REALISTIC TRIAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 May 1942, Page 2

REALISTIC TRIAL

TEST OF MASTERTON E.P.S.

ORGANISATION

RESULTS QUITE SATISFACTORY.

CHIEF CONTROLLER REVIEvVS POSITION.

Although weaknesses were evident, as was to be expected, the daylight emergency trial held in Masterton on Saturday afternoon was considered by the chief controller, Mr T. Jordan, to be quite satisfactory, A realistic touch was made to the general atmosphere of the mock raid by the swoops over the town of Air Force planes.

The trial, said Mr Jordan, was made more realistic by the co-operation of the Air Force, whose assistance was very much appreciated indeed. In this connection he wished to thank Wing Commander Ayling. The assistance given by the Air Force gave the public some idea of what happened in an air attack. Members of the E.P.S. turned out very promptly and the wardens were very active. Nurses on duty at Wardens’ posts spoke highly of the first aid bandaging carried out at these points. In one case, a nurse brought with her sufficient wood to light a fire to keep her patients warm. Generally speaking, the nurses on duty at wardens’ posts complained about a shortage in the supply of bandages. The position was that there were supplies of bandages at each wardens’ post but these could not be used in trials. In the case of future trials, local supplies of bandages would have to be drawn from the inhabitants of the area. Credit was due to the Fire Brigade, the P. and T. Department and th'e Power Board units for the expedition in which they met the situation. Many broken poles were promptly repaired. The Fire Brigade received more calls than it was able to satisfy. Messages were despatched between the various controllers on the regulation forms. Runners did very well, though there were not enough. It was hoped to remedy that weakness. The arrangements at the casualty clearing station at the Masterton Club were well made, said Mr Jordan. A double ward was provided for men and women patients respectively, besides a reception room for patients and an office for recording particulars of the casualties. The arrangements at Masterton Hospital were also complete. A standby plant for electric power and lighting was operated. A number’ of nurses on duty at the wardens’ posts pointed out how necessary it was to provide a cup 'of tea to patients who appeared to be suffering from shock. This matter would come up for consideration. Mr Cunningham and his supply committee arranged an improvised mobile canteen, which provided a very welcome cup of tea to members of the E.P.S. on duty at assembly points and wardens’ posts. Major McCallum, who acted as an observer, met the controllers after the all clear signal had been given. He said he had very little criticism to offer. It was most important that all traffic should be stopped and the streets cleared, he said. Fie drew attention to a number of cars parked in Essex Street not far away from a clearing station. Those cars should not be allowed to remain there. Cars about the Casualty clearing .station were parked wheel to wheel. That should not be allowed, they should be dispersed. There was some congestion of traffic outside the casualty clearing station at the Masterton Club. Traffic police would have to be detailed to check any congestion in that area in the future.

Satisfaction with the work of the Fire Brigade, the Emergency Fire Service and the E.P.S. fire fighting units was expressed by the Superintendent, Mr T. B. Clark this morning. Mr Clark said their work was very good .as was that of the four women station attendants who took up duty at the station and were kept very busy. Rescue work was carried out by the brigade from the Post Office tower by means of lines and the escape ladder. Twelve deliveries of hose, of a total length of 2,700 feet were used by the brigade at the Post Office. A meeting of the E.P.S. Executive Committee will be held on Friday night to consider the controllers’ reports. Working in conjunction with the Masterton trial a full-dress rehearsal was also held at the Waingayva Freezing Works on Saturday afternoon. The fire brigade, emergency fire service and the ambulance units were in action dealing with fires and casualties in all parts of the buildings. The men concerned worked in a businesslike manner and displayed great keenness and enthusiasm in carrying out their duties. Those in charge were well satisfied with the results. The whole of the engine room staff donned gas masks as soon as the alarm was given, as a precaution against ammonia gas. The staff is particularly well supplied with gas masks.