Triage of bat casualties Tracey Jolliffe Fife & Kinross Bat Group

What is triage? The process of quickly examining patients who are taken to a hospital in order to decide which ones are the most seriously ill and must be treated first Process of decision making to a single casualty, involving assessment and treatment plan Concept comes from human medicine, and is generally used in the A&E department 82% UK NHS use Manchester Triage System Can be applied to bat rescue – not unusual to have part or whole roost of bats brought in – roost destruction Second definition is more usually applied to bat care, this is the meaning that I’ll be referring to from now on Process came about because of War. Lots of casualties, limited resources…. Three categories - Dead / going to die / might be saved

Why do we need to do it? Welfare issue Done as soon as possible May need to consult a Veterinary Surgeon Aim to release  survive Rarity of species is not a factor Euthanasia is always an option, at any time Dynamic process  continually reassess

Assessment Look before touching Adult or baby? Species? Surroundings Anything obvious? Adult or baby? Pregnant/lactating Species? Non-native High risk (Daubentons) Different requirements Surroundings Blood Diarrhoea Parasites

Examination Decide on a system… then stick to it Gloves or cloth Ears/tragus/eyes - damage? Mouth – damage/dehydration Open the wings (front & back) – breaks/bruising/membrane damage Joints – swelling/dislocation/ abnormal movement Body – wounds/punctures/air under skin Tail – breaks/bruising/membrane damage Age/sex/reproductive status

Things to consider Can the bat be successfully treated? Is euthanasia the best option? Can it be released to live a normal life? How long will it be in captivity? How much handling will it need/tolerate? Is a suitable veterinary care accessible? Do you have the facilities to care for it? Where will it be released? Will the bat itself pose a risk? Has a roost been destroyed? Are you working within the law?

Any questions?