FIRST AID FOR MARINE MAMMALS

 

C.Medder©

 

 

  • Keep the animal's skin moist with sea water.

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  • Keep onlookers and their dogs at a distance to reduce stress to the casualty.

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  • Erect a shelter to provide shade

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  • Make as little noise as possible
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  • Keep the blowhole clear of sand, water and obstruction

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  • Try to keep the animal upper side up.

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  • Try to find time to take photo's and make notes (avoid flash photography)

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  • If you have to touch the animal then wear adequate personal protective equipment (gloves)

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  • Keep the media at a distance

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  • What NOT to do

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  • Do not stand over the blow hole and keep away from the tail.

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  • Do not touch a dolphins or whales blowhole

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  • Do not push or pull on the flippers, flukes or head.

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  • Do not cover the blowhole.

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  • Do not let water or sand enter the blowhole.

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  • Do not apply suntan lotion to the animals skin

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  • Do not touch the animal more than is necessary, they can carry diseases that are transmissible and potentially fatal to humans including Brucellosis.

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  • Do not appempt to rescue the animal yourself !

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  • Jersey has a number of trained marine mammal medics and special first aid equipment

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  • Do not wear or carry sharp objects that could accidently damage a dolphins skin.

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  • 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.

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What to do if you find a stranded seal

 

  • Contact the Police Tel: 612612 or Animal Shelter immediately Tel: 724331

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  • Do not approach the seal, it is likely to bite you.

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  • 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

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  • Equipment 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday (Tel 724331)

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  • New Era Vets Mobile: 07797 711585 (out of hours)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This web-site is protected under international copyright laws and is the property of Carol Medder.  Any unauthorised copying or transmission of its contents in full or in part is prohibited without prior permission of the author. Schools, colleges and universities are allowed to use the contents for educational purposes.

C. Medder1990/2015©