Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOEQO304A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply first aid for horses

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOEQO304A - Apply first aid for horses
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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working in a horse establishment. This may include those working for private horse riding companies or group leaders in school outdoor education programs.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Assess health problems and injuries in horses.
  • Identify common health problems and injuries affecting horses.
  • 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.
  • Calm and restrain horses prior to first aid assessment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Access and select first aid equipment according to required uses and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Apply first aid to horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
  • Refer treatment and emergency care of horses as appropriate according to organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Assist veterinarian.
  • Use accepted safe practices for restraint and handling of the horse according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
  • Provide assistance to veterinarian during examination as directed and in a manner which avoids complications to existing injury, or injury to self or veterinarian
  • Carry out treatment and management practices as prescribed by the veterinarian following examination according to organisational policies and procedures
  • Monitor treatment and report problems to veterinarian as appropriate
       
Element: Care for a convalescing horse.
  • Administer intramuscular injections according to instruction as part of the ongoing course of treatment according to relevant legislation and industry regulations
  • Remove and reapply bandages as instructed without causing discomfort to the horse
  • Carry out therapeutic exercise with horse if required according to organisational policies and procedures
  • Provide horse with feed which will aid health and digestion in the process of recovery
  • Document progress and problems according to organisational policies and procedures.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

liaise with veterinarians and managers

follow instructions and directions to carry out treatment

problem-solving 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 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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify common health problems and injuries affecting horses. 
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. 
Calm and restrain horses prior to first aid assessment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Access and select first aid equipment according to required uses and organisational policies and procedures. 
Apply first aid to horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures 
Refer treatment and emergency care of horses as appropriate according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Use accepted safe practices for restraint and handling of the horse according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures 
Provide assistance to veterinarian during examination as directed and in a manner which avoids complications to existing injury, or injury to self or veterinarian 
Carry out treatment and management practices as prescribed by the veterinarian following examination according to organisational policies and procedures 
Monitor treatment and report problems to veterinarian as appropriate 
Administer intramuscular injections according to instruction as part of the ongoing course of treatment according to relevant legislation and industry regulations 
Remove and reapply bandages as instructed without causing discomfort to the horse 
Carry out therapeutic exercise with horse if required according to organisational policies and procedures 
Provide horse with feed which will aid health and digestion in the process of recovery 
Document progress and problems according to organisational policies and procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOEQO304A - Apply first aid for horses
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOEQO304A - Apply first aid for horses

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: