MEMBERS PAGE

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As horseowners, many of us live in rural areas, sometimes in isolated homes, long distances from an ambulance station. Imagine if you, or any member of your family were taken ill, or suffered a riding accident at home, the wait for an ambulance, although not a long wait, will seem a very long time to you! First responders are members of the community who are trained to fill the gap before the arrival of a Rapid Response Vehicle, but the scheme requires more members from communities in this area of North Wales. For example, the quicker a heart attack victim is seen, their chances of survival are greatly increased. Volunteers are trained by the Welsh Ambulance service to carry out basic life saving skills, recognition of cardiac conditions, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and the use of a defibrillator. The ambulance service provides the necessary support need to continue to carry out the role. All volunteers undergo reassessment every six months, no previous medical experience necessary. Volunteers attend emergencies in pairs, and there is no set time you have to commit to being on call, all volunteer on call hours are to suit.

If you feel you could make a difference for someone faced with a life-threatening emergency in your community, then e-mail the Regional First Responder Officer for your area on 01978 366204 or e-mail firstresponder.north@ambulance.wales.nhs.uk .

My three year old home bred gelding, Sammy, has had sweet itch since he was 6 months old. We find a barrier the most effective method of protection against the midges and use a snuggy hood system which looks like he is wearing a burhka. Sammy went on the sweet itch trial last year without much success. However we have had some success with treatment from a homeopathic vet from Kelsall, Mick Christian. The treatment started early this year and we didn't have to put his rug on until the end of April - it's usually on in mid-Feb. Mick says the treatment is a long slow process over several years but we will certainly stick with it as he is definitely improving. We find Sammy's legs and sheath suffer badly from bites as the rug has no covering over these. Tom is considering making leggings to velcro on to the rug - he has become adept at sewing machine use since we have had Sammy as any sweet itch owner will know, you are constantly repairing rugs.!.

My point in writing this is to find out how others deal with this distressing condition and open discussion. My other option is to move because being by the river is a bad spot for Sammy but it seems a bit drastic when we've been here for 28 years and our business is established here.

Sandra Jones would like to share her dressage to music demonstration that she peformed at the FDRC Christmas Gala. Enjoy!