What to do if you find a live stranded dolphin on a UK beach
What to do if you find a live stranded dolphin on a UK beachPrint out and keep this information safe, it could save a dolphin's life.
1. Phone the emergency services (999) and ask for police, coast guard
2. Listed are group numbers to contact:
Marine Animal Rescue,Coalition, via R.S.P.C.A. - 0990 555 9999, via E.A. 0800 807 060. Marine Life Rescue (Wales): 01545 580854, S.S.P.A. (Scotland): 0131 339 0222 or S.A.C. Vet. services: 01463 243030
3. Don't panic!!!!!
4. If the animal is being tossed by the surf, stabilise it so that the blow hole (air passage) on the top of the head is clear of water, this will avoid suffocation or drowning. In multi-strandings, adult animals should be attended to first as calves (young) can often swim around in the shallower water.
5. If the dolphin is beached place protective cushioning underneath; foam is ideal otherwise improvise with seaweed or newspapers. This alleviates the pressure put on internal organs. The pectoral fins (flippers) can be easily dislocated. A hole can be dug in the sand for these. Rocking gently will help blood circulate and stop tissue damage. NEVER DRAG OR TOW.
6. Cool at regular intervals with water. This prevents dehydration. BE CAREFUL not to let any water go into the blow hole. Place wet clothing over the animal (not blow hole, eyes or head). Try to place a makeshift sunshade.
7. Keep crowds away, so avoiding causing further stress, although one or two people should stay with the animal. Talking quietly can be reassuring.
8. Keep away from the tail stock of the dolphin. This is a power engine of the animal and a sudden flick could cause injury to helpers.
9. Accurate assessment of an animal's condition is difficult. Here are some pointers:
NORMAL: 4 breaths per minute, no discharges, bright and reacts to stimuli, may be vocalising (clicks through blow hole) and bright eyes.
ABNORMAL: 6-10 breaths per minute, slow reflexes, no vocalising, floppy jaw and dull eyes.
10. If expert or veterinary help has not arrived and the assessment is good then try and re-float the animal. In this case the animal is likely to be disorientated with stiff muscles. Support the animal in the water and gently rock, this will encourage the flow of blood to the muscles. Re-floating and supervising may take several hours (including checking the locality to ensure that a re-stranding has not occurred).
Be aware that a stranded dolphin could pass on bacterial infections.
Therefore is it advisable not to breath in the moisture from the blow hole.
Contact and handling should be kept to a minimum.
DEVON & CORNWALL:
If you find a dead dolphin, porpoise or whale, please call our Strandings Hotline immediately on 0845 201 2626.
PLEASE VISIT: The Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society
And The: Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Marine Conservation
Most Importantly: Get Involved !
