Rescuing animals is a noble endeavour, and it is crucial to have the right tools and equipment at hand to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the animal. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife rescuer or just starting, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the tools required for a successful rescue.
First and foremost, it is vital to park well off the road with your hazard lights on and I recommend a high vis vest as well. A sturdy pair of scissors or wire cutters can be invaluable when working with animals that are tangled or caught in wire or netting. Additionally, a few safety pins, some elastic bands and a pouch (this can be a cotton pillowcase for medium sized animals, a beanie for smaller animals and a hessian sack for large animals. Carrying a net or a blanket can also be useful when handling smaller animals or birds. The net can be used to trap and safely contain the animal while the blanket can be used to cover and comfort the animal while you work on freeing it. I recommend heavy duty gloves for rescuing large animals like kangaroos or possums. Welding gloves are great!
A cage or a transport carrier is essential when moving injured or sick animals. The carrier should be large enough to accommodate the animal comfortably, and well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow. Make sure to carry a blanket or towel to help calm the animal and prevent any further injuries and also stop them from slipping around whilst you drive them to the nearest vet or wildlife carer. I use a collapsible crate, but a strong box with a lid is ideal. Make sure you drill lots of holes in it for ventilation! When rescuing larger animals, such as kangaroos, it is essential to have a large hessian sack, a large crate or tub, a towel or blanket and a way to secure the hessian sack (strong rubber band or rope).
It's also a good idea to carry a first aid kit, which should include items such as antiseptic wipes, bandages, and saline solution. These are for you, not for the animal! Animals that are sick, injured or orphaned are usually highly stressed. They can bite, kick and scratch, so make sure you have some basic first aid supplies. Don't let that put you off though. In 10+ years rescuing wildlife here in Tassie i've only been injured a handful of times, and they were very minimal (because I was prepared)
In conclusion, rescuing animals can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it is essential to have the right tools and equipment to ensure the safety of both the animal and the rescuer. By carrying PPE, scissors, pliers, nets, blankets, cages, and first aid kits, you can be better prepared to handle any situation that may arise during a rescue. Remember, always seek professional help if you are unsure about how to proceed, and never put yourself or the animal in danger. And the most important tool to carry is a number to call for advice. Some situations way be outside your comfort zone or experience. Save the WIRES rescue number to your phone. They will provide advice for you over the phone to better assist you.
WIRES: 1300 094 737
Remember, the creature you are trying to rescue is scared too. Be calm & do your best. The more you do it, the more confident you will become and the better you will get.
Practice makes progress! These creatures need our help.
Feel free to drop me a comment below if you have any questions and I can try to answer them in a future post :)
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