EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4563, 22 April 1942, Page 5

EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

TE AWAMUTU CONTROLLERS’ MEETING ORGANISATION AND PREPARATION The chief warden, Mr L. G. Armstrong, presided at a meeting of the Te Awamutu E.P.S., last evening at the Waipa County Chambers. There was a large and representative attendance.

Regarding the matter of ambulance trailers, it was stated that the me? chanical section had advised that the trailers could be made locally at less cost than that stated. The St. John Ambulance Committee was investigating, and for the E.P-S. it was arranged that the health controller would carry on the inquiries and report. In the discussion it was stated that a specimen of ambulance trailer would be in Te Awamutu this week-end for inspection.

Dealing with the supply of first-aid kits, the health controller said some difficulty was being experienced in obtaining supplies, notably of cotton bandages. The appointed committee will continue inquiries. New regulations defining the status and function of the E.P.S. were placed before the meeting. Arising in the consideration was the question of fees to be fixed for evacuation, and it was decided to ask the rural controllers to indicate what level of fees should be fixed. It was also made necessary that a deputy chairman »e appointed, and it was decided tlxat Mr S. C. B. Macky be appointed to that office. The Te Awamutu Borough Council wrote in reply to complaint of lighting at the parks and other Council buildings. The matter had had attention. The lighting controller, however, explained minor details still to have attention.

The Pukeatua Committee advised personnel and other details of district organisation. It was asked that a stretcher be supplied for use if, in emergency, conveyance of any injured persons from that district to the ambulance was required. It was explained that stretchers at Te Awamutu were being made and supplied voluntarily, and it was thought that district committees would act similarly when those circumstances were known. In a further discussion it was suggested that if materials were provided the production unit would undertake the making of stretchers, but this gave rise to questions of general issue and their location. Already the unit was making sixty stretchers for the Horae Guard, and at least another forty would be needed for district distribution by the E.P.S. It was decided that this be done, district committees to be informed that, supply would be issued in due course. The Retail Motor Trade Association advised the position regarding the growing shortage of mechanics. Statistical data was appended as submitted fox' the consideration of the Manpower Committees. Further inquiry was proceeding in an endeavour to guard against still more acute shortage of mechanics arising. A communication from the Raglan County Council assigned a portion of that county to Te Awamutu E.P.S. — It was decided that the transfer be made, the Raglan portion to associate with Pirongia district. It was advised that army, navy, or air force personnel and transport would pass through E.P.S. districts during trials or emergency. The same applied to certain Government services and ministerial vehicles. , It was reported that Tokanui Mental Hospital had applied fox’ similar consideration.

As all such units and services would be distinguished by badge or warrant, it was not anticipated that there would be any difficulty. The National Services Department asked to be supplied with press cuttings of items of importance bearing on E.P.S. activities. The same Department referred to the improperuse of Red Cross emblems, and pointed out that the emblem should not be used on other than acknowledged Red Cross institutions.

On the question of decontamination work it was stated that a resident who had attended a series of lectures in Auckland was prepared to train a group and hold classes in Te Awamutu if a sufficient number came forward for instruction. It was further stated that a number of women were already undergoing instruction in Te Awamutu, but the men had not so far shown a.ny interest. The understanding was that a unit required a personnel of sixty. Generally it was required that a first-aid certificate was necessary prior to enrolment in the decontamination squad. Fiixally it was decided to refer the question to the works section.

A request was made that consideration be given to the time-lag that was apt to occur between removal of patients from first-aid posts to hospital, and suggestions were put forward for drugs to be provided at first-aid posts. The hqplth controller reported that standard first-aid kits were being supplied to first-aid posts; if other than standard kits were required, arid special drugs wanted, it should be regarded as a personal responsibilityThe standard kit had been made up under medical advice, and it was decided to inform the writer accordingly. The new issue of the emergency shelter regulations was advised by the National Services Department.

Acting on a report from the records controller that arm bands were not procurable, it was decided to issue a temporary badge to those not already issued with arm bands. It was left to the trial organisers to adopt a temporary emblem in the circumstances. The warden’s report raised many details of organisation. The law and order section urged that each citizen be asked to procure and wear an identification disc. It was also recommended that if time allowed people in theatres should be ushered to the dispersal areas. The rural section reported several details which were adopted. The chief warden said the time had arrived for additional secretarial assistance. The volume of E.P.S. work had increased greatly, and it was only reasonable that necessary provision should be made. It had become a fulltime job, and it was unfair to ask Mr Grant to carry on under existing conditions. After a brief discussion the chief warden was authorised to inquire further and report.