Liaison with Ambulance Service

Organisers ought to contact their local ambulance service (LAS)  beforehand to advise them when and where the event will be taking place.

The organiser should be aware of the address, postcode - if known - and Ordnance Survey grid reference for the site. The majority of equestrian events are rural or adjacent to open ground. Grid references are useful for exact location but the address and postcode can assist with the point of access from the public highway.

In many cases the LAS may agree on the day to rendezvous with an event's ambulance. For example they may transfer casualties that do not require a 'blue light' (such as a broken ankle). They recognise that they may also be required to provide extra assistance with more serious injuries.

The LAS will often dispatch an air ambulance for emergencies if it is available. A significant number of equestrian related casualties are transferred to hospital by air ambulance. Large shows will designate a helicopter landing site. It is worthwhile for smaller shows to give thought to potential landing sites and obvious landmarks, obstacles and hazards such as overhead lines or soft ground.

Since 2012, a new system exists for the management of severe trauma in the UK. More serious injuries will be taken to the nearest Trauma Centre. For many years a similar system has applied for severe head injuries, which are taken to Neurosurgical hospitals. This same approach now applies to multiple injuries, severe facial injuries and pelvic injuries which will be taken to a Trauma Centre hospital.