ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23330, 23 October 1937, Page 19

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

BRIGADE NOTES AIR RAID PRECAUTION INSTRUCTIONS Under the direction of the brigade acting gas officer, the following course of lectures have been arranged by permission of the officer, Colonel G. R. Mitchell, D. 5.0., V.D., Legion of Frontiersmen (Otago Squadron). The first brief course will be confined to district corps and divisional officers (ambulance only). It is suggested, however, that each ambulance division select one officer and one senior n.c.o. for training as a divisional anti-gas staff. The nominees selected should be those who are successful instructors and preferably holders of (in additional to the medallion) home nursing, hygiene, and sanitation certificates. This, however, would not be enforced, but successful trainees will be expected to become proficient in these subjects at the earliest possible date. All lectures will be held in the headquarters of the (Otago Squadron) Legion of Frontiersmen, Moray place. The first lecture will consist of a brief history of gas and chemical warfare and the general classification of known war gases. The second will cover both personal and collective protective methods. The next lecture will cover the medical aspects of gas diagnosis of gas cases and first aid treatment. The following lecture will be on contamination, and the final lecture will be the training and organisation of anti-gas services. A special course is being prepared for the nursing divisions, and this will be announced at a future date. The lecturers will be:—Captain C. J. Hayward, who was attached to the sth Otago Mounted Rifles and first came in contact with gas warfare at Menin road in France in 1916, when both mustard and phosgene gas were "sent over" in shell form; District Officer W. D. Pirrett, who also had much practical experience in dealing with gas warfare, as he was attached to the New Zealand Medical Corps during the Great War in France; Dr J. Barnett, who will give the third and fourth lectures on the medical aspect HILLSIDE AMBULANCE DIVISION The Hillside Division reports that during the month it played a football match against the Referees' Association for the "Whang" Cup, the match being won by the Referees, the score being 25 to 22. A feature of this match was the goal kicking by Mr N. Tilley for the Referees. The division has selected the following teams to represent them at the South Island competitions to be held at Christchurch on Labour Day:—Novices—Messrs Morrison, Smaill. Coward, Hay; senior team —Messrs Ford, Beveridge, Morrison, Mcintosh, Gasper. Superintendent McPherson will also act as manager. DUNEDIN NURSING DIVISION

The annual re-examination of the Dunedin Nursing Division was held by Dr J. Fulton, who expressed satisfaction at its efficiency and remarked on the high standard maintained in the division. Lady Superintendent Miss Steadman presented Dr Fulton with a cut crystal reading lamp as a token of appreciation from the division for the interesting lectures and the assistance he had given them during the year. MILTON SECTIONS

The Milton sections report a very successful social and dance held in the St. John Hall, Milton, during the month, when the presentation of certificates gained by members was carried out. Brigade headquarters was represented by Mr J. Somerville, Mr A. Peters, and Mr G. Swanson. Mr Peters mentioned that Milton secured 100 per cent, passes in the examination and expressed sincere thanks to Dr Edgar for his unfailing energy on behalf of the division. MOSGIEL DIVISION The Mosgiel Division held its annual social and dance on Wednesday, when there was an attendance of approximately 100 people. The speakers were Mr T. Ash. Mr A. Peters, and Dr Monnheimer. Items were rendered by Misses Armstrong, Crawford. Williams, Lobb. Meldrum, Crossan. Mrs Cate, and Messrs Baker, Johnson, Massey, Cate, and Stewart. The chairman stated that a pleasing aspect was that the division had gained 100 per cent, passes in first aid and home nursing examinations in both the ambulance and nursing divisions.