Air Ambulance Landings: A Guide for Equestrians
When an air ambulance is en route to an accident involving a horse rider, knowing how to respond effectively is crucial to ensure the safety of both humans and horses. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on expert advice from Vicki Brown, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Critical Care, and Richard MacLaughlin, a pilot at the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
Providing Accurate Location Details
In an emergency, the first step is to call the emergency services and provide as accurate a location as possible. Utilize tools like What3Words if you have GPS, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas such as fields or trails. Precise information helps the air ambulance crew locate the patient quickly and efficiently.
Immediate Patient Care
While waiting for the air ambulance, it’s essential to stay with the injured person if it’s safe to do so. Keep them warm using available materials like clothing, horse rugs, or tarpaulins. This simple act can help stabilize the patient until professional medical help arrives.
Securing a Safe Landing Site
Select an Obstacle-Free Field
The air ambulance crew needs a landing site close to the patient but free from obstacles and hazards. Captain Richard MacLaughlin emphasizes that avoiding human injury and ensuring horse welfare are top priorities. An ideal location is a large field without horses or livestock.
Move Horses Indoors
Horses can be easily spooked by the noise and visuals of an incoming helicopter. If possible, move horses and other animals indoors to prevent unpredictable reactions. If evacuation isn’t feasible, dismount and hold your horse securely. Riding near the landing site should be avoided at all costs.
Clear the Landing Area
Ensure that the designated landing area is clear of people and obstacles. Avoid standing in the field where the air ambulance is expected to land, as this could force the pilot to find an alternative site. If you can’t vacate the field, move to the edge to allow the helicopter to land safely.
Avoid Outdoor Arenas
Outdoor arenas are often unsuitable for air ambulance landings due to loose objects like jumps and poles. The strong downwash from the helicopter can send these objects flying and disturb the arena’s surface, making it unsafe for the landing.
Handling Unrelated Incidents
If you come across an incident unrelated to your own, such as a road traffic collision, transfer the situation to someone else if possible. If no one else is available, wear high-visibility clothing to make it easier for the air ambulance and emergency services to locate you. Inform the emergency services about the presence of nearby horses and dismount if you’re riding.
Post-Landing and Take-off Safety
When the air ambulance lands, wait until the blades have completely stopped turning and the pilot has exited the aircraft before approaching the helicopter. This ensures your safety and allows the crew to perform their duties without any interruptions.
During the helicopter’s take-off phase, follow the same safety guidelines as during landing. Keep the area clear, secure horses, and avoid approaching the helicopter until it’s safe to do so. A smooth and fast departure is essential to ensure the patient is taken to the hospital as quickly as possible.
Supporting Air Ambulance Services
The role of air ambulances in saving lives, especially in rural and equestrian areas, cannot be overstated. By following these safety guidelines, equestrians can significantly contribute to the efficient and safe operation of air ambulance services. Supporting local air ambulance charities during Air Ambulance Week is also vital for ensuring these life-saving services continue to operate effectively.
Further Research and Education
To enhance safety and preparedness, several areas warrant additional research and education:
- Efficacy and Response Times: Studying the response times and efficacy of air ambulances in different regions can help identify areas for improvement.
- Case Studies: Analyzing case studies of successful air ambulance interventions can provide valuable insights into best practices.
- Training Programs: Developing training programs for horse riders and stable hands on emergency response and first aid can improve overall safety.
- Psychological Impact: Investigating the psychological impact on riders and horse owners who witness or experience accidents requiring air ambulance intervention can help in providing better support.
- Technological Advancements: Exploring technological advancements in air ambulance services and their integration with standard emergency services can lead to more efficient operations.
- Comparative Studies: Conducting comparative studies on air ambulance services across different regions in the UK and globally can help in identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, equestrians can play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of air ambulances, ultimately saving lives in emergency situations.
Sources: Horse & Hound
