WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31657, 18 April 1968, Page 10

WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT

A special vehicle designed to carry persons confined to wheelchairs was presented to the Christchurch sub-centre of the St John Ambulance Association yesterday. The vehicle, which cost $4OOO, was purchased through the efforts of the Vale family and the Lions Club of Christchurch South, each of which contributed $3OOO. The remaining money will go towards the maintainence of the vehicle and the purchase of another.

Speaking on behalf of the Vale family, Mrs L. N. McIlroy said that the vehicle would bring to those confined to wheelchairs comfort, ease of travel and a greater measure of the outside world. A modified van capable of carrying four wheelchairs and their occupants, the vehicle is fitted with an hydraulic hoist at the rear. Passengers are

wheeled on to the hoist, which is operated by a pump driven by an electric motor, and are lifted to the height of the floor of the van.

Once on that level they are wheeled into the van and the cheelchairs placed in front of rigid bars. When the van is in motion wheelchairs and passengers are strapped in and chocked. The hoist folds up inside the van. The roof of the van had to be raised to allow headroom for the passengers. In accepting the van for the association, the sub-centre chairman (Mr D. H. Lawrence) said that the service would be used as soon as possible and that volunteer drivers had already come forward. The picture shows Mr R. C. Waslcy operating the hoist with Mr 1. A. Archibald in the wheelchair.