Transfusions given in ambulance

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32941, 13 June 1972, Page 26

Transfusions given in ambulance

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 12. A pregnant woman being taken from Waiouru to Palmerston North Hospital had to be given transfusions twice on the way to save her life.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, the woman, a civilian patient in Waiouru, went into labour prematurely. The only doctor on duty in Waiouru was Major E. H. Cluer at the Army base. He was called to look after the

woman at 7 a.m. when she began losing blood. It was decided to transfer her to Palmerston North Hospital by Army ambulance, and she left Waiouru about 8.15 a.m.

Between Waiouru -and Taihape her condition worsened, and she was taken to hospital at Taihape. There a doctor administered a plasma transfusion. After the transfusion, the woman resumed her joumev to Palmerston North by ambulance.

In the meantime, an ambulance with a house surgeon was dispatched from Palmerston North Hospital. The two ambulances met near Hunterville and the woman

was given a blood transfusion by the doctor. For the remainder of the journey, the ambulance was escorted by a traffic officer. The woman gave birth by Caesarian section about 1 p.m. She and the baby are reported to be in a satisfactory condition.