Upon discovering a live stranded, sick or injured animal; it is important to administer Basic First Aid whenever possible. Properly administrated First Aid could mean the difference between life and death. In any case, the main priority is to avoid causing stress to the animal, as this is a common cause of death. Avoid sudden movements, loud noise, unnecessary movements and close examinations, as well as the presence of a large crowd of people around the animal.

Never try to move it to deeper water as this is also a common cause of death for stranded marine mammals in Greece.  
 

What you should do upon discovering a stranded marine mammal or turtle:

1.Check for movement from a distance. For a turtle or a seal, it might be normal for them to be on the beach.

2. Check the breathing rate. Increased breathing rates indicate stress, which could be fatal. Normal breathing rate is as follows:

• Cetaceans
Small cetaceans (e.g. common dolphin or porpoise)• = 2-5 breaths / min
Medium cetaceans = 1 breath / min•
Large cetaceans (e.g. sperm whale) • = up to 1 breath / 20mins

• Pinniped
Normal/Mean breathing rate 5-15 breaths/min. Continuous breathing is abnormal and may indicate respiratory disease, stress or overheating

• Sea Turtles
Breathing rate outside water: at least every 20 • minutes. Even if breathing is not obvious, the turtle could still be alive. Reflexes should be checked as well.

3.Disentangle or cut away any fishing line or net that may be around the animal.

4.Support whales or dolphins in an upright position and dig trenches under the pectoral fins (flippers). If possible, fill the trenches with seawater to aid in cooling the animal.

5.Keep the animal cool and wet by continually covering with wet sheets or towels (or seaweed if available).
• Ensure the blowhole/nostrils are not covered and are clear of water and debris.

6.Never touch the blowhole or the eyes.

7. In sunny weather, attempt to provide shade for the animal by constructing a tarpaulin.

8.In cold or windy weather, attempt to provide a windbreak around the animal to prevent windburn damage.