First aid squadron

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Medical rider squadron of the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe

A paramedic squadron is a mobile medical unit on horseback . Mostly volunteer paramedic squadrons exist in the United States , Canada , Australia, and Germany . In Germany it consists of a backup rider and two medical riders. Thanks to the cross-country mobility of the medical horses, a paramedic with equipment can be transported very quickly to the emergency location even in forests and fields and over longer stretches of the field.

A paramedic squadron is mostly a member of an aid organization who volunteer to use their private horses. Here the hobbies of riding and medical service are linked.

Training in Germany

There are nationwide uniform, binding training guidelines that always focus on the protection of the animal, the rider and the people in the vicinity. The training of the horse is very complex. Constant training units are required, which are carried out with, among other things, rustling bags, sitting balls, umbrellas and fluttering goals. In addition, the horses get used to loud background noises such as a marching band or the noise of a fair and the sight of fire.

The constant training units with loud noises, hectic movements and other incidents that seem threatening to untrained horses prepare the medical horses for use. This strengthens the horse's trust in its rider and minimizes the escape reaction to unknown noises or experiences.

equipment

In order to comply with accident prevention regulations, the medical riders wear a riding helmet , suitable footwear, breeches and riding gloves. The respective further operational clothing is based on the specifications of the respective aid organization , mostly polo or sweatshirt and jacket.

The medical material consists u. a. consisting of bandages, diagnostics, ventilation aids, infusion material and an automated external defibrillator (AED) . This material is distributed over several saddlebags, which are carried with you on the ride. Care is taken to ensure that the saddlebags have an even weight distribution in order to protect the horse's back. For this reason, a backpack is rather problematic, as it negatively affects the balancing of the weight on the horse and also significantly increases the risk of injury to the rider in the event of a fall.

In terms of logistics, the medical riders are equipped with radios and some with GPS devices.

Requirements for the horses

The horses must be manageable, i.e. H. follow the rider without resistance. You must also remain obedient to visual, acoustic or odor-related effects. Stallions are usually unsuitable for use in the medical rider relay.

In addition, the horses must be safe for loading and must not show any aggressive behavior towards other dogs. They have to be insensitive to external stimuli such as blue lights, sirens, loudspeakers, crowds, fire and alien animals. Once a year, a serenity test (GHP) should be held by the German Equestrian Association (FN).

See also

Web links

Commons : Mounted search and rescue  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Mounted Search and Rescue: Unit Websites Worldwide . August 22, 2008. Retrieved October 4, 2008.