British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Mike Martin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:17:59 GMT

Thanks everyone, I like Dextor's tip about putting some of the expenses thro the business. I'd like a dry suit for my kayaking, but best I do the medic course first and put it thro work.

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Dexter Smith — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:59:32 GMT

I have been a member for a few years now, but living about as far as you can from the sea I don't ever seem to get called! Is usefull though, as your diving can become a tax deductable expense with a little creative accounting!

I did the veterinary course at a reservoir in Kent when I joined, but I really ought to do a refresher at some time. The society is well organised, with several sets of pontoons strategically placed around the UK. The veterinary course was interesting, not least from realisation that many of these mammals have such thick blubber layers that it's difficult to find out what's going on inside them, or to get meds into them without a needle half a yard long!

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Karen Eggleton — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:43:44 GMT

I became a medic last year and did the standard course near Plymouth but courses are run nationwide dependent on uptake. Its very well run. Yet to go out on my first call-have had a few shouts but I work solo (so 24/7) and have yet to invest in a dry suit so I've not been much help so far. I did notice that they also run a course just for vets - there was definitely one run this summer in my area so may be worth looking in to. There is a vet in cornwall who is very involved-apologies as unsure of name, but would be worth talking to him through BDMLR

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Mike Martin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:09:31 GMT

Thanks for the encouragement. When I worked in Helston, I did attend the Gweek Seal Santuary, but my knowledge was limited to "a/biotic deficency".

I saw the medics course and will sign up, but I hate saying I'm a vet on these courses (even first aid ones) as everyone expects u to know everything - you know what its like.

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Martin Jones — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:56:30 GMT

I second Alan's comments, Mike.

I'm involved with our local group down here in Cornwall, and can attest that they're both well trained and properly motivated. Indeed, most of my involvement (which is erratic - sometimes a couple of years will go by) is to go and PTS marine mammals, at the request of the attending volunteers.

I would thoroughly recommend getting involved. Most people go through a Marine Medics course, which takes place over a weekend and costs around ninety quid. Vets often get let off, which I think is because many people overestimate our knowledge; I'd recommend attending a course, perhaps in mufti, before declaring intent.

Marvellous experiences - I remember literally wrestling a minke whale off the rocks a few years ago.

Contact your area coordinator through the website, and go from there.

Martin

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Noweia — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:54:43 GMT

I was, although I think my membership has expired - I need to do another course before I can be a medic again.

They're fairly sensible, there are many vets and vet nurses around the UK as well as non-medic members. James Barnett is their chief vet, and every stranded cetacean will have a vet assessment.

If you find a seal and you're not medic trained, give BDMLR a ring - there should be a number on the website. DO NOT try and grab it yourself without training, they have nasty teeeth and a vicious temper and the bacteria found on their teeth would put cat mouths to shame!!!

Give them a call and say you're a vet and would like to help - they put you on a course so you know what you're doing. Every area has it's co-ordinator whom everyone in that area reports to. If you're a volunteer, they realise you have a job and can't drop everything at a moment's notice!

For one thing I think it's good publicity for your practice if you get called out - the papers love a good story, as do the public!

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Alan Tevendale — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:24:20 GMT

Don't worry they're nothing like that. There are quite a few centres set up throughout the UK for rehab of seals and the like but BDMLR also are closely involved with whale strandings and the like. The last time I was worked with them we ended up sailing on the Firth of Forth searching for a Humpback assisted by the HMS Illustrious. The people I worked with were all very responsible and realistic. Euthanasia was often the kindest option. I can't claim to have a massive amount of experience with them though. If your really interested I could give you some contact details of some vets who would be able to give you better advice.

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Mike Martin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:14:26 GMT

Thanks Alan, Just wanted to make sure these were sensible people and not akin to some of the dog/cat rescue types. If you know what I mean.

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Alan Tevendale — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:01:47 GMT

I used to do a little work as a student up in scotland with BDMLR and CRRU. Generally good and as I remember it always looking for willing vets who can actively help. If nothing else it would get you expanding your professional horizons.

Re: British Divers Marine Life Rescue

Mike Martin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:57:07 GMT

Anyone a member of this Marine Mammal Rescue group?