Contact information

It's always a good idea to carry some information on you in case of emergency.  Your name, the name of someone who should be notified in case of accident, and their phone number would be the absolute minimum.  You might include something about your health insurance.  You might list any special medical conditions. 

Another option is to use the medical card created for the United States Eventing Association.  This provides a standard form for all the pertinent information. You may want to  print a copy and fill it out and carry it on your person or at least have it in your trailer or somewhere it can easily be found.

Preparing to hunt

Any medical condition where immediate action may be needed requires certain precautions before you ride in the hunt field.  If you have any kind of ongoing medical condition, make sure someone present knows about it.  Make sure you carry with you whatever remedies you might need.  Make sure someone present knows when and how to administer those remedies.  The situations that immediately come to mind are diabetes and severe allergies to things like bee stings.  Asthma may also fall into this category. 

In the hunt field

Accidents happen.  The best safety measures are having a well-behaved horse and riding sensibly.  If you feel unwell at any time, you should probably ride back to the trailers.  Tell someone that you don't feel well.  Whether you tell the person behind you or the field master, at some point the field master should be notified.  The field members around you can take care of that.

There may be a slight delay while the best route is determined.  If anyone is available, someone will accompany you back to the trailers.  It's not very safe (or very courteous) to allow a guest to ride in alone.  Foxhunters are generally glad to help out.  Sooner or later, everyone will be in the same situation.

Serious problems

If someone is hurt, an ambulance may have to be called.  Cell phones are invaluable.  Generally speaking, a few people will be designated to help by staying with the injured person or by guiding the vehicle to the accident site.  Someone may have to hold horses or take horses back to a stable or trailer.  It's very helpful if a plan is in place prior to an emergency.  In any case, only a few people should get involved.  If you can't help, you need to get out of the way. 

Depending on a variety of circumstances, the main group of riders may continue hunting or may retire to the trailers.  This is the time to be understanding about whatever decision is made.  You may not be aware of all the factors involved.

Summary

Take the necessary precautions.  Carry emergency medical information and contact information.  Make sure those around you know of any medical conditions and know how to react.  Make sure you're carrying any remedies you may need.  If you have any medical training, notify the field master or MFH prior to an emergency.

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