Agricultural Shows carry inherent risks, and ensuring the safety of patrons, competitors, and volunteers is a core responsibility of every Show Society—this includes having appropriate First Aid arrangements in place.
See below the details of what is recommended.
Who Can Provide First Aid?
- Legally qualified registered nurses
- Legally qualified medical practitioners and dentists
- Accredited First Aid Officers
- First Aid providers cannot be employed by the Show but may be engaged as volunteers or contracted for this purpose.
AgShows NSW recommendations
- Professional paramedic services wherever possible.
- If this is not feasible (financially or due to availability), suitably qualified Committee Members (e.g. first aid certified) may provide first aid services.
- Insurance extends to certified Members providing First Aid.
- High-risk activities (e.g. rodeo, camp draft, show jumping, harness racing, etc.) must have professional First Aid and ambulance services in line with the activity’s governing body rules.
Guide to First Aid Officer Numbers
- 1,000 attendees = 2–3 First Aid Officers
- 5,000 attendees = 4–5 First Aid Officers
- 10,000 attendees = 6–10 First Aid Officers
Considerations for Shows
When planning First Aid requirements, ask:
- Are there high-risk activities that require specific paramedical services?
- Do we have adequate personnel to respond to medical emergencies?
- Has the nearest hospital/ambulance service been notified of event dates?
- Are ambulance officers or certified First Aiders rostered whenever the public is onsite?
- Is there a designated First Aid post with rest facilities and communication access?
- Is a spinal injury stretcher or lifting frame available (especially for equestrian events)?
- Is the First Aid post clearly signposted and accessible?
- Are announcements made over PA advising the location of First Aid?
Risk Management
Shows should demonstrate effective risk planning, including:
- Access to medical and veterinary facilities.
- Notifying hospitals and vets of event dates and details.
Emergency Plus App
The “Emergency+ App” (available free via app stores) helps callers provide vital location details to Triple Zero (000).
Features include:
- GPS and what3words integration for precise location.
- Quick access to Triple Zero (000), SES, and Police Assistance Line.
- Works offline, ideal for rural or remote areas
When to call Triple Zero (000):
- Someone is seriously injured or in urgent need of medical help.
- Life or property is under threat.
- A serious accident or crime has just occurred.
Triple Zero (000) calls are always free.