A NEW AMBULANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14916, 11 February 1909, Page 8

A NEW AMBULANCE.

PROVISION FOR THE INJURED. The Christchurch citizen who meets with an accident can now be conveyed to the Hospital in the most modern and scientifically-fitted ambulance in New Zealand. Tho local branch of tho St John Ambulance Association has just imported a new ambulance waggon, manufactured by Messrs Wilson and Stockall, a Lancashire firm which leads tho world in mattes of this sort. The vehicle has proved expensive, costing tho Association, after freight, insur-' anco and duty have been paid, about £220, but it is complete in every detail. In tho first place, it has a long wheel base, and is fitted with springs, rubber tyres and rubber pads, in such a way as to reduce jolting to a minimum. It will carry one or two patients, and may be used with either one horse or two horses. The internal fittings are designed to ensure that tho patient and attendants shall be made as comfortable as is possible under every circumstance. There are electric lights, air cushions, hot water bottlbs, a supply of splints, adjustable ventilators, and drinking water. Tho stretchers may be moved by means of a convenient mechanical arrangement, so that the patients may bo kept level when the van is on a hill. The lower stretcher may be run right out of the van on a telescopic frame, so that the patient may be easily lifted, and the upper stretcher, which would not bo generally in use, can be moved down mechanically when a patient is to be placed in it or removed. The manufacturers seem to have neglected' no detail. Tho new ambulance will be stationed at a central point in the city, in order that it may be at once available in cases of emergency. Probably tlie old ambulance will be set aside for cases of infectious disease.