St. John Ambulance Association.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2088, 24 March 1898, Page 2

St. John Ambulance Association.

On Monday evening at Smardou’s Hall the first lecture in connection with the ladies class was given by Dr Gilbert Smith, in the presence of a good attendance. The doctor, in his introduction pointed out the importance and usefulness of the work they had commenced. Wherever we might be engaged in the despatch of the business or pleasure of life our liability to accident was ever present, and how often it happened that the timely first aid that might.have prevented distressing results—even death—was absent when most needed. In mauy cases when aid was at once forthcoming its value was discounted by the methods employed in attempting to afford relief and the sufferings of the injured aggravated. What is wanted is a practical knowledge of rendering assistance, and this knowledge he now proposed to impart to each member of this class. Judged by results the value of these classes has been recognised all over the civilized world, a statement borne out by the fact that in ten years 90,000 people have received Certificates. In every country in Europe classes had been formed and enthusiastically attended. It may be taken for granted that the desire to help a fellow creature in distress exists in every heart, but the trouble is how to do. it, and that promptly. In the long list of ills that flesh is heir to—accidents, fits, ‘ strokes/ poisoning, drowning—the help a duly certificated member of the St. John Ambulance Association can render may be of inestimable service in alleviating suffering, saving limb and may be life. The lecturer proceeded to give a short description of the structure of the human body, and the functions performed by the various organs. Continuing the lecturer explained the use of the bandages and gave a few hiats on the administration of first aid in the case of wounds. The lecture, which lasted about an hour and a-half, was attentively and intelligently listened to by those present. The succeeding lecture wi'l be held on Monday next at 7 o’clock instead of & as at first decided upon. .