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Monday 08:00 - 16:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00 Thursday 08:00 - 16:00 Friday 08:00 - 15:00

Access Professional Development, Vereeniging (2026)

13/02/2026

🐍 Completing the Rollout: Snake Safety Training for Municipal & Fire Teams | Malmesbury, Western Cape 🚒🌿

We concluded the third and final Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course for delegates from the Swartland Municipality, once again joined by members of the local fire services.

With this final group trained, the full municipal rollout in Malmesbury, Western Cape is now complete.

Three groups.
Multiple teams.
One unified safety standard.

Snake encounters don’t happen on schedule, they happen during routine maintenance, emergency callouts, vegetation clearing, sports field preparation, and water infrastructure work. Ensuring that every crew, every shift, and every responder has the same level of competence is what turns training into true operational readiness.

This final session reinforced the same practical, hands-on focus that has defined the entire rollout:

✔️ Accurate identification of high-risk species in the Western Cape
✔️ Understanding habitat risk factors across municipal sites
✔️ Immediate snakebite first aid and stabilisation principles
✔️ Safe and ethical capture and relocation techniques
✔️ Coordinated municipal and fire service response during incidents

The transformation across all three groups has been consistent, cautious at first, composed and confident by the end.

Because when an entire municipality commits to proactive training, the impact is bigger than one course.
✔️ It strengthens response systems.
✔️ It reduces risk.
✔️ It protects communities.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, industry-specific snake safety training that makes a measurable difference where it matters most.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

12/02/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for Game Rangers | Kgalagadi, Northern Cape 🌵🌿

Last week, we had the privilege of presenting a Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to dedicated Game Rangers from the Kgalagadi National Park in the Northern Cape.

Operating in one of South Africa’s most rugged and remote conservation environments requires more than field experience, it requires preparedness for high-risk wildlife encounters. In the vast landscapes of the Northern Cape, venomous snakes are part of the ecosystem, and for rangers, encounters are a professional reality.

From long-distance patrols to fence inspections and tourist safety operations, these teams work in environments where medical assistance may be hours away. Calm, informed response is critical.

This course was designed specifically to strengthen real-world competence in remote conservation settings.

Throughout the session, delegates worked through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous snake species common to the Kalahari and Northern Cape region
✔️ Understanding snake behaviour in arid and semi-desert environments
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid and emergency management in remote conditions
✔️ Safe and ethical handling and relocation techniques
✔️ Risk awareness during foot patrols, camp management, and visitor interactions

What stood out most was the professionalism and composure of the rangers, controlled movements, clear communication, and a strong conservation mindset.

Because when rangers are properly trained, it protects more than just personnel.
It safeguards visitors, wildlife, and the reputation of our protected areas.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, field-tested snake safety training to conservation professionals operating across South Africa’s most demanding natural environments, including the remote regions of the Northern Cape.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

10/02/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for the Construction Sector in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape 🚧🌿

We recently had the opportunity to present our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to dedicated delegates working in the construction sector in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape.

Construction teams often operate in partially cleared land, long grass, trenches, foundations, and remote project sites, exactly the kind of environments where snakes naturally shelter.
Which means encounters aren’t unusual… they’re expected.

This session focused on equipping crews with practical, real-world skills so they can respond calmly, safely, and professionally when a snake is encountered on site, without panic, injuries, or unnecessary wildlife harm.

Throughout the day, delegates worked through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous species commonly found in the Eastern Cape
✔️ Understanding snake behaviour and how to avoid accidental encounters during site work
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid and emergency response until EMS arrives
✔️ Safe and ethical handling and relocation principles
✔️ Workplace health & safety responsibilities linked to environmental hazards on construction sites

The transformation was clear.

What starts as uncertainty in the morning quickly turns into confidence by the afternoon, steady hands, controlled movements, and informed decision-making.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and industry-specific snake safety training across South Africa’s high-risk sectors.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

04/02/2026

🐍 Building Snake Safety Capacity for Local Responders | Malmesbury, Western Cape 🚒🌿

Training continued in Malmesbury as we presented the second Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to another group of delegates from the Swartland Municipality, joined once again by members of the local fire services.

With multiple teams working across parks, sports grounds, public facilities, and infrastructure sites, it’s critical that every shift and every crew has the same level of preparedness. Snake encounters don’t wait for “the trained team” to be on duty — they happen in real time, during everyday work.

That’s why this rollout approach matters.

This session focused on practical, field-ready competence — the kind of skills workers can immediately apply while clearing vegetation, accessing water meters, responding to callouts, or working in remote municipal spaces.

Throughout the day, delegates covered:
✔️ Recognising high-risk snake habitats and behaviours in municipal environments
✔️ Confident identification of common Western Cape species
✔️ Immediate, life-saving snakebite first aid actions
✔️ Safe capture and relocation principles to protect both people and wildlife
✔️ Coordinated response between municipal teams and firefighters during incidents

What we love seeing most during these sessions?
Teams starting the morning cautious… and ending the day calm, capable, and in control.

Because real safety isn’t luck — it’s training.

Access Professional Development remains proud to support municipalities and emergency responders with accredited, hands-on snake safety training that makes a measurable difference on the ground.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

03/02/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for Game Rangers | Northern Cape 🌿

We recently had the privilege of presenting a second Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to another group of dedicated Game Rangers at one of South Africa’s beautiful National Parks near Kimberley, Northern Cape.

With multiple teams operating across the reserve, it was important that every ranger received the same level of practical, hands-on training, because in conservation environments, snake encounters aren’t occasional… they’re part of daily operations.

From patrols and fence inspections to assisting tourists and working in remote veld areas, rangers face real-world risks where calm, professional response is critical.

This session focused on building exactly that.

Throughout the day, delegates were guided through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous snake species commonly encountered in the Northern Cape
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid and emergency response in remote environments where medical assistance may be delayed
✔️ Safe and ethical snake handling and relocation techniques
✔️ Risk management and situational awareness during foot patrols and field operations

By the end of the day, the confidence was clear, controlled movements, correct technique, and composed decision-making under pressure.

Because when every team member is trained, the entire reserve becomes safer, for staff, visitors, and wildlife alike.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and field-tested snake safety training to conservation and wildlife professionals working in South Africa’s most demanding natural environments.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

02/02/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for Municipal & Fire Services Teams | Malmesbury, Western Cape 🚒🌿

We were recently in Malmesbury presenting our popular Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to delegates from the Swartland Municipality, with additional participation from local firefighters from the surrounding fire station.

This was the first of three groups scheduled for training.

Municipal and fire service teams are often the first responders in outdoor and high-exposure environments. Which means snake encounters aren’t rare, they’re expected.

This course focused on equipping both municipal workers and firefighters with the knowledge, practical skills, and calm decision-making required to handle these situations safely and professionally.

Throughout the day, delegates worked through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous snake species commonly found in the Western Cape
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid and emergency response procedures until EMS arrives
✔️ Safe and ethical snake handling and relocation techniques
✔️ Workplace health & safety considerations for field workers and first responders

The result?
More confidence.
Better preparedness.
Safer communities.

Because when the people who protect our towns are properly trained, everyone benefits.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and industry-specific snake safety training to municipalities, fire services, and essential response teams across South Africa.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za.

30/01/2026

🐍 Advanced Snake Handling for Wildlife Professionals | Johannesburg Zoo, Gauteng 🦎

On Tuesday, we returned to the Johannesburg Zoo to present another Advanced Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course, this time to a team of experienced, professional snake handlers who work with dangerous species every single day.

When your workplace involves venomous snakes, “basic training” simply isn’t enough.
At this level, it’s about precision, control, compliance, and clinical readiness.

This advanced session focused on refining professional techniques and strengthening the systems that keep both handlers and animals safe.

Throughout the day, delegates worked through:
✔️ Advanced handling and control of large, high-risk species
✔️ Tubing, necking, probing, and safe restraint techniques
✔️ Scenario-based decision-making under pressure
✔️ Workplace health & safety laws for dangerous animal environments
✔️ Advanced medical management including airway control, shock management, and anaphylaxis treatment following envenomation

What stood out most?
Confidence. Competence. Calm.

Watching skilled handlers apply textbook technique with absolute composure, safely managing large snakes with control and respect, is exactly what professional wildlife safety looks like.

Because real confidence doesn’t come from bravery.
It comes from training, repetition, and mastery.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and high-level snake safety training for zoological, conservation, and wildlife professionals operating in South Africa’s most demanding environments.

📞 For more information on our Advanced Snake Handling courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

28/01/2026

🐍 Snakebite Awareness & Community Outreach Initiative | Zastron, Free State ❤️

Following the tragic passing of a snakebite victim in Zastron this past December, we joined forces with several local role players to ask one simple question:

How do we prevent this from ever happening again?

Fear, panic, and misinformation after incidents like this often lead to unnecessary snake killings and increased risk to communities. So instead of reacting with fear, Zastron chose something far more powerful: education, preparedness, and collaboration!

This past weekend, our team travelled through to Zastron to support a community-wide snake safety outreach project.

Sunday – Community Awareness Session
We kicked things off with a 2-hour public session focused on:
✔️ The important role snakes play in the environment
✔️ Identification of common local species
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid procedures
✔️ And an opportunity to get up close with live snakes to replace fear with understanding

Monday – Schools & Youth Education
Next stop: Hoërskool Zastron, where learners were educated about snake safety, responsible behaviour around wildlife, and the real dangers of handling or killing snakes. Once again, the hands-on interaction helped break myths and build confidence.

Medical Professionals Workshop
We then concluded with an in-depth 3-hour training session for local paramedics, nurses, and doctors, attended by approximately 120 healthcare professionals from Zastron and surrounding towns.

This advanced session covered:
✔️ EMS response to snakebite emergencies
✔️ Casualty assessment and stabilisation
✔️ Antivenom administration protocols
✔️ Managing complications such as anaphylaxis and shock

And here’s the part we’re incredibly proud of…

🚑 Embekweni Hospital (Zastron Provincial Hospital) has now been approved to stock Polyvalent antivenom! 12 ampoules of this life-saving medication are en-route!

This means snakebite victims will no longer need to travel two hours to Bloemfontein for emergency treatment. They can now receive critical care immediately, locally, when every minute counts!

That’s not just training.
That’s real, measurable impact.
That’s lives saved.

A massive thank you to Tammy Marwick and Dr Annelize Keeve for driving this initiative and making it happen. You are true champions for your community.

Access Professional Development remains committed to supporting communities, schools, and healthcare teams across South Africa with practical, evidence-based snake safety and snakebite management training.

For more information please get in contact with Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za.

20/01/2026

Workplace Snake Safety & Snakebite Emergency Response Guide.

Practical guidance for high-risk worksites, what to do before EMS arrives!

✔️ Immediate actions after a snakebite
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid
✔️ What to do when a snake is spotted on site

Here’s how to avoid making the situation worse until help arrives!

Comment SNAKE and we will send you the document in Messenger!

19/01/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for Game Rangers | Northern Cape 🌿

On Thursday, we had the privilege of presenting a Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to Game Rangers working at one of South Africa’s beautiful National Parks near Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Rangers operate daily in remote, high-risk environments where encounters with venomous snakes are not occasional, they are part of the job. This training was designed to support rangers with the advanced awareness, practical skills, and medical readiness required to work safely while protecting both human life and wildlife.

Throughout the course, delegates were guided through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous snake species commonly encountered in the Northern Cape
✔️ Practical snakebite first aid and emergency response in remote environments where medical help may be delayed
✔️ Safe and ethical snake handling and relocation principles
✔️ Risk management and situational awareness when operating on foot, during patrols, and around tourist areas

Training of this nature strengthens ranger safety, enhances conservation outcomes, and ensures calm, professional responses when high-risk wildlife encounters occur.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and field-tested snake safety training to professionals working in South Africa’s most demanding natural environments.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

16/01/2026

🐍 Snake Safety Training for the Water & Sanitation Sector | Nqcobo, Eastern Cape 💧

On Wednesday, our team presented a Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to delegates working within the water and sanitation sector based in Nqcobo, Eastern Cape.

Teams responsible for water infrastructure, pipelines, pump stations, and sanitation services often operate in remote and overgrown environments where snake encounters are a real occupational risk. This training was designed to equip delegates with the practical skills, situational awareness, and confidence required to respond safely and effectively when snakes are encountered on duty.

Throughout the course, participants were guided through:
✔️ Identification of venomous and non-venomous snake species commonly encountered in rural and municipal water environments
✔️ Practical first aid response for snakebite emergencies until advanced medical care is available
✔️ Safe and responsible snake handling and relocation principles
✔️ Workplace health & safety considerations relevant to utility and sanitation operations

Proactive training of this nature reduces risk, supports continuity of essential services, and ensures teams can operate safely in high-exposure environments where wildlife encounters are unavoidable.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, practical, and industry-specific snake safety training across South Africa’s high-risk sectors.

📞 For more information on our Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

16/01/2026

🐍 Advanced Snake Safety Training for Zoological Professionals | Johannesburg Zoo, Gauteng 🦎

On Tuesday, we had the privilege of presenting an Advanced Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Course to delegates working hands-on with venomous snakes at the Johannesburg Zoo.

For professionals operating in zoological environments, basic awareness is not enough. Daily interaction with dangerous animals demands advanced technical skill, legal understanding, and the ability to manage high-consequence medical emergencies. This advanced programme was specifically structured to meet those elevated operational and compliance requirements.

During the course, delegates were taken far beyond foundational training and guided through:
✔️ Workplace health & safety legislation governing the handling of dangerous animals
✔️ Advanced medical management, including airway control, shock management, and the treatment of anaphylaxis following envenomation
✔️ Hands-on handling of larger venomous snakes, focusing on control, positioning, and situational awareness
✔️ Advanced handling techniques including necking, tubing, and probing, performed under expert supervision
✔️ Decision-making principles required when working in close proximity to high-risk species

This level of training builds true professional competence, where confidence is backed by legal compliance, medical readiness, and refined handling skill. For zoological staff, these capabilities are critical in protecting personnel, animals, and the public.

Access Professional Development remains committed to delivering accredited, high-level, and industry-specific snake safety training for professionals working in South Africa’s most demanding environments.

📞 For more information on our Advanced Snake Identification, Handling & Snakebite Treatment Courses, please contact Bernadette on 076 092 5932 or bernadette@accesspd.co.za

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Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00