BLUFF AMBULANCE BRIGADE

Southland Times, Issue 23375, 6 December 1937, Page 15

BLUFF AMBULANCE BRIGADE

DEMONSTRATION OF FIRST

AID WORK

A demonstration of first aid work given by the two divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade on Saturday night drew a big attendance to the Athenaeum Hall. Among those present were the Mayor of Bluff (Mr J. H. Doyle), Mr J. Bell (District Superintendent and Serving Brother of St. John of Jerusalem) and Mrs Bell, Dr A. R. Ross, the Lady superintendents of the Invercargill and Bluff Nursing Divisions (Mesdames G. M. Chapman and D. E. S. Mason) and the following members of town and port brigades: Bluff Nursing Division, Mrs C. Beaton (Sergeant), Mrs O. Lindquist (Lady Ambulance Officer), Mrs M. Tennet, Mrs H. Jamieson, Mrs P. Ryan, jun., Mrs F. Fumiss, Misses R. Hunter, N. Perkins, M. Sargeant, M. Wares; Invercargill Division, Mrs H. K. Gavan (first officer), Miss J. Jamieson (second officer), Mrs W. Robbie (third officer), Mrs Fox, Misses J. Jensen, J. Skinner, _R. Jaquiery, E. Saunders; Men’s Division, Mr L. Mowat (Divisional Superintendent), Messrs C. Ladbrook (secretary), H. Newton (ambulance officer), F. A. Barford, T. C. Penniall, C. C. Tonkinson; Invercargill Division, Messrs J. Wyatt (superintendent), J. Bemrose (superintendent Railway Division),, and the following members of both divisions: Messrs A. Buddle, A. V. Tily, J. Kennedy, D. Corboy, A. Cooper. The general public was also well represented. In extending a welcome to the gathering, Mr Bell invited those who were interested to ask any question they wished on first aid work and these would be willingly answered. In this way people could make themselves conversant with the work of the brigade. After the demonstrations had been given, the Mayor congratulated members on their fine display and knowledge of first aid work. It was good to know that they were sufficiently imbued with the Christian spirit to wish to attend to those who were sick or had met with accidents, he said. He congratulated the men’s division on its achievements at the competitions in Christchurch and remarked that the training of both divisions reflected great credit on those responsible. Continuing, Mr Doyle expressed pleasure at seeing so many people present, which showed that local interest in the brigade was steadily growing. It had to be remembered that all the work was done voluntarily and it could truthfully be said that no paid service showed more enthusiasm in its work than the St. John Ambulance Brigade. He appreciated the brigade’s courtesy in electing him its president, and he could assure members that he would be willing to help them in any way possible. On behalf of Invercargill members and visitors, Mr Bell thanked the Nursing Division for organizing the demonstrations and said he had been asked to apologize for the non-attend-ance of Mrs J. Robertson (first superintendent of the Bluff division) and Mrs T. Penniall. The speaker stressed the fact that a great deal of work and responsibility fell on the superintendents. Bluff was remarkable for the way it supported worthy movements, Mr Bell continued. The public never seemed to tire of assisting, as was shown by the way the port brigade was progressing. He knew the same happy state prevailed in other local efforts. The speaker paid a tribute to Dr Ross (Divisional Surgeon) who, he said, had done great work in instructing members, and to the Bluff Harbour Board which had built a casualty ward on the ferry wharf. Such a place was a credit to Bluff. It was of great help in case of accident and the board was to be commended for its thoughtfulness. The Bluff men had done particularly well in Christchurch, Mr Bell continued. In addition to the squad coming second, Mr Penniall had won the championship of New Zealand for squad-members, and Mr Ladbrook had come third in squad-leaders’ event. Mr Bell then handed certificates to class members in first aid work to the following: Mrs F. Fumiss (first aid and home nursing), Miss E. Preston (home nursing), Mrs N. T. Jamieson, Miss M. Sargeant, Mr R. Sargeant.

A team from the Bluff Nursing Division demonstrated first aid treatment in the case of a fractured femur, and the Invercargill team’s “case” was one of a broken lower leg. Each team also showed methods of changing lower bed sheets without removing the patient. Master Frank Butler was the “patient” in each case. The men’s squad attended to a case of a fractured spine, and showed the correct method of carrying an injured person by stretcher over obstacles. It finally gave a display of transport work, as carried out in the competitions, Master Ron Beaton being the patient. Bandaging methods were shown by the women. All the work was explained by the leaders of the teams taking part. Mrs Mason then announced a surprise competition between teams representing the town and Bluff Nursing Divisions and asked Dr Ross to act as judge. In each instance, various injuries were “suspected” and the teams had to act as they thought the case required. Dr Ross examined the work closely and in giving his decision in favour of the Bluff team said that the work was very even. It had all been carried out well and showed that a great deal of training had been done by the competitors and their knowledge had been applied in a highly creditable manner indeed. Bluff had won because the team had paid a little more attention to small details. Prizes were presented by Mrs Mason to the Bluff team, which was composed of Mesdames Lindquist, Beaton, Tennet and Miss Hunter. The audience throughout showed great interest in the demonstrations and applause was frequent. METHODIST MISSIONARY UNION At the monthly meeting of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Union the president, Mrs A. K. Thompson, occupied the chair for the last time before her departure to reside in Dunedin. Among those present was Sister Elizabeth Common, a deaconess from the Solomon Islands Mission field. The Rev. G. Knowles-Smith welcomed the visitor, who gave an interesting address on her work in the islands and displayed sewing and other work done by the island girls. Many fine examples were shown and Sister Elizabeth stated that no sewing machines were used, all the work being done by hand.

A vote of thanks to the lecturer was carried by acclamation, on the motion of Mrs Thompson, who also presented Sister Elizabeth with a beautiful bunch of flowers.