Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:10 AM AWST

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Apply first aid for horses

Apply first aid for horses

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO304A
State Code
D6365
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
061101 - Veterinary Science
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply first aid for horses in sport and recreational programs. It focuses on the management of health, fitness and well being of horses and the assessment and application of first aid where necessary prior to veterinary attention.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess health problems and injuries in horses.
  • 1.1. Identify common health problems and injuries affecting horses.
  • 1.2. Carry out appropriate pre and post activity assessment of injuries or health problems and determine the immediate and ongoing course of action according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Calm and restrain horses prior to first aid assessment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Access and select first aid equipment according to required uses and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.5. Apply first aid to horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
  • 1.6. Refer treatment and emergency care of horses as appropriate according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Assist veterinarian.
  • 2.1. Use accepted safe practices for restraint and handling of the horse according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
  • 2.2. Provide assistance to veterinarian during examination as directed and in a manner which avoids complications to existing injury, or injury to self or veterinarian
  • 2.3. Carry out treatment and management practices as prescribed by the veterinarian following examination according to organisational policies and procedures
  • 2.4. Monitor treatment and report problems to veterinarian as appropriate
3. Care for a convalescing horse.
  • 3.1. Administer intramuscular injections according to instruction as part of the ongoing course of treatment according to relevant legislation and industry regulations
  • 3.2. Remove and reapply bandages as instructed without causing discomfort to the horse
  • 3.3. Carry out therapeutic exercise with horse if required according to organisational policies and procedures
  • 3.4. Provide horse with feed which will aid health and digestion in the process of recovery
  • 3.5. Document progress and problems according to organisational policies and procedures.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Health problems and injuries may include:
cuts
breaks
colds
punctures
colic
abrasions
tying up
bleeders
acidosis
distress
hoof pricks
stone bruises
allergic reactions
cast horses
quarter cracks
bowed tendons
abnormal temperature
insect bites
animal bites
diarrhoea
dehydration
founder
oedema
pneumonia
skin infections.
Pre and post activity assessment may include:
weight
in season
respiration rate
temperature
sweating
capillary refill
lameness
cramping
heart or pulse rates.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
reporting illness or injury
use and maintenance of first aid equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
referral procedures
restraint and handling of horses
occupational health and safety.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
First aid equipment may include:
bandages
poultices
scissors
antiseptic creams or lotions or sprays
twitch
thermometer
water and ice
cotton wool
anti inflammatory drugs
painkillers
syringes.
First aid may include:
application of support and box bandages
treatment of swelling and inflammation
administration of intramuscular injection.
Treatment may include:
cleansing
isolation
immobilisation
administration of medication
poultice
support bandage
hosing.
Assistance may include:
restraint
use of halter and rope,
nose twitch.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
works within own area of responsibility to control and restrain horses to ensure the safety of self and others
implements and monitors first aid practices and procedures to care for horses and refers to veterinarian as appropriate
utilises knowledge of anatomy and physiology of horses to recognise vital signs of horse health or injury
applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as changing health conditions of the horse.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of first aid procedures for horses appropriate to injury assessment using required first aid equipment on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a private or commercial establishment and horses with injury or health problems
horse first aid equipment and facilities
organisational policies and procedures
veterinarians.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of assessment and treatment of horses health problems or injuries including first aid equipment selection, preparation and use
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of anatomy and physiology of horses to recognise vital signs of horse health
observation of safe handling and restraint techniques of horse during assessment and treatment
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
RTE3402A Implement animal health control programs.
No information