A Close Encounter with Danger on a Birthday Getaway
In an unexpected twist to what was meant to be a serene celebration in Cyprus, Sam West’s 40th birthday took a harrowing turn. The Shropshire native recounted her ordeal of being bitten by a venomous blunt-nosed viper, leading to an intensive care stay that has since left her wheelchair-bound.
The incident occurred on April 3, as West was about to indulge in a meditation session at a Paphos hotel. The snake bite happened swiftly and without warning, striking just above her left ankle. “It quickly, before I had time to react, bit me just above my left ankle,” West described the frightening moment to the BBC.
Reacting to the emergency, TUI staff and fellow holidaymakers provided immediate assistance. West was rushed to the emergency department where the administration of anti-venom was deemed necessary by medical professionals. After spending four days in intensive care and an additional day in another ward, she was discharged back to the hotel.
Adapting to her new reality, West, who had been vacationing with her wife Kate, is now dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. The couple is currently waiting for updates from their insurance company regarding arrangements for their return flight home. West is not expected to receive clearance for travel until at least Tuesday.
The financial burden of the incident has also been significant. The hotel provided a room equipped for disabled access; however, this came with a steep price tag of €310 per night. In response to the incident, the hotel took immediate action by clearing nearby vegetation and has since called pest control services twice to ensure the safety of its guests.
A spokesperson for TUI UK & Ireland acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that “the safety of our customers is our highest priority.” The company is aware of the situation and is likely monitoring it closely as it unfolds.
West’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, even in seemingly controlled environments like luxury hotels. Despite the traumatic experience, the swift actions of the hotel staff and medical teams have been instrumental in managing the aftermath of this rare but dangerous encounter.
