Equestrian first aid quiz

Here's the answer

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A rider is thrown during a lesson. They weren't knocked out and say they're fine to get back on. What do you do?

The answer is B: stop and get them checked

Concussion can happen without someone being knocked out. Stop the activity and arrange medical assessment before they return to riding or work.

Call 000 for worsening confusion, repeated vomiting, seizures or reduced responsiveness after a head injury.

A practical check: does everyone in your yard, including instructors and volunteers, know it's okay to say "no more riding today"?

First aid built for horse environments

I deliver nationally recognised first aid training on-site at equestrian properties, using the scenarios your team is most likely to face.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A strapper is kicked on the lower leg. It's painful and swelling, but they can still move their ankle. What's the right call?

The answer is B: support it and get it checked

Being able to move an injured limb does not reliably rule out a fracture.

Support it in the position found, avoid testing it by walking or forcing movement, and seek medical care. Do not try to straighten a suspected fracture or dislocation.

Horse injuries need horse-ready first aid

Kicks, crush injuries and falls are part of the job. Training your team on-site means they practise on the injuries they're most likely to see.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A rider is thrown and lands hard on their back. They're unresponsive but breathing normally, and you're worried about their spine. What do you do?

The answer is B: the airway comes first

With a suspected spinal injury, call 000 and minimise unnecessary movement. But protecting the airway still comes first.

If the person is unresponsive and breathing normally, carefully position them on their side. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR.

This is one of the hardest calls in first aid, and it's why practising the careful roll with your team matters.

Practise the hard calls before you need them

On-site training lets your team practise these decisions together, in your own environment.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A rider comes off in the far paddock and someone calls 000. What's the most useful thing to tell the call taker about where you are?

The answer is B: give them the detail

Could you describe exactly where you are if you had to call 000? Knowing the address, nearest intersection, access gate or landmark helps emergency crews reach the right place without unnecessary searching.

A 2-minute job: write clear directions to each arena, paddock and gate and keep them by the phone, in the tack room and in your emergency plan. Then anyone on site can give them, even a visitor.

The right course for your location

Whether you're close to town or a long way from help, I can recommend the right course and deliver it at your property.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A staff member reaches behind the feed bins, feels a sharp sting on their hand and sees a snake slide away. What's the right first aid?

The answer is B: stillness is treatment

After a suspected Australian snakebite, keep the person lying still, call 000 and apply pressure immobilisation to the bitten limb as practised in training.

Do not wash the bite or let them walk around. Movement can speed the spread of venom.

A practical check: do you have at least two broad elastic bandages in every first aid kit on the property, including the one in the float or ute?

Practise the bandage before snake season

Pressure immobilisation is a hands-on skill. On-site training lets your whole team practise it together.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Great call. That's exactly right.

Good guess. Here's the answer and why it matters around horses.

The question: A rider is down in the paddock on a cold, wet afternoon. 000 has been called, but the ambulance is a long way off. What else can you do while you wait?

The answer is B: protect them from the environment

While waiting for help outdoors, think about what is underneath the casualty as well as what is over them. Cold ground can keep drawing heat from the body.

Insulation from the ground and shelter from wind, rain or sun can reduce further harm while you continue checking their breathing and responsiveness. Follow the call taker's instructions about moving them.

A practical check: is there a blanket, tarp or space blanket somewhere you can reach quickly from every arena and paddock?

When help is far away, your team matters more

If an ambulance could take a long time to reach your property, remote first aid (HLTAID013) is built for exactly this: caring for someone over a longer wait.

Enquire about on-site training

More about equestrian first aid training, or call 0481 123 204.

Training and Assessment is delivered by Britt at Regional Education and Career Help Australia on behalf of ABC First Aid RTO 3399.

In an emergency, call 000. This page is general information and does not replace hands-on training.