PATIENTS who get into trouble on the Mendip hills could find themselves being treated by first aiders on horseback
PATIENTS who get into trouble on the Mendip hills could find themselves being treated by first aiders on horseback.A pilot scheme is equipping a horse with emergency equipment for people needing help in remote areas.Jenny Williams, who is an ambulance service community first responder in Weston and a riding instructor in Wedmore, will take charge of the scheme.When riding in the Mendips Jenny will now be able to respond to emergency calls.The horse will carry a kit that will enable her to provide life-saving treatment. It includes oxygen, trauma care and airway management equipment.Jenny, aged 26, said: "Having the equipment will be able to help me if there's an accident while I'm out riding. There's been incidents while I've been out of people coming off their horses and having nasty accidents in woodlands and on the Mendip hills where we couldn't get an ambulance and had to call a helicopter."First responders offer quick and life saving care within the first few minutes of an emergency.Ambulance bosses say remote areas provide a challenge for them and hope the new scheme will mean patients are treated quicker.First responder manager Chris Cooper said: "This is an exciting pilot which will enhance the Trust's service provision in some of our more remote communities."I am really keen to develop responders like Jenny who can deliver early interventions and also facilitate stronger ties with our rural residents.
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