FIRST AID CASES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20108, 29 March 1928, Page 8

FIRST AID CASES

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE’S WORK OVERSEAS. The annual report of the work of the St. John Ambulance Brigade has just been issued by the Chief Commissioner for New Zealand (Col. G. Barclay), and it gives some interesting information with regard to the activities of the organisation. The membership of the Brigade now stands at 1408, an increase of 400 during the twelve months. The number of services rendered, i.e., first-aid cases treated, cases nursed privately by lady members, hospital attendances, and the transport of the sick and injured, totalled 21,629 against 16,139 for the preceding year. These figures afford conclusive evidence of the value to the community of the St. John Brigade. While it is notorious that accidents of all kinds are largely on the increase, it is satisfactory to note that the influence and teaching of the St. John Association is in the direction of “safety first” and efficiency, at least, in preventing injuries getting any worse, and that the Brigade members are by constant practice and study justifying the confidence placed in them by the public. During the past year no less than 10,092 first-and cases were treated by the Brigade members while on public duty at functions of various kinds, while there were 10,075 instances of first-aid rendered by members when not .P.ubli 0 duty. Members of nursing divisions gave their services in nursing 297 cases. Thirteen new divisions have been established during the year, and several others are in contemplation. It is gratifying to note that the general public is taking an increased interest in the work of St. John, and it is hoped that the facilities afforded for acquiring a knowledge of first-aid and home nursing work will bo largely availed of.

It is also satisfactory to note that in all the chief centres of Brigade activity, the offer of organised co-operation with the civic or Health Department authorities, in cases of extreme necessity, has been accepted and that the military authorities recognise the organisation as a valuable auxiliary to its medical establishment.