FLYING-BOAT AMBULANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 8

FLYING-BOAT AMBULANCE

By good fortune it was found possible on Saturday to answer an urgent call for medical assistance from the Great Barrier Island. But for the presence at Hobsonville Air Base of a naval amphibian aeroplane belonging to the cruiser Achilles, the emergency could not have been so promptly met because the Air Force does not at present maintain either seaplanes or flying-boats. The incident draws attention to the lack of means for supplying speedy ambulance service to many isolated settlements where, owing to the topography, landing places cannot be improvised. In these cases the air ambulance placed in commission a year ago is of no avail. Many of these settlements are, however, adjacent to sheltered water on which a seaplane or flying-boat could alight. The flight to and from Tryphena on Saturday offers a perfect example of the errands of mercy that can be swiftly performed under such circumstances. It is probable that a flying-boat ambulance could meet many calls, if one were regularly available. Dr. G. R. Nicks, of the Auckland Hospital resident staff, found no less than 10 eases awaiting him at the Great Barrier. His experience has prompted him to suggest regular medical visits to the Great Barrier by air. The idea, which may be applicable to other places as well, involves more than an emergency service, but might well be investigated by district hospital boards, which should be well aware of local circumstances. Meanwhile the Government should consider whether the Air Force could not keep a seaplane or flyingboat in commission at Hobsonville to answer such calls as tho one received on Saturday. Inability to do so might in the futuro give serious cause for regret.