Would you know what to do?

Being around horses can be a risky, accidents happen every day! If someone was injured on your yard, would you know how to react?

We asked BGA sponsor, Medi-K Training to tell us what to do, should there be an incident.

In today’s blog Ann tells us how to provide on first aid for kick injuries to the abdomen

“Horses can be unpredictable, and kicks do happen from time to time. The kick is one of your horse’s most powerful forms of communication. Just as pinned ears or bared teeth send unmistakable messages, a kick–or even the threat of one—tell you about a horse’s state of mind or their physical well-being. 

Internal bleeding may occur where the blow from a kick may have damaged an internal organ in the abdomen including spleen, liver, stomach, gallbladder, intestines and female reproductive organs. If an internal organ is damaged it could be bleeding into the abdominal cavity.

Signs and symptoms - Ask the casualty about the mechanism of injury and where it hurst. They may have no external signs of injury initially. There may be bruising and tenderness around the area which was kicked so you will need to get down to skin level to check. Divide the belly into four around the belly button and, with warm hands, gently press the four quadrants of the belly feeling for pain, tenderness or rigidity. Note which quadrant feels different.

Shock is a casualty’s response to blood loss - internal or external. It is the body ‘closing down’ to focus blood in the core – head to thighs - thereby preserving the brain and vital organs. Internal bleeding should always be suspected if someone is in a lot of pain and goes into shock. If conscious, lay them on their back with their feet raised. Some casualties with severe abdominal injuries may prefer to lay down with their knees and head / shoulders raised.

Monitor their vital signs and note them down - Alertness may change and the casualty may pass out. They may show signs of dizziness or disorientation. As with shock, lie them down and raise their legs. If they do pass out, put them in the recovery position and place a blanket over them to keep them warm. A mat or blanket underneath is also advised. Read more about vital signs monitoring. You can also download a Casualty Monitoring Card from our website.

Continue to monitor - If you suspect internal bleeding at any point even a few hours after a kick, you should get advice from 111 or visit your nearest A&E

Get confident – get trained and find out more about dealing with equestrian injuries by attending one of our first aid courses. To find out which first aid course is best for you check out our specific equestrian first aid webpage.

Equestrian Accident Book - We have also produced a new equestrian specific Accident Book for horse riding establishments. You can view and buy it here.”

Thanks to Ann of Medi-K Training for sharing this useful information with us.

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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