SPLENDID RECORD

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 196, 16 May 1930, Page 6

SPLENDID RECORD

FREE AMBULANCE RETURNS ) PUBLIC RECOGNITION On March 31 last the Wellington Free Ambulance had completed 29 months of public service, and its record of achievement is considered to bear out fully claims that were made for it when it was brought into being. The second annual report, which was issued yesterday, records that a prompt and free ambulance service has been maintained throughout the entire district of the Wellington Hospital Board,, a radius of 50 miles. . In the 29 months the service attended 14,348 cases, of which 11,288 were sickness transports, 2706 accidents, and 354 cases of treatment at the station. This work involved a total of 151,702 car miles travelled. The board felt justified in the opinion that the Free Ambulance service was an essential link in the hospital service, making the latter available to everyone in the district on equal terms. The servicte was by no means confined to the public hospital, being available for all hospitals and for the transport of sick and accident cases to and from their homes. By reason of its efficient firstaid staff it had been privileged to give prompt and timely assistance in accident cases, which had been of great value to the medical men. Maternity Work. The report states that the increase in the plant of’ the brigade had enabled the board to deal with the transportation of maternity cases, and this branch of work had greatly added to the value of the service. Thanks are expressed to the municipal bodies within the Wellington hospital district. Tor their co-operation and financial support, their contributions amounting to nearly 30 per cent, of the total revenue. The board acknowledges valuable services rendered by the Wellington branch of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, the honorary bearers having given 2568 hours of free service. The work of the ladies’ auxiliary is acknowledged, this organisation having raised a substantial sum towards the building fund, and the co-operation and assistance of the Wellington Fire Brigade are similarly recognised. Workers’ Contributions. The board specially expresses its appreciation of the splendid response made to the movement by the employees of the district who, by a small monthly contribution, had added £2885 to the funds of the Free Ambulance. In the majority of cases the contributions had been subsidised by the employers, The returns for the year ended March 31 showed that motor-cars and motorcycles were responsible for 27 per cent, of the accident cases attended. In that period the total number of cases attended was 6917, of which 1303 were accidents, 5449 medical, and 165 minor cases. In the year the mileage covered was 71,275. In some cases the distance travelled was considerable, journeys to Palmerston North, Greytown, and Masterton having been involved. The staff consists of the superintendent and secretary, who also acts as organiser, seven permanent bearers, and 1 .14 honorary bearers., The brigade plant ■' consists of seven motor ambulance cars, and one coach for organising purposes. Appreciation is expressed in the report of the excellent service which has been rendered by the superintendent and staff.