EMERGENCY TEST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 169, 17 June 1940, Page 4

EMERGENCY TEST

FIRST-AID TREATMENT. . NEW. PLYMOUTH SUCCESS. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH. June ]G. 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 this morning. It is believed to be the first time such a comprehensive experiment has been undertaken in New Zealand. Members of the New Plymouth men’s division of the Order of St. John, five Boy Scout troops, a voluntary aid detachment and hospital authorities co-operated in the undertaking, from which much valuable information about timing and general organisation was obtained. The plan was designed 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 6aid they were confident that the data obtained would | serve in perfecting and strengthening the emergency organisation. All t6ld, probably' 200 individuals took part in the surprise trial. Within half an. hour of the warning 50 patients were taped for evacuation and everything was readv to replace them with 50 casualties. As the ambulances, arrived with the casualties, Boy Scouts, acting as patients who cotdd be moved, 3vere taken to the emergency hospital at the High School, where everything was ready for their reception.