I am beyond excited to finally take a huge step toward achieving a goal I’ve had for years—becoming a BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic! A spot has opened up on the training course this April, and I am so proud to be a part of it.
What It Means to Be a Marine Mammal Medic
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is a fantastic organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting stranded marine mammals across the UK. As a trained medic, I will be part of a network of volunteers ready to respond to incidents involving seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even whales.
This role isn’t just about hands-on rescue work; it’s about understanding marine mammal behavior, assessing their health, and knowing how to intervene safely and effectively. Medics play a vital role in ensuring the best possible outcome for stranded or distressed animals while also supporting conservation efforts.
What I’ll Be Able to Do
Once trained, I’ll be able to:
✔️ Respond to call-outs for stranded or injured marine mammals.
✔️ Assess the situation and determine whether an animal needs intervention.
✔️ Provide first aid and care to stabilize the animal before a vet or specialist arrives.
✔️ Assist in refloating efforts for stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
✔️ Help monitor seal pups and educate the public on when to intervene (or when to leave them alone!).
✔️ Work alongside experts to ensure the best possible care for marine life.
The Next Challenge: Learning to Put on a Wetsuit!
Rescue work often means getting in the water, which means… I need to learn how to put on a wetsuit! It sounds simple, but anyone who’s wrestled with neoprene knows it can be an absolute battle. No doubt, I’ll have some funny stories to share about that part of the journey!
More to Come…
April can’t come soon enough, and I can’t wait to share more about my experience training for this important role. Stay tuned for updates on the course, my progress, and (hopefully) my successful attempt at mastering the art of the wetsuit!
If you’ve ever considered getting involved with BDMLR, I highly recommend looking into their training courses. You never know when you might be in the right place at the right time to save a life.
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