British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) are running a new Marine Mammal Medic course on Sunday 17th August, 2014 and are looking to recruit new Medics for the Dumfries & Galloway Area. The Course will be 
held at The Galloway Arms Hotel, Stranraer Road (A75), Crocketford, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 8RA .
The morning lecture session
This session usually starts at 9.30am (sometimes earlier at specific venues – please check when booking) with an introductory talk from one of the course directors and a short video showing the work of BDMLR. Three lectures are then given by the course directors.
The first lecture is on marine mammal biology and sea and cetacean (whale, dolphin and porpoise) identification.
The second lecture is on cetacean physiology, first aid and rescue techniques.
The third is on seal physiology, first aid and rescue techniques.
The final lecture covers Health and Safety for all rescue / training work.
The afternoon practical session
Held at the waters edge. Delegates are asked to bring along a dry suit as you will be in the water for most of the afternoon. If you do not have a dry suit and are wearing a wetsuit, please ensure you have trainers or boots (not wellingtons) on that you do not mind getting wet. You should also take a windproof jacket to stop yourself getting chilled on the beach.
This session is split into three modules:
Seal rescue
Delegates are taught how to handle and lift an injured or stranded seal. Each delegate will have the chance to try out their newly learned skills on a life sized model of a seal.
Dolphin rescue
Delegates are taught handling, lifting and first aid techniques using a life sized water filled model of a Common dolphin.
Whale rescue
Delegates refloat a two tonne life sized model of a Pilot Whale. The model is filled with water and is very life like. It is not unusual to have members of the public offer to help as they believe it is real!
The course finishes when everyone has completed each of the modules, or are freezing – usually about 16.30.
A final de-briefing is held where certificates, medic ID cards and badges are handed out to delegates from 1700 hrs to 1730 hrs.
The course fee includes hire of a lifejacket and your first year’s supporter fee and third party insurance cover while on rescue. Delegates will also receive:
A Marine Mammal Medic Handbook
A photo ID card
A Marine Mammal Medic woven badge and car stickers
A certificate proving that you have done the course
One year’s personal and public liability insurance cover
Please note that we strongly advise you to bring a dry suit for this course, whatever the weather. For the practical sessions you will be in and out of the water and if you only have a wetsuit you will chill quite quickly
You do not have to be a diver, or have a marine background to become a medic, just a willingness to become involved and be comfortable getting wet on the day.
It is a very informative and fun day, and you go home elated you have become a Marine Mammal Medic
If anyone would like to book a place on the upcoming course please contact www.bdmlr.org.uk and click on Training, you could also contact the Area Coordinator for Dumfries & Galloway, Hannah Gordon : [email protected]
BDMLR is also at 135 High Street, Dumfries on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 9 – 5pm, at a BDMLR pop up shop where she will be on hand, along with other Medics to chat about BDMLR, sell merchandise and run a Raffle for funds with such prizes as a family ticket to a Queen of the South FC game and genuine pearl earrings! Come along, have a chat and see what becoming a Marine Mammal Medic involves, we promise you will not be disappointed.
