ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

Evening Star, Issue 21093, 4 May 1932, Page 3

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

THE YEAR’S WORK

[Contributed.]

In the annual report of the above Ambulance Brigade of New _ Zealand, some interesting figures are given with regard to the work which is being done. During the past year the number of oases of first aid attended by members while on public duty, totalled 17,954, against 15,270 for the preceding year. Public duty includes attendance at all kinds of gatherings—athletic and race meetings, picnics, etc., and each year increased demands continue to be made for the attendance of brigade members at such assemblies. The number of cases of first aid attended to by members when not on public duty was 19,102, against 17,734 lor the previous year. The number of hospital attendances put in by ambulance sisters was 224. In several towns, arrangements exist whereby members of the nursing divisions may attend on certain Jays and thus obtain further instruction. The system is an excellent one, and it is hoped that it will be extended to include all the larger centres. The number of cases nursed privately by members of nursing divisions was 1,115, against 872 for the year 1930. The ambulance sisters’ services are available to assist district nurses when required. The figures quoted above do not include w'ork done in connection with the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Very satisfactory progress has been made by the St. John Ambulance Brigade in this dominion during the year 1931. The chief commissioner (Colonel G. Barclay) reports that the units have responded well to the calls which have been made upon them, aud that the membership now stands at 2,249 against 1,938 for the previous year. Eighteen new divisions (two ambulance, five nursing, seven cadet ambulance, and four cadet nursing) have been added to the roll, while several others are now in process of registration. The number of services performed by the brigade during the year was 42,436, against 38,204 for 1930 and 36,226 for 1929. Those services represent cases of first-aid, nursing, transport, and hospital attendances undertaken by members. The work done in connection with the Hawke’s Bay earthquake is not included in these figures, but has been dealt with separately. Superintendent A. R. M‘Ewan having resigned his position with the Hillside Railway Ambulance Division in consequence of his retirement from the railway service, Mr Albert Thompson has been appointed as divisional superintendent. Mr M'Ewan was an enthusiastic worker, and will bo much missed by the division. Dr E. E. Butler, M. 8., Ch.B., has been appointed as divisional surgeon of the Oamaru Ambulance Division, vice Dr Fitzgerald, promoted to district superintendent. ‘ The Homo Nursing Textbook ’ of the St. John Ambulance Association is in process of revision,_ and it is expected that the revised edition will be shortly available. Following this there will be a revision of ‘ A Catechism of Home Nursing.’ The Dunedin Division held a very successful social evening last week, when members os the Dunedin and Caversham nursing divisions and friends were present. Progressive euchre, competitions, games, and items filled in a very pleasant evening, and later supper was served. Mr J. C. White returned thanks to the division on behalf of the visitors, and Divisional Superintendent W, D. Pirrett thanked all

present for coming along and helping to make the evening so enjoyable. It is hoped that a number of these evenings will bo arranged for the coming winter.

The Dunedin Nursing Cadets, which meet at headquarters, Moray place, on Monday evenings from 6.45 till 8, are very anxious to got further recruits. The division is going through the home nursing course this year, and the greatest interest is being taken by members in the practical work. Girls from ton upwards are eligible and will bo welcomed.

The Oamaru report for last month shows the mileage covered by the ambulance 190, removals seven, cases treated on public duty 3, and those not on public duty 3.

The local classes for first aid are to start next week, and all who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity this year should lose no time in enrolling. The knowledge gained is always useful, whether at homo or outside, is easily carried, and one never knows when it may bo of paramount importance. To the general public, the difference between the St. John Ambulance Association and the St. John Ambulance Brigade is unknown, and the terms are frequently used indiscriminately. Each body, however, has duties which are quite distinct-and clearly defined. The association is what may be termed the educative body—it arranges the classes at which lectures on first aid, home nursing, etc., are delivered, and at the termination of a course of instruction conducts the examination and issues certificates to the successful students. The association in some centres controls tho ambulance transport, and also a system of district nursing. Tho St. John Ambulance Brigade is composed of men and women who hold the certificates of tho association, and it exists for the purpose of rendering first aid to the sick and injured on public occasions, such as processions, exhibitions, race and athletic gatherings, shows, etc. It also provides personnel to assist in the transport of tho sick and injured, and its ambulance sisters supplement, when required, the work of the district nurses and assist in other ways in giving service to tho sick poor. The brigade may be considered to be the permanent body of the order. The membership of the association is largely composed of those who go through the classes, a certain proportion of whom afterwards passes on to membership in the brigade, which has on its roll many with a lengthy period of service. Tho members of the brigade strive to maintain and improve their efficiency, so that they may always be prepared to do tho right thing at tho right moment, and each man aud woman is required to be present at a stated number of drills and practices each year, and to attend an annual examination and inspection in order to show that efficiency is properly maintained. The brigade also forms a reserve which is available to supplement the military forces of the country should the necessity at any time arise.