MODERN SURGERY ON WHEELS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 141, 13 August 1941, Page 2

MODERN SURGERY ON WHEELS

GIFT OF NEW ZEALANDER IN

ENGLAND

Probably one of the most unique nnd certainly among the best equipped medical units yet to see service with an expeditionary force is the newly constructed mobile surgical vehicle which has .iust arrived at a New Zealand base camp. A veritable .modern surgery on wheels, i.t comprises every device, that could possibly be introduced for the purpose of emergency operations in a the-

atre of war

It is a large vehicle with an imposing appearance and is completely rclf-contained. In its roomy interioi the walls are lined with cupboards which contain surgical instruments •and all other equipment, while in n Special compartment is a plant for generating electricity. Two complete operating tables form part of the

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Equipment carried, of which the total is; akin to that of a general hospital on a smaller scale. Providing further transport there are fou: trucks to carry bedding and tentage.

Actually operations would be performed not inside the vehicle, but probabty in one of the tents which can be speedity erected. It is gauged that from the time of the arrival •it the scene of a casualty everything could be made ready to go ahead with the operation after about 20 minutes, and certainly within half-•m-hour. Even better results than that may be obtained with practice.

This progressive experiment with a compact and mobile surgical hosoital has been made possible by the generosity of a New Zealander now resident in England—Mr Arthur Sims, late of Christchurch —who deflated the sum of £2500 for its construction. The equipment was bought in England, while the body of the vehicle was built in the Middle East.

It is stated that units, much smaller but for the same general purnoses, were used in the Spanish Civil War, that being their first appearance as: part of an army's accoutrement.