Galloping to the Rescue!
Chase, Mark Bennet and Duncan Parsonage, community response manager.
Chase, an Irish sports horse and his owner Mark Bennett will soon be galloping to the rescue on Cannock Chase, responding to 999 emergency calls on behalf of WMAS, prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
Cannock Chase Country Park is one of largest country parks in the region covering 4.5 square miles (3,000 acres). With the country park being largely inaccessible by normal road vehicles, responding to incidents can occasionally prove tricky for the ambulance service.
The park attracts visitors all year round, with many enjoying activities such as horse riding, mountain biking and rambling.
With Mark’s additional knowledge of Cannock Chase Country Park and his ability to get around it quickly, he could potentially advise ambulance crews, who will often have to take to foot, of the best routes to take in order to quickly reach incidents.
“I have already found myself having to put my first aid skills to the test in the country park on a couple of occasions. Being able to respond on horse back (or motorbike, if needs be) means that I can quickly access patients in difficult, hard to reach locations, prior to the arrival of the ambulance service.”
Duncan Parsonage, WMAS Community Response Manager for South Staffordshire, said: “This is an excellent initiative that really could help to save lives. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability. With Mark’s additional knowledge of Cannock Chase Country Park and his ability to get around it quickly, he could potentially advise ambulance crews, who will often have to take to foot, of the best routes to take in order to quickly reach incidents.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
