Possible burn vics

[KimbleSquible]

Hi all. Not sure where to post this and I am sorry if this is not the place!
I have just recieved some terrible news- one of the Luxury lodges we have in the area has burnt down. All the buidlings are topped with thatch and Squirrels LOVE to nest there... I am going to our closest twon today for food supplies and I want to get a Squirrel first aid kit up and running.
What will I need for burn treatment?!
I will only be able to get out to the site tomorrow and will be able to help any of the critters who are still alive. I tried to phone someone and ask them to rescue the babies (how is my brain?!!! I am more worried about the Squirrels and other Critters that are there than the humans!!) but she is in total shock and all she could do was repeat my name and go on about losing her cellphone charger-they have lost EVERYTHING!
I wish I could get out there today but we leave at 11am for town and will only get back at six.
Please, any advice would be absolutely wonderful incase I have a chance to help.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Sounds very tragic...
We have a member here who has first hand knowledge with burnt sqs., but she is currently taking a leave of absense. Smokin'Bunny.
Maybe someone here can reach her.
Good Luck and thanks so much.:grouphug

[Sciurus1]

I will call Smokenbunny this morning and let her know. Is there a phone number, or email address you can PM me so I can share that with her? You will need pain medication that is safe for squirrels for pain, and some antibiotics as well. If you have a Vet, and can confirm victims, you may want to contact them now. Do not presently put anything on a burn, but ask SB if anything should be applied, and what, since many topical medications that human's use could be toxic to them, if they were to lick them.

[Buddy'sMom]

Be prepared for DISPLACED squirrel-babies, perhaps, as well as for burn victims, if it is a time of the season for there to be babies that are not yet on their own. If Mom is still alive, she may relocate them to another place, but if Mom is hurt or dead, there may be babies to care for as well.

Baby Rescue:
1. Check out and PRINTOUT the Emergency Instructions here (at least in the first 2 posts -- the articles in the 3rd post are also very helpful, but the main 2 posts have the basics) Perhaps print multiple copies that you can give to potential volunteers in the area: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11782

2. Boxes or plastic containers with tshirts or fleece or something to snuggle them in.
3. Heat source -- Heating pads are best, if you would be able to plug them in someplace. If not, empty water or soft drink bottles that can be filled with hot water and wrapped (but the water needs to be replaced fairly often). Some stores here sell "instant-heat" pouches (maybe with sporting or hunting supplies)
4. HYDRATION FLUID -- "Pedialyte" if you have that brand (or a similar one, given to children) there, or bring the ingredients to make it when you need it:

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water

Keep refrigerated after making it.

--------------

For Small amount: DIVIDE BY 4 to make in (approx 8 oz) LARGE coffee cup or coffee mug

1 tsp salt (teaspoon) ………………….. USE: 1/4 teaspoon
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon) = 9 tsp …….USE: 2 1/4 TEAspoons
1 quart warm water …….. ……… ……USE: 8 oz coffee cup or mug

OR Smaller amount: DIVIDE BY 5 to make in (approx 5 oz) SMALL coffee cup

1 tsp salt (teaspoon) ………………….. USE: LESS THAN 1/4 teaspoon (about 1/5 teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon) = 9 tsp …….USE: just LESS than 2 TEAspoons
1 quart warm water …….. ……… ……USE: 5 oz coffee cup

Pedialyte contains a lot of sodium, and should not be fed for more than 48 hours.

For burn victims:
Similar --
1. containers to put them in;
2. heat source (burns may destroy their ability to maintain their body heat
3. HYDRATION -- very important as much body fluid is lost in burn victims

You are doing a WONDERFUL THING going to help! The humans will no doubt have other rescuers/helpers but many people overlook the wildlife.

There is a thread I will find and post a link -- two of our members went to try to help animals that might have been injured in a forest fire. They did not find any to help --- it may be likely that the animals are able to flee ahead of the fire and find safety. They would need to make/find new homes, but might not be injured.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Burns:
Treat for shock paying special attention to fluid therapy, damaged tissue leaks fluid within the cells.
Aloe Vera or tripple antibiotic therapy applied to burns.
You can use dilluted Betadine (dilute to the color of weak tea) to clean burn areas.
Silvadene works excellent on burns.
If 30% or more of body is burned it probably wont survive.

Also if you can get a hold of a nebulizer you can use saline to provide a steam for squirrels to beathe.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[Buddy'sMom]

In this thread, scroll down especially to Posts #2 and #9 for ideas of what to bring: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10781

[Buddy'sMom]

This general burn information was posted in smoknbunny's "Burned Squirrel" thread and may be helpful guidance for you:


I'm not a rehabber, so all I can do until one comes on is give you the information that I have in one of my books for burns. :)

A burn is classified and treated based on how deep it penetrates and the extent of the burned surfaces. I'll give you the info on second and third degree burns. Any animal that has several burns will most likely need to be treated longer for shock with special attention to fluid therapy because damaged tissues leak fluid from within the cells.

Second degree...

A second degree burn is characterized by red and blistered skin. The burn penetrates deeper into the thickness of the skin. Noninfected burns generally heal in three weeks. These burns are very painful.

Treatment..

1. Do not break the blisters as this opens the skin up to possible infection.
2. Clean burn area, remove any dead skin. use antimicrobial agents such as Chlorhexiderm flush or scrub, or diluted Betadine solution and warm water (the color of weak tea) to clean the area.
3. Use a water-soluble antibiotic cream such as Silvadene, or Nitrofurazone.
4. Apply a bandage such as non-stick sterile bandage isf appropriate and possible.
5. As always, treat for shock.

Third Degree....

A third-degree burn is characterized by charred skin. The burn penetrates the full thickness of the skin and affects tissues underneath. Because nerve endings are affected, these burns are not as painful as second degree burns.

Treatment....

1. Cleanse the wound
2. Debride necrotic tissue
3. Provide supportive therapy and treat for shock.
4. Oral antibiotic therapy may be indicated.
5. bandage the wounds using non-stick sterile pad. BioDeerm or BioDress pads can be used. Bandages need to be changed daily.

If you do locate squirrels with burns, do you have the ability to bring them back with you to treat? Do you have access to a vet? As noted above, second degree burns will be painful and need pain medication. "Metacam" is one pain med available here that can be used for squirrels (but needs a vet prescription).

Also, if you can leave food and water available at the site, that might be appreciated for the animals that are having to re-build their lives. :flash3

Please let us know when you return, what you found and whether you have rescued animals. We can help you with the specifics of their care at that point. I am REALLY hoping, though, that the animals managed to escape injury and that your trip, although an act of kindness, will not actually find badly injured animals -- when our members went out to help with the Florida wildfires, it was a bit "disappointing" not to find anyone to help --- but it was a very happy kind of disappointment. :)

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Sciurus1]

:goodpost Excellent emergency protocols shared; good job members! :thumbsup

[GhosTS]

Besides the antibiotics for infections and cleaning wounds..the main thing is to keep them hydrated.Many die of burns because dehydration. And also when providing heat..keep in mind that they have burnt skin.and its very sensitive.So keep the heat on a minimal level.

[Buddy'sMom]

:wave123 :wave123 GhosTS!! Great to see you --- and thanks for emphasizing the need to be cautious about the heat and to balance hydration and heat!!

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[KimbleSquible]

Thank you all for your advice and support.. We went out there this morning to look at the damage. It was terrible-there was nothing left. The heat of the fire melted a brass table.
I poked around where I could as everything was still very hot.. Nearly got smooshed by a tree as it came down. I found one tiny, tiny baby, I got her out of the ash and she shuddered and passed away.
The place was utterly Squirrelless-not a chirp or a tail flick. It used to be Squirrel Mecca. I am glad they werent there-I had to put down quite a few birds, chicks, and a Bush Baby that was half burnt.:shakehead :shakehead

I have left my number with everyone there and have said I will drive thru for ANY animal... I want to write everything you guys have put up here so that i have a hard copy for future reference.
Utterly exhausted by it and all a bit shocked-my Scribble boy knew something was up and gave me extra cuddles:Love_Icon :Love_Icon when I got home tonight at 9pm. Need a shower and a stiff cup of tea (or something stronger!)
Thanks for all your care everyone!

[Buddy'sMom]

:thankyou :thankyou For going there and doing what you could do. It must be heartwrenching to see such devastation -- and to have to end the lives of suffering animals. RIP sweet babies, furry and feathered. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon At least you were able to help them to a faster, peaceful end, without prolonged suffering. As hard as that must have been, it was a generous gift to them. :bowdown :bowdown

I am hoping that the area was squirrel-less because they were able to move away, and they will be back when it is safe and the surviving trees leave out in a new season.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug