Pros, Are you trained in first aid?

[Twisting]

I was reading a thread on the hunters forum about reaching out to the community, and some of the posters suggested doing events on days that schools were out. Providing a sort of child care. Most care providers need to have formal CPR/first response training. While I doubt that would apply for a day long horse camp, it made me wonder if getting formal CPR/First aid training was something Pros did on a regular basis.

Our sport is dangerous, horses are dangerous. Knowing the basics of how to respond in the event of an emergency seems like it would be a good idea. I also know that my trainers, when I was a kid, didn’t know much more than, “don’t move till the ambulance gets here”. My nurse mother handled the one incident that required handling. (Not me, another kid in my lesson group.)

So, Pros, do you include a CPR/Advanced First Aid course in your horse related education?

[Ticker]

Not a pro and not trained in first aid but my husband is. He has had years and years of training.

His version of first aid, however, is to put my horse away while I lay in the sand. Then, eventually, he drives his truck into our arena, scraps me up and drives me to the ER.
This has happened more than once…

[ladyj79]

Yes. For various positions I had to be certified in cpr and first aid.

[c0608524]

Not a pro, but have my CPR/first aid. I’m in Ontario, and obviously this is going to differ depending on your location.

I have the HCP (health care professional) first aid/CPR. For reference, this is generally what a volunteer fire fighter has. It’s a two 8 hour a day course, and covers quite a bit of material.

I’ve also had to take the lower level CPR course through work (even though I already have the higher level of training).

My two cents on the subject is that if you’re going to take a CPR/first aid, I recommend biting the bullet and taking the longer, more in-depth course. Although it might seem over kill, if you ever actually have to help someone you’ll be happy you had the extra hours of training.

[clanter]

another step along the way would be to invite the first responders to your place, let them walk through so they understand the layout and just where you are located.

Our local Fire/EMS/Police services routinely will do these visits if asked

[Twisting]

I am not a pro myself, btw. And I took a first responder/CPR course in college, it was the least “team sports” way to complete my P.E. credits. I was asking out of curiosity. Is it a common thing, or uncommon. Is it something working students consider when learning how to be a pro?

[North_Dakota]

I’m not a pro at all but I have to do the HCP first aid/CPR each year for my university program, and will have to continue so once I’m done and working. Unfortunately for me, I’m that person that if something is going to happen tends to be on the receiving end for first aid! So not that helpful unless I am in a state that I can direct or do it myself. I’m the only one around that has done CPR/first aid, it’s a very small barn.

[clanter]

just another little note, I was trained in combat medical care. in the early 1990s I came across a serious accident, preformed emergency medical to stop the bleeding while awaiting EMS… got cut in the process.

The accident victim died.

Even with an attorney I was unable to obtain information if the person was clear of any possible HIV so ended up having to be tested for HIV for years

So, if you do happen to come upon an accident… just protect yourself

[mjs8]

Yes, CPR/FA certified.

[nashfad]

I am a retired Respiratory Therapist…can do CPR …if forced to I could do an emergency trach on you…but I prefer to just keep accident/fall victims still and wait for paramedics

[betsyk]

Definitely yes - but I teach therapeutic riding and it’s required for us. I’d probably do it anyway.

[LockeMeadows]

Yes. Current CPR, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified. I was also an ER Nurse for almost 10 years. I firmly believe EVERYONE that teaches, coaches, or cares for others should be CPR/FA trained. It is a few hours and could save a life.