FREE AMBULANCE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 297, 14 September 1927, Page 13

FREE AMBULANCE

ORGANISERS FIRST REPORT GETTING READY TO START Last night the Citizens’ Free Arubul-. since Committee received the first report of the ambulance superintendent (Mr. r. W. Itoffe), and commenced the organisation work for the new service. Two new ambulances are to be acquired, ami the headquarters of the new service will be iu the naval boatshed on Jervois Quay. The service would render first aid to the sick ami injured, ami subsequently attend to their careful removal to their doctor, home or hospital, stated Mr. Ruffe’s report. Medical cases would only be transported under doctor's orders, accident and emergency cases would be attended immediately on receipt of a message. He thought that eventually from 9 to 12 cars would he needed, and a permanent staff of from 12 to 14. An honorary staff of from 12 to 14 members, and a supernumerary staff of the same strength would also be needed to relieve and assist the permanent stall, and attend outdoor sports aud games. He advised commencing operations with a permanent staff of four bearers, increasing the number as the w-.rk demanded. Financing of Service. The service would be financed by voluntary contributions, employers’ and employees’ contributions, _ grants and donations from local councils and other bodies, au annual street day, aud, if possible, an annual art union, A lid. a week each from employees collected monthly would, he said, be the means of raising a considerable sum annually. Mr. Koffc suggested that the service should run for three months before active organising for financial support was commenced. He recommended that at the earliest opportunity the present ambul mice motors be replaced by new cars with lighter bodies, built to accommodate three stretcher cases if necessary; two of these cars to be installed immediately. It was decided to accept the City Council's offer of the naval boatshed as headquarters, and to give the purchasing committee power to acquire two ambulances. The salary of bearers was to be £6 per week. A committee of management was set up consisting of the president, and representatives of the Hospital Board, Harbour Board, City Council, Trades and Labour Council, and St. John Ambulance. The report was approved.