Required skills

communication skills to

liaise with veterinarians and managers

follow instructions and directions to carry out treatment

problemsolving skills to

assess health problems and injuries

decide on the most appropriate course of action and monitor first aid outcomes

planning and organisation skills to identify and access required first aid equipment

literacy skills to monitor and document treatment progress and problems

safe horse handling and restraint techniques to ensure treatment is carried out safely

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe and effective treatment of horses

anatomy or physiology of horses to enable the identification of health issues and the safe and appropriate treatment of injuries and health problems

first aid equipment and its correct use

vital signs of injury or ill health to ensure problems are identified and treated promptly

examination techniques to enable problems and injuries to be identified accurately

appropriate first aid procedures and principles relating to accidents and injuries

restraint and handling techniques to calm and reassure injured or sick horses

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

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

RTEA Implement animal health control programs

RTE3402A Implement animal health control programs.

Health problems and injuries may include:

Pre and post activity assessment may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

First aid equipment may include:

First aid may include:

Treatment may include:

Assistance may include: