ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Evening Star, Issue 23686, 20 September 1940, Page 2

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

BRIGADE NOTES Kaikorai Ambulance Division. —At a meeting of the division held recently, roller bandaging was indulged in, new members benefiting from the experience of those members who recently passed the home nursing examination. Lady Divisional Superintendent Miss F. Mackenzie also assisted with the practical work. The division was recently favoured with a visit from the corps superintendent and officers, the following being present; —Corps Superintendent D. S. Maclean, Corps Officers Miss M. M'Donald, Mr A. Westfield, Mr G. Ferguson, and Mr R. Spedding. Corps Superintendent Maclean spoke to the members encouraging them to acquire an increase in the membership of the division, and by so doing bring it up to full strength. All corps officers present spoke briefly on the sections of the work in which they were particularly interested. Ambu-lance-officer A. Crighton thanked the members for their visit, and expressed the hope that this was the forerunner of many visits to come. Transport-offi-cer W. Black recently gave a demonstration of stretcher work, which was appreciated by all members present. He is also coaching the team which is to demonstrate stretcher drill at thn annual inspection which is to be held in November. The division’s voluntary drivers 'and orderlies on transport are maintaining their usual hours of duty on the ambulance cars.

Milton Division.—The year’s work commenced with Dr Edgar’s lectures on ‘Hygiene.' This was the first hygiene class that had been held in Milton, and proved very satisfactory, there being 43 members, 36 of whom sat and passed the examination. As soon as the hygiene class finished, a first aid class was held. Dr Minims being the lecturer, the practical work being taken by the ladies of the division. All who sat for the examination were successful. A home nursing class is now being hold, 32 members attending regularly. Edgar has consented to give the lectures. Five members from the division were appointed to the Joint Council of the Orde* of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society, and have given valuable assistance collecting produce, etc., for the stalls. These members have, with help from members of the Red Cross, just completed three emergency kits to be placed in central positions in the town, ready should the need arise. These kits consist of stc_rile dressings, etc. One member is assisting the Girl Guides, who are at present working for their first aid badge; the. Boy Scouts have also been assisted Whenever asked, members try as far as possible to assist by giving demonstrations or talks for the various women’s institutes and mothers’ leagues. Owing to the continued overtime at the Bruce Mills, the attendance at classes has decreased, but is larger than ever before in Milton. Public duties have been carried out during the winter, hockey and football matches being attended each Saturday. Recently two refresher courses in first aid and home nursing were held at Balclutha. Several numbers attended these courses, which proved most interesting. St. John Ambulance Women’s Transport Division.—The Women’s Transport TVvision has been putting in its usual Thursday night practice. At the last meeting Transport-officer W. Black gave a demonstration on first aid and artificial respiration This was much appreciated by all present. Lady Corps Superintendent Sister Esplin has commenced a session for glee singing, this interlude making a welcome change. Military marching was also included in the night’s work Recently an official visit was naid by Corps Superintendent 14. S Maclean and Corps-officers M. M'Donald. A WVsffield. G. Ferguson, and R. Spedding. The Corps Superintendent congratulated the members on their fine work and efficiency. These remarks were also endorsed by tbe corps officers. Since the / inception of tbe "Women's Transport Division last October it lias put in 3.000 hours on Oliitv and Ims attended 000 eases.