TEST OF EFFICIENCY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20275, 17 June 1940, Page 9

TEST OF EFFICIENCY

TRANSFER OF PATIENTS FIRST-AID STATIONS NEW PLYMOUTH TRIAL (Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. Plans to establish emergency clearing stations for first-aid treatment and to evacuate New Plymouth Hospital patients to make room for casualties, were tested in a full-dress rehearsal yesterday morning. It is believed to be the first time that such a comprehensive experiment has been undertaken in New Zealand. Members of the New Plymouth men’s division of the Order of SI. John, five Boy Scout troops, a voluntary aid detachment, and the hospital authorities co-operated in the undertaking, from which much valuable information about timing and general organisation was obtained. The plan was destined to meet a situation arising from earthquake, railway disaster, or a raid on the town by an enemy. Though some defects were discovered in the scheme under practical test, the authorities expressed themselves as well satisfied with the experiment and said they were confident the data obtained would serve in perfecting and strengthening the emergency organisation. .

All told, probably 200 individuals took part in the surprise trial and had assembled within half an hour of the warning. Fifty patients were taped for evacuation and everything was ready to replace them with 50 casualties. As the ambulances arrived with the casualties, Boy Scouts, acting as patients who could be moved, were taken to an emergency hospital at the high school, where everything was ready for their reception.