THE SUPPLEM 'ENT TO THE TEXTBOOK
By M. M. SCOTT, M.R.C.S., L.R,C.P. of Textbook Revision Committee and District Surgeon, S.j.A.B.)
(Concluded from page 9, January, 1948, issue.)
No. 1 District,
BURNS AND SCALDS
I elaborated on this subject recently in a reply to a question sent to the Surgeon-in-Chief for inclusion in " Questions Answers" column. ,
All burn cases should be referred to medical aId, and the surgeon WIll be glad to receive the patient with the minimum amount of interference and handling. The non-removal of overlying clothing is based on the principle that it is impossible to remove it without increasing the dangers of the condition, and since the overlying clothing has also been burned, it is likewise for the moment fundamentally sterile. It is, therefore, left in place and treated as part and parcel of the dressing. The" firm" bandage (when blisters are not suspected) will serve to minimize the loss of body fluid into blisters, etc., a condition which materially increases shock. The giving of a large quantity of warm, weak tea serves the double purpose of providing both stimulant value and fluid to replace that which might be lost as a result of the burn.
TRANSPORT
The use of the carrying sheet offers a simple and efficient method of loading the stretcher. It is less spectacular, but quite apart from being easier also than the former method, it is far less likely to aggravate injuries.
ROCKING STRETCHER
It has been our policy to work in close collaboration with the Royal Life Saving Society in all matters appertaining to artificial respiration. Quite apart from the fact that the rocking stretcher is not easy to improvise, and is therefore not a true first aid method, the information that is at our disposal does not, in our opinion, suffice to waITaI).t it taking pride of place over the well-established and proved method of Professor Schafer. vVe are, however, keeping a perfect open mind, and we appreciate its value, inasmuch as we have given a brief, practical account of it in the Appendix, Along with the R.L.S.S., we are closely studying the situation.
THE SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF FIRST Am
Th@re are three important questions which frequently give concern to the progressive and thinking first aider, and the textbooks of the future will have to bear these points in mind.
(r) How far is he justified in treating a " minor" case on his own, without referring his patient to the doctor.
(2) How should he deal with" Medical Emergencies ", when no provision is made for them in iihe textbook.
(3) How should he proceed in a case of " sudden childbirth".
These points were deliberated in a general way at the Surgeon's Conference. Alth-ough, unfortunately, time did not permit of a detailed discussion :_
(r) I w?uld suggest that in own interests, as well as those of the patient, every pahent treated by a first alder should be advised to obtain medical advice as soon as possible. Many minor cases might do quite well with no further attention, but there is always the odd case that goes wrong and therefore both on moral and legal grounds, the first aider will be well advised to stick to the scope of the subject as defined in the Textbook.
(2) ,recognized medical emergencies such as diabetic coma (in which the WIll probably be a " Card of Instruction ") will certainly c?me the scope of the first alder, but other conditions, in which the first alder WIll be compelled to make a Eliagnosis prior to treatment, lay him open 38
to grave criticism both on moral and legal grounds. On the strength of a first certificate it [S grGssly improper and even criminal to indicate to a patient that he will receive safe and appropriate emergency treatment. As an example, may I draw attention to the acute abdominal pain, which might be due to anything from a simple constipation to a perforated gastric ulcer, and yet the treatment of one is a death sentence in the case of the other. The whole subject bristles with difficulties . . We are quite aware of the numerous first aiders who avidly read "Home Doctors" and other equivalent confusing ltiterature. First aid in medical emergencies often consists of "Masterly Inactivity", and the laying of a patient in the most comfortable position, with general attention to tight clothing, etc., is all that is needed. The medical emergency that is not seriously ill can wait for the doctor's attention, the patient that is seriously ill is well beyond the scope of the first aider. Safety first-both 'for the patient and yourself !
(3) Re sudden childbirth. This subject is undoubtedly a real emergency, with its dangers of possible hc:emorrhage and shock, etc. Unfortunately, there are extraneous factors which are quite beyond our control and which prohibit us from imparting the necessary instruction on official lines. The matter is being taken up at a higher level, and possibly it might lead to an official instruction.
THE FUTURE OF THE TEXTBOOK
The" Black Book" is now under active revision and tholJsands of suggestions and criticisms from all parts of the country and empire have been carefully tabulated, examined, and discussed. Many of the suggestions received will be incorporated in the new book, which we feel will be a true" Empire" book, inasmuch as every first aider who was so disposed has had his say. Contact is also being made with eminent experts in the more specialized departments, such as "Poisons", to ensure that our teachings will be backed by the highest authority.
To conclude, may I once again stress the need for rational conception of the practice of first aid. Knowledge and common sense appreciation make a perfect combination .. , First aid" needs them both.
ELEMENTARY HOME NURSING FOR THE HOUSEWIFE
This is a companion book to Elementary First A id for the Housew ife, which was published a few months ago, and both were compiled at the request of the Women's Group on Public Welfare.
The author of the Home Nursing Booklet is Miss M. Miller, S.R.N. (County Nursing Officer for Suffolk), and she has placed the subject before the housewife in an understandable and easy manner. The book contains five talks: one being an introduction to the subject, whilst the other four corn prise Care and Comfort of the Patient, The Patient's Room, Observation of the Patient, the Doctor's
Visit, Bedside Nursing, Special Points in Nursing Chronic and Aged Patients, Special Points in Nursing Children, Infectious Diseases, and Hygiene. Miss Margaret G. Bondfield (Chairman of the Women's Group) in a foreword, commends both booklets, which "provide words that can be understood even by those with very limited schooling, and will be a great help to those with little time for reading study-books."
Copies of the booklet Gan be obtained from the Stores Department, St. John's Gate, Clerkenwell, London, E.C. 1, price Is., plus postage.
THE HOSPITALLERS' CLUB
At the Annual General Meeting held at reported that membership had increased the Bonnington Hotel, London, ' on during the year, and that more members ] anuary 9, Mr. A. E. Turtle was elected were attending' the monthly meetings. President for the ensuing year, with Satisfactory reports were also received Mr. S. ]. Stillwell (who had been Hon. from the Treasurer and Social Secretary. Secretary for the past three years) as Other officers elected were: Hon. Vice-President. The retiring President, Secretary, Major R. A. Payne; Hon. Mr. C. BoweF, expressed his thanks to all Treasurer, Mr. K. Stallard; Hon. Social members for their support, and paid Secretary, Mr. ]. Kemp; members of the tribute to the assistance received from the committee being Messrs. Craft, Lear, Hart, members of the Committee. The Secretary and Dunford. 39
TALKS ON NURSING FOR MEN
By MISS MARJORIE H. MILLER, S.R.N. (County Nursing Officer f()r Suffolk)
TALK NO.2
OF THE PATIENT to see; in this case a little water
In the last article you have learnt should be placed in the bottom of the how to make your patient eomfortable cup instead of paper. Stomach.-Nausea, vomit-what it -now you must consider how you may he1p your patient towards recovery and is like and the time when vomited; what will be required of you by the anything other than undigested ' food doctor towards that end. First of all must be saved for the doctor to see. he will need a history of the illness and Abdominal Pain.-Kind of pain, will want to know when the patient time when it comes on and whether was takel'l ill and what the tem;pera- or not. ture, pulse, and respiration have been. Bladder.-Urine-quantity, whether The method of taking these will be pain on passing, and whether the found in the Home Nursing MarlUal. patient passes it more often than usual.
The doctor should be called in if the The doctor may ask for a specimen. temperature is 100 degrees or more. This must be passed into a clean You should realize that a patient can chamber, bedpan, or urinal and th en be ill and need a doctor even if she poured into a clean bottle which must has no fever. In these Gases you must be labelled with the pat,ient's name, use your observation and call in the the day and time when passed. The doctor when your common sense tells specimen must be fresh. you. If the patient's temperature has Bowels .-Motions, constipated or been 99 degrees or between 99 degrees loose. Whether pain when having the and 100 degrees you should ke€p the bowels opened Any motion that is patient in bE'd till it is normal and for unusual must be saved for the doctor twenty-four hours after it is normal or to see. The container must be covered until the doctor says she may get up. with a cloth wrung out in disinfectant, It is a great mistake to allow a patient and should be left in th e w.c. with the to get up as soon as her temperature window open till it has been seen. is normal-or the following morning if Limbs.-Position, pain, and whether it has beeln normal the night befiOFe. the patient has full use of them. The tweflty-four hours in bed win save P()sition of Patient.-Which position any complications and" after-effects". she finds most comfortable; whether The following method of observing she complains of pain when in any the patient's condition and noting the special position. s,igns and symptoms will help you to Condition of Skin.-Whether the give a true history of your patient 's patient's skin is hot and dry or whether illness-begin at the head and work she perspires freely. Whether she has do'wn the body :- shivering attacks.
Head.-Pain, face flushed or pale. Sleep.-Whether the patient sleeps Eyes.-Failing sight, discbarge. weiLl or restlessly; how long she sleeps. Nose.-Discharge. General Outlook on Life.-Whether
Ears.-Pain, deafness, disG'harge. the patient is her usual self or Tongue.-Clean, dirty, bad breath, unusually cheerful or d epressed or sore gums. wandering in mind.
Chest.-Breathing, slow or rapid, In your own home or in hospital you pain, cough, sputum. . may at some time be called on to nurse
If sputum is coughed up you should cpronic and aged patients-witb these noti(w what it is like. A cup lined with patients there are often physical and paper which can be removed ami mental 8hanges. One who may nave burned night and morning, or IIrlor@ been contented and good tempered often if need be, may be used as a may become short tempered and receptacle for the spuhlm. ] f tifueJfe is irritahle; tiJJ.is is Be> fault or-Hue anything unusual in tbe sFiIflturn, a patient herseH ami due to her specimen must be kept for the doctor complaint and to the fact that she is 40
bedridden and ill or old. When nursing this type of patient you should remember that they have little left in life to interest them and you should INake a special efif0rt to keep them amused:. If these old are in a roo'm alone you should not leave them without t elling them something of what you are going to do and when they may expect you back.
Old people especially are not able to stand great heat or cold, and you should try to arrange their personal clothing and bedclothes so that they are neither too hot nOJf too If the patient is helpless, bedridden, and incontinent, a nightdress split open as far as the yoke at the back will be a great help and will save much laundering.
Old people for the most part do not like fres h air and hate to feel what they call a draught and what you would call ventilation. The method of wrapping up the patient in shawls, etc., and airing the room two or three times a day, keeping the window shut between times, is often desirable.
It is most important that whatever the patient u ses to attract the attention, be it stick, bell, or whistle, is always within reach.
SPECIAL POINTS IN NURSING CHILDREN
It is well to remember that children under school age very seldom pretend to be ill, so that if a smali seems unwell he should be noticed carefully. As children are often unable to explain how they feel or just where the pain is, you must take particular care in observing the exact condition of the child. Children have a high temperature more easily than adults, but the same rules should be observed about keeping the child in bed and eaHimg the Doctor.
Small children, that is from birth to four or five years, must be bathed every day, even when they are very ill, unless the doctor or trained nurse decides otherwise. A small child is seldom too ill to bath.
Proced1,we for Bathing
(iIi) warm rO<OIID, pwepaICe evei'yt!llili'l.g ,in readil1'l.ess, and warm chaiffige of clothes.
(2) Fill hot water bottle.
(3) Prepare a drink (to be heated later) .
(4) Wrap up the child well and place in an arm chair or on the floor on pinows protected fwm draughts.
(§) You m'lflst not leave the mom after you have taken the child out of bed until you have put him back agaIn.
(6) Make up the bed, put in the bottle.
(7) Pour out the bath water, testing the heat with own elbow. If the water feels comfortable for this sensitive part then it will be correct for bathing.
(8) Place everything within easy reach.
(9) Take the child on knee, undress him, wrap firmly in warm towel enclosing the arms, wash and dry face. Then lather o\vn hands and wash child, place child in bath supporting head, rinse all over, return to lap on warm towel, dry, taking particular care with creases. If" napkin baby", grease buttocks with castor oil and zinc ointment.
(10) Dress child.
(II) Place in warm bed with hot water bottle well protected.
(12) Give warm drink.
(13) Clear up the room.
Clean Habits
A sick child who has been trained to clean habits may go back to baby habits when sick. In order to prevent this, with the resulting discomfort to the child and the extra washing for the nurse, it is most important you should chamber the child at regular times, particularly when he wakes and before and after each meal. In order to prevent accidents it is weI] to napkin the child, but the fact that he is napkined should not interfere with regular chambering.
Infectious Diseases
Modern science has made it possible to minimize the chances of infection and to lessen the severity of the disease if contracted, and you should ensure that all children for whom you are responsible should make use of the Pu bhc Health Services which will :Vaccinate against Small-Pox, which is a dangenGlils disease, though seldGIn f0i\!liIld lITh this cOillntry now on accou'l1" t of vaccination; Immunize , against Diphtheria, which
41
is a deadly disease of the throat. Immunization of all children would make this terrible disease as rare as small-pox. Immunization is treatment by injection which gives the person prote«:tion from the <disease.
YOY £hould also see that advantage is taken of the innoculations which the Public Health Services offer when a particular infectious disease is epidemic.
DEATH OF COLONEL SIR JAMES AND LADY CL.ARK
We regret to announce the passing of C(')lonel Sir James Clark which was f01lowed just three days ]at@l' by that of his widow, Lady Clark.
Sir James was appointed Chief Commissi(')l;}el' (')f the Brigade At-Mome in 1911, a position he held until 1923. He was in charge of the Royal Command Revi€w, held in Windsor Great Park on June 22, 1912, when some 15,000 members were inspected by T.M. King Gfwrge and Queen Mary. In 1913 he represented the Order at the second Internaticmal Congress ©f Life-SaviIl!fg Soci@1ries and First Aid which assembled at Vienna. During the 1914-18 war he was in command of the Brigade Hospital at Etaples for the first year for which he was created C.M G. At the end of 1923 he resigned the Chief Commissionership after 22 active years. He was promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order in 1926, and was one of the three senior Members at his death.
A memorial service was held in the Crypt <Elf the Priory Church, Clerkenwell, on J anl!lary 30, when tlae Duke of Gloucester (Grand Prior) was represented by Lt.-Genel'al Sir WilliaI]l. Dobbie, and the Earl of Clarendon (Sub-Prior) by Brigadier W. B. G. Barne (Secretary-General of the Order) The Bishop of Kensington officiated, assisted by the Rev. Eric S. Cheetham.
OBITUARY
We regl'et to announce the death of the following :-
Amh. Officer Mrs. Mary E. Crowther, treasUl'el' of the Blackpool Nursing Division, who died suddenly on December 10. Brigade work was very dear to her, and her colleagues will sadly miss her. She was a Serving Sister (')f the Order, and during the recent war took active part in first aid trainjng and in F.A. Post work.
Div. Supt. Mrs. Sarah E. McKinley, J.P., of the Fleetwood Nursing Division, who died om December 12, whilst €mt £moj2>piog. Her sudden /death came as a great shock to hel' many friends, and her members will miss her leadership.
42
Corps Surgeon Alexander T. Woodward, Sunderland Corps, who died at the end of December last. He joined the Brigade as a Divisional Surgeon in 1921, was promoted to Corps rank in 1940. He was am ardent worker for the Brigade, and during the war, with the Civil Defence.
Div. Supt. Mrs. M. F. Smith, HaItwhistle Nursing Div ision, who died during the last week in December. Since 1940 she had carried on the work of her Division under very difficult circumstances, but in the midst of a busy life she found time to give many hours of voluntary help to the Haltwhistle Cottage Hospital.
Mr. J. H. Fawcett, late Slilperintendent of the East Cleveland Division, who died on D ecem ber i 1. He joined the Brigade in 1915, and only retired in 1946, after 31 years' active service. For many years he was head of the first aid organization in the local steel works where he was emp loyed.
Corps Officer Alhert John Flux, of the D erby and District Corps, who died on January 25. H e was' appointed to Corps rank in 1943, after being an Ambulance Officer in the D erby Di visio n for 12 years. H e joined the Brigade in 1901, and gained his Sixth Service Medal Bar in 1946. His work was recognized by the Order in 1934, when he was Admitted a Serving Brother, and in 1943, when he was promoted to Officer.
Corporal W. Smith, of the Haggerston Di vision, after being in ill-health for a considerable period. He held the Service Medal of the Order, and during the war he did good. work with the Borough of Hackney C.D. Services.
Supt. Reuhen Funne]] (R.) of Hailsham, who died on D ecember 18. He was the founder of the Hailsham Division and one of the prime workers for the formation of the Nursing Division. Joining the Brigade in 1927 he passed through the ranks until reaching that of Divisional Superintendent in 1935.
Supt. William A. Stevens of the Ward own (Luton) Division who collapsed and died whilst taking part in a first aid lecture. Mr. Stevens founded the Luton Division in 1912 and remained in charge for five years. In 1941 he formed the Ward own Divisio n of which he was superintendent. Later, with his wife, he formed the Wardown Nursing and Cadet Divisions. He was a first aid officer at Commer Rarrier, Ltd., and during the waF he was awarded a Meritorious Service Certificate for rescue work when a German Rocket damag;€d Commer Cars canteeFl! and demG1[sfied a number @f neaf'by bouses. Members of the Brigade paid their iast tribute at tke funeral.
NEW YEAR HONOURS
The following members of the O;der, the Association, and the Brigade, were honoured by H.M. The King in the New Year Honours List :Baron.-Colonel the Rt. Hon. Sir David John Colville, G.C.I.E , T.D. Knighthood.-Ernest Augustus Lee Steere; Colonel David Clyde, C.I.E., M D., V.R.S.; Wmiam Robert Tennant, e.I.E.
C.B.-Lachlan Frederick Copeland Maclean, O.B.E.
G.C.S.I.-Lie ut.-General H.H. Maharajadhiraja Raj Rajeshwar Shiromani Shri Sir Sadul Singhji Bahadur, G.e.I.E., e.V.O., Maharaja of Bikaner.
K.C.S.I. -Ma jor-General (Local Lieut.-General) Treffery Owen Thompson, C.B., C.B.E., K.H.P.
C.S.I.-Clarence James Creed, C.I.E., O.B.E.
C.M.G.-Roger Edward Norton, O.B.E.
G.C.I.E.-H.E. Sir Hugh Dow, K.C.S.r., e.r.E.
K.C.I E.-Sir Ivan Hope Tuanton, e.LE.; Major-General Robert Hay, C.I.E., M.B.
G.C. V.O.-H.R.R. The Duchess of Gloucester, e.r., G.B.E .; H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent, e.r., G.B.E.; H.R.H. Prince£s Alice, Countess of Athlone, G.B.E.; Sir Godfrey John Vignoles Thomas, Bt., K.e.B., K.C.V.O., e.S.r. , C. V.O.-Major Philip Reginald Margetson, M.C.
G.B.E.-H.E. The Rt. Hon. Edwina Cynthia Annette, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, e.r., D.C.V.O., C.B.E.; Beryl Carnegy Lady Oliver, D.B.E., R.R.C.
K.B.E.-Sir William Patrick Spens, O.B.E.
D.B.E.-Mrs. Louisa Jane Wilkinson, C.B.E., R.R.e.
C.B.E.-Brigadier Roderic Duncan Cameron, O.B.E., M.e., M.B.; Brigadier John Cecil D'Arcy Dalton, O.B.E. ; Ann, Lady Dow; Isabel, Lady HottoI'l, M.D.
O.B.E.-Charl es Henry Clinton Pirie -Gordon, ·D.S.C., Captain William James Hutchinson; Mrs. Sarah Muriel Grace Sigrid vVatson; Thomas Cowie; Captain William Thomas Brindley.
Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal.-Kodikal Sanjiva Row, C.LE.
SERVICES IN THE CRYPT OF THE GRAND PRIORY CHURCH
The Chapter-General has decided that, tihe lTebuilding of the Grand Priory Church, Services shall be held amlUally in the Crypt as follow£ :-
March ro. Dedication of the Grand Priory Church and Commemoration of the Order's Saints and Benefactors.
Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m.
Jun e 2 4. St. John Baptist's Day, the Annual CommemoratIOn Service of the Order.
Special Notices will be issued for thi£.
Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m.
October 3. The Blessed Gerard Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m.
December 9. The Recapture of Jerusalem . Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m.
NIember s and A£sociate Members of the Order are requested to note these dates for future reference, and if possible to give prior notice to the Secretary of th e Order of their intention to be present.
FIRST AID AT THE WAR OFFICE
The Chief Secretary of the Association has that G[asses of instrnction im. m!lfst ai61 have been held at the War Office, and that during last month the certificates and vouchel's ,gaimed by the 43
s tudents were distributed by the Director of Estab[isbments. It is prop)@)sedi. that such students should become members of St. John Ambulance Brigade Divisions.
MALTA G.C.
It is with great pleasure we announce the pn:lmotion to Lielllt.-C@i@Iil€l Commanding the 1st Coast R€giment Royal Malta Artillery of Brigade Commissioner in Malta and Gozo, Lt.-Col@)n€l J. V. Abela. This is the highest military appointment within the gift of the permanent forces of Malta.
The report for the year 1947 shows that the general w©rk of the Brigade had been well maintain€d, and ther€ are n@)w foul' Medical Comf0rts Depots well established and doing good work as they serve the poor.
A strong link was established with the Royal Navy when, in January, th€ Naval CommaNder-in-Chief, Admiral Sir I A. U. Willis, found time to accept the appointment as the first Island Pr€sident. During the period under review 120 Ambulance Officers and members have been to sea for ex€rcises with H.M. Ships, whilst nearly 100 Nursing Officers and members visited H.M. Ships in Harbour.
A very im:p0rtant featur€ of 1947 was the introducti<:>n of a scheme to affiliate Units of the Brigade in Malta and Gozo with Brigade Units in the United Kingdom, and relations have been established with Units in Cornwall, Devonshire , Hampshire, 30mersetshire, and Surr€y
The r€port stresses the great inspiration
given to St. John work by the visit of the Chief Commissioner, Sir James Sleeman, who spent 16 days as th€ guest of H.E. The Governor and Lady Douglas.
The Ambulance Van continues to do exeeUent wQ)rk, alth01!Igh high wages make it impossible to employ a whole-time driver.
PRIORY IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.
Members of the United Nations Organization have often referred in dispamging terms to the native policy of the white people of South Africa, but the accom-· panying photograph shows what St. John does for the non-European people of the Union.
When the British Hospital at Baragwanath was evacuated it was made iuto a hospital for the non-European peoples, the rather unsuitable building which was the Native Section at the Johannesburg General Hospital was closed, and patients were transported ten miles.
A St. John fleet of six ambulances and a mobile First Aid Unit took the patients to their new home; and the two photographs depicted show the transportation in operation
Tremendous steps are being taken for the good of non-European peoples, and particularly of the Bantu, in South Africa. St. John is well to the fore in this work.
THE NEW 'PEOPLE'S PHYSICIAN
Written by Medical Experts and Edited by DOUGLAS HAY SCOTT, M.B., Ch.B.
T HIS up-to-date compendium of home medicin€ is one that will prove of the greatest interest and value to readers of this j0urnal. In addition to being a reliable medical work for the layman, it forms a complete and authoritative work of reference for all engaged in nursing and First Aid work.
Informed with the latest scientific knowledge and practice it covers anatomy, physiology, general principles of marsing and First Aid-general treatment in emergencies, bandages and bandaging, hremorrhage, fractures, dislocations, sprains, burns, scalds, electrical injuries, poisons and poisoning, carriage of the injured, etc.
Diseases of all kinds are fully described, together with their
symptoms and treatment.
A whole s€ction is devoted. to tropical diseases. Surgery is dealt with in a section of its own, as are also diseases of women and children
Other interesting articles deal with sex, psychology, beauty culture, care of children, scientific cookery, exercise, diet, etc
2500 ILLUSTRATIONS
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Two Fully Coloured Anatomical Mod€ls (one Male, one Female) showing every Bone, Organ, Muscle, and Nerve in the Body.
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TRANSFERRING PATIENTS
No. I (PRINCE OF WALES'S) D1STRICT Special Lectures.-The Department of the DistFict Surgeon is holding six speciaL first aid lectures ir;} the COlilrt Room, Holborn Town Hall, W.C. 1. The lectures will be on general lines and are not intended for Association purposes. They will deal with subjects in a broad and interesting way and will introduce subject matter which is not normally included in routine lectures. Illustrations will be provided by lantern slides, epidiascope, ' and models, and opportunity will be furnished for general di.scussion and questions.
The following surgeons of No.1 District will act as lecturers: March 4-District Surgeon M. M. Scott (Member of the Textbook Revision Committee), March 11 -Asst. Commissioner Dr. E. S. Abraham, March IS-Asst. Commissioner Dr. G. R. H. Wrangham, April I-County SurgeoFl Lt.-Col. E. J. Selby, April 8County Surgeon G. Bousfield, April 15Commissi@Fler MajOF A. C. White Knox (members of the Textbook Revision Committe@).
Each lecture will commence at '7 p.m ; and as accommodation is strictly limited early application should be made to the Class Secretary, District Staff Officer C. E. Bower, District Headquarters" 28 ,pt. John's Lane, E.C. 1. Fee for the course, which is open to all members of No. 1 District, is 2s. 6d. The Holborn Town HaL is near Holborn Tube Stati©n. " East Family" annmal dinne1was held on January 3, when friends and members of the Nos. 30and 182Ambulance, No. 76N Nursi,ng, and Nos. C23 aFld CN22 Cadet Divisions, which constitute the " Family", enjoyed the first post-war dinner. It was in true family spirit that President J. Spanjer commenced pwceedings by the announcement af the engagement of Pte. A Fentom and to offer congratulations to him and luis fiaFlcee. Supt. E. Stitcher JIDFoPlosed t[Q.e iE@ast 01 the guests to which Asst. Commissioner Capt. R. V. Steele respoFlded. He stressed the great part which the East London
Supt. Stitcher was instrumental in fOFming th,e NQ. 76 Nursing Division and! how he had instilled into everyol1e that spirit of the" family" which was as strong now as ever. Amb. Officer A. Goldstein stated that 88 m embers of the Div ision had seen active service during the war, five of whom were killed. Those left behind were either full-time or part-time C.D. workers. Cadet Officer J. Webber in proposing the President said that he was always a source of inspiration and ready to give good advice. Mr. Spanjer in reply referred to the many important activities of the No. 30 Division and stated that it was the first in the British Isles to establish F.A. Posts in shelters.
No. 46 (Ilford Division).-The competition for the Magnus Silver Cup, presented 40 years ago by the first superintendent of the Division, was judged by District Officer E. Howeard, assisted by Area Cadet Officer Mullingan. After a very close and keen contest Pte. A Bone was declared the winner with Pte. B. E. Sills as runner-up. Div. Surgeon Noordin presented the trophy to the winner and congratulated all competitors on their fine display.
No. 53 (South Met. Gas Co.) Nursing Division celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a Reunion Party on January 17. After tea, complete with two birthday cakes given by well wishers, District Officer Miss Grindley invested Miss Wilde, who is Lad y Superintendent of the Gas Company and shows great interest in the welfare of th e Divisio n, with her Badge as Divisional Presirient.
Another ceremony performed when the Division said farewell to Corps Officer Miss Sparks, who has retired from the Company's service. Miss Sparks, who has been in the Div ision since 1922, was presented with an electric clock from past and present members of the Division.
No. 99 (Lambeth) Division held their annual New Year's Party on January 24" at which members of neighboming Divisions attended together with many friends.
Divisions had played during the war. LANCASHIRE DISTRICT
District Officer H. Dunford, in pwposing Tw:o new trophies recently presented the toast of the East London Divisions, were competed for at Chorley on January also spoke of the work done during the 24. Mr. and Mrs. Lord presented the war which was reflected on the number of Lawson-Russell Cup in memory of Mrs. honours gained by their members. These Lord's father (as St. John Surgeon fo[" over included oae George Medal, three M.B.E. 's, 40 years), and this was for adult teams one Military Med.al, and nine MerHQilrious wh? had noif;; entered competitions befoJPe ; Service Certificates. Hereierrem to the whilst the MFs. Riddle Cup (in memory of loss sustained by the Brigade by death the late Dr. Riddle) was for the b€st of Supt. David Stitcher. Supt. Miss individlllal Cad@t in the Cadet CompetiF. A. Minot in reply spoke of how the late tions. Preston High School gained the 46
first trophy and Doreen McKie the Cadet Individual trophy. Mayor of Chorley presented the trophies and prizes; whilst among those pFesent was Commissioner Major Burt-Hamilton and MFS. BurtHamiUon, District Supt. Miss M R. Moore, and other District Staff Otfiicers. District Officer Dr. Winifred Shaw undertook all arrangements at short notice following the motor accident to Dr. Doris Wheeler.
LiverpooI.-During 1947 the Transport Section of the Liverpool Corps ' covered 5,175 miles with in valid transport and public duties cases as well as other duties undertaken. Patients, numbering 167, were conveyed to many hospitals in distant parts.
The number of cinema duties undertaken numbered 8,414 (an increase of some 700 over 1946) with a further 104 special duties.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIffE
Reading.-On January 12 County Commissioner C. A. Poole presented Insignia of Serving Brother to Corps Officer J. W. Lambourn, who joined the Brigade in 1927. Following the presentation the Commissioner held a promotion examination with the result that Sergt. A. Ashton will be appointed an Ambulance Officer, and Pte. A. F. Clarke b ecomes a Corporal. Maidenhead.-On New Year's Day members of the Maidenhead Ambulance and Nursing Diyisions presented a pantomime to the Good Companions' Club. It was written for the occasion by CorpI. Mrs. E. Turner; and the programme included a play by the Nursing Cadets. The Good Companions' Club is nm jointly by St. John and the British Red Cross Society, and consists of about 120 members over 60 years of age.
On January 3 the Nursing Division gave a party to the , members of the Ambulance Division and their friends.
Windsor.-A recently held successful fete has added £80 to the funds of the Royal Borough of Windsor Divisions. The fete was opened by County Cadet Officer Mrs. J. F. S. MODtagu-Plllckle and during the ceremony County Superintendent the
presented first aid certificates. Div. Surgeon D. Munro Ashman, Area Cadet Officer Miss K. Corderoy were among those present.
COUNTY OF BUCKINGHAM
Cippenham and Burnham.-The anmual party for old people was given by the members of the Nursing Division aad was, as usual, greatly enjoyed. Dming the party County Officer Mrs. Weaver-Adams gave a talk on the History of the Order; whilst gifts were presented to each visitor by the Mayor and Mayor€ss of Slough. Slough.-A Glinner was given last 'month to veteran St. John workers by th€ Town Ambulance and Nursing Divisions. A most happy time was spent with r@miniscences and the renewal of old friendships. Old time danying was enjoyed, and it is hoped to make the event an annual one. Stokenchurch.-The Adult Divisions organized a successful New Year Party for the Cadets. During the evening County Officer Miss Mitchell presented awards.
COUNTY OF GUERNSEY
At the first N€w Year Drill meetiFlg of the North(Hn AmbulaaceDivision tropbi@s won by were presented by th@ D ean of Guernsey. A display was given by a team under the leadership of Sergt. Low, and Div. Surgeon P. S. A. H@yworth awarded them full marks for an excellent eXpOSItIOn. The following presentations were made: Balmoral Trophy (donated by President Deputy W. J. COrIDet, and competed for during 1947 for the first time) Pte. A. T. Le Page, runner-up LjCorpl. L G. Robmiard. These two members tied in the origrnal competition, but after an additional test Pte. Le Page was declared the winner. "Bluebird Trophy": team led by Corpl. R. L. Rihoy. Proficiency Trophy (awarded as a result of 8 tests held at short notice during the year): Hon. Sergt. E. A. Lowe, with LjCorpl. Robilliard as runner-up. Dr. Heyworth expressed thanks to the Dean, and apologized for the absence of County Surgeon W. B. Fox.
COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE
Han. Mrs. Leslie Gamage who was On the occasion of the Farnblorougla. recemtly appointed Divisional President of Railway accident in November last, the Nursing and Nursing Cadet Divisions, members cif the Brigade hurried to the received her Badge of office. scene of the crash to help with the casualOn January 4 the Divisions took part in ties. The ambulance, summoned from its a New Year Sunday Church Parade, depot three miles away, was on the spot attending a special service at the Parish within tea minutes; and altog@ther , 13 Church. ambulances and 4 nursing members " Woolhampton.-On January 17 mem- reported for duty. With County Offioor i1Ders @] the W@ollIDampt@F1 ailJlJd Brimptop. L. Clifford. in charge, an Army Hut was Division, under Supt. Mrs. H. tumed into a First Aid station, and many Bowden, eFltertained parents and friends patients were treated with the assistance to a ]i>arty. During the eveming County of other Supt. G H. gave Supt. The Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage valuable aSSIstance by usmg hIS own car 47
for carrying some of the casualties to hospital. Injuries treated included fractured skull, fractured tibia and fibula, fractured arm, and seriol!]s cuts and abrasiens to face, arms, and hands.
Ash Vale.-Di'V. Surge{)[1 S. Bartlett presided at the annual di!I'l!lleF of the Ash Vale Division. Amb. Officer L. E. A. Gibbs proposed the toast of the Order and referred to the calls made upon members of the Brigade. Sergt. C. R. Bryant replying on behalf of the Division stated that during last year 392 ciuties had. been performed and 78 cases attended. Proposing the toast 'of The Visitors, the Chairman paid. tribute to the wives (')f the members. Replying, Mr. R. F. Tolley (Chairman, Ash Parish COImci1), paid high tribute to the work of the Brigadle, which, he said, went about its work unobtrusively and unsung, many people failing to notice them until they were in need of their services. H e assured the Division of his support in their endeavours at all times.
COUNTY OF LEICE$TER
Leicester.-The Hospital Library Service, undertaken by members of the Leicester Nursing Corps, i'l:as c@vered a weJI-needed service The issue of books aRd reading matter of all kinds, givep. out weekly to all types of hospital patients, the repairing, rebinding and accessioning, to cardex and shelves, in alphabetical order, to dress trolleys accO'rdiRg to the ward to be visited, to remember all the special requests, is a service to mankind, maintained by many members iE. Leicester. At the City General Hospital, under the direction of Corps Secretary Mrs. E. YOlik (whe staJi'ted the ihst hespital library in Leicester in 1934) and at the City Isolation Hospital under Amb. Sister Miss Coe, this work is steadily carried on. In 1947, the Librarians issued 34,550 books, repaired and recased 550, and gave 3,724 hours on duty. Members give .their weekly ha:lf-holiday and spare evemngs, to make thls work possible. Last September a weekly class was inaugurated for bookbinding and repairing, and the of Mr. W. Manning, a craftsmaR lIil. the art of bo{)kbiimling, who has voluqtarily given his servioe and knowledge to the Library Department, has proved of immense value The work is aGcomplished and assisted by the of, and co-operation with, the BOSPlta:1 Staff.
Co-UNTY OF NORFOLK
Cromer.-During '1947 the Cromer Division conveyed 550 patients Rearly
whilst conveying 259 patients including 26 road ac(;;ident cases. flunstautou.-Asst. Commissioner Dr.W. E. H. Bull presided at the annllal meeting of Hunstanton Division.
Supt R. W. 5!IDit11, who was complimented G[1 his award of the Order of St. J o'hn, gave a satisfactory report. Gratitude was expressed to Dr. ' C. R. H. Ball and Dr. Bull for acting as Divisional President and Divisional Surgeon.
East Harling.-A large number of members of the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions and their friends spent an enjoyable evening at a Carnival Party.
JDuring an interval Supt. M. E. Sheldrake introduced County Commissioner Sir ThGmas Cook who, after presenting a Divisional Vice-President's Certificate to Mr. C. C. Barker and annual awards to members of the Nursing Division, gave a shprt address on the work of the Brigade. He thanked Div. Surgeon F. R. Wilson for his continued interest and assistance to the Divisions.
Norwich.-Members of the Boulton and Paul Division were entertained by the directors of the firm to dinner at the Royal Hotel. Div. President S. Howes was in the chair, supported by Asst. Commissioner Dr. W. E. Rutledge, Chief Constable A. F. Plume, County Supt. Dr. May Rutledge, Div. Surgeon G. S. BaradellSmith, and Supt. S. Cogman
The annual report of the Corporation Division includes the reference to the recognition of St. John by the Civic Authorities in the provision of uniforms. Members have attended 276 public duties since September last.
COUNTY OF SURREY
Cohham.-With a view to making personal contact between members of the Brigade in the N.W. Surrey area, a series of socials are b eing held to which members and friends are invited. The first such function was held at Cobham on January 15, and proved a great success. Durin g the evening Asst. Commissioner P. Ellis presented Service Medal Certificates to Sergt. W. Kimmel and Pte. W. Saunders of the C€lbham Div ision, and expressed the hope that these social events might lead to new members entering the movement . A cup, to be competed for at each social for indoor games, was on this occasion won by Cobham.
During 1947 Cobham ambulances answered 191 calls and covered 4 231 miles an in,crease of 41 calls and 1,090 miles.
COUNTY OF SUSSEX 10,000 Sixteen of tlfte patients were Felhridge.-Tne Rev. G C Stuart Cox wad accident cases. cOFldluctedl a seiJfvice cmtsidie St. YG1m's : Fakenham.--The Fakenham Ambu- Church, to dedicate the new ambulance of. lance covered 13,837 miles during 1947 the Felbridge Division. Prior to the 48
ceremony a short service was held inside the Church. I Worthing.-Members of the Worthing ArnbuJance and Nmsing Divisions eFljoyed the first social event held in the new Headquarters OlJl, January Th.ose present included Supts. L. C. and Mrs. Butcher, Div. Surgeons W. O. Pitt and H. Rosenberg, and also Miss J. Lawson who was able to see how her gift of a piano was appreciated. During the evening Dr. Pitt made a presentation to StaffSergt. Weller on his retirement after 20 years' service. This took the form of a fitted first aid case and also a purse for Mrs. Weller. Sergt. Miss Kenney received two books on the history of the Order on her departure from Worthing.
COUNTY OF SOMERSET
Tannton.-Some 200 people were present at the Empire Hall, Taunton, on January 21, the occasion being the first of a series of old-time dances arranged by the Taunton Ambulance Division.
Amb. Officer A. J. Rosewarn has been Admitted a Serving Brother of the Order on the recommendation of the Central Railways' Ambulance Committee.
President Lt -Col. V. B. Thurston was among those invested by the Earl of Clarendon (Sub-Prior) at an investiture held at St. John 's Gate.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER
The North W orcestersl1ire Corps held their eliminating round of the " Dewar" Shield on January 17. Six teams competed before Doctors R. M. Barron and Martin. Corps Supt. F. G. Price announced the results which showed T. W. Lench Division first followed by Stewart and LIoyds. The winners will represent the Corps against the winners of the Dudley and District Corps eliminating round for the right to represent the north of the County in the County Competitions.
N'ORTH RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
Scarhorongh.-At the annual meeting of the ScarborOlagh Nursing Division Supt. Miss Moorhouse welcomed Dr. Sydney Jackson as the newly appointed Divisional Surgeon. He then took charge of the meeting supported by President Mrs. G. W. Wilkinson, County Officer P. P. Smith, and others. Reports were ·given by the various officers and finally Miss Moorhouse gave a comprehensive and detailed report of the numerous activities of the division. Over 500 dllties had been perfQrmed by members, and she paid tribute to all who had helped tc make the year's work so S,lHi:0eSsful. DI!lr[Rg' th.e year Ambr . Oli'ieer .Miss LeH'ler has . been awarded the Service Medal @f the Order, 23 memoe,rs ,vere awar6led the Certifi€ate of the ].W.O. for sexvices rendered during
the war. Dr. Jackson thanked Miss Moorhouse for her efficient leadership and expressed the hope that his association with the Division would be a hapwy one. This Division held a New Year Social om Jamuary 13.
WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
Brighouse Corps.-The 45th annual meeting of the Brighouse Corps was taken by Vice-President L. Brook who was su pported by the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald. and Mrs. Whiteley), Asst. Commissioner H. Harrison, Corps and DivisionalOfficers. Awards for the years 1942 to 1947 were distributed by the May())[ess whilst Asst. Commissioner Harrison presented Permanent Warrants and also ServiGe Medal Certificates and Bars. The Chairman said that the work of the Brigade eould be justly ranked among the finest veluntary work in the country, but he felt that it was not being recognized by the Authorities. Corps Supt. H. Hirst referred to the lengthy servic€! rendered by Corps Treasurer H. S. Bastrick and Corps Inspector of Stores F Kershaw. The Mayer wraised the selfless and public spirited work of the Brigade; and he suggested that greater efforts might be made to recruit more Cadets so that they would be and efficient first aiders on reaching manhood and womanhood. Fellowing the meeting and presentations a social evening was spent.
Doncaster Corps.-Asst. Commissioner Dr. B. Hart and District Officer Mrs. Rogers were the guests of the evening at the New Year Party held on January 3. Corps Supt. Macaskill introdueed the newly appointed Assistant Commissiener, a very old friend and well known tel all the members. Dr. Hart presented Service Medal Ribbons for 4 Ambulance and 4 Nursing personnel and expressed the view that the Service Medal should be appreciated by its recipient more than any other award excepting a first certiJicate. He considered that no corps could be really efficient without its social side to i1;1'lpl.ement the lectures and practices.
Spen Valley Corps.-The and Livers[cige held a social evening on January 17 during which Asst. Commissioner H. Harriso n presented awards, including a Sixth Service Bar to Corps Supt. (R) J. Saville.
Castleford Division.-At the annual general meeting it was announced that 906 duties had been carried out and 1,492 cases repo.rted treated during 1947.
FOUND
< MedaJlion N'o. 69269. to S :J.A.B. Headquarters, B.anbury-, OX{)D. 49
COMPETITION TRAINING DAY
The :first Train,ing Day held under the ting that a difficulty was to Doctors auspices of the Training Committee @ f in the Brigacl.e to standardize their ideas. whicl;1 Maj0Jr A. C. V\Thite Kl110X is the Assistant CQmmissioner F. A. Trott Chairman, .was held on Saturday, January (Sussex) spoke after luneh on the constitu17, at the Charing Cross Hotel, Lomcl.on, tion and c1100simg of t eam and t eam where CQlUnty Competition Secretaries and leader, and of training. All Divisional others interested were present. members should be in the running for
The delegates, who came from twenty- a place in the team if selection was based five counties, were welcomed by Major on the results of a preliminary divisional A. C. V\Thite Knox (Commissioner, No.1 competition. The leader must have the District) who said the purpose of the right technique in; dealing with others, Course was to attempt to standardize perseverance, enthu siasm, energy, a perprocedure in the running of County and sonal understanding of each m ember of Regional Competitions. his team as an individual (including a
The E.'list talk was om AdJ1Rrnnisilrrahom, knowledge · of his home background), giV€ll. by Asst. Brigade Secretary S. J. personality and a sense of humour. Hannam, who is Competition Secretary Responsibility mUlst be shared among the for the ;Brigade Finals. He brought out team, the leader trying to remember points the Secretary has to bear in mind everything, No. 3 watching the patient in the preparations for competitions, he and checking the captain, No.2 concentrastressed the considerable staff work ting on the •danger element, and No. 4 involved and the necessity for dear dealing with all available help. Nos. 2 instructions in good time to all stewards. and 4 should check each other. The imwortance of Reception Stewards District Staff Officer C. E. Bower (No.1 was stn;:ssecl. and that Press Representa- District) then gave a realistic demonstratives should receive the fullest possible tion of artificial injuries He ran over a list in]ormaifiiom. Mr. Hannam Fan thr®ugh ofthe items required as a basis for a faking the poim.ts to note in conneeti0Jn with set. marking sheets, preparation of staging, After tea the Harrow Nursing Division, patients, judges and team entries. He winners of the Perrott Shield for 1947, concluded with a few remarks about demonstrated a team test with delegates g uards of honour, clearing of the hall, and acting as stewards, etc. This was followed the importance of prompt letters of thanks by a demonstration of Home Nursing. to all helpers. This talk made an admirable Delegates were asked to criticize these introduction to the Day's training. tests, whilst Major V\Thite Knox and COl!lllty Surgeon D J. Nicol (Birming- Mrs. Rogers, S.R.N., brought out certain ham) followed with a talk on th€ thHwry facts of the test of th€ Representation of Artificial InjhlTies' Before the Course concluded a period and Coaehi!llg @f Patients. He made !it was allowed for discu ssion and the clear that he was wholeheartedly ill. favour following suggestions and recommendaof the maximum degree of realism in the tians were forwarded to H eadq uarters for staging of accidents; and pointed out consideration: how far we had moved from the days when (1) That when possible teams should be a loud voiced leader could wi.n a competi- plenty of time and opportunity to tioil'. Competition work has two fumctions. aSSImIlate the surroundings and staging First to train more p:roficient first aiders, of the test. and secondly to stimulate interest among (2) That the After-Care part of the all members of the Brigade. It was Perrott Shield Nursing Test should be importamt that aU members of the Brigade separated fr@IE. the First Aid Section, amd shouM be drawn into competitive work in, there should be two tests (a) First s ome <\:apaciil:y ©r other. The represe!lil1lat1cm AHi and (b) a 'Home Nursing Test as a of artificial injuries should not b€ a m€a!IlS separate competition. of makiag examinations easy for competitors, but rather give them eX'perience (3) .That the old ruling that only m careful and accurate diagnosis by untramed pers@ns may be used as patient", realistic representation of injuries instead should now be rescinded. of merely parrot-like repetition @f ques- (4) That everything possible should be tions. Realism through the prepared to uniformity of standard in rehearsing of patients could have the Judgmg, settlng, and marking tests, same effeGt of avoiding the questi@Fl. amd through aU tke stages of the compe1iitio!l1l. answer method, al'ld Dr. NicQl illlJlst:rateci (5) Tbat an up-to-date IDaok this point with the assistance @f a patient all aspoots of competition work woull(!! be who was am official Police il'lsrtrnet@F ina gemerally
Dr. concluded his very (6) That faking materials sk01J11d be mterestmg and mstructive talk by stocked by the Stores Department.
50
I DEAS FOR NURSING DIVISIONAL PROGRAMMES 1
By Divisional Superintendent Mrs. C. H VERNON (SouthbeJurne
Nursing Divisicm, Hampshire)
It has been. that those Superintendents who are running a Division for the first mIght welcome a few hints taken from a speech given at the Conference at Southampton on June 29. Experienced Supermtenden,ts WIll doubtless find most of the following suggestions already known to them. Of all such I crave their indulgence.
May I start by asking a rather strange question? Why do your members join your Division? Have you ever thought? Do you know? Above all, have you ever asked them? If, not, HOW do you know you are giving them they want? Oh, yes, I know what most of you are thinking-they Jom b ecause they are keen on Nursing and First Aid. Well, you are wrong! Only a few do so. I suggest you go to your Divi£lons and ask tihem to write dO\;vn (anonymously, .and then they are more likely to reveal the truth), the answers to two questIOns :-
(1) Why did you join th e St: John Ambulance Brigade?
(2) What part of our programmes did you enjoy mQst ?
You will certainly be surprised at some of the answers! I was. Some of course, were " To be of use to others during the war". A number of replies were entir ely frivolous, "Because my friend joined," "I thought I should lOOK nice in and the doctor made me mad n_a cryptic you can mterpret as you wIsh! But I found 38 per cent said that they Jomed b ecause they were lonely or u Nhappy; not, mark you, because they were interested in F irst Aid.
To my second guestion, 37i per cent said they enjoyed most the fellowship of, and contact WIth, other members. I knew a Division some years ago that had no fe:ver than six .wi:res separated from their husbands. This was too high a proportIOn to be comCldence. Look round your members and you will find a large proportion of them wives with no children, unmarried women, a.nd Life's Misfits. I know personally of two women, both mentally backward (to put it kindly), who were advised by their re£pective doctors to join the Brigade. It was for th eir advantage-not the BriMade's-let me ha£ten to add. These then are the women for whom we have to cater.
Bearing a ll this in mind, let us pass on to planning our programme£. Now, I know that you cannot please everyone all the time, and that is what makes things so difficult for the Superintendents. Ours is a voluntary organization, and we cannot sack our members and engage more-though most of us would like to, at times! So we have to work very hard to keep our members, and consider all ages. We must pander t o yo uth, who desire constant change and love excitement, while those who are older like routine and a placid life. A few really enjoy hard work, and come to learn, but the majority prefer a chat and a cup of t ea!
The n ext question I ask myself is this: What do we aim to aocomplish at our Divisional Mee tings? I think the answer is threefold :-
(r) To give instruction, oral and practical, to el1lable members to do Public Duties efficiently.
(2) To teach members to give out what they knOW. Memoers need this in order to pass their re-examination, and N.C.O.s to help to teach others.
(3) To cater for Social Life, which, as I have said, so many crave for.
. With these three aims in view, let us now begin to plan our programmes. In my opinion, it is absolutely essential to plaR ye>itlr syllabus well ahead1m.- tilD.e A1!!ltlil!IiiIilJl Sessil@[fi1, a nd in Deceil!Iil!ber {@r the coming year. I was ast())[lismed to leanl that some Divisions do not pJan a full session ahead and get
1 (Repdmted by kimd permissiom of the author and also of the Editor of The W kite Cross Cou nty of Hampshire Quarterly Magazine).
51 .
the programmes printed for each mem,ber to possess one. If you ha ve a very small Divisiolil, the progralll!lmes could be typewrti.tten.
I know it is a headache for the Superintendent to try to plan for seven months ahead, but it is well worth it, and saves a weekly worry and boring meetings. Get your Committee together (Officers, N.C.O.s, Storekeeper, Secretary, and Treasurer), and thrash it out between you. In that way it is easy to plan a balam:ed syllabus, imchading; SClme doctor's lectures, muse's lectures, practical demonstrations, team tests, and social activities.
It is a good plan te> print chapteif, or subject, for the day, as I find this makes many members-particularly the lazier and more ignorant Ones-look the subjeet up in advance, .so that they can answer questions. It is a good idea to ask members to bring friends to <iloctor's and nurse's lectures, and to some social activities as, in this way, new members are attracted to join, and also a worth-while audience is present to hear the doctor or nurse.
Let us now take the three headings separately, and go into detail. I am sme ' you would bke best from me practical, not theoretical hints.
(r) INSTRUCTIqN, ORAL AND PRACTICAL
Do you make your oral instruction interesting, thrilling, and amusing ?It can be. On the other hand, it can be terribly boring 1 I shall never forget acting as secretary to a First Aid class to the general public in the early days of the war. At the very first lecture on " The Skeleton ", the doctor sat at a table with a human shIll in front of him, and spent the full hour giving all the Latin names of the bumps and depressions of that skull. Were we bored? Incidentally, never sit to give instruction of the lecture type. You will find it much easier to interest and keep the attention of your hearers if you stand, while you will also speak more clearly and forcefully in a standing position. Collect a story or example for every bit of I First Aid and Home Nursing that you possibly can. If you have a bad memory, write them down. I hoard up stmies as if they were gold nuggets, and I find a story that emphasizes th e point is never forgotten, whereas the bare instructional fact is. For example, when performing artificial respiration, how frequently we forget first to make s-qre file breathing passages are dear 1 This true story will undoubtedly serve to impress the point. Marty years ago, a young woman was swimming near Bournemouth Pier when she was seen to go under. She was speedily rescued and brought ashore, where artificial respiration was immediately performed. Unfortunately, however, she did not recover, and a post mortem and inquest had to be held. The medical evidence was that death was not caused by drowning, but by a small fish which had become lodged in her throat. I told this story to .soI?e Cadets I was instructing, and every time they practised artIfiCIal respIratIOn after that, they announced with glee, (( First I should remo\Ve the fish fmm her throat." (I sometimes wonder what their examining doctor tholight of that remark 1)
. An effective way of demonstrating how (( elevating the bleeding part" really does make a big difference is this: ask each memher to raise one arm above her head and. allow the other to hang down towards the ground. After a minute, tell them qUIckly to put the two hands together and look at them, The raised hand will look lily-white, while the downward hand will look red and congested.
J.'qu have p,Ci;tuaUy seen the effect of " elevating the limb", it is difficult to Imagme how effective it is. Once at a children's party, a child put her hand through the glass panel of a door and gashed her wrist severely. Blood poured freely, bu. t the momellt I held her arm aIDo"V'e her head, bleeding was practically arrested m a quite spectacular manner.
During the war, a Home a. explode i11 his hands, blowing hoth of them H.e was some lIttle .dIstance from his cOllp'ani@ns, but he lrnew FIrst Ald ' to walk for aSE?lstance with both his arms raised high above head, thereby undoubtedly saving his own life. He might so easily haye falllted from loss of. blood, :and· then lain there without help' until he bled to death.
(To be cO'Y?tin'Lf'; d.)
, 52
Headquarters: Priory House, 4 Cathedral Road. Cardiff GENERAL INTEREST
Reunion Dinner.-The 130th St. John Ambulance Field Ambulance assembled for the first Reunioa held since the outbreak of World War II, at the Sandringham Hotel, Cardiff, on December 20. Raised in November, 1914, this was the only unit in the British Army carrying the name of the Organization from which it was drawn. Major A. W. Anderson, who was second in command, and the guests of the evening were Capt. Peter Davies, son of the late Commanding Officer, Col. J. E. H. Davies, and Capt. F. R. Robathan, M.C., Assistant Commissioner of the City of Cardiff Centre. The sounding of the Dinner Call and the Last Post by Bugler ' Thomas, was performed with the Silver Bugle of the Unit which is now a treasured souvenir in the Museum at Priory House. A presentation subscribed for by every surviving member "vas made to Capt. Peter Davies in memory of his father; and a very happy evening was spent by the 80 officers, N.C.O.'s and men present. Any member of the Unit who did not receive an invitation is asked to communicate with either Bugler Thomas, M.M., 36 Wind Street, Ammanford, Carms., or Major L. C. Cohen, 218 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, the Honorary Organizer.
CENTRE REPORTS
CAERNARVONSHIRE
The Principal Medical Officer for Wales and the Midlanqs, Ministry of Supply, consulted Priory Headquarters recently regarding the Ministry's intention to train a percentage of employees at their Establishments and Depots. It was pointed out that contact with local Brigade Officers on the part of the organizers of the classes would secure the fullest measure of co-operation and assistance, if required. It is always gratifying to find Brigade person.nel appointed to positions calling for the highest possible first aid qualifieations ancl. the Priory was very pleased to receive a copy of the :following letter addressed to the Assistant Commissioner, Lieut.-Col. W. Jones Williams, Chief Constable, from the Superintendent of a Ministry of Supply Depot im: bis cO'l!lmty :-
" I wish to place on record the activities of one of your Divisional Superintendents by the name of Mr. A. Y. Tho mas, Uaiil.tliaddeehan lhi>ivisiom, who has 12>eem employed at this Depot since 1946,
as First Aid Orderly in charge of the Dressing Station, aad. I have much pleasure in repmting to you on the efficiency.of this Officer. It is 'a proud record that I have to report to you in as much as he has dealt with 3,451 cases, fractures and various kinds of wounds during that period. Not one case has turned septic after his attention. We have had varied accidents, and we are meeting with them every clay. It is with great satisfactiom that I report the efficiency of this Officer in carrying out his duties."
CARMARTHENSHIRE
A successful Christmas Bazaar, organized by the Dafen Nursing DivisioD, took place at the Dafen Welfare Pavilion, which had been tastefully decorated by Supt. Mrs. M. Marker and her Officers. For many weeks the Nursing and Cadet members had devQted all their leisure time to the making of an attractive and useful collection of articles all of which were sold within one hour of the opening, performed by Dame Gwendoline Trubshaw. Lady County Supt. Mrs. M. D. Cave took the opportunity of presenting Dame Gwendoline with her Certificate of appointment as County Cadet Vice-President in the presence of a large gathering. Mrs. D. Cecil Williams, wife of the Commissioner who was unavoidably absent, was presented with her certificate of appointment as President of the Llanelly Nursing Division. An am:tion sale, conducted by Lady County Cadet Officer, Miss Anita Davies, in a highly amusing manner, added a touch of humour to the proceedings, while the Cadet Christmas Tree was another item of particular interest, The realization of £51 for divisional funds was very gratifyin.g to all who contributed to the event.
GLAMORGAN
LIangeinor Depot Opening.-A memorable occasion in the history of the Llangeinor Ambulance Division was the visit on January 10 of the C()mmissiemer for Wales, and Assistant Lady Superinten. dent for Wales, the Han. John H. and Mrs. Bruce. Despite the inclement weather representatives of all divisions in the JDddgend and Dtistriet Corps under the command of Corps Supt. J. Rees, and , headed by the Salvation Army Band under Bandmaster Eeedles, paraded through the village to the Social Service Hall where a large number of the 53
inhabitants of the village had gatherecl to Corps Cou nty Officer E. G. Howernls, witness the opening of the · Medical made a presentation on behalf of the Comforts Depot. Corps, paying high tribute to the sterling
The PresidentoftheLlangeinorDivision, qualities of Dr. and Mrs. Anderson. The Mr. S. Williams, said that he was p>roud of doctor had inteFeste@ himself in the his Gonnection with the Order of St. John formation OL the Corps in 1914, and had and the village of Llangeinor was glad continued in closest association with its to welcome its pFincipal representative in activities throughout his ever widening Wales. sphere (!)f Brigade activity occasioned by
The Commissiomer for Wales said it was promotic')ll to Assistant Commissioner of his first official visit to Llangeiri,or and he the County An;)a in 1922 and appointment wished the Divisicm every success in their to his present office of Surgeon-in-Chief new sphere of activity. Outlin.ing the for Wales in IMO, while Mrs. Anderson, history of the Medical Comforts Depots, Lady County Superintendent for Glamorhe said Wal€s could be proud of the fact gan, had become specially endeared to the that the Priory had always taken a promi- Nursing Units in the Valley. The untiring nent part in this branch of the Order's efforts of both Officers have always been work; anCil in Feferril1lg to tlle futur€ of the a sourGe of inspiration to the membership; Depots in relation to the coming imple- and steps are being taken to k eep their mentation of the National Health AGt, he example ever in mind by changing the said he thought there would always be the title of the Corps in a way which w ill need for such vohmtary e:m.deavouF as the perpebaate therr name Mr. Howells Llangeinor Division had embarked upon expressed the best wishes of the Corps to The Hon. Mrs. Bruce, wh0 was Dr. and Mrs. Anderson for a long and presented with a bouquet by Cadet happy retirement.
Audrey Keene on behalf (fJf the Division, Clydach Town Cadets.-Three items of in deClaring the Medical Comforts Depot interest are reported by Miss M. H. Sykes, opeI!1 wished all the members of the Divi- the enterprising Superintendent of the sion every success in their new tasks. Nursing Cadets. The annual presentation Supt. W. T. Andrews and Cadet Officer and enrolment ceremony attracted a large D. Marsh appealed to those present for gathering at the Divisional H eadquarters. tlleir interest and SUpp0Jrl. Ambulance where Div. Supt. W. A. Newsome welOfficer T. G. Davies, who has undertaken corned the guests and introduced the charge of the Dep0t, expressed the Chairman, the Rev. T. Harries Williams, Division's gratitude for the generous Vice-President. Cadet Vice-President "fto the appeals, for Miss C. Evans, Matron of Morriston the gift of equipment and a storage Hospital, enrolled fourteen boys and girls, cupboard from Priory Headquart€rs and the impressive ceremony being followed a donation of £50 from th€ Committee of by the recitation of " An Ode to St. ] ohn tThe Blaengarw M@dical CQro10rts Funds. Cadets" by Miss Rita Phillips and the COUl1lty Officer E. G. Howells presented formation of the" White Cross" by the a Priory Vote of Thanks to Supt. W. T. cadets to the marching song" Knights of Andrews, whose l0ng and devoted services St. John" . Miss Evans who spoke in they were all pleased to see recognized, and praise of the work done by the Cadets, handed warrants of aIIDPointment to was presented with a bouquet by Mrs. Ambulance OffiGer T. G. Davies, Sergt. Lloyd on behalf of the Cadet Parents' Cyril Keene and Divisional Secretary Association. Mr. H. S. Cann, Commissioner H. P. Chilcott. Mr.]. Ll. Thomas, as for th€ Borough of Swansea, gave an representative of the publiG of the village, address on the history of the Onder and thanked the visitgrs for their services to presented awards to Nursing Cadets; a nd Llangeinor. The setting up of the depot Nursing Cadet Supt. Mrs. M. Francis, would meet a long felt need in the village. Swansea, handed first aid awards to the Bridgend and District Corps Presenta- Amibu!!.ance Cadets. An old pupil, Miss tions.-Officers and Members of the Corps Patricia Lewis, who left the Cadet were largely represented at a public Division to take up a Nursing career, was meeting held at the Workmen's Hall, among the guests welcomed. Ogmore Vale, oID. Ja:m.uary 11, whem a A Cbristmas concert was given by the token cheque was presented to Dr. and Clydach Town Nursing Cadets at MorrisMrs. A. W. AndeFson to mark the puMic tgn E.M.S. Hospital, where they carry out appreciation of their services to the regular duties. The programme intluded c@mmu:m.ity in the Valley, fGil 0)wiffilg t lrue cano[ singing, damcing, a sketch, and novel d@ctor's retirement fwm practice. Their games in which the patients were able t() departure frgID Ogmore Vale be a loss participate witliJ. the aid of their" visit(j)rs " to a number elf social services in which the members of the Cadet Parents' tll.ey had a pr(j)mmeiElt par:t, but mo Associatiol'l w'ID.o brought glifts of fruit, movement will feel the partmg more flowers, al'ld home-made cakes. Miss keenly than tlle Bridgend and. IDistrict C. A. Evans, Matno'll, presided and 54
comveyed to ;tihe patiemts th.e best wishes of the Division, of which she is VicePresident, for a speedy recovery and happy new year.
Ambulance and Nursing Cadets enjoyeCil a joint fancy dress party at the HeaGl!quarters on January 10. Prizes were a warded for the best costumes and a varied programme of entertainment was arranged. During the evetJing the tation of an inscribed bracelet was made to Divisional Secretary Miss Ivy Coleman by Div. Supt. W. A. Newsome on behalf of the Clydach Divisions, on her departure from the district.
MONMOUTHSHIRE
, Sp eaking at the annual meeting of the Monmouth Division held at the Am bulance Headquarters, Major A Reade (President) said they were grateful to the members returned from the Forces who had put renewed energy and life into the division. The enthusiasm and spirit prevailing at the present time augured well for the future,. he said, and the cadets, both boys and gIrlS were increasing in numbers.
Major R eade mentioned that in the near future the ambulance service would be the responsibility of the County Council. Even so, he thought the voluntary services of the division would be needed to carry out the scheme as at present proposed. Presenting the 23rd annual report, Divisional Secretary vV. George said th ey had purchased a new ambulance which was giving every satisfaction. the ,year 71 cases were conveyed covenng a total mileage of 2,010 miles.
First A id had been rendered to the pu blic on 45 occasions. A satisfactory financial statement was hv Mr.
Bert White, Divisional Treasurer, who was thail!l.ked [gr his seFvices; amm appreciation was expressed to Mr. R. Williams for auditing the accounts without fee. Lady Supt. Mrs. E. Harris gave a satisfactory r€port gf the activities of the nursing division. Mrs. T. O. Davies proposed the re-election of Major Reade as Presidel'lt and in seconding, Coun. Rees M®rgan mentioned that Major Reade had filled the office since 1924.
CITY OF CARDIFF
Mrs. A. Hauser, Vice-President of the Cardiff Nursing Corps, has presented a trophy for the Cardiff Nursing Corps Competition League. The gift was ann01mced at a meeting held at the Brigade Headquarters to mark the fifth anniversary of the formation of this first Nursing Corps established in Wales. Lailly County Supt. Miss G. Richards presented warrants of appointment. In a r€port of the Corps activities, Corps Supt. Mrs. A. Stephens paid special tribute to the um.failtng services elf Mrs. C. Thomas whose many and varied services include weekly talks 0n First Aid and Home Nursing to the women inmates at Cardiff Prison. Lady County Cadet Nursing Officer Mrs. Philip Rees, who will always be remembered for her wartime work as Honorary Organizer of the Cardiff Book Depot which kept Hospital Libraries in Glamorgan well stocked with attractively bound books, reported on the prospects for developing cadet activities in Cardiff.
Cardiff Emergency Nursing Cadets enjoyed an informal Christmas party at the Headquarters, on January 8, ably nrg-anizf'ci bv thE' Cadet Supt. Miss Smith.
PONTYPQOL AMBULANCE TEAM
with the Lady Lewis Cup, won at the National Eisteddfe>d, C&lwyn Bay. Inc!L'l.a.ded in thie group a l'1e Div. Smrge0'll Ji3ertram Siddens and Officers of the Division.
55
INTERESTING CASE REPORTS
CASE REl"ORT Np. 339.-The Officer-in-Charge of No. I (Prince of Wales's) District, S.].A.B., reports the efficient performance of first aid by a member of the No. 25 (Wood Green) Division in the following circumstances :- .
At 4 p.m. on DeGember 7, I947, an employee of the Tottenham and District 'Gas Company was repairing a gas mai[] in :High R0ad, Wood .Green, .by accident he struck the gas main with a pick-axe and fractured It. Not rea,-hzll'lg what he had done he was quickly overcome by the fumes and collapsed 111 the excavation which was dug around the gas main. Fortunately he was seen to collapse by a car park attendent nearby, who knew that Private W. M. Maton was a member of St. John and that he had seen him enter his house a short while before the accident. So he promptly called Pte. Maton from his home, and the latter, by his expeditious application of first aid and his immediate commencement and perseverance with artificial respiration, was able to restore the patient to ccmsci@lisness Meanwhile, he had summoned the ambulance in which the patient was removed to hospital where he made a rapid and complete recovery. Later, the Tottenham and District Gas Company sent an official who called on Pte. Maton and expressed their appreciation of what he had done fm their employee.
COMMENT.-Asphyxia is one of the conditions in which first aiders can (and often do) save lives. Private liV. JIll. M aton, theref01'e, is cordially congratulated on the skill and perseverance with which he successfully applied artificial respiration and so saved the life of a dying patient.-N. CORBET FLETCHER.
CASE REPORT No. 340.-The Officer-in-C.hatrge of the East, South, and North Devon CQunty, S.].A.B., reports the efficient performance of first aid by a member of the City of Exeter Cadet Ambulance Division in the following circumstances :-
On Friday night, December 26, I947, Cadet Corporal Ronald Harris rendered first aid to a man who was severely injured as the result of jumping off an autodrome at the Fair Ground, High Street, Exeter, before it had stopped and '-ustained severe lacerations of his left thigh with profuse arterial hcemorrhage. Without a moment's delay Corporal Harris improvised a tourniquet and applbd it to the femoral aFtery. Then he dressed the w<Dunds and treated his patient for shock by keeping him flat and by wrapping him up warmly. The patient was conveyed to hospital' in an ambulance where he was admitted and shortly afterwards was given a blood transfusion. Corpora] Harris was complimented on his first aid by the House Surgeon and also by the Chief Constable of the City Police. The patient made a slow but wmplete recovery.
COMMENT.-This report tells its own story. All that remains, therefore, is to tender cordial congratulations to Cadet Corporal Harris on good work well done, and best wishes for his futwye ambulance career.-N. C. F.
QUERIES AND ANSWERS
Hypnatic Poisoning
W. S. (Bristol) .-A friend of mine, who is engag@d on transport duties, was recently called to a patient suffering from an overdose of phenobarbitone. He tells me that a doctor had seen the patient ana had given instructions that patient was not to be disturbed but to be (wnveyed forthwith ON the ambulance to hospital.
Please tell me if first aiders would be correct in treating such patients for hypnotic poisoning.
Yes.-N. C. F.
Treatment of Bur,ns
A. B. (Swindon).-The Textbook (p. 13I) defines It hot water" as being at the temperature of the body, 98· 4 0 • The to the Textib>ook, in specifying It warm" tea and" warm" water for the treatment of burns and 56
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It is thoroughly bland-even on open woundsa.nd its soothing, heali.ng, antiseptic qualities have for long rendered valuable service in first aid.
Since' Iodex ' dressings do not adhere to broken surfaces, they can be renewed without causing fresh bleeding and with minimum discomfort.
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scalds, appears to favour fluids below body temperature. not. s:lch treatm{wt increase shock of the patient? Meanwhile, we thank you III antICIpation of your kind reply
As it is unlikely that first aiders would have the means of measuring the heat of water by means of a bath therymometer, the Supplement t@ Text@@ok has omitted the figures.
Also, as the temperature of the ' skin is slightly below the inte11nal temperature, 2t follows that water at interyn.al 'body heat would feel warm to the Liquid be,low body temperature would feel distinctly CO!DZ on exterynal Ory !Dn In othery words, the application of warm watery would nQt increase th e shock.-N. C. F.
Fractured Spine
D. S. (Home County).-During a course of lectures which I recently gave on first aid a member of my class asked two questions which were difficult satisfactorily to answer and which were as follows :-
(r) A patient suffering from fractured spine is unconscious and his head is not turned to one side. If he stops breathing while on the stretcher, what should one do ?
I suggested artificial respiration by Silvester's Method and wonder if you can suggest any improvement on my answer.
(2) The second question asked was as follows :-
If a patient is suffering from fracture dislocation of the neck and if you cannot tum his head to Qme side, what would you do to stop the tongue falling backwards?
Again I suggested the adoption of the Silvester 's Method and the application of a finger on the angle of the jaw to bring the tongue forward as is done by anGesthetists at operations. Now I wonder if the latter method is suitable for adoption by first aiders and welcome your advice.
(I) Unfortunately, I cannot agree, because, in my opinion, there is greater risk of m!Dvement 0f the spine with the Silvestery Method and because it is not possible to make effective use of this meth0d except on a lJIigid s'bwface. Consequently, I think, that without waste of time, such a patient should lJe unloaded on the ground and during this m0vement turned face d0wnwards. This done the Schafer method should be C!Dmmenoed forthwith.
(2) In V1:ew of my first answer your second query do es not really ari se . Nevertheless, in the event of the Silvester ]v! ethod being employed first aiders would probably find it easier to bring the tongue forward and to tie it in this position. they might use the method which you suggesi and to which I cannot imagine oby"ection, other than that to a first aider it is less easy 0f performance.-N. C. F.
Humour in First Aid
W A. -In a recent examination ' I asked one candidate how he would heat a man suffering from strychnine poisoning. I was much amused when he told me that as the Schafer and Silvester methods of artificial respiration were contraindicated he would forthwith resort to the Laborde method!
Good I Next please I-N. C. F.
Artificial Respiration
R. R (Frome) .-We greatly appreciate your instru ctive replies to questions by readers of The St. John Gazette aNd would be pleased t o have your comments on the following three problems :-
(r) Method.-." This is to be used only when it is impossible to tum patIent on to hiS face. Would you please give some illustrations of cases that come within th e scope of the first aiders ?
Fryactured Ribs.-How should artificial respiration be performed on a patIent who has suffered a e:rush injury and whcm th ere is a distinct probability of fractured ribs and when the Rocking Stretcher JiD€th@d could not be iIHllt [n , hand reasonably quickly?
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Miss B. W., Newport.
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(3) Rocking Stretcher Method.-What is the explanation, please, of the fact that there are only ten eoniplete movements per minute Instead of twelve; and that" four seconds head down ", stlggesting the equivalent of pressure, seems to be different from the other methods, inas1iil1uch as the presstlre is of dmatioI'l, and also is in of (instead. of less than) the .relaxation time? .
(I) Cases in which the patient cannot be turned to the face-downward P?sition are very 1'are, and this fact emphasizes the teaching oj the Textbook that the method of artificial respiration is to be used only in rare emerRencies.
This would apply with a patient who, lying on his back, is held down by some heavy object across his lower limbs (which cannot be moved fOry a time) and who has stopped breathing. A nother such patient would be a woman in the later month s of pregnancy.
(2) With such a patient Schafer method is indicated. In this method of artificial respirati(')n the pressure i$ exerted above the pelvis and therefore below the level of the ribs. Of course, you W(f)uld use reasonable care in turyning the patient on to his face by detailing one assi$iant to support and steady the chest.
The variations from twelve to ten complete mewements in the Rocking method is a small matter and will not zetard the recovery of the patient. You should remember that the times quoted are intended as a guide to the appropriate speed oj the movement and not something to be checked by a stop-watch.
The longer" pressure" time or head-downward position in the Rocking method is necessa1'y because the pressure on the lungs is not so direct and forcible as in the Schafer method and reliance is placed on the contents of the abdomen pressing against the abdomen and so causing pressure on the lungs.-N. C. F.
fracture of Arm
H. S. (St. Annes-on-Sea).-I have been asked which is the better method and if in a competition the marks should be the same for the two following methods of q,ppIyin,g splints in the treatment of a fracture near the middle of the shaft of the humerus. Both obey Rule 3 on p. 83 of the Textbook :-
In one method the splints a:re held in position by hand or by help of the patient, whereas in the other method the splints a.re wrapped in a triangular bandage and put on all toget.ber. The latter method (particularly when patient cann©t hglp) makes it easy tQ h0ld all three splints in place without fear while the bandages, w.hich are to h@Jd the splints in p0sition, are applied i.n accordance with Rule 4.
The enclosure of the splints in a triangular bandage indicates re s our cefulness in dealing with a fractured hitmerus " but, if I had the task of judginR when this method was used, I would certainly not give more marks for it than for the Textbook method , especially as any gain in accuracy in the splints would probably be offset by the loss Qf time in preparing the splints. Rather I would award the mark s proportionately to the efficiency of the work done.
.If ;,:ou refer to the Supplement to Textbook you will see that splints can be dispensed w,/;th m the treatment of fractured humerus. It is, therefore, more important to get the patient quickly to hospital than to worry about methods of splinting and bandaging.-N. C. F
Bur-ns caused by Corrosives
T. M. (Liverpool).-While we were training for a competition a discussion arose over the treatment of burns caused by corrosive acids and alkalis. In this connection, the Textbook (p. ISO) tells us to use an antidote, to neutralize the burn, or otherwise to flood the part with warm water. On the other hand, the Supplement (if I ul'lde.rstand its instruction,s conectly) tells us to :til.00d the area with alkaline lotion al1d thelil! to apply the dressings ove]' tine c1oitlilimg.
a number of cases it may be p0ssible omly tQ l!lS@ cold water ru n my 0JHlllQn, would increase the shock, since the clothing must stay cold for s@m.e tlme. In the Inter-Railway Final, I947, the test for Bearers Nos. I and 3
60
Questions Answered about the HUMAN BODY
Written and iLLustrated by
CECIL G. TREW
Body as a whole; Skeleton; Muscles; Respiratlon; Circulation of the Blood; Symphatic System; Digestive System; Various Ab· dominal Organs: Urinary System; Nervous System: Brain: Genital Organs; Embryo: Skin; Touch; SIght: Hearing; Smell: Taste; Internal Secretion; Death; Bibliography; Glossary.
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required candidates to remove the clothing. So which is correct-to apply the dressings over the clothing or to. remove the clothmg m the treatment of burns caused by corrosives? MeanwhIle, please accept my thanks for your kind reply.
To me, time is the important fact!Dr in treatment ()f caused by corrosives. If the mishap occurs to yourself or to a you are present, then common sense suggests that the clothing sho1ltld be removed before the has had to soa,k through to the skin. If, however, you are called to such a the damage have been done, and if you have no neutraltzmg agent you should flood the part with wate·y-warm if available. In this connection a runmng warm water tap be found most useful because it will wash away as much of the or alkalt as possible, whe11eby the corrosive is rendered harmless.. .
I t is unlikely that clothing W1,ll adhere to the sk:tn:; but tIns does not affect the issue because you must treat the burned part as la1,d down the Supptement to Textb()ok. Finally, I fail to see what useful pwrpose is served by dress1,ngs on top of the clothing.-N. C. F.
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HINTS ON AND FIRST AID HOME NURSING
by FLORENCE A. KNOPE, sa,.ys-
" This book will appeal to members of Ambulance and Nursing units of the St. John Ambulance Brigade It gives most helpful suggestions whereby full treatment of sudden il1ness and accident, as laid down in the Textbooks, can be effected."
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DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENT Of COUNTY AMBULANCE OffiCER
Applications are Invited for the appointment of a County Ambulance Officer to co-ordinate the Ambulance Service to be provided in the Administrative County in accordance with the proviSions of the National Health Service Act, 1946. The officer appointed will be on the staff of the County Medical Officer, subject to any re-organization of the ambulance service which may take place at S0me future date. Candidates must have had a wide administrative experience, have considerable organizing ability and initiative and a knowledge of transport. A knowledge of first aid will be considered an advantage.
The salary to be paid for the post will not exceed £475 per annum and the successful candidate will be paid according to ability and experience.
The appointment will be subject to the provisions of the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, and the successful candidate will be required to pass a medical examination.
Applications stating age, qualifications, and experience, together with copies of three recent testimonials to reach the undersigned not later than the first post on the 2nd March, 1948.
H. A. DAVIS, Clerk of the County Council.
Try Germolene Y0urself-amd you will be convinced ofits power to soothe and relieve skin complaints. Under the healing hand of Germolenemanyskinafflictions vanish in a few days - or even hours. Make a trial of Germolene to-day I 1/6 & 3/8 per tin, including PurchaseTax.
GUIDE
Giving hints on the Bugle. Drum and Flute. alsoParadeFormadons. use of Parada Cane. staff. etc.. 6d. pos' (laId.
HEADS (Broken.) POll t flesh hoop. Ready lapped head reo turned lama day IU' rscelygd.
Henry POTTER & Co. 36/38 West St., Charing Cross Rd. LaNDO N, W.e.l.
The Castle, Exeter.
W ANTED.-Div. Surgeon's or Officer's uniform. Waist 38, chest 42, inside leg 31. Cap size 7l·-Div. Supt. Mrs. AYKROYD, The Priory, Nun Monkton, York.
W ANTED.-Officer's black costume,good condition, new style preferred, 37 bust, 42 hips. Shirt blouse, detached collar 14 in. S.J. 85 c/o Publishers.
W ANTED.-Officer's Uniform. Good condition. Fit 5 ft. 7 in. Measurements and price to HAMILTON, c/o 905 Crurnlin Road, Belfast.
C HEVROLET AMBULANCE, American style, for sale, could be converted for use as delivery van. Price £300 if sold to the Brigade as an Ambulance and £400 if for trade purposes.-F. H. SCHOOLING, Ambulamce H.Q., Slough.
FOR SALE.-Div. Surgeon's uniform, 5 ft. I in., worn twice, hat 7-!t in. Reasonable offer accepted.-Div. Supt. S.J.A.B., Hungerford, Berks.
RAZOR BLADES FOR FUND RAISING.Etched (printed) your own brand "S.J.A.B." New slotted type. We are equipped to supply very small quantities. Best quality Bridsl;}. Sample, price, and particulars free.ROBERTS BROS. & CO., 143 Town Street, Beeston Leeds. u.
RAISE FUNDS QUICKLY AND EASILY by sei'ling Perfumed Cards, Sachets and oilier n0velties. Samlllles free to secretaries.-THE AIRlIDALB PRlISS, P.O. Box 60, Bndf0rd.
Day Emblems, BuHons and Badges
SAVE THE BANK WAY
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What's wrong with keen saving anyway? It's good for us all and good for our country, too. So let 's get cracking with every sixpence and shilling we can muster. Ten shillings buys a Savings Certificate that becomes 13/- tax free in ten yea1!s-no bad. bargain! AFld the maximum holding is a thousand certificates. Buy through your Bank or from a Post Office or Savings Group.
Issued by the Natiorw.l Savings Committee
Priuted in Great Britain by STEPHEN AUSTIN & SONS, LTD., Fore Street, Hertford, and published by BRlrISH PERIODICALS, LTD., 46/47 Chancery Lane, Lendon, W.e.2, fer the VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOH N OF Jli:R.USA1,.ltM.
