and of course for the animal.

The image of reptiles

To do this, several reptiles were loaned, the only condition for being able to provide this training. “It is important that the firefighters can touch the reptile and become familiar with it in order to demystify a little the image they have had for so many years” explains Jean-François Germai.

And added: “This type of training is only possible thanks to the loan of the animals by their owners, without whom nothing would be possible and we thank them for that.”

Recognize native species

This training must enable firefighters to know how to intervene in atypical situations where the reptile.

Most of the time, these will be wild animals, such as snakes where the vipers which are protected, and which you can come across while walking in the countryside.

“The first step in training is to recognize native species. Then know how to approach them to avoid being bitten. There may also be interventions with escaped domestic animals,” recalls the captain.

For example, the iguana can bite, scratch or whip with its tail.

These cases of animals which have escaped the vigilance of their owner are increasingly rare, even if the attraction for NAC (New Pets) is still very present among part of the population.

Facing a boa in 2023

However, in October 2023, not so long ago, the firefighters had to intervene in a bar in Rouen where the manager came face to face with a boa discovered behind a coffee machine.

“This is why it is important to be trained around exotic animals even if it involves few interventions. It’s always good to know the dangers depending on the species and to be able to help people who find themselves in this kind of situation,” concludes Jean-François Germai.

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