Medical authorities in Saint Lucia are treating a patient following a venomous snake bite incident involving the island’s endemic fer-de-lance pit viper. The encounter occurred Tuesday afternoon in the Tomazo area of Dennery, prompting emergency response from the Saint Lucia Fire Service.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene at approximately 2:54 p.m. to find an adult male victim with visible puncture wounds to his facial area and upper left extremity. First responders administered immediate medical treatment before transporting the individual to a specialized healthcare facility for advanced antivenom therapy and ongoing care.
This incident highlights a growing concern among environmental officials who have documented increased sightings of the venomous Saint Lucian fer-de-lance outside its natural forest habitat. The snake’s potent venom and increasing proximity to human settlements have prompted coordinated governmental action.
In December, over seventy community members participated in the Access and Benefit Sharing Project’s specialized fer-de-lance handling workshops. This initiative, supported by the Department of Sustainable Development and the Division of Forestry and Land Resources, provided hands-on training in snake identification, behavior recognition, and safe handling procedures for residents in high-risk areas.
Complementing these preventive measures, the Ministry of Health has established a comprehensive snake bite management program under the island’s Universal Health Coverage framework. This critical service guarantees that all residents can access necessary medical treatment, including expensive antivenom therapies, without financial burden through the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs.