ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21985, 21 June 1933, Page 5

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

RECENT ACTIVITIES Last Tuesday evening the lirs't corps lecture was given ■by Mr Jenkins, the subject being “Blood Transfusion.” Mr Jenkins was introduced by the assistant commissioner (Dr Roland Fulton), who presided. The lecturer prefaced his remarks by pointing out the rapid strides that had been made in late years in this department and the excellent results obtained, urging that it was incumbent on every community to protect itself by organising a , strong body of donors who were prepared to come forward in an emergency to suppply the needs of some unfortunate individuals. The grouping of the various blood streams into sections known as No. 1,2, 3, and 4 was then pointed out, and also the methods taken to determine to which group a patient belonged. Mr Jenkins then proceeded to explain in detail the method used to perform the actual transfusion, and the precautions taken for both patient and donor. In conclusion, he stressed the facts, first, that taken in the proper method, a donor should sufferi no harmful result from the giving, of blood; and, secondly, that there was no inconvenience or pain. At the close of the lecture a number of questions was answered, and the lecturer was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The Hampden Nursing Cadets report that there was a good attendance at their last meeting, when the principles of first aid, were outlined and bandaging practised. The matter of uniforms was discussed, and it was unanimously decided to procure these. The Hampden Ambulance Cadets are also busy, II being present at the last muster. The cadets are taking their studies seriously, and at present are concentrating on the bones of the body. 'Die No. 1 Loco. Division met last Sunday, when Divisional Superintendent G. Syder presided over a muster of 40 members. The divisional surgeon (Dr G. Barnett) delivered the fourth lecture of the series on the “ Circulation of the Blood,” explaining fully the systematic and pulmonary circulations and how the various types of haemorrhage were recognised, and dealt very fully with varicose veins and their treatment. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer. Reports showed that members had been on duty at 10 football grounds and 10 members had been on duty at skating rinks. A movement which has been attended with remarkable success is the cadet branch of the Stf John Ambulance Brigade. It is not many years since the authorities at St. John’s Gate decided to inaugurate this movement for the purpose of affording facilities to juveniles to meet together for instruction in first aid, home nursing, and kindred subjects, with the object of receiving early training in them, to inculcate the principles laid down in the cadets’ code of chivalry, and to develop the spirit of team work and improve health and physical vigour by means of games and exercises. In this Dominion the cadet organisation has made rapid strides, and there are now in existence 51 cadet divisions (25 boy and 26 girl), while it is hoped that at no distant date there will be cadet divisions in all places where the work of St. John is carried on. The formation of such units is in the hands of the officers of adult divisions, and they are at all times ready and willing to/take steps to inaugurate new divisions and increase the strength of those already existing.