St. John Ambulance Division Has Ambitious Plans For Progress

Chronicle (Levin), 6 November 1948, Page 4

St. John Ambulance Division Has Ambitious Plans For Progress

One of the most familiar sights at every public gathering is the uniform of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Always on call and ever-ready to turn out at any time, this body of men has beeome so much a part of community life that their presence is more than often taken for granted, and the fact that they have voluntarily given up their time is apt to be overlooked. Since 1936 this district has had a fairly strong division. On that date it commenced' with 15 active members with Dr. S. J. Thompson as Divisional Surgeon. Tpday the active strength is still 15 but changes in personnel have naturally occurred during the years. It is pleasing to note, however, that eight of the original members are still actively participating in the work of the division.

The members of the local division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade have their busiest period during the winter, when the more vigorous sport is played, and they are required to attend to injuries from scratches to broken bones. In all weathers they are the silent observers.. I At oue time football fields from Foxton and Shannon in the north to Paraparaumu in the south were manned by members of the division. During the past season the division's territory was "from Shannon to Waikanae. This. naturally incurs considerable travelling, which is done at each member's own expense. Much of the first aid equipment used is purchased out of the members' personal funds, but donations from the various club's help greatly towards the equipment. The members* duties do not cease when they leave a sports field, however. Road accidents and disasters such as floods, fires and earthquakes would find members quickly on the scene. During the week lectures are afctendqd and practical instruction and informa-

tion given to such bodies a's the boy .scouts and girl guides and other organisations where required. Although enthusiasm is one of the main essentials, members cannot give a full service without proper 'faeilities and fun'ds. Knowing ,this, the Levin division hopes soon to embark on a building venture and visualises the erection on their freehold section, in Queen ^treet East, of an Ambulance station an'd, . if funds pernfit, an up-to-date ambulance. If it materialises, this building would be I equipped with a casualty room for i emergency cases. I The need for all the'se fadilities is obvious, as also is the fact that with iimlted finance the division's chances of its scheme materialising, will depend largely on the support it receives from the pubjlic. From its inauguration the division has never made a public appeal for funds, but 'for this venture it will have- little alternative but to do so. Whether or not the djvision gets its. ambulance station, its* members will still be on the job as alwayS, sacrificing personal (time and expense in the humanl•tarian work to which it is devoted.