BASIC FIRST AID FOR WILD AND STRAY ANIMALS -(I)

So you want to be a guardian angel for animals? Then you must know a few things about animal first aid. It does help if you have learnt and practised human first aid, since some of the principles and methods are the same. But there are some very important differences too, and we must cover those right at the start:

1. Unlike humans, animals do not want to be touched or helped when in pain. Especially by you, since you belong to a different species. So don't be surprised if your good samaritan act is greeted by a sharp bite or a kick instead!

2. Obviously, you will have to rely solely on close observation and past experience, to figure out exactly what is wrong with the creature, because he certainly won't tell you. A pet will whimper in response to palpations which hurt, but a wild creature if conscious, will concentrate all it energies on trying to escape from you. Too much restraint on your part will only cause it more injury and pain.

3. 90% of the wild animals and birds that you rescue could die in captivity, because of capture stress. It is often better to leave the animal alone, unless severely injured, and totally helpless, and let nature work her wonders, because by capturing the poor creature and subjecting it to a strange environment and wrong diet, you might do it more harm than good.

4. The animal you rescue could be in a much worse condition than you think, because wild animals, especially birds, are very good at masking their symptoms, especially in cases of infection. This is an automatic survival instinct against predators.

5. Finally, we are programmed to fight our illnesses and injuries. Animals are programmed to die when injured or ill, they succumb very fast - that is nature's way of ensuring the survival only of the fittest. So don't feel disheartened if you lose the first few little ones you rescue, it will not be your fault, because you are fighting against severe odds. But when you do succeed in saving a life, and have the good luck to set it free, there are no words to describe how you will feel.

The basics of first aid are in this little mnemonic : Dr ABC.

is for danger. Before rushing in to help, make a rapid but firm assessment of the danger around you, both to yourself and to the animal. You don't want to make the situation worse for either of you, and end up being of no use to anyone. If the animal is ferocious, conscious, and likely to bite, or too large for you, call for help, and muzzle it first. If a horned animal then tie its legs together firmly, but not cruelly, so it will not kick you. Cats should be caught by throwing a cloth over them, and quickly transferring into a pet carrier. Snakes need to be dropped into a bottle or cloth bag, but don't try this without the help of someone experienced.

is for response. Check whether the animal is able to respond to you, if it looks like losing consciousness. Snap your fingers, or sprinkle some water on it face. If it seems ok, then quickly check around for other injuries, signs of bleeding, broken bones etc. Always treat them in the order of criticality, not proximity. Obviously, getting it to breathe again, is the most important, followed by bleeding control. Attend to broken bones only after these have been done, and slight scratches and bruises can be left for last.

is therefore for the airway. If the animal is having difficulty breathing, extend its neck and pull out its tongue - try to clear its mouth of any debris, and give it a clear air passage to breathe. Blow short puffs of air into its mouth. It could be that the animal is strangulating from being tied too tight at the neck, immediately loosen whatever is clasping it.

is for breathing. If the animal is not breathing at all, the best way to inroduce respiration is to spark off the anal reflex, by inserting a pair of forceps into the anus, and opening the blades, but this should be done only after training. Mouth to nose rescucitation involves sealing off its lips by placing a hand firmly around it muzzle, and then blowing strong breaths directly into its nostrils.

is for circulation. If there is no heartbeat at all, or pulse (you may not know how to get this, in which case just place your head close to the chest and listen for the heart beat), then quickly administer the cardiac massage - lay the animal on its left side, and press down on the side of its chest just near the elbow, with the heel of your hand, five times - once every two seconds- followed by a breath to the nose (you will need help for this), and keep repeating this till the heart starts beating again. I once "saved" a dog's life after ten minutes of the cardiac massage, so don't give up in a hurry.

That's all for the first lesson in first aid. In subsequent updates on this website, we will get into dressing and bandaging of wounds, handling fractures (very common from hit and run accidents, and in trapped animals), and burn cases. But the very next issue will cover an all important aspect of first aid - transporting your little animal patient to a hospital or to your home for better treatment - once you've got it breathing and conscious again on the road!