Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but unfortunately, many animals are injured or become sick due to human interference or environmental factors. As an animal lover, it’s important to know how to provide first aid to injured wildlife safely and responsibly. In this post, we’ll cover some tips on how to help injured animals in Australia.
Assess the situation
Before approaching an injured animal, assess the situation to ensure that it is safe to do so. Ensure that you are not putting yourself or the animal in danger
Call for help
Contact a wildlife rescue organisation or a vet as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on how to safely handle the animal and may be able to provide medical assistance.
Provide basic first aid
If necessary, provide basic first aid to the animal, such as applying a sterile dressing or bandage. Avoid giving the animal any food or water, as this can cause further harm.
Handle with care
If you need to handle the animal, do so with care and use appropriate protective gear, such as gloves. Avoid handling the animal unnecessarily, as this can cause additional stress.
Release safely
If the animal has recovered and is able to be released back into the wild, do so in a safe and appropriate location. Ensure that the animal has access to food, water, and shelter.
Providing first aid to injured wildlife in Australia requires caution and responsibility. By assessing the situation, calling for help, providing basic first aid, handling the animal with care, and releasing it safely, you can help ensure the safety and wellbeing of Australian wildlife.
Have you ever had to provide first aid to injured wildlife in Australia? What tips do you have for helping injured animals safely and responsibly?
Please note that regular First Aid and CPR Training is the best way to make sure that you’re prepare in the case of an emergency. Book a course with us
- Wildlife First Aid, Wildlife Victoria – https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/wildlife-in-crisis/wildlife-first-aid
- Caring for Sick and Injured Wildlife, WIRES – https://www.wires.org.au/rescue/caring-for-sick-and-injured-wildlife
- Australian Venom Research Unit, University of Melbourne – https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/australian-venom-research-unit
- Snakes and Ladders: First Aid for Snakebite, Australian Geographic – https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2018/12/snakes-and-ladders-first-aid-for-snakebite/
- Safe Wildlife Rescue, RSPCA Australia – https://www.rspca.org.au/campaigns/safe-wildlife-rescue
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