First aid tips - a basic guide on what to do in the event of finding a stranded whale or dolphin.
First, call the 24-hour ORRCA Marine Mammal Rescue Hotline (02) 9415-3333
or the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Outside Australia, call your wildlife authority).
The Dont's
- Do not do anything that will injure you or others
- Do not push the animal back to sea
- Do not use the fins or flippers as handles
- Do not cover or obstruct the blowhole or eyes
- Do not try to feed the animals
The Do's
- Keep the tail and fins wet
- Shade the animal
- Keep onlookers quiet and well back
- For safety, keep clear of the tail
- Keep noise and talking down to a minimum
- Wait for trained rescuers to arrive.
- Protect yourself from the elements (make sure you have water and protection from the sun or cold)
|
