DRUGS TO BE HELD

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 121, 18 November 1943, Page 6

DRUGS TO BE HELD

FIRST-AID POSTS

POSSIBLE EPIDEMIC NEED

The retention of medical stores in first-aid posts to cope with a possible epidemic is recommended by the Director of Civil Defence in a circular to Emergency Precautions Services. "It has been suggested that the wartime abnormal traffic between the Dominion and other countries may present a greater health hazard, even though medical ir.spection and quarantine provisions are calculated to minimise the probability of epidemic, and that the retention of first-aid post supplies and equipment is desirable," states Dr. M. H. Watt, Director-General of Health, in the circular. Dr. Watt adds: "While this Department is unable 1o judge whether or not the suggestion has merit, it does realise that the encouragement of the maintenance of medical units to cope with a possible epidemic more or less calls for provision of first-aid material. In view of this, first-aid post supplies and equipment may be retained until further notice, but arrangements should be made with the local hospital for periodical exchange of drugs liable to deterioration through long storage. "Each local body is requested to maintain a record of such supplies and equipment, while, if not already done, a list should be exhibited in the first-aid post and periodical checks made. "It will be generally agreed that first-aid posts should be maintained in order to deal with any emergency that might arise, whether from epidemic, earthquake, or other cause." Hospital board:; are therefore earnestly requested to assist in maintaining fresh supplies at these posts,;and m periodical exchange of drugs liable to deteriorate through storage.