Immediate first aid for animal

Companion or captive animals

Immediate first aid could include applying pressure to a wound or cooling burns with water. There are various sources of information about first aid for animals, including the Blue Cross website:

• Emergencies and first aid in dogs
• Emergencies in cats
• First aid for horses

To protect personnel and other emergency responders, the animal should be appropriately restrained prior to providing first aid. Personnel who are providing first aid to the animal should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and face protection, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

The animal should be placed into the care of the owner, a suitable person, a veterinary surgeon or an animal care specialist, at the earliest opportunity.

Wildlife

Fire and rescue services should not attempt to provide immediate first aid to a wild animal as this may worsen its stress or discomfort. Specialist advice should first be obtained.