FIRE PRECAUTIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20568, 23 September 1941, Page 3

FIRE PRECAUTIONS

HOSPITAL TRAINING DEMONSTRATION HELD Details of the provisions made to deal with outbreaks of fire in any part of the Cook Hospital were given to the Cook Hospital Board yesterday afternoon by Mr. C. A. Harries, managing-secretary, who indicated that, as a result of trial demonstrations. it had been found that more bed-lifters would have to be provided. The board gave instructions that the appliances needed should be supplied. “Measures provided for to meet an emergency at the hospital have been drawn up in schedule form, a copy of which has been issued to all members of the nursing staff.” stated Mr. Harries. “Following a discussion with all executive officers, two drills were carried out, one in lire daytime as a general hospital emergency in which all members of the staff were engaged, and the other a night drill evacuating nul'ses from the nurses’ homes only. Instruction For Newcomers “Demonstration in the use of fire extinguishers, bucket pumps and other measures were carried out, and an address was given to alt nurses enlarging upon the precautions to be taken. 1\ is proposed to issue to all incoming members of the nursing staff a copy of the schedule and that the tutor sister arrange for instruction to all probationers upon being appointed tc the staff. The measures provided for in the schedule have been referred to, and meet with the approval of the superintendent of the Gisborne Fire Brigade. “As a result of the drill a shortage of bed-lifters was apparent. Rapid evacuation of wards in an earthquake is essential, and it is recommended that there be provided for each ward six bed-lifters. Apart from emergency requirements, the number now available are inadequate.”