Equine first-aid kit essential items

• Latex (or alternative) gloves
• Soap for hand washing (or hand gel if hands are already clean and dirt free)

Warning – most antiseptics or alcohol-based treatments are harmful to open wounds and may delay wound healing. Please ask for veterinary advice before using.

• Clean water (hosepipe or large bottle of drinking water)
• Medical gauze swabs
  
  
• 50ml+ clean, unused syringe

Warning - a number of topical treatments (creams, gels, ointments) are harmful to open wounds and may negatively impact wound healing. Please ask for veterinary advice before using. The guide below is the safest approach for any damaged/exposed areas.

• Wound hydrogel
  
  
• Non-adherent wound dressings (a sterile dressing pad to cover a wound without sticking to the skin, available in a range of sizes) 
  
  
  
  
• Padding bandage (to hold wound dressing in place) 
  
  
  
  
• Cotton wool bandage OR gamgee (for padding and reducing pressure points - at least one roll) 
  
  
  
  
• Conforming bandage (knitted or weaved bandage, used to secure cotton wool layer) 
  
  
  
  
• Cohesive bandage (flexible stretchy bandage that sticks to itself, providing an outer cover) 

• Adhesive bandage (to prevent dirt or bedding from getting under the bandage)

• For foot poultices only – duct tape

• Torch – for dealing with first aid emergencies in the dark or insufficient lit areas
• Spare headcollar and lead rope
• Safety release or thinly woven bailing twine – for safe tying up
• Hoof pick
• Blunt-ended scissors (e.g. bandage scissors)
• Thermometer

Time is of the essence in an emergency, especially if the condition is severe and referral to a veterinary hospital is required. Any delay could affect the outcome for the horse. By preparing an emergency care plan, you can avoid making rushed decisions. 

Download our emergency care plan here.