ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 7

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

BRIGADE NOTES Milton Division The divisional meetings have been well attended and the members. are keen on the work, It has been decided to commence a first aid class on June 16 and a home nursing class on June 23. It is expected that both the classes will be large ones. Dr J. Edgar has consented to be the lecturer Three enthusiastic members, xVIr and Mrs Fagg and Miss Little have resigned owing to their transfer from the district. They will be greatly missed as they have always taken an active part in tne work of the division. North-East Valley Division The attendances at the divisional meetings have been good, several new members being welcomed to the division. The meetings commence at 7 p.m. The first hour is devoted to working with the triangular and roller bandages while the latter part of the evening is usually spent listening to lectures. Mr W, Black, one of the transport drivers, has given two very interesting and instructive lectures on artificial respiration and the transport of patients suffering from various illnesses by ambulance. The members wish to thank Mr Black for these lectures which will be most helpful to them. Recently the division combined with the Dunedin Nursing Division for a lecture on indigestion; which was given by Dr John Fulton. Members have been on duty each Saturday afternoon at the women’s hockey matches at Logan Park, and so far three cases have been treated. They are also assisting with the first aid closes. No. 1 Locomotive Division The division is now well started on the year’s work. Mr D. McFie still retains his position of superintendent and has associated with him Ambulance Officer F. F. McLennan. The attendance of members at lectures and practices has been good, and several new members have joined. The division makes every effort to take its share of public duty, although with so many members on shift work it is often difficult to get men for duty as frequently their shifts are changed at short notice, this makes the work of the public duty officer a most unenviable one. During the practice meetings the superintendent has been assisted by the senior members. Two members are instructing the first aid class in triangular bandaging. This year two lectures on air raid precautions were included in the syllabus, the first of these being given recently bv Mr C. Hayward, superintendent of the A.R.P. Reserve Division, who gave a most interesting and instructive lecture. It was a graphic description of the precautions which were necessary for a community to adopt, stressing that organisation and preparedness was a necessity to displace chaos and disorganisation. The thanks and appreciation of members were carried by acclamation. The division was favoured by an official visit from Assistant Commissioner Mr W. D. Plrrett, Lady District Superintendent Miss Applegarth, District Officers A. G. A. Swanson and A. G. Johnstone, Corps Superintendent P. C. Wilkinson and Corps Officers A. Westfield and L. Stewart. A welcome was extended to the'visitors by Superintendent McFie. The assistant commissioner, in reply, thanked members for their spirit of loyalty in the work of the brigade. Ambulance Returns During the month of May the St John Ambulances have travelled 1047 miles while attending to 131 calls. Eleven accident calls were received. 15 patients being taken to hospital. Two race meetings were attended, and on three occasions the ambulance was called out, but was not required. District Nurses Three district nurses were kept busy during the month paying 495 visits to 57 patients. Thirteen new patients were attended, and it is expected that, with the colder weather setting in, the nurses services will be required more than ever.