Appeal To Horse Riders From Air Ambulance

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is urging horse riders to wear hi-visibility clothing whilst out riding during the winter months.

With the evenings getting darker much earlier a daylight ride could quite easily turn into a ride in the dark, especially if an accident occurs, which is why wearing something hi-visibility is crucial.

If someone is involved in an accident the Air Ambulance is able to see them up to half a mile sooner if they are wearing hi-visibility clothing, this time could be critical to a patient's condition worsening.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance along with Hampshire Constabulary Country Watch and Hampshire Horsewatch are encouraging riders to think about their safety when out riding, reminding them of the dangers of riding in the dark and without the correct safety gear.

16% of the calls that the Air Ambulance attended in the past year were to the aid of a rider that had been injured whilst out riding.

There are vast areas of open countryside and forest across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which often makes the job of the Air Ambulance much harder when it comes to locating a patient.

John Perry, Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said

"We are advising anyone out riding this winter to make sure they are wearing clothing that can be seen from the air, to enable the Air Ambulance to locate them as quickly as possible if they get into trouble.

"Even taking a piece of reflective material on the ride that can be draped over an injured person will significantly increase their visibility."