First Response

HOTLINE: +353 89 4625374.

Approach with care! Before approaching an animal, take time to observe his behaviour. Approach slowly, calmly and carefully and always from behind, avoiding loud noises and abrupt movements. DO NOT TOUCH THE ANIMAL. A stranded animal is unlikely to be aggressive, but care should be taken, especially around the mouth and tail regions. A stressed and frightened animal can accidentally hurt someone by simply pumping his tail or swinging his head while attempting to move away.

Supportive care: The first priority is to prevent further injury to the animal and to keep him comfortable while minimising handling and disturbance. Have only the necessary number of people required to administer first aid and stabilise the animal. All others should stand back and give the First Responders room to move around the animal. These are wild animals that may be sick or in pain, and most likely frightened. A large crowd of people will increase stress and discomfort.

Protect the blowhole: This is the NUMBER ONE RULE of cetacean stranding first aid. The blowhole is the nose on top of the head. The First Responder should ensure that no water, sand or objects of any kind get into the blowhole, as they will end up in the animals lungs. Do NOT cover the blowhole with towels or sheets as this will obstruct the airway and cause difficulty in breathing and possible suffocation.

Protect the eyes: Just like for us humans, eyes are an important anatomical feature of any animal. Protect them at all times from sand and other debris and from the hands and fingers of volunteers attempting to help. Injuring an animal’s eye during handling lessens the chance of eventual release. The eyes also need to be kept moist by carefully flushing regularly with water.

First Response:

HOTLINE: +353 89 4625374.

Protect the pectoral fins. Pectoral fins are the flippers on either side of the animal’s body. These fins have a shoulder joint and bones that must be protected. If the animal is completely out of the water, or resting on the sand in shallow water, digging holes under the pectoral fins helps relieve pressure on these fins. Breaks, dislocation, sprains, and potential permanent damage to the pectoral fins can compromise the animal’s ability to steer through the water.

Support the animal in an upright position. It is much easier to protect the eyes, to keep water and sand out of the blowhole, and to minimise risk to the lungs if the animal is in an upright position. Responders should place themselves on both sides of the animal to gently support and stabilise him in shallow water. If the animal is being supported in an upright position completely out of the water, ensure that the area under the animal is cleared of sharp rocks and shells to prevent damage to the underside of the body.

Protect the skin and keep it moist. Wet sheets or towels can be used to gently cover the animal, placing them just behind the blowhole and leaving the dorsal fin exposed. This material can then be kept moist by periodically dousing or spraying with water. Remember, care should always be taken to ensure that no water goes into the blowhole during this process. Provide shade from the sun on hot days to protect the animal from sunburn.

Minimise stress. All stranded animals are experiencing severe stress. It is very important to maintain good crowd control, keep people a safe distance away, and minimize noise and other distractions as these can be major stressors to a compromised animal. Stress is dangerous and can kill an animal that is already sick and likely in shock from the stranding.