Would you know what to do?

We all know being around horses can be a dangerous place to be, accidents happen all the time, anywhere, and not just while riding.

If there was an accident, would you know what to do?

We asked BGA sponsor, Medi-K why first aid training is so important for everyone within the equestrian sector;

"First aid is not just about doing CPR and putting on a plaster. Neither is it just about injuries that need hospital care. Although all of these are crucial skills, I bet most of the injuries you’ve dealt with have been bruises, cuts and sprains.

Knowing what to do for everyday injuries as well as the emergencies gives you confidence to deal with them.

Here’s our 5 top reasons why you should do some first aid training.

Confidence and competence. When something happens to a colleague, do you know what to do? Can you check their response level, their airway and monitor their breathing then assess and deal with any injuries? Do you know how to monitor a casualty whilst you’re waiting for an ambulance? Training gives you these practical skills but also boosts your confidence in dealing with them effectively removing some of the stress from the situation.

Remote locations. Do you know how to call Emergency Services in remote locations or areas with little or no signal? Exactly where are you? – in a field, country lane or road, stables. Some first aid protocols change if you’re remote and may be waiting some time for help to get to you. Lone working also brings in other issues if it is yourself that is injured.

Self care. Understanding your own injuries and looking after yourself after a bite, kick, fall, rope burn or sprain. Time is not always a healer and knowing how to, firstly, asses and deal with an injury but also knowing how to monitor signs of worsening or deterioration. Your BG insurance will cover you for time off work but first aid knowledge and skills will help you reduce that time off work – and a lot of pain!

Serious injuries, helmets and kit. Injuries to the head, back and legs are common in equestrian settings and injuries can be life changing. Knowing what to do and what NOT to do is crucial. Helmets, body protectors and air vests can all hinder your first aid assessment. But how, and when should you remove them?

It’s the law. It’s a legal obligation in a workplace to have appropriately trained first aiders as well as an appropriate first aid kit. You may also have Duty of Care obligations for clients, visitors and children. Your training should reflect this. There is also the accident reporting procedures both internally and with the HSE if required. This should all be addressed within a First Aid Needs Assessment by your organisation.

Even if you have had some form of first aid training in the past, can you be confident that if an accident occurred you would be able to apply the skills you learnt? Whether you are new to first aid or looking to brush up on your knowledge, first aid training is essential for anyone who works with horses."

Need training?

Medi-K run Equestrian specific first aid courses throughout the UK, including privately organised workshops.

The Medi-K trainers are horse riders and owners themselves enabling them to provide equine specific, practical guidance.

Book a course

Find out more about Medi-K’s range of courses; firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk/equestrian

E-Learning

Did you know BGA members have access to a bespoke online first aid course? This 'First Aid Essentials' e-learning course is FREE for BGA members, log into your account and find the course within the 'Training and careers' section.

Insurance

If you get injured and you are unable to work your income is likely to be reduced, or disappear completely if you are a freelancer.

Protecting yourself is important, trust us, we hear about accidents all the time.

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