By Tom Morgan
The Express
STAFFORDSHIRE — A horse saddled up with the latest medical kit is to join an ambulance service.
Seven-year-old Chase and his owner Mark Bennett will be part of the West Midlands Ambulance Service Community First Responder scheme in 3,000-acre Cannock Chase Country Park, in Staffs, from next month.
He will be able to respond to 999 calls over the park’s rough terrain quicker than any ambulance.
Mark, 30, said: “It might sound crazy but this horse could really save lives. People get into all sorts of trouble in the park. Mountain bikers, runners and walkers can all get injured and it’s not always easy for ambulances to get to them quickly.
“The horse is great at navigating the terrain and can get to any area within quarter of an hour. Chase is fully kitted out with a responder bag and defibrillator. Everything that we might need to keep someone alive is on that horse.”
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