Rescuer Safety Guidelines
Your safety is the priority. Read before attempting any rescue.
1. Assess the Situation First
Do not approach an injured animal immediately. Animals in pain are unpredictable and prone to biting or scratching out of fear. Observe the animal from a distance to gauge its aggression level and physical injuries.
2. Use Proper Protective Gear
Always use a barrier between you and the animal. Wear thick leather gloves if possible. If you must carry the animal, wrap it gently but firmly in a thick towel or blanket to secure its claws and jaws. Never attempt to handle a highly aggressive animal barehanded.
3. Rabies & Disease Awareness
In Bangladesh, rabies is a critical concern. Avoid contact with the animal's saliva, blood, or open wounds. If you are bitten or scratched by a stray animal during a rescue, wash the wound with soap and water continuously for 15 minutes, and seek human medical attention immediately for rabies prophylaxis.
4. Traffic and Environmental Safety
If an animal is injured on a busy road, do not rush into traffic. Use hazard lights if you are in a vehicle, and try to safely slow down traffic before moving the animal to the roadside. Your life comes first.
5. Know When to Call Professionals
If the animal is a large stray dog exhibiting severe aggression, or if it is stuck in a highly dangerous location (like a deep drain or high voltage area), use the PranBachao app to broadcast a high-severity alert rather than attempting the rescue alone. Wait for experienced volunteers to arrive.