DOCTORS OPERATE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 12730, 1 May 1939, Page 1

DOCTORS OPERATE

ON BOV AT HPT WEBB Sydney, April 21. Two doctors, who had been called by ambulance two-way radiophone, operated to-day on a. youth who was jammed between the lift and the second floor of a building in William Henry Street, Ultimo. “Please save me. It’s hurting, terribly,” pleaded the youth before the doctoi’s had administered a general anaesthetic. His condition is critical. ■ f . Refusing offers of cigarettes from workmates who had gathered to help him, the lad| r Ronald Layton, 19, revealed fortitude. Several times he managed to smile. He remained calm while engineers and elevator mechanics prepared tackle to raise the crushing weight from his body, which was held suspended above the lift-well, between lift and floor. i Nobody saw the accident. Layton was suffering so severely that it was considered unwise to question him, but it is believed that he was stepping into the lift when by some extraordinary chance ,he slipped between it and the second floor. He cried out in pain, and his plight was soon noticed. Central Ambulance' officers were called immediately. It was impossible to treat Layton’s injuries while he remained imprisoned, and the officers realised that any attempt to rescue him while he was conscious might prove fatal. Radio Appeal The officers radiophoned their headquarters. They asked that Royal Prince Alfred Hospital provide two doctors, with surgical instruments, and that police keep traffic clear for them. Then the ambulance car raced through the rain to the hospital, where Drs Loew’enthal and Hazelton were waiting. They were driven to the building in William Henry Street. Layton was still conscious when they arrived. After the anaesthetic had been administered, engineers and others used block and tackle and crowbars to lift the elevator from Layton, who was gently raised to the floor-level. He was suffering from the effects of shock, his left thigh was crushed, and his left arm was badly bruised. Assisted by the ambulance-men, the doctors-set the broken thigh and treated the other wounds. Layton was then taken to the hospital, where the operation was completed. Layton’s condition improved during the day, but' is'still .critical.