Emergency Aid

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31760, 17 August 1968, Page 12

Emergency Aid

Sir, —Could someone say where one would ring from the back country for help in case of accident or medical emergency? Would there be a helicopter ambulance available to get a patient to Christ-

church Hospital quickly? We would be glad to know, from 60 miles away in our rather isolated valley.—Yours, etc., LONG HAIR AND WHITE HORSES.

August 6, 1968. [Mr G. A. Brown, secre-tary-treasurer of the St John Ambulance Association, replies: “The St John Ambulance Association conducts road ambulance services only and is always prepared to give advice on first aid to those in need. The services of a helicopter are available, I understand, to emergency cases through the police, and I suggest that you refer the inquiry to the chief superintendent”]

[Chief Superintendent G. S. Austing comments: “In cases of accident or medical emergency the local doctor should be summoned to the scene to examine the patient. The police will assist with the removal of a patient from a remote or mountainous area. The Search and Rescue Organisation can be used In an emergency. A helicopter is not always readily available at short notice, but their use can be authorised in an emergency to save a life. Pri-vately-owned helicopters can be hired. The first priority is medical attention as soon as possible at the scene.”]