1

Introduction to Marine Mammal Health & Safety

Description

Understanding the Basics - Description: This day introduces the fundamental principles of marine mammal health and safety. You will learn about the different types of marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, etc.), their basic anatomy and physiology (focused on aspects relevant to health), their natural environments, and common threats to their well-being. The day also covers basic safety protocols for working around marine mammals. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understand the diversity of marine mammals, their basic biology, and the importance of safety protocols. Be able to identify basic anatomical features and common threats to marine mammals.

Available

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
2

Recognizing Signs of Illness & Injury – Visual Assessment & Observation

  • Description: Focus on developing observational skills. You will learn how to identify normal versus abnormal behaviors and physical characteristics in marine mammals. This includes understanding what constitutes a healthy appearance (e.g., skin condition, activity level, breathing patterns) and the subtle signs that might indicate illness or injury. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Ability to identify key indicators of health and illness in marine mammals through observation. Understand common illnesses and injuries and their potential visual signs.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
3

Basic First Aid Procedures – Wound Care and Response to Emergencies

  • Description: This day covers the foundational first aid procedures necessary for marine mammal care. You will learn how to assess a sick or injured animal, safely approach and handle them (if necessary and trained), provide basic wound care (cleaning, bandaging – simulated), and how to report and document health issues. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understanding of basic first aid protocols for marine mammals, including wound care and emergency response. Be able to correctly document and report health concerns.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
4

Understanding Vital Signs – Measuring & Monitoring

  • Description: Learn how to assess and monitor vital signs in marine mammals. This includes taking heart rate, respiratory rate, and potentially, temperature (if safe and approved by facility protocols). You will practice recognizing normal ranges and understanding deviations that might signal a problem. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Ability to accurately measure and record vital signs and to understand their significance in assessing a marine mammal’s health.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
5

Prevention & Sanitation – Maintaining a Healthy Environment

  • Description: This day focuses on preventative care and sanitation practices. You will learn about maintaining clean and hygienic environments for marine mammals to minimize the risk of illness. This includes pool water quality, diet, enrichment activities to promote health, and disease prevention strategies. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understanding of the importance of preventative care and sanitation in maintaining healthy marine mammal environments, including the benefits of enrichment activities.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
6

Basic Nutrition & Feeding Protocols

  • Description: This day focuses on nutritional requirements and feeding procedures. You will learn about species-specific diets, proper food handling and storage, and observing feeding behaviors. Safety procedures while handling food for marine mammals will be emphasized. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understanding of basic nutritional principles and feeding procedures relevant to marine mammal care, along with an emphasis on safety and hygiene.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
7

Review & Scenario-Based Practice – Putting it All Together

  • Description: This final day is dedicated to a review of the week's material and practical application. You will participate in scenario-based exercises to simulate real-world situations, testing your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you've acquired throughout the week. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Consolidation of knowledge and skills, ability to apply learned concepts to practical scenarios, and improved understanding of the role of a Marine Mammal Trainer in health and first aid.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises

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