Inflation hits bid for ambulance

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 53, 4 July 1974, Page 1

Inflation hits bid for ambulance

"Rampant inflation" will hit the Taupo sub-branch of the St John Ambulance Association when it buys a new ambulance, says the chairman, Mr J. E. Story. Mr Story told. the annual meeting that the transport committee had been investigating the possibility of replacing an ambulance. Whereas the cost of a new vehicle in 1971 was $6000 it would now cost $10,000 — and probably reach $11,000. "This is a cause for much concern," said Mr Story in his annual report. "We are eonfident, however, that the public will

appreciate the services rendered by St John and that such services will be recognised in the usual manner." There was a 92 per cent increase in the number of patients carried by ambulance for the year ended Apri! 30. Some 985 people used the service compared with 512 the previous year. "This is indicative of the demand for St John services in the Taupo district," said Mr Sto-ry. During the year the ambulances travelled 29,367 miles in attending 975 calls. The volunteer nursing and brigade divisions once again had an extremely busy year. The combined standby hourS of both divisions for

1973 totalled 10,784. The combined transport and public duty hours for 1973 totalled 2144 — an average of 41 hours a we,ek. "These hours are very substantial for the relatively small number of willing and able volunteers we have in our sub-centre," said Mr Story. The brigade and nursing divisions were also busy during the year with ancilliary duties including organising six classes for various St John courses, said Mr Story. Last ygar, 107 certificates were awarded to successful candidates. Interest in the' various classes had continued this year. Some 70 people had enrolled for public lectures — - and more than 50 had been examined.