Species Identification

Marine Mammal Casualty First Aid Procedure

Get Expert help immediately - contact the police.
Keep the animal's skin moist with sea water, put Vaseline around the blowhole to avoid it from drying out.

Erect a shelter to provide shade

Keep the flippers and flukes cool.

Keep onlookers and their dogs at a distance to reduce stress to the casualty.
Make as little noise as possible
Keep the blowhole clear of sand, water and obstruction
Try to keep the animal upper side up.
Try to find time to take photo's and make notes (avoid flash photography)
Look for any obvious signs of wounds or discharges (e.g blood or pus)
If you have to touch the animal then wear adequate personal protective equipment
Keep the media at a distance
What NOT to do

Do not stand very close to the tail or head.
Do not push or pull on the flippers, flukes or head.
Do not cover the blowhole.
Do not let water or sand enter the blowhole.
Do not apply suntan lotion to the animals skin.
Do not touch the animal more than is necessary, they can carry diseases that are transmissible and potentially fatal to humans including Brucellosis.
Do not appempt to rescue the animal yourself - leave it to the experts!

Jersey has a number of trained marine mammal medics and special first aid equipment.
The Police will contact the Jersey Animal Shelter (JSPCA on your behalf, who will in turn arrange for a specialist team to care for the dolphin or whale.

What to do if you find a stranded seal

Contact the Police Tel: 612612 or Animal Shelter immediately
Do not approach the seal, it is likely to bite you.
Do not attempt to rescue it yourself - leave it to the experts!

EMERGENCY CALL - OUTS

Call the JSPCA. The JSPCA is the first point of contact for Emergency First Aid &
Equipment 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday (Tel 724331)
New Era Vets Mobile: 07797 711585 (out of hours)

If you are unable to contact the JSPCA then please call:

Carol Hansford, qualified marine mammal medic. Mobile: 07797 766372

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