CHILBLAINS
used for CUTS, SMALL BURNS,
lithe QIlllirial A ;lhmrnol of tlrt OOranb ;Pri"'1] in V the 1!irilish 4ttolm of ij[;he 1tJetteitahlt <Jhbu af the af John af Jeitllsalem
Bdired by GBORGB B. CRAPT, O.Sr.,., P.R.S.A..
EDITORIAL
THE NEW YEAR
With the advent of another year we take this opportunity of extending sincere thanks to all those who have in the past given assistance in the publication of The Gazette.
To memb ers of the Medical Profession, headed by Dr. N. Corbet Fletcher (Surgeon-in-Chief of the Brigade), who has been honorary Medical Correspondent to The Gaze tte since the inception, we say" Thank You". It is well known that the effici ency of the Brigade is due to the willing co-operation given by doctors at lectures, practice!ii, competition!ii, and the like. Al!iio we thank them for the very instructive articles which appear under their names in many issues of this Journal. Not all see eye-to-eye with the Textbook Revision Committee; not all agree with certain treatments; but all agree that the publication of articles on numerous subjects do assist the lay members of the Brigade to become better and more efficient first aiders.
To the Exe cutive Officers of the Order, the Senior Officers of the Association and of the Brigade we exten,d thanks for their encouragement and assistance. On, many occasions it has been possible to give new!ii of items of great interest in our work which would otherwise be missed.
Lastly, we say a sincere (( Thank You" to all correspondent!ii who send in month after month reports of activities. It is not always possible to insert such reports in full, in fact on numerous occasicms just a passing reference is made to the fun,ction reported, but that is due to the shortage of materials through which we are now passing. Paper, or rathelithe shOFtage of i iE, i!ii still the great deciding factor, and until more paper is released for general use we must continue to use the" blue pencil".
And now for the future. DUffi"ing the prese!tlt year the new Health Bill comes into operation. Tllis will be a trying time for members of the Brigade . There will be plenty of voluntary work to be done in ambulance transport, in the distribution of medical comforts, in hospitals, in nursery hospitals, on the roads, at the seaside, and at public meetings.
We may be asked to undertake work which we are not accustomed; we may be asked to cease doing work wlilicID. has been Gl @ne by memiloer!ii fer many years; we may be asked to continue with our present work but in another form. Whatever calls ale made upon us, we are sure that they ,;vill be answered and the prestige of the Order upheld. The public-spiritedne!iis of our members is such t !li!tat calli'ilGt 1De Gvereshmated; ill fact no money can buy that spirit of service which emanates fr©m the thousands of vohmtee:rs enH)l1ed in the St . J@hn Movemen,t.
INVESTITURE . OF INSIGNIA
On Decemb er 4 the Sub-Prior (The Earl of Clarendon), on behalf of the Grand PriOF (H.R.H. The Duke of Gloueester) presented to some 45 I?em?ers of Ord er the Insignia of their Grad es. Dunng the ceremony an .tunctl®n took place. Sir Harry Luke was invested! with t ihe o f Ment, Fmst Oass with Crown, of the SoveFeign O rde r @i.£ t ibte Hosplta!1lers of St. J oh.m of J erusalem. The investiture was out on behalf the Grand Master b y Major Sigismund Trafford (President) and Lord .(Chancellor) of Association of the British Members of the SovereIgn MIlItary Order. ThIS was the first occasion in modern times that such an investiture had taken plac e at the Chancery of the English Order.
ST. JOHN COUNCilS IN THE COUNTIES
DEVONSHIRE At the last quarterly meeting it was announced that Miss Morton Palmer had resigned th e secretaryship, and that Mrs. Bas;combe had succeeded her.
Sir Hamhorne Lewis was elected a memb er of the Council.
The position regarding the negotiations with the County Medical Officer of Health was set out and a general discussion on certain points ensued
It was decided to arrange meetings in five towns at which the functions of St. John Councils in the Counties should be explained. It was further decided to invitg of the press to thes e m ee tings.
PRIORY IN NEW ZEALAND
On the occasion of the fire which occurred at Christchurch on Novemb€r 11, members of the Brigade Overseas were very active. On the alarm beim.g seveia[ members who we:rre in the vicinity immediately took to - deal with expected casualties. In the short space of 25 minutes the wh01€ building, covering about one acre in area, was a raging inferno. Corps
Supt. G. Dunlop contacted the CommissioneF -and a broadcast calling Brigade members on duty was iss ued without delay. Withim a few minutes the first to this call and weFe posted at danger points throu ghout the area of t he fire. Ambulan!\:es were also sent i<i> the sceme a EJd Cotrps Surgeon. H. E. W. Robertson took elver the organization of medica1 officers. The FiFe spread with such appailing sp€ed that many members of the staff Qf the firm concerned were engulfed in the flames and any attempt at rescue was A few who :risked jumping from the windQws were, with one exception, saved. BFigade memb€rs we:re staticll1l.em wheEever a hos€ lead was im use to rero.Ql.er firs t a[@ to any casualty caused by falling masoIllrY, burns, !\:uts, etc. Membe!l's of the NUFsing Divisi@ns were despatched tQ King Edward 6
Barracks where a roll call of the staff was being held, and the services of the personnel were greatly appreciated at the distressing scenes. After nearly nine hours the majority of members were withdrawn but three remained on duty all night in case th eir services. were required. The n ext morning eight members reported fo r duty and remained all day. There were a number of casualties among the workers engaged in penetrating the devastated area. The number of casualties treated by the .evening of the 19th was 51 , and during that time 36 Ambulance and 20 Nursing personnel were on duty. Several senior Cadets were on duty and carried out their work in a very creditable manner.
OVERSEAS VISITORS
Among recent visitors to St. John 's Gate we have been pleased to welcome the following from Overseas: Colonel Sir Ellis Robins (Rhodesia), Mr. and Mrs. Morgan (Rhodesia), Mrs. E. A. Greene (Australia), Mr. C. Norman Smith (Trinidad), Miss Lane (Canada), Mr. H. Harvey (Kenya), Mr. and Mrs. Gribble (Kenya), ME. ]. S. Turm.bull Mrs. Walker (New Zealand 9 D ilf . E. Boerman (Jamaica) Miss Arridge (South Africa), Dr. R. D. Bailey (South Africa), and Mrs. Hau[son (South Africa).
THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE TEXTBOOK
By M. M. SCOTT, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P
(Member of Textbooa Revision Committee and Distriet Swrge eJn , No. I District,
(Continued from page 423, DecemltJer, 1947, issue.)
The p0licy Supplement may be indicated under three headings, viz. :_ (r) To "?nng Its substance matter as up to as possible.
(2) To Impress the need a more broad-minded and pliable conception and e.g. to aU classical signs and symptoms may not necessanly be In any .case, and that those which are present may. vary .appreclably In ThIs IS noted espeeially in the early chapter dealmg wIth Shock, and It cannot be too strongly stressed that seldom is a case typically" textbook" in its appearances.
(3) To demonstrate emergency conditions there may ha:re .to be a form of field first aId as opposed to the standard variety. ThIs IS a definite attempt to teach officially that first aid treatment cannot always be strictly as (( per book ", although the standard treatment as indicated should form the basis o f any treatment given.
. My White Knox, and the Surgeon-in-Chief have previously dIscussed In thIS Journal the new inovations and teachings, and therefore I propose to touch o n some of the main, points only, and discuss the reasons for their introduction.
SHOCK
As patients suffer from shock, fracture of the spine and burns, the first alder WIll never lack material for discussion. Secondary Shock is mentioned for the first time to dispel the id ea that a patient recovering from shoek (presumably Primary) wc:s g etting (( out of the wood" and therefore becoming less cause for apprehenSIOn. Moreover, air raid incidents, to say nothing of more r ecent events such as railway accidents, meant that casualties were frequently not rescu ed for some hours after the ineident had occurred and that (( secondary" shock was by this time in evidence; or that casualties who had recovered frOID. primary were allowed to procee d home, only to requITe later a atte.ntIOn for secondary shock. The meaning of shock: not wlthm the pr<?vI.nce of article. The recent outstanding contnbutIon by SIT Heneage OgIlVIe to thIS Journal has already described the surgeon's point of view, and I am hoping in the n€ar future to contribute to a combined article giving the viewpoint of the physiologist and the first aider.
FRACTURES
The that gentle extension or traction should be applied in all cases of lImbs has cau5ed concern to some fir st aiders who do not appreciate that WIth even powerful extlims!ion, it is practically !impossible to pull back into position the protruding end of a bone, unless an an(Bsthetic is used. The Supplement stresses that (( No great extension can be maintained on the ends of the broken bones by the means available to the first aider, etc ", and also that the scope of the first aider in the treatment of fractures is not necessarily to set the fracture accurately but to maintain the broken ends in a fixed position, so that they shall not cause further injury to the tis;su es round aQout them. The r eading and understanding of the fust two parag:nlphs of this chapter should ease the minds of the doubters.
First aiders will also observe the somewhat ready manner in which the use of a ;patient's body itself is advQcated as a splint, when the well-padded splint, or splints, are not available. This idea was effectively proved during the reeen,t war iboth in the Services and Civil Defence, and the instructioms and suggestions given may playa yet bigger part in the first aid of the future.
7
FRACTURED SPINE
There are two important points to be noticed in with this injury :-
(r) Paralysis is not necessarily a constant: factor. It IS the majority (i)f cases demonsi!:rate no loss of power or sensatIon and It 1S also wen iknown t ihat Imamy cases 0] back inj uries which have been, attnbuted to other causes are in fact: cases Gf fractured spine. It is only when the spina1 cord or n,erves are involved that paralysis occurs.
(2) In order to form a common policy with the Home and it is reasonably safe to load any case of fracture of the spme, notwlthstandmg the site of the injury, in the face-npwards position, we now advocate the supi:ne position in all cases for loading and transport purposes. (prone position) entails a risk in fractures of the cervIcal regIOn, and ItS advantages for fractures in other positions are matters of controversy. These instruetions do not, of course, apply in coal mines, which h,ave special proble ms of their own, and for which the Priory for are catering in their First Aid in the Coal Mines. I may add tl'lat we gave much considered thought before arriving at our decision.
ANTISEPTICS
The modern conception of antiseptics is undergoing radical changes, and the value of the patient 's own powers of resistance is becoming increasingly
With the use of preparations of the Sulphonilamide group, and PeniGillin, etc., it is apparent that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era. Members of rescue parties during the recent war will remember that they were Dot even supphed wit,h antiseptiGs, because it was appreciated that unless an a ]i]]tis@lQidc could be ipl'epared and used under pwper conditions, it was valueless and l'iRight ev:eliil be harm.ful, hence the restriction as to its use in the Supplement.
CONTROL OF HJEMORRHAGE
(( Local press ure , properly applied, will stop bleeding from nearly every wound." "The tourniquet is a necessary evil, always evil , seldom necessary." These words are, of course, taken from Sir H eneage Ogilvi e's r ecen t article, and express opinions which are identical with that of the Supplement. The danger q of cutting off the very life-blood of the part or whole of a limb to control a local h;;em<Dr!lfhage has always an uneasy feeling in the minds of the surgeons, but hadii1!!i:@.l!1 dies haird, and tne idea (i)f switching tbe blood stream off and on, jMst lik@ a tap, appeared to be somewhat fascinating (if one may judge by the reaction of competitors in first aid competitions), It should be clearly stated that the methods now suggested are efficient, and in the large majority of cases, free from the dangers of previous methods of hcemorrfuge control. Some discussion has arisen as to the advisability of applying direct digital pressure to a wound when it wntains a foreign body which is not visible or easily removable, or there is an underlying fracture. It will simplify explanations when it is undgrsitood that wounds di o not bleed from all over their surface, but only from a small number only one <Dr two) of points. These are never und erneath fme bedy? which is ell plug, thereby sealing any potential bleeding, so It IS pOSSIble to apply dlgltal pressure to the bleeding points, avoiding the foreIgn body, even a .proJect1l1g fracture. The degrees of pressure usually required (even more so as the patient is probably in a condition of shock) is relatively small, and shou.ld there be an fractur e, it should be possible to control WIthout the bony injury (here we are up against the tradltIo.n of our The pressing down of a dressing into the wound IS, of course, qmte a dlfferen,t matter, as the dress ing exerts pressure over the whole of the wound, and the pressure is of necessity firm, so as to compensate for controlled pressure which is only possible by digital means. vVhen a must be used, the suggested form is much more efficient and easily th..an the 0101 St. J 0)1b.ll tomniquet, which was rarely applied correctly, an? !In wllJ1ch .knot O!r ]Dad was a]Iliil.ost too smal L Inddental1y, a bllUlt-M]="> dress1l1g IS NOT a !ring-pad..
VENOMOUS SNAKE BITE AND RABIES
My information is that' it is many years since a Gase of rabies was notified in this so that the c(i)ndition has gradually gone the way of the" poisoned arrow". In this country, the only indigenous snake which gives rise to the slightest eonce!rn is the Adder, and general anti-shock measures, particularly reassuril'lg words, will suffice as a first aid measure. For these reasons the two Gonditions mentioned above are now no longer compulsory for the St. John Ambulance Associahon certificate examinations il'l this country. In appropriate districts and countdes, tfueir inclusion in the syllabus is a matter for local arrangements.
ASPHYXIA
Our main concern has been to stress the necessity for an adequate air passage to and from the lungs, and t(i) note that it should be possible to perform Silvester's method oli artificial !respiration even when without an assistant, by turning the patient's head to OIllie side,
(To be concZuded)
OBITUARY
We regret to announce the death of the following :-
Captain T. Allan, on DecgmlDer 7. Capt. Allen joined the Brigade at Keighley in 1896 and later transferred to Shipley where he was appointed Superintendent. On the formation of the Shipley and District Corps he was Corps and later Corps Superintendent. In 1925 he was appointed District Officer and he retired at the end of 1945 after 49 years' service. He was also connected with the ambulance work of the Midland Railway classes from 1891. In 1918 he was Admitted as Serving Brother of the Order and promoted to Offic€!r in 1935. He held the Service Medal and si.x Bars. Mem@ers of the Midland Area Staff of the West Riding of Yorkshire attended the cremation. Mrs. Allan, the widow, was a Corps Officer of the Shipley and District Corps until her retirement in 1936, and is an Officer (Sister) of the Order..
Mr. Harry Austin White, who was the first Corps President of the Wo1verhampton and District Corps. Though holding office for only two years Mr. White was a very Chetive man, amd du]'il'lg the war years was Chairman of the Joint War Organization Committee in Wo1verhampton. When this Committee finished its work Mr. White was pleased to accept the invitation to become the first Cerps President. He was present at all Corps functions and interested in every activity of the Brigade. He had a long record of public service, ,having served Town Council and being Mayor in 1939-40. Mrs. White, who died two years ago, was President of the Oxley Nursing iDi.visioilil..
Div. Supt. G. A. !Burgess, or the 37th G W.R. Division, passed away last month 9
after being a member of the Brigade for 46 years. He was an Officer of the Order and during the last ,war was one of the original training officers of the Paddington Light ResGue Service. Many paid their last respects at the intermemt, includimg Sir Harold Kenyon (President Qf tke Division) and. representatives of the Area Staff and other organizations.
Div. Supt. L. G. W. Power, who joined the Brigade 20 years ago, and since 1934 has held the rank of Superintendent Gf the Tramways (Byker) Ambulance Division. He had a long and distinguished reGGrd of service in the regular Army and Possgssed the Queen's and King's Mgda1 for the Boer War, the North-West Frontier Medal, four medals from the 1914-18 war, and also the Long Service Medal of the Army for 23 years' service. His widow is also a Superintendent of the Brigade.
Div. Supt. E. C. Stevenson. of the No.2 Ambulance Division, Guildford Corps, who joined the Brigade in 1926, since when he had given valuable service to the movement. He was the holder of the §el'vice Med.al o:Ii the Order, and many of his colleagues were present at the funeral.
THE • FLAG • POSTER
In addition to the large poster now available, particulars of which were given in the December issue of The Gazette , there is now available a smaller size which will be fOlilml. ;very useful. These Gan be ebtainecl frem the Stores Department, St. John'S Gate, Lendon, E.C. 1, at 8d. each or 6s. per dozen, postage extra.
PRELIMINARY FIRST AID TEXTBOOK AMENDMENTS
Th€ Textbook Revision Committee has decided on t.he following corrections to . the Supplement to the Manual" A Preliminary Course of First Aid to the " ;-
Page 5, Rule 5. Deillete tfue opening w®rr;<Ths " theJie is a iboilly OF br<0ken @one " . .
Page 6, RuZe 8. From lines 2, 3, and 4 delete the words" do not app ly pressure with the thumb and do not squeeze the wound as in Rule 5 Instead." Rule 8·will therefore read as follows ; (8) Where a foreign body or broken bone is present or suspected in a wound, build the dressings and pads round it to a sufficient height to allow for the complete covering of the wound and for pressure to be applied by the bandage without pressing on the foreign body or broken bone. This has somewhat the effect of a ring pad hlsed for smaller wounds of this character."
TOXITY OF MOTH BALLS
First aidea:-s are often ' called to give initial treatment, or asked advice, to children who have swallowed some foreign body. We have therefore taken the follo wing from a recent issue of The British Medical Journal, ' which was publis:bed under" An,y Questions? " ;
Q.-Recently I saw an infant who had eaten about one-quart er of a moth - ball, w1,thout 1,ll-effect. What are the po s sible toxic effect s of moth-balls and what 'bS the treatment?
A.-Mot'h-balls are nowadays made of naphthalene, though they used to be of Naphthalel11e has a very low toxicity becaus e little is absorbed, but hu ge doses may In dos es of 3- I 2 gr. (0'2naphthalene IS used as an ll1testll1al dlsll1fe ctant and v ermifuge The Extra Pharmacopoeia says that 2 g. over the course of two da y s bas proved fatal to a 6-year-old child, and suggests as treatment that the stomach should be emptied by an emetic or s.tomach tube; tbat a purgative d os e of magn e sium sulphate and demulcent drll1ks should then be given, but no oils or fats.
REVIEWS
From Rifle 1;0 Camera. By Colonel Sir James Sleeman, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., M.V.O., M.A. JarroMs (London), Ltd., 47 Prmcgs Gate, London, S.W. 7. 2Is. net.
This bOGk deals with the author's varied visits to India, Africa, New Zealand, and other places where with great skill he presents his many notable big game hunting adventures. As the name of the bo©k shlggests, Sir James Sleeman did his shooting both with gun and camera, and the illmstFati@ns given show a 'of interesting material.
Sir James Sleeman is well knoWl1l to readers as the Chief Commissioner of the Brigade Overseas, and whilst there are no instructions on first aid contained in the book, it is, we 'feel, fortunatg that Sir J ames was a first aider, and that he could give any immediate attention had the oCGasiom al1isen.
W€ 'fuarwe fOlllmdi the hook !lPFlGsi/; interestcing, and. we cam . recommend it to OUiI! readers, especially those who al1e keea on
It seems, my friends, many months since I wrote the last article on Medical OGlJililf@rts DepDts and perchance you feel that I hav.e forgotten you all. This is not so, howeve;r, but I do not think I o u ght to fill this column with the excuses I could make for neglecting you. I only hope you will forgive my backsliding and accept my promise to do better in 194 8
Congratulations to you all. On December the I8th the York City Ambulance Division registered the sooth Depot and the Department, therefore, achieved the target for the year with I3 days to spare.
" Targets" have now become the fashion wherever we talk of the production of goods, coal or saving our spare cash, and so that we too may be fashionable I have decided to work for a I948 Target. On the principle that it is better to ail!il1l t e o high than too low, may we say :woo Depots by January, I949? Did I hear you whisper (( Impossible" ? My friends, nothing is impossible when out of 4,000 Divisions we have 3,500 not running Medical Comforts Depots. All we want is the (( will to win ". The encouragemen,t given by the wonderful work that can be done and the enthusiasm to overcome the obstacles an,d difficulties that arise. My wife t e lls me I am obstinate when I know what I want and in this matter I really am obstinate for it can be done.
So here is wishing all you non-Depot Divisions well and good hunting for I94 8
The position of the Medical Comforts Depots under the National Health Services Act is under discussion, and all Depots who receive any communication on this matter from the Medical Officer of Health or the Local Authority should get into touch immediately with the County Commissioner. It is too early to give details of the progress made but you may rest assured that all possible is being don e to clarify the position
Now a word on the new Annual Return Form. It is most essential that this return is made v ery promptly this year in order that we may have all possible information to help us with our negotiations. The forms have been issued to your County Office and you should have received them by this date. If you have not, please write immediately and complete at once. It is most important.
A Memory of Solferino. By J. Henry Durrant. Cassell and Company, Ltd ., 37- 38 St. Andrew' s Hill, London, E.C.4 6s. net.
To fir st aiders throughout the world the name" Dunant " is the trade-mark of the International Red Cross. He it was who after seeing the dreadful state of the wounded at a little town of Castigilione, set about forming an International Relief Society which was the forerunner of the no,: well-kn own and respected InternatIOnal Red Cross Society. It is pleasing to recall that at the first International Geneva Convention, held in 1864, the Order of St. John which functioned as the Red Cross Society of Great Britain, was represented, and that through their ef!orts th.e British National Society for the AId to SIck and Wounoed was formed in 1870. vivid and tragic story as told by Dunant brings home the neglect oli men lIil agony; how much the wounded of the 1939-1945 War owe to him can imev.er be estimated. big game hunting stor[es.
10
A Meme}fY!, of S.ol/elJ'in€J is a story, true wInch WIll find its place in the .....l!l.branes of aU first aiders.
Now for a little problem that you may be able to so lve. Sheffield is a hilly district and the pushing of an in valid chair hlp and down the hills becomes a problem wh en that chair is of the rather heavy self-propelled type. The ofncerin-charge of the Shiregreen D epot (Div. Supt. ]. W. Webb, 53, Mollineaux Road, Sheffield,s) has three of these chairs that he would like to exchange for three of a lighter pattern. Can, anybody help by exchange? If a D epot is contemplating purchas e of a chair perhaps the officer-in-charge would consider the purchase of a light typ e with a view to exchange. Please write direct to Mr. Webb with your offers. The y will b e greatly appreciated.
I wish you all a happy and successful 1948, and may w e reach the 1,000.
The S ecretary, M.C.D. Committee.
LOAN HAMPERS AND DISPLAY PHOTOGRAPHS
As was announced in the November, the Press Officer, St. John's Gate, 1947, issue of Th e Gaz ett e, there are now Clerkenwell, London, E.C. I) as long a available Loan Hampers and sets of notice as possible should be given and also Display Photogaphs for Divisions and the exact dates on which they will be Classes. There is no charge for these but displayed. It a lso helps if those applying hirers are expected to pay for the return will state for what purpose they will be carriage. used.
H: sl1!@uld be poi!l.ilte€l @ut that the object To oibviate any disappointment, no of these Hampers and Photographs is for further applications for the Hampers can public display, and they are not intemded be entertained for the month of February, for showing at a concert or other such but some sets of the photographs are function. When application is made (to available.
TALKS ON NURSING FOR MEN
By MIS $ MAR]OR]E H MILLER (County Nursing Offi cer fo r Suffolk) INTRODUCTION
These £oiWr short (0!1l1 (( Nillrsing for Men " are d esign ed rath er t.o stiml;[- . late an interest in nursing than actually t o H ome N urs mg Te x t Book and the course of lectures which accompany It :n.ord.er to the Hom e Nursing examination are a good basic trammg m nu r smg, th? se ambulance memb ers in my county who h ave themse lves m thIS SIde of Brigade work have not r egretted it. Now th er e IS scope for th e male Burse both in the home and in hospital , many of whIch accept male nurses who have exactly the sam e training as the women students, attendll;g
The only wards in which they actually do J? ot work are the wo m en s. In order that the Home Nursing Lectures may be qUIte fresh and new to you , these four articles will cover
(I) Th @care and comfort of the patien t.
(2) (a) Observa tion of the patient.
(b) Chronic invalids and aged patIents.
(3) (a) Special points in nursing children.
(b) Hygiene.
(4) (a) Hospital nursing.
(b) Preparation of trays.
TALK NO. I
THE CARE AND COMFORT OF THE PATIENT
To the patiBnt-that p er so n, male or female, trained or untrained, to whom they look for comfort and practical attention to their wan t s, will b e " Nurs e " -whatever by law they are allowed or not a llowed to call th e m!
The carB and comfort of the patient is the responsibility of that p erson who undertakes to look after them- wheth er there is a doctor in attenda nc e or notthe treatment of the disease from which the patient is suffering is th e doctor's responsib ility and h e will give to the amateur nurse instructions as to how t o carry out that treatment.
Now r ask you to imagine yourself at h ome w Ith wIfe or moth e r m b ed III and you younl e1f fu aving to [ook after them
1. Do not let your pati ent be worried by th e small u psets that are bound to happen whilst she is ill. Keep her happ y and fr ee from care .
2 As it is your house YO tl can arrange the furni t ure so that it is convenient to you for nursing and your patient, i. e (a) Place a table next to the b ed which is the right height-not too high or low-and let it be level and steady, and covered with a clean cloth.
(b) Borrow a connection and lamp so that th e light m ay st and by the bedside and! not slcline into the patient 's Byes which usu a lly h app ens when th e lig ht is in - t lle middle of the room A l1l ightl ight at l1light is very u seful.
(c) K eep t he ]fo€)m am even temperature witih w h<;Ltever heating you can arrange.
(d) Tie a du s; ter from door h a ndle to door handle so tha t the door can be ajar and the patient under supervisiem without disturbin g h er.
(e) Leave your patient with a b ell, stick or w histle, so th a t she can a ttrac t attention when yo u are not in the room
(f) A sick room may be k ept sweet and fresh w ith fresh air and th e u se of plenty of soap and water. It is difficult to keep a small r oom well ventilat ed without th ere beiNg a drau gh t. V ery often it is more convenient an d better for the patient if the window is opemed. only t wo or three tim es a day. When thi s; i s; done 'tae patient s'lm! ou [<9'I. ibe we rn[ wFaiPlJPed il!lp a J1il d tbe window left open w ide for a few minutes. At night it is well to leave the door open if it is imposs ible to have the window open without causing a ,draught.
CLEANLINESS OF THE PATIENT
The patient should b e washed b efor e the b ed is made. If she is in b ed for only tW€) or three days she really needs warmth and rest and should not be bothered with too muc ih. washing. She may sleep as much as sh e likes; as soon as she ;!fee ls better sfue win enjoy a good wash. 'When the patient is kept in bed! several days, wee ks or months, a blanket bath. every day is the ideal. Other.wise a blan k et bath should be given at least tWIce a week and a wash to the waIst and b etween the legs every da y .
To give a d a ily wash, yo u should see that th e doors and windows are shut, the room warm, and ever y thing necessary-hot water, co ld water, soap, flann els, nail brush, towels, scissors, brush and comb, clean p er sonal and bed linen-is in th e room and arranged in a convenient way b efor e the patient b egins to wash herself.
If the patient is to b e in b ed several days or weeks you should arrange for the lDistrict Nurse to come in to give a blanket bath which is described in the H <0 me Nursing Manual.
After the patient has had a wash the b ed should be made up m the manner to which yo u a r e accustomed, except that a mackintosh sheet, by a folded sheet, (the draw-shee t) is placed over the under sheet so as to he between it and th e patient's loins and buttocks . The ends of the mackir:tosh and sh eet are tucked in under the mattress on each sid e. In re-makmg the bed It IS b etter, if possible, t o r emove the patient from th e bed, keeping her warm and well-covered in the m eantim e .
If the patient is n ot all9wed out of b ed , a d es cription of how the bed should be made is found in the H ome Nursing Manual. -
Unl ess yo u have been told otherwise by the Dis; trict Nurse or Doctor, can nurse yo ur patient in the position in whicih she is most comfortable-eIther sitting up, lying down, or on one s id e or the otheL.
If th e s ittin g up position is preferred (the half lymg, half sIttm.g pOSItIon IS not so comfortab le as it looks), care must be taken to see that th e pIllows are firml y placed agains t the patient's back, particularly supporting the small of the back. Sometimes a small pillow under each arm is a comfort, and one under the p a tient 's knees h elp s to ke ep up in and is appreciated. Small pillows (or a cushion covered WIth a clean pIllow case) WIll be us; eful for resting a painful arm or leg. A small soft bianket next to the cC)vermg h er is u sefu l so that w h en the b edclothes are turne d back for washmg purposes, to the pillows , or to give a b edpan, she is not exposed should keep a bla nket for this purpose even if the patient does not hke It next to her always.
When h ot wat er bottles (rubber or ston e) or hot bricks they.must be well cover ed with a bag and before putting them near a patIe nt, It IS; adVIsable to v,rrap them in a shawl or jumper, e tc ., as we ll.
USE OF BEDPANS, URIN A LS, AND CHAMBER S
A fe male patient, who is; sitting up in bed and a?le to help herself, will be able to use a chamber quite s;atisfactorily. If the pabent, or female, is using a bedpan or chamber (a male patient mus;t be gIven a urmal at the same time), the back must. be well supported and Home :t:Jurse must .see that the pillows are pla ced firmly behind to give the patIent a of secunty.
After a motion, the patient must b e cleaned and, necessary, was;hed WIth cotton wool, and left dry and comfortable. A often the use of a urinal or bottle awkward and distressin!!, and If thIS IS the case It IS better to allow him to sit on the edge of the bed and pass water into a chamber. .
After use bedpans and ur inals must be rins;ed with cold water firs;t (thIS les;sens unpleasant 'odours) and then thoroughly cleaned with hot water and left ready m<»;r 1Jls;e. . N '
If the patient is incontinent, you should ask advice from the DIstnct urse on the us e of rubber bedpans, extra pads, etc.
All soiled linen must first b e rins ed in co ld water, th en put. to. soak in more co ld water w ith any wet lin,en take n from th e patient's bed, tIll It can b e conveniently washed
DIET
Invalids ' trays should a lways iJDe s}?Gtle£sly cleam a nd to l ook a ttractive. You shGililld see t11at Y@UF p atient is in a eomfortabie jpOSItwn f Gr the meal before the tray is taken in.
H ot fo od should be r e ally hot and cold food really cold. The cu.p of mIlk, etc. which is aiven between m e als shou ld b e placed so that the patIent can eas Ily it. A h:lpless patient i s f e d exactly as a small child is f e d
ORDINARY DIET m eans w hat it says and needs n o
LIGHT DIET m ean s porridge, c ereals, bread and butter, so up , fish, chicken, rabbit, mashed potatoes, greens, milk p wddin gs, s t ew ed frUlt, custard, cw rnfi omr shapes, j eni es , b i scu its, $!ponge cake.
FLUID DIET means generall y th a t the p a tie nt may t ake .fluids (e.g. t ea, coffee, cocoa, and milk, b eef t ea, orange and le I?ol1 dnnks and the lIke), but an adult patien t should be given three pin t s of mIlk dunng a hour p eriod. Fluid di et sho uld b e given every two hours and, If the patIent wakes, during the night.
ASSISTANCE RENDERED
Me mbers of the Northern Ireland District , Div. Supt. Alexander and Pte. R. Sempl e (at the Belfast )i'raiLll!sp or rt: Section) as €SCQ)ris to LOl.'1don with a patient for Stoke Manderville. They were met at Euston by the H ome Service Amb ulan ce Committee which conveyed both patient and escorts to the destination. Returning to L ondo n on the night of November 21, Ale xa nder and Semple w€ re in the v icinity of the H orse Guards Parade when they wer e informed that t here was a man lying im St. James's Par It. They proee €ded at once to the :place and found a man lying face downwards clutching a tin of rat poison from which h e had taken approximately a heaped tablespoonful. The man was consciou s a nd admitted what he had done, whereupon he was given a stro n g emetic and an ambu lance was sent for. On its arrival the patient was conveyed to hospita l. Continuing their walk: around the Capital th e two m €mbers of the Brigade eventu a lly r eached Piccadilly in time t o w itness a fight between poliee and dvilialils. H ere Alexanl'ier a:m.ci i§emple rem deEed n!l's;tt aid to those in need, including a razor s lash. The next day they did gro und duty at the Arsenal-Huddersfield football match, and on their return home, between Stranraer and Larne treated several patients on board the ship. And so
the Goswick train accident on Sunday last, I feel that I must w rit e to you and exp ress my very hi.gh appreciation of the valu ab l e work done by your d etach ment. The efficiency , care. and sympathy shown b y all was an outstanding feature in the wo r st disaster in this county for many years." Div. Supt Miss Gray and six members of the Div ision were quickl y on the scen e of the d isaster and a ll of them continued their arduous work straight through until the foll owin g day. Other members of the Div ision r eported to the Berwick H ospital and did many h ours of h eavy dut y.
From the County of Northampton comes a copy of a l etter rec eived from a parent to whose dau ghter, aged 15, m em bers of the Brigade had g iven attention when she had an accident in vVickstead Park. Whilst expressing thanks for the treatment given , the father expressed sincere appreciation of the fact that foll owing takin g the girl to hospital the members visited her later to inquire as to her welfare a nd to present h er with a gift of gEapes. "It is kindness of this n a tur e, dnin g the present troub lous times," wrote the father, "which helps to maintain our eq uilibrium by restoring a a faith in humanity that has, b y r ecent general conditions, been rather badly strained. "
an interesting and exciting duty was The following report stresses the imcomplet €d . portance of Home Nurs ing Training and Th€ Chief CelIlstalDle of Northumbeiiland it is strongly I'ec!Dmmended that members has sent the · followiNg - t (') t he of Ambu[amee Div is ions im p rove BerwiGk-on-Tweed Nursing Divisiolll : th eir knowledge by takin g a course in this "Al'tEl.Qugh I am publicly thanking all subject. The Superintendent of tl::te concern€d for tfu.e ir efforts at the sc €ne of Mapperley CoUiery Division writes : "On. 14
the evening of December 1, Privates F. G. Constable and 1. Morley were called to a neighbour's hou se a nd were asked by the lady of the house if they wOl!lld kind[y change the bedcl othes on the bed of her husband who was very ill. Making a ilf@JijWi.d examilJ1ation, t ifulJey cil.eemeilil it unwise to make 't:1iiJiis change the patient had been examine<;l by a docto,r, as in their opinion he was too ill to be m oved events proved them correct. In the early h ours of D ecember 2, at 1.15 a.m., the sa me two ambulance men we re again called to the same hou se This time they administered the last offices of the de a d. Being weH trained in Home Nu.rsing t hey performed! this saci duty so a.cil. mirably as to receive the c@mpliments of th e d oct or a nd of the und ertaker."
A different story comes from Cornwall, and one which p ortrays the work which the Brigade carries out aro und our seaboard. Answering an urgent S.O.S.
received by the Land 's End Radio Station, members of the Penzance Division put to sea in early hours of October 17. The m essage stated that a man on board the American Steamer Franklyn R. King was seriously ill and required hospital attefilti ©n art: once. The allll9ulance Nlen kept w@ary vig i[ iluatil al!> QJ1,l.t 1.30 a .Nl . when a ship's lig hts were se en on the h orizon They waited until the steamer had come further into the Mount's Bay and th en put to sea. A rope ladder was lowered and two doctors and th € ambulance m en climbed aboard. Slowly and carefully, while the pilot b oat rocked b el ow, the s ick man (a n acute app€ndicitis case) was hoisted over the side e m. cas ed in a Robiml!DID. stretcher. Al'l. aGetel yne lam p gave @e!l'iness to the sea. Whel'l. the patient was safely in the boat the doctors and ambulanc@ men made him comfmtah>le, and about 3.30 the party reached Penzance where the patient was taken to hospital.
_ POLICE AMBULANCE NEWS
NATIONAL FIRST AID COMPETITION
The a b ove competition for the" Pim " Trophy is bein g resuscitated this year. At the present time Dis trict eliminating competitions are b eing h eld throughout th e country, the winning team of each District Competition will take p a rt in the Final Co mp et ition for the Championship Trophy a nd prizes g ive n by the Order of St. J ohn.
The Final Competition w ill take place on March 12 at the Borough Polytechnic, Borough R oad, London, S.E. 1, tickets of admission b eing availab l e as fr om Feb-
ruary 15 , from the Competition Secretary, St. John Ambulance Association, St. J ohn' s Gate, London, E.C. 1.
The judging w ill be in t h e co mpetent hands of Dr. A. C. White Knox, of London, and Dr. H. S. 'Taylor-Young , of Salisbury, who will judge the T eam and Individual Tests respectivel y. .
It is of inter@s t to note that the present holders of the Championship Trophy are the City of L(')ndon Police who gained first place in the competition held in 1939
METROPOLITAN
M Division entertain ed the City of London Police on December 3 when the s ixt h competition for the" News of the World Cup" to ok at Gilmour H ®w. se. Lieu t -CoL Selby ancil. Dr. M. N. Oster were th e judges, and for the fifth time the City Police team were s uccessful in gaining the <i; up, being 20 marks ahead of M "A" t ea m. Sir Hugh Turnbull (Commissioner, City Police) presented the
trophy to th@ winners and expressed thanks to Supt. Rob €rtson for bis h ospitality. Many police Q)fficials of both Forces were 'Preselilt.
J Division was visited b y the City of London P olice for the annual competition for the "Guildhall Splint" which t oo k place at Leyton on December 18. Once again the City Police were successful.
CIT¥ OF LONDON
The a m.mmal Fcrce ChampioID.sm.ips weFe was mad € mor@ realistic b y staging heM on D@cemlDer 19 when iDr. M. M . arran ged by 1':1;E: Joe _ GEoss man, 0f the Scctt and District Staff Officer C. E. Ass ociated British Picture Corperation, B Q)w:er judged the WOf k of fcur teams anol. Ltd ., to \'Vhom ;thanks were extended by 24 individil.l als r espectively. The team test Sir Hugh TumbuH (Commissioner). After 15
an iI'lteresting function the Commissioneli announced the results, which 1st, D Division; 2nd, C Division; E IDivisiom; 4tk, B Division. I no!vldllal Championship was gained by P.C. Goddard DI9S;, whilst the "Mumford Cup" (presented by llilspector Mum.ford) for the best was gained by P.C.
Reeting E1'$5. AMerI1!ilalil Sir PeFey Greenaway presented the "Alderman's Cup ", the "Sully Trophy" and the "Mumford. Cup" amd congratulated all the members on their work He .also expressed appreciation for the tIme gI,ven to first aid if.) y an of the Police.
RAILWAY AMBULANCE NEWS
LONDON MIDLAND AND SCOTTISH
Annual Report.-The 22nd annual report gives particulars of the work carried Ohlt :For the year ended June 30, 1947. It is interesting to note th.at although there is a slight drop in the total number of examinations gained during the year, the number of certificate stuclents showed an increase, also those in the vOlilcl:wer and medallioN sikage. In fact all stages of sh<;>w an increase; the decrease bemg ill the number O:F men who have returned from the Forces but have not taken up the work again.
Seven of MedtoriclJUs First Aid were chosen from the many sent in and eight members of the Staff reeeived
Since the formation of the L.M. & S. Ambulanee Centre 5,158 members in England and. Wales have qualified [or the Long Service Medal whilst 4,669 Bars have been issued, 57 being fe>r 40 years' servic€) a l.Ol! e[ mime f or 45 yea;rs'
Many members of the Centre had their services mcognized by the Order of St. John, tW0) being promoted from Serving Brother to Officer, whilst 14 received
Admisson to the Order as Serving Brother.
Good progress was made in the development of competition work, and all the main All-Line competitions were held during the year. Ma.chipe " B " gained the ChampIOnshIp award ill the England and Wales competition and abo in the Sootland v. England tests Birmingham gained first place in the English Section of the Women's Competition. It is of interest to note that the Wolverton (L.M.S ) t eam gained fir st place in the St. John Amhl::lance Brigade Finals and tliat Camden gamed the H ong Kong Trophy in the same competition.
Mr. G. S. Hill, General Ambulance Sec;;retary, concludes the report with thanks to members of the medical profession, the H on I'istrict and Class Secretaries, District Committee-men, and the Instructors, and to the St. John Ambulance Association and the P r iory for Wales for th eir courtesy and assistance at all times.
We would congratulate the Centre on its good report and wish them further success in the future.
LONDON AND NORTH EASTERN
Manchester.-The · Manchester DistFict Officers have presented a trophy to the District and the first competition was held om D ec;;ernber 3, wh.e]1 Dr. B. A. R. Pitt (of Lond@u) am@. Mr. F. A. Tliott (Centre
Secretary of the Southern Railway) were the judges. Deansgate gained first place followed by Ardwick and Gorton Loco. Eight teams competed.
SOUTIIERN
Ryde.-Members of the Southern Rail- December 14, when again Southern way Class joilIleGl with the !Brigade to Railway first aiders supported a meeting listen to MajOF A. C. White Knox (a of Brigade personnel. Mr. Trott and member of the Revisiem Textbook Com- members o:fi the local Railway Classes mittee) 0]1 December · 13 on "The SlilP- arranged for the meeting to be held in the plernent of the Textbook" and on Coliseum, and their efforts were much " Competitions ". Mr. F. A. Trott app,reciated by all (some 250) who (Ge]1eral .Amblil[a]1ce Secretary) maGle th€) aHended. Neecaless to say, the knowledge arrailgements on the railway side, and a given by Major White Knox was :Followed good of members were present. by great interest am.d bis visit to ;the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth did much similar functiem as to increase the knowledge and efficiency given above was held at P@rtsIl1l0tlth on of fiFSt ai CEers in those areas. 16
'QJlre J\mhulnttte J\t-
HEADQUARTER NOTES
County Presidents and Vice-Presidents.Amemdment to Brigade page 22, para. 111 (b) should now read :-
On and after January 1, 1948, the establishment for County Presidents and
No. 1 OF WALES'S) DISTRICT
Central Area.-The ann.ual competitions were held em December 6, with. the fo llowing results :-
AmbuZance .-1 st (Corbet Fletcher Cup), Shorediteh. Nursing: 1st (Hammer Cup) Acton an,d Chiswick. The judges were Asst. Commissioner Capt. R Steele, County Surgeon B. Steele, Dr. Olive May, and District Officer Mrs. Tapply. The trophies were presented by the County Surgeon, who also distributed the following trophies gained at previous competitions of the Central Area; Bed.making Cup, Graigs Court; Walker Cup, Mary lebone Nursing Division; Lund Cup, Camden L.M.S. Divisio n; Tapply Cadet Cup, Joan Gurney (Eu ston); Dunford Shield, P.O. Ambulance Cadet Team. Mrs. Tapply ' offered a new cup in connectiop with the Walker Cup competition. Knightsbridge Nursing Division invited repres entatives of other N ursing Divisions to a Film Lecture given by Dr. Brian Stanford on "First Aid in Childbirth," given at the Gas Industries Hous e on December 6. Those present included Lady Dunbar-Nasmith (Deputy Superintendent-in-Chief), Miss V. Cunard (Chief Officer Nursing Cadets), Doreen Lady Brabourne (Acting President , Nursing Corps and Divisions, No 1 Dis.trict), District Supt. Miss Workman, Miss M. Harrison (Secretary, Nursing Corps and Divisions), District Officers Miss M R and G . O . Tuckwell, and Mrs . N. Matthews and Miss Clode-Baker, B.RC.5. Corps Supt. Mrs. Blagdon introduced Dr. Stanford, and spoke of his wide experience in the making of medical films as a member of the Medical Committee of the Scientific Film A ss ociation. Dr. Stanford gave an introductory talk in which he told his audience that the film was made in great haste for the instruction of Relief Workers on the eontinent . Tillroughomt the film he gave an ' interesting and informative commentary. Many questions were asked by those present, whieh proved the value of both lecture and film. Lady Dunbar-Nasmith, in thanking :Dr. StaE.iora, v:@[ced ;tJruJe apiPFeci.atiGill ®f present to th€) Knightsbridge Nursmg Division for their invitation.. She drew an amusing compa:rison with a demonstl'a-
Vice-presidents, will be 1 County PiTesident (man or woman), 4 County Vicepresidents (1 AmbulanGe, 1 Nursing, 1 Ambulance Cadets, 1 Nursing Cadets). Existing County Presidents and Vicepresidents will continue as at present.
tion which Admiral Nasmith had once witnessea, on the conclusion of which the Matrom of the hospital concerned had said how much all present had" enjoyed" the ©peration! Miss Workman seconded the vote of thanks.
LANCASHIRE DISTRICT
Bury Corps.-The annual inspection of Ambulance, Nursing, and Cadet Divisions of the Corps, also the Tottington and Whitefield Divisions, was held recently, and undertaken by Commissioner Major E. S. But Hamilt©n and District Superintendent Miss M. R Moore. The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury a welcome to the Inspecting Officers and their staff, and after the general salute the march past of some 200 members took plaoe. Demonstrations of the Rocking Stretcher, bandaging, etc., were given, following which presentation of a President's Badge to Dr. K K Wood, trophies gained in competition during the year, and Service Medals and Warranis were made. Words of appreciation were given by the Inspecting Officers, also by the Mayor of Bury , and the Chairmen of the Tottington and Whitefield Councils. Cadet Betty Unsworth received congratulations 6n having recently been the recipient of the Royal Humane Society's Parchment for rescuing a drowning boy from the reservoir in July last.
COUNTY OF BEDFORD
Luton Corps.-The competition for the Burgoyne Trophy resulted in a win for the George Kent Division, and the team the trophy from the d©nGr, Alderman Burgoyne. An instmctive test was set by County Surgeon Kelsall Thomas.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE
Reading.-A Cillristmas Fayre held by the Reading Nursing Corps, and opened by County Supt. the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage, restllted in £4 7 being raised in aid of the Medical Comforts Depot. Those present iNcluded Commissioner C. A the Mayo.ress ,MFS. H . V. Kersley), Mrs. Poole, County Vice-president Lady Denham , -and members of the County Staff. 17
COUNTY OF BIRMINGHAM
On the retirement of Col. Sir Bertram Ford as Commissioner of the County, a preseHtation was made to him by members of the Brigade in Birmingham. Each eeliips was represented tile a!llld! G) ,He menOl ber, aJ!IilJ@l t lhe C0JUnty Staff were a l so present. County Officer W. E Ballard said he wished to pay tribute to Sir Bertram for his inspiring wGlrk in the Brigade. As possibly the oJdest (in service) officer, he had seen the rise of the Birmingham County from its small beginning, to be a Service that count@d in the City. The and position of the Brigade in Birmingham was due to the wonderfl!ll example set by the CO])]Olmissi:<DiIi1€F, ibis e.I!l!;tihldsiasFE. amd fuilS fime discip!l.ine. Although Sir Bertram @.id nGlt wish to have a presentation, Mr. Ballard asked his acceptance of a Sheraton bookcase and table as a token (i)f the love and esteem of all ranks under his command. Coun,ty Surgeon Nieol in seconding Mr Ballard's word, said he realized on going to other counties and to London, what a :place Birmingham had attained, <due to Sir Bertram's County Officer Simpson said that everyone mIDst show his es:Eeem fGlr Sir Berm:!Fam by tryimg t Gl carry om the work as Sir Bertram had wished. County Supt. Mrs. Lee expressed her appreGiation of Sir Bertram s serviEes. Mr. Ballard also stated that a high honour had been bestowed upon Sir Bertram, as he had been made Assistant ReGeiverGenerai of the Order.
Sir Bertram Ford in reply said he appreciated the truly beautiful pieces of fmnitnre given to him, and he wished to have his 1dllam ks <1:®m veyed to al[ ;the members He ap:preciated, to@, the tributes paid to him; he was glad he was not to p1!lt his uniform away, but to be able to continue the work of the Brigade. He had watehed the growth of the Brigade in Birmingham from a small beginning ; he ·had seen it grow into a force, and he felt that the Government wOl!lld corne to realize that the voluntary services would be necessary t(') can;y out their great PFOgFamme.
: The @Je;pa!fh.['e gf Sir BertFam leaves a gap which will be extremely difficult to' :full, but he takes with him the esteem, affection, and respect which he has gaimed from his marv@!Jous example through the years.
Witton and Kingstanding Divisionheld an anniversary dinner recentl y, at whiGh the Service Medal was pres@mted to C-pl. S. Butler.
C0UN'F'J OF BllJfCKIN&lJiAM
Ayleshury.-County Officer A J. presented Serv!iee Ribbons and Bars to
five members of the Division for periods varying from 15 to 25 years' service.
OInej.-At a concert amd social, Mr. S. Lord (Chairman (i)f the Parislnl CO llmcil), p lfesented to MF. Dix a gold watch and cbain, subscribed for by members of the 10Gal divis ruo n amd well-w[sheFs. Mr. Dix, wlThGl has beel] a membe[' of the Brigade for '40 years, has just relinquished the position of Superintendent of the Ambulance Division, and this presentation was made as a token of appreciation of his fine record of service. At the same tim.e, County Officer Miss Savory presented to Mrs. Dix a gold brooch, and th a nked her for her practiGal help in con,neGtion with the ambulance service.
Slough.-The annual competition for the Serena Cup, open to all divisions in the South Bucks Corps, was held on December 6, when Slough Town Ambulance Division gained first place with Slough Town Nursing Division good runners-up. Drs. Cosgrove and Kipping were the judges. The Mayor of Slough presented the cup to the leader of the winning team, whilst the Deputy Mayoress presented the individual prizes
COUNTY OF DORSET
On, December 10 , the final match for the " Forbes Memorial Cup" was" played" at '\iVeymouth, Portland Divis ion gaining first place, with 'Weymouth secon d. This completed the first year a new type of competition, which was a great success, and which other Counties may find well worth adopting. Des igned to include as man y members as possible, only senior cUIP winners are barred, except as captains, and as far as possible the teams were changed throughout the cGlmpetitions.
Each division played two matches with every other division, home and away, and each match consisted of a team test and a quiz organized by the "home" Divisional Surgeon, with standard marking sheets. Two points were given for a wiili1, one ]'Or a oraw, a tie in the final res l!l lts to it>e decided by total marks. Not only have the matches given a new impetus to training, but some divisions made the matches a social contact as well.
At the final, the County Staff were present, and the "Forbes Memorial Cup ", presented by Supt. C. W. Grant G>f Poole,. memory of the late County CommISSIOner, Dr. Colin, Forbes, was handed to the winning team by County Vice-1?reside:r:t Lady Ellenborough. The i/twiJji>LHes gal!lll!ed by thie N i\!llfsiIrug amd Student at County, and NatIOnal Lond.on Competitions were on. y. 18
ISLE OF WIGHT
On December 13, members of the J sland, together with members of the Southern Railway Clas ses, attended a meeting he[d in the Art Sehool, Ryde, to hea:r Major- A. C. White Knox (Commis sioner No.1 District, and a member of the Textbook Revision Committee) give a t alk on the Supplement to the Textbook, and on, Competitions. Commissioner Dr. Kennedy presided, and welcomed the speaker, also the Mayor of Ryde (Councillor Bird), Mr. F. A. Trott (General Ambulance Secretary, Southern Railway), and Mr. G. E. Craft (editor of the Ga zette). Before commencing his talk, Major \iVhite Kn,ox pr-esented to Pte. Jenkins a letter of commendation received from the Chi.ef Commissioner, on his action which saved th e life of a b oy who had fallen into the sea .
The talks were much appreciated by an, enthusiastic audience, and many questions were asked, thus enabling the speaker to darify m any points.
COUNTY OF KENT
Sevenoaks -A parade was held reeently, so that the new President of the Sevenoaks Divi s ion could make the acq uaintance of the members. In welcom in g Major-General J. E. T. Younger, Supt. F. G. Hodge said how proud the division was to h ave the Secretary of the Order as their President. General Younger, after presenting awards to members, said he was delighted to be 'present, and was struck by the good type of N.C.O. and men of the division. He had en j oyed the evening with them, and hoped he would b e asked to future events.
COUNTY OF LEICESTER
Leicester.-Memb ers of the Gipsy Lan,e Division and the Cadet Div isions presented a Christmas Fantasy on D ecembe r 18 and 19, in aid of funds for the treat arran ged for Old Age d Pensioners. Both performan ces were well patronized. Supt. T. Hames was the producer. Loughhorough. - -A Welcome Home Dinner was g i ve n to 12 members who had served with H.M. Forces. County Surgeon Macleod presided, whilst Supt. Chester welcomed th e members. Div Surgeon C. Morton replied. Members of this division paid a visit to St. J olm's Gate, an,d were much interested in all they saw . They wish to express thanks to Mr. Veevers Thon).pson, who acted as their guide.
COUNTY OF LINCOLN
Grimshy.-On December 9, Asst. Commissicmer Dr. M. C. Lavin presented Service Medals and Bars to seveFl, memb e:r9. ' Ambulance Ofrrr;:eF J acksoI). received his 4th Bar, Ambu lance OffiGer 'Walmsley and Sergt. VV. Griffiths thei1:' 2nd Bar, Corpl. S. Tuxworth the Medal
and Bar, whilst CorpI. J. Handley, Privates L. A . Carter and W. Stoekwood received the MedaL
C6UNTY OF NGRFOLK
Thorpe.-After 1,200 man h @urs voluntary work, members of the Thorpe Division [have nelW attractive Headquarters which were formally opened by County Commissioner Sir Thomas Cook on D ecember 12. The Rev. R. Fieldifig pres ided, supported by County President Lady Cook, Asst. Commissioner Dr. VI. E. Rutledge, County Supt. Dr. May Rutledge, County Officer Denny, Div. Surgeon, P. Citreon, Supts. A. Hipperson, afid H. Staff. Representatives of the Parish Council were also present.
Norwich.-The Lady Mayoress (Mrs. W. G. Cutbush) opened a "bring a.n.d buy" sale at the City Headquarters, and praised the work of the Brigade. County Supt. Dr. May Rutledge introduced the Mayoress, who was thanked for her presence by County Commissioner Sir Thomas Cook.
Sheringham.-The quarterly friendly competition evening of the Sh@ringham Division was held on, December 13, the teams competing beifig from Sheringham, Holt, and Cromer. Dr. H. C. Geldard staged the test, after which a discussion on points raised. in the test took p1ace. County President Lady Cook (who apo logized for the absence of the County Commissioner) presented certificates to s uccessful candidates, and expressed ner pleasure at seeing so many ladies come forward to do nursing in the district, and congratulated them on forming a Nmrsing Division. The men received their awards from Asst. CG>mmissioner. Dr. VV. E. RuHedge.
COUNTY OF ' OXFORD
Banhury.-At a Civic Service held at the in,vitation of the Mayor (Councillor F. Partridge) members of the Banbury Divisions paraded under Supt. F Hartland; others present included County Commissioner Dr. C Gardiner Hill and County Surgeon H. R. Wynne. After the service the Mayor presented ServiGe Medlal ribbons to Cadet Supt. Miss D. Ki1e and Nursing Offieer Mrs. E. Page, Sergt. G. Timms, and Pte. '\iV. G. Robbins. Nursing Cadet Sergt. Pamela Upton received the Grand Prior's Cadet Badge , Kidlingtou.-The Dedication and opening of the Kidlirigton Divisions Headquarter's took place on December 7, when the Vicar (the Rev. Claude Chavasse) performed the dedication ceremony. County Commissioner Dr. Gardiner Hill cl:eclared the building 0iPEmed, and afterwards presefited awards to the members. He stressed the fact that members ef tlle Brigade would be called upon to take over 19
responsibilities in July next. Supt. E. A. Thompson paid tribute to the support re(;;eived from Div. Surgeon T. D. Thorne and Mrs. Thorne, and expressed the hope that it 'Would soon be p<Dssil£>le to fO'Irm a N urs:ing and a Cadet $e(;;tion in the villag€.
West (hford.-lF'resident Dr. G. C. Williams presided at the annual dinner of the West Oxford Division, at which C(mnty Commissioner Dr. Gardiner Hill spoke of the extra calls to be made upon Brigade personnel, and distributed awards. Supt. G. S. Taylor received a Bar for 35 years' service, whilst Pte. R. Tanner received a Service Medal. Supt. Councillor R. Warren pFOposed "Th.e Guests ", to whiGh County Officer F. N. Rogers replied.
COUNTY 6F SURREY
Haslemere.-County OffiGer Mrs. Henry was at the last monthly meeting of the Haslemere Ambulance and Nursing Divisions to present Service Medal Ribbons to Amb. Officer Miss M. R. Mills and Amb. Sister R. Doxey. County Officer Miss Stables and President Miss D. Ford, also foundation members of the Nursing Division, were present. The Geremony was followed by a talk given by Miss Luke:rr (Matron, Haslemere Hospital), on her work as a Q.A.I.M.N.S. during the war in the Middle East, and on board a Hospital ship. Miss Luker was warmly thanked by the members for her interesting talk.
COUNTY OF SUSSEX
Easthourne.-At the annual dinner of the Eastbourne Division, Asst. Commissi@Eler C. Heywood, 10Fel]'lGsrng the health of the chairman, Div. Surgeon H. McAleenan, stated that the local division was the most effiGient unit in his part of Sussex. He spoke of the good wmk which had been carried out for many years by Dr. McAleenan, Supt. A. J . Burnage, and Mrs. in the building up of the division. The Town Clerk, Mr. F. H. Busby, in proposing the toast of the Division mentioned the fact that when tfue Police lost its ail!!ll.bmlaElce force, the Town Council had asked the Brigade to run the service. Tkat, he felt, had been a wise decision. In six mGmths past the Brigade had answered 569 calls, and the Gonfidence placed in the Brigade had been justified. Div. Surgeon John Fenton (Medical Officer of Health) stated that th@ number of personnel had not yet reaGhed pre-war level, but it was hoped that this would be reached within a year or two.
COUNTY OF WARWliGK
Stockingford and District Division were successful in the lDave:m.port Memorial
Quiz Cup competition, which was held at Nuneaton on November 30. Asst. CommlSSIOneF Fowler, assisted by Corps Surgeon G. A. Macdonald, Corps Supt. R mssd[ , and Corps Secmta ry Hayle,. w:as t;bte QiUiz Master. The Cup and mllllatures were presented to v.?:m.ners by PFesiol'ent A. J. Bearoe. It IS Gf mterest to note that on the two previous occasions the present winners were runners-up losing by one mark in 1945 and by t mark in 1946.
WESTMORLAND and CUMBERLAND
Maryport.-When a Blood Unit visite d Maryport, the local Nursmg Division remdered valuable assistance'. Four members visited the surrounding country districts by car with loud speaker, to canvass d onors, and later with other members, assisted the Newcastle on Tyne party from 2 30 to 11 p.m. Some 140 donors passed thr ough their hands.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER
Dudley and District Corps.-An interesting function took place recently at the Ambulance Hall, Lye, where County Commissioner Dr. F. L. Newton presented Mr. J. A. Harris with a gold wristlet watch and his warrant and badge as Corps President. Mr. Harris was until recently Superintendent of the Corps, and many members paid their tribute to the efficient service given by him to the Brigade. Dr. Newton told those present that Mr. Harris gained his certificate in 1904, and joined the Dudley Division in 1905. He assisted in forming several Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, and it was with regret that Mr. Harris bad to retire owing to ill-health. Mr. Harris, who was received with musical honours, feelingly replied. Corps Supt. J. H. '''!atkins presided, being supported by many Corps and Divisional Officers.
WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
Brighouse Corps held its 45th annual meeting on December 13, Vice-president L. Brook presiding. He was supported by the Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs W. \V"hiteley), Asst. Commissioner H. Harrison, Corps and Divisional Officers. The Mayoress presented awards for the years 1942 to 1946 inclusive, whilst Asst. Commissioner Harrison presented permanent warrants and Service awards. Corps Supt. H. Hirst alluded to the lengthy service rendered by Corps Treasurer H. S. Rastrick and Corps Inspector of Syres F. Kershaw. In the course of am ad mess the Ma YQ)r pratised the seIfless and public-spirited .work of the !Brigade.
Dewshury and District Corps its annual competition for the Hammerton 20
Shield and other prizes, which was fo llowed by presentation of awards by Asst. Commissioner H. !-larrison. Batley " C " team gained first place, followed by Batley "B" team. I:mdividual prizewinnen were A. D udtiilling, J. Todd (Batley "C "), and N. Hirst and R. Wood (Batley "B "). Corps Surgeo:m.s S. M. Newman and R. Dick were the judges. County Surgeon G. H. L. Hammerton, donor of the shield, presented the trophy to the winning team and members. Corps Supt. H Horne presided at the ceremolly.
Doncaster Corps.-The Nursing and Cadet Divisions of the Corps were inspecte d by County Officer Miss E. Barraclough on 13 After inspecting the Medical Comforts Depot, she watched tests, and later expressed ker appreciation of the work. Miss Barra. clough, who was accompanied by District Officer Mrs. Dawson , expressed a wish to see " Amanda" the life-size dummy which the personnel found so useful during the war in the train ing of many members of other organizations.
COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE
The unveiling of the Malta Stone by Field Marshal the Lord Chetwode (Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order) and the Dedication of County H eadq u arters by the Rev. Chancellor C. T. Dimont, provided a most impressive and interesting cer emony at Salisbury on December 27.
County Commissioner A. R. Towerzey, in welcoming Lord Chetwode, said it was a "Red Letter Day" for the Brigade m Wiltshire. They were greatly honoured by the presence of ,Lord Chetwo de, whose work for the J oint War Organization was so well known. The new Headquarters would be of inestimable value both to the County, and as the Ambulance Centre for the Salisbury Division, wh0 were responsible for the Ambulance Service in the southern half of the county under the new Health Scheme.
Before un veiling the Malta Stone, Lord Chetwode gave a brief description of its history. It originally formed part of the Sacred Infirmary of the Order of St. John in Malta, built by Grand Master de ia Cassiere ]m 1575, arJiel destnilyecl by Gel'mau bombs 1942. The original stone had been re-cut anm carved with the St. John Cross, and suitably inscribed.
It was the gift of Major ]. V. Abela (Commissioner) and officers and of the Brigade Overseas, Malta District, as a token of their esteem and fri endship. Wiltshire is proud of this link with the ga[la!t'J.t islamd.
An address of thanks to Lord Chetwode was made by County President MajorGeneral Sir H. de C Martelli.
Chancellor Dimont in a short address, referred to the many years he had been associated with the work of the Brigade which, however hard, was always worth while.
The ceremony concluded with an inspection of the Salisbury Ambulance, NmS]IDlg, and Cadet Divisio n. Those present included the Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury, County President Lady Janet Bailey, County Supt. Mrs. Battye, County Surgeon Taylor-Young, and members of the County Staff.
Photograph of carved stone from the SaGred Infirmary of the Order in Malta, presented to the Brigade in Wiltshire and to Ply mouth by the Brigade Overseas in Malta in a promise made by the CommISSIOner, Major Abela, when on a visit to England. 21
J..Ieadql!Jaliters: Priory House, 4 Cathedral Road, Cardiff
GENERAL INTERtST
Road Transport Amhulance Activity.-
At a representative meeting wnvened by the Priory, over which the Traffic Commis£ioner, Mr. Trevor Morgan, K.C., presided, a general desire was expressed in favour of resuscitating the ambulance competitions initiated by the Priory in pre-war years. 'Fhe meeting was attended by offi!l:ia]s Qf t11e S<DurtbJ Wales BraID!l:h of i1il'l!shtl!lte of TFanSpO!l'4:, 4:lJiJ.e G<Do@is Sectimu. of the R@ad Haulage Association, and the Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association, and representatives of a dozen undertakings operating in South and West Wales ..
The Hon. J ohn H. Bruce (Principal Secretary and Commissioner for Wales), s ummarized the history of the National Road Transport Ambulance Competition for which a silver cup had been given by the Mot@[- Omnibus Proprietors' Ass<DciatrnoJ!J. , amd WaJS first competed. f®r on October 23, 1!1}35, trophies having beeIl made avaiJablle subsequently by the Priory for
CAERNARVONSHIRE
District Competitions in Cardiff and Aberdare. He said the Priory would · be pleased to assist in the,tormation of special classes where a suffiCIent number of employees was available in anyone place, or, alternatively, the attendance of road transpOl;t workers would be welcome at St. John Classes already in existence.
An Executive Committee was set up to explore the possibilities , Mr. L. Wilkes, A.M.I.B.E., M.lnst.T., General Manager and Engineer, Newport Corporation Electricity and Tramways being appointed convenor of meetmg, which will elect its own and Secretary.
The Chairman, in acknowledging a vote of thanks for his interest in the matter, expressed the view that anything they could do which might contribute towards reducing the road accident toll and act a s a stimulus to road safety would be well worth while.
CENTRE REPORTS
The Ce>mmissioner for Caemarvonshire, S:iJr Michael Duff, carried out a tour of in£pectioIDs of all D:ivisions during the la£t two months ot the year. A most plea£ing featlare of the parades was the appearance of new recruits to many of the Divi£io!tls. The Commissioner was accompanied by Asst. Commissioner Lt.-Col. W. J ones Williams, Chief Constable, CQunty Officer Edward Williams, County Cadet Officer W. Cliffe, Centre Treasurer G. V.,T. Roberts, and Centre Secretary W. 1'. Davies . "County Records." - The Centre brouglJiJ.t Olat the No. 7 ls£ue of County ReefJ1:ds, a wen pro0.uoed slJrnmary <DID Sit. J ohm aehvities througho:ut the county, with reports from all Units, and specially conbibuted articles of general interest, including an aoeount of the history of the Order in serial form. The Joint Editors, Mrs. M. Bryn Htighe£ (Lady Div. Supt.) and Inspector T. J. Williams (Ambulance Competition Secretary), are to be congratulated on their work, which IDlllSt serve to stimulate imterest amo:mgst the Ji)i.visions. Tlll!e magazine lPub[isbJed from the Chief Offiee, CaernarV<1>D, should Brigade Officer from outside the county care to apply for a copy.
CARMARTHENSHIRE
Open Competitions.-Commissioner D. Cecil Williams has organized a comprelil.ensive programme of AnD ual Competitions, the first of which will be held at Llanelly on February 21, and invites entries from any part of the country to be sent to County Officer T. ]. Williams, 2 Nevill Street, Llan elly, fourteen days before that date. There will be no entrance fee for the competitions, which will be governed by regulations approved by the Priory. There are four groups, as under :-
Men.-1, Open Competition for teams of fomr men, oue of whom may be an Officer <Dr N.C.O.
2. The Kylsant Shield, for teams of four men, one of whom may be an Officer or N.C.O., but all must be members of the Brigade within the County of Carmarthenshire. (Note.-These two competitions will be ruft simultaneously as one event.) The winner of competition 2 will hold the Kylsant Shield for one year, and wi ll qualify to represent the County in the vVelsh Finals. Prizes: 1st, £5; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £1.
Competffit.i!on for teams
c<DID!sisttimg <Df fOiWIr women, one of whom may be an Officer or N.C.O.
2. The Miss Evelyn Harries Cup, open
to teams of four women, one of whom may be an Officer or N.C.O., but all must be members of the Brigade within the County (i)f Carmarthen. (N0te.-'Fhese tw@ cO!lm;petitions win @e ruJ!J. simultaneously as {)m.e evenq The wi!lilIilerr @f competition No. 2 will hoM the Mi.ss Evelyn Harries Cup for one year, and will qualify to represent the County at the Welsh Finals. P'Yizes: 1st, £5; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £1.
Senio'Y Ambulance Cadets. 1, Open Competition for teams consisting of four Senior Ambulance Cadets, one of whom may be an N.C.O.
2. County Competition, for teams of fOlU Senior Am0ulance Cadets, one of whom may be an N .C.O., hut aU must be members of the Brigade within the County of Carmarthenshire. (Note.-These two competitions will be run simultaneously as one event.) The winner of competition No.2 will qualify to represent the County in the Welsh Finals. Prizes: 1st, £3; 2nd, £1.
Senior NU1' sing Cadets. 1. Open Competition for teams consisting of four Senior Nursing Cadets, one of whom may be all, N.C.O.
2. Mrs. E. D. Bowi, open to teams of four Senior Nursing Cadets, one of whom may be an N.C.O., but all must be members of the Brigade within the County of Carmathenshire (Note.-These two competitions will be run simul1aneously as one event.) The w inn er of competition No.2 will hold the Mrs. E. D. J ones Bowl for one year, and will qualify to represent the County in the vVelsh Finals. Pri z es: 1st, £3; 2nd, £1 . j 'bmior Ambulance Cadets. 1. County Competition, for teams consisting of foulT Junior Ambulance Cadets, all of whom must be members of the Brigade within the County of Carmarthenshire. Prizes: 1st; £1 lOs.; 2nd, ISs.
2. County Competition, for teams con-
sisting of four Junior Nursing Cadets, all of whom must be memb€rs of the Brigade within the County of Carmarthenshire. Prizes: 1st, £ 1 lOs.; 2nd, 15s (N.if§.-Com.petitoTs in the male compehti@ns mUS;E h@ld aJ First Aid Certificate, and those in the female events must hold a First A id and Home Nursing Certificate.)
Burry Port Division.-A most interesting and enjoyable function was organized by the Burry Port Ambulance Division on December 3. It was an unique oGcasion in that the Order of St. John and the British Red Cross Society combined to congratulate those to whom awards were due. The Commissioner for Carmarthen£hire presented long service medals to six members ot the Burry Port Division, and the County Commandant for the British Red Cross SOCiety presented certifiGates to a large number of Juniors and Cadets of their detachment. It is good to note the most cordial relations between the two units in Burry Port. Div. Supt. W. D Morgan is responsible for much of the trainil'1g in First Aid of the British Red Cross Detachment, and it is certain that the friendliness and mutual support whiGh is S<D very evident will bel'l.efit :first aid wmk in this area. Among those present was Mr. Fred J. Morgan, who was proudly wearing Medallion No. 63649, presented to him as long ago as 1896
CITY OF CARDIFF
Lady Presidency.-The Cardiff Centre was plea£ed to receive the announcement from the Hou. Secretary, Mr. B. E. Brown, that tbe Marchioness of Bute had conselllted to occupy the posittiol'l formerly held by the late Marchioness 0f Bute, in whose lamented death the Centre sustained a grievous loss. It was customary in the early days for meetings of the Centre Committee to be held in t.bJ.e Castle, and the grounds were thrown open for large scale Inspections The greatest
Caerphilly County Area Inspection. Th€ Commissioner for Wales (The Hon. John H Bruce), with Assistant CO)ffiEliil!iss]ol!ilerr W. J. Skyrrme <DID FigiJ.Ol!t aJnd C<Du®ciU®lT Sammej (ViGe-ehairman Gellygaer V.D.C.) left, meeting Officers on parade.
benefactions to the Order on the IDart of both the late Marquis and Marchioness of Bute was their generosity in placing at the disposal of the Centre a Headquarters at what weFe formeFly the CastIe stables, free @f aU encNNl!lDramees; am@! generous provision has been perpetuated by the present Marquis uNder recent dispositions, whereby the Castle was preseNted to the City of Cardiff. In consenting to accept the Lady Presidency, Lady Bute has acceded to the earnest wishes of beth the Priory and the Cardiff Centre for the continued association of the Bute family with the work of the Priory. Awards presented to Nursing Members. -Commissioner Capt. C. G. Traheme presented awards to Senior and. Cadet members of tme EOO!ler)2"ency Nursing Division. Supportin.g the CJlairman, Mrs. M. M. Thomas, J.P., were Lady County Supt. Miss G. Richards, Lady C(j)rps Cadet Officer Mrs. Philip Rees, Div. Surgeon J. H. Sewart, Supt. C. Goode, and Cadet Supt. J. Tout. Many tributes from members were expressed to Lady Supt. Mrs. E. M. TuckeF @n her retirement for health reasons.
Entertained.-A Guali'd of greetecl. CornmissiGlIlle[- Capt. C. G. Traherne 0Jil. his arrival, aCGompanied by Lady County Officer Miss G. Richards, at a Social EveniNg arranged by Lady Cadet Supt. Mrs. M. A Williams ar:J.d Cadet Officer D. Jones, for the Dowlais Nursing Cadet Division. After conducting the enrolment of nine uew members, the Commissioner presented first aid and home nursing Gertificates, impressing upon the recipien.ts the importal1lce of l©yalty to their Offieers. The hymm " Hail St. JomID! " comp(j)sed by Wil Han, was sung in Welsh after which the cadets performed impromptu sketehes and dances. A -slllrpl'ise item in the programme was a presentation by the cadets te their Officers of Christmas gifts.
Public Duties.-Calls made upon the ambulanGe and nursing dlJring the past month ir:J.cluded attendance at the International Rugby Football MatGh at CaFdiff Arms Park om December 20, wm.en 66 OffiGers and Other Ranks were iN atteI'J,danGe, 38 cases being treatecl. on the ground. Special parades i[i):cluded
Remembrance Sunday, when a wreath was laid on the Civil Memorial, and Lord Mayor's Sunday Church Parade.
BOR0UGH OF NEWPORT
Ins W CiHfsihip ;f:[he Mayo]' @ f Newp@rt (Alcil.ennal1;t R. S. Tyack), President of the Centre, at a presentation meeting at which Commissioner Major H. \Vare presided, presented the Certificates of Thanks awarded by the War Organization to Newport Members. In his remarks, the Mayor said that during the last two years of the War, Brigade personnel in Newport handled 3,800 de-trained casualties at Newport Railway Station, of wmom !I!10 feweF than 2,761 were stretcher cases. The Mayoress presented Warrants of Appointment to Mrs. W. S. P. Treharne as President of the Newport Nursing Division, and Mrs. N. Moss as Lady Ampulance Officer, as well as home nursing certificates to nursing members. Newport's A.R.P. Service was fortunate in having had the assistance of the Newport Corps pla:ced at the disposal of the A.R.P. Officer by the former Commissioner, Dr. S. McCormac. Mr. W. J. T. Collins, Corps President, expressed thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress for their interest and support. Corps Supt. T. J. RaineS presented a financial statement, and an interesting account of a Training and Re-organization Scheme
RHONDDA
The Prior, the Earl of Powis , has approved the appointment of Mr. T. J. Evans as ' Assistant Commissioner. This aIilrJ,oUE.Cement has been welcomed throughout the Centre as recogI?-ition of loyal service to the Brigade over a period of 41 years. The new Assistant Commissioner has served in all ranks since he joined the Maerdy Division. in 1906, his outstanding record including the captaincy of the Maerdy Ambulance Team, which had the distinction of twice representing the Centre in the London Brigade Finals, from 1906 to 1914 . He was awarded the Meritorious Selivice Medal in 1917, is in possessioN of the Service Medal and five ibars, and is an Officer (Brother) of the Order.
NOTICE TO READERS
THE ST. JOHN GAZETTE is published en the 15th of each month. The ARnual Subscription is ss. post free; single copies 4d., by· post Sd. REPORTS ANI!) PHOTOGRAPHS should be addressed to The Editor, St. John's Gate, LORdon, JE.C.iIi, and should reaen hil'1!1 nat later than tne 28th af the month.
SUBS'CruPTIONS ;lDd ADV!f:RFlSEMEN'TS should be forwarded ta Bri<tish Periedicals Ltd., 46-47, Chancery La,ile, London, W.C.2. 24
A/rxlern Salicylate Jhempy
ALTHOUGH acid is on.e of the most and effectIve non-narcotlc analgesics has freq,uently been discard€!d by the phYSICian m VIew of the possibility of its irritatir:J.g the gastro-in testinal tract.
"Alasil," hell?s tb overcome this objection by providing the Benefic.lal. theraj!)eutlc efIeets of aeetylsalicylic acid in such a that It .I.S even by delicate or disordered digestions. ThiS toleraBl1hty IS aue to the fact that" Alasil" eamtlines acetylsalicylic. acid w.ith Calcium Phosphate and "Alocol," an effective gastric sedative and antacid.
For "Alasil" analgesic. antipyretic and antirheumatic w:h.'ch <;an adInJOIstered with complete confidence in all the conditions 10 whIch sueh an agent is indicated. It is so well tolerated that its use can be continued to the desired extent.
THE 'Healing Hand'
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doctor or first aider; and no fault can be found with. the Amb 'uZance .Sister who, having made the patient comfortable in her left her 1,n charge of a n e'bghbour and availed herself of speedy transport back to Lwerpool.-N. C. F
QUERIES AND 'ANSWERS
Compression of Brain
J. p, (Hounslow),-We find difficulty in. explaining. to our the fact th.at while insensibility is u sually complete In compressIOr: of brau]', loss of and sensation may only be partial. Do es this mean m compressIOn of bram not only the signs but the symptoms may be d elayed m app eanng? M eanwhIle we shall be grateful if you could help u s with our problem.
With compression of the brain insensibility may be absent,. partial or compZe te. Further, if the patient is unconscious, loss of power and sen,satwn are also complete. The statement in the Textbook that loss of power and sensatwn ar e only pa'rttal refers to ' the cendition of the patient either before insensibility intervenes or after it has cleared completely.
Furthe r, it is possible for the condition to become progressw ely w orse if th e pre ssure within the skull increases. Finally, changes in the signs are al w ays accompanied 'by similar changes in the symptoms.-N. C. F.
Hremorrhage from Palm of Hand
M. S. (Liverpool).-At divisional practice recently our m emb ers w er e working through an individual test which was s et in a and which includ e d "hamlOuhage fifOm the palm of the hand". Th en th e question wh eth er the pulse should be stopped at the wrist or wou ld it b e already w eak owing to the ee>ndition of the patient. As opinion in the Division was divid e d, we shall b e grateful for your decision.
The instructions in the Supplem ent to the Textbook tell fir s t aiders to con ce ntrat e on direct pressure on bleeding wounds which tr eatm ent i s su cc essful w ith th e va s t majority of wounds. Consequ ently, indirec t press u 1 1 e on th e ar ter ies at th e w ris t is no longer advocated.-N. C. F.
Humour in Nursing
A. V. (Stockingford).-As a reader of Th e Gazette I know your d e light in true CllNd iJru. U l]1!O],IDliS sitories; and so I am taking the lib erty of s ending you the t['ue and extremely funny one :_
An application was made recently to our Nursing Division by an e ld erly man for the lo an of a bed-pan for his wife who was ill in bed. A few days later our Superintendent was asked to give the patient an en ema. On arri v ing at the house she inquired for the bedpan and was surprised wh en the old lady denied having one in the house. To this our Superintendent replied: {( But 1 s ent you a bed-pan." "012, no I " said the old l ady, " Yo u made a and you Se 11.t me a bed-warming pan I" As she was speaking the old lady produced the bed-pan full 0] hot cinders and with its 1}allldle plugged up; and she continued : "1 told my husb.and that the poor dear Supe1!intendent must be very busy and v ery tired; and that; this was why she had !Sent a bed warmer in mistake for a bed-pan I "
Good I Next pZease II-N. C. F.
Causation of Yawning
N. D. (CoventrY) ·-Recently some of us were discussing what happens when we yawn; and as we could not so lve our problem, we decided to pass it to you for y©ur expert handling.
Yawning is usually oaused by insufficient oxygenatiem (i)f the blood. W hen we listen to a. lecture or a ser-m()'Y! we often yawn because @ur becomes shallow and ()ur €:.weuZatwn slow, wh'l!te lecture-halls and; cliurehes are often poorly ventilated Fr@m these causes {he 'l;;Z(J}od @ecomes somewhat impure and stimulates the breathing 28
that work to.etherpool r our.ce.-help one another, an move mountalnl. That Is • truth old the hili.. It II one of the rea-onl for the outltandln, .;rA'.... luecess of • ASP R O' In mllny health emerrencles. • ASP R 0 ' - WORKS WITH NATURE-not •• against It. Colds- 'flu attack_ A...J'/A headache_neuralrla-rheumatlc pains, etc., are signs that Nature , needl help. 'ASPRO' give. that S S CAL E. It "",Ips to set the natural healln, pr.ocelsel In motion. Before you realile It you are well arain. Furthermore, there are no harmful after-effectl for 'A S PRO' Is ABSO LUTELY PURE-
NO HARM TO HEART OR STOMACH
A BELGIAN SOLDIER SENDS GREnlNGS
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centre of the brain so that yawning is ca'lltsed, mo'Ye air is passed to the z.ungs, and the circulati@n is stimulated. Now YeJu know that it is not always the Zect1;wer O¥ preache¥ w ho is at fault and who makes you yawn J-N. e. F.
Treatmernt of Burns
W. A. (PetersfieM).-Tho ijlgih I have had. ([wliy t1iLiFiteeilll y ealis' s ervice ;in, the Brigade, I first learnt to deal with alkali and acid burns some twenty-five years ago; and I should like to join issue with you over the case propounded under th e above heading in the November issue of The Gazette.
Under such circumstances, presupposing a fairly concentrated solution of caustic soda, the only chance of preventing a serious burn would lie in immed iate removal of the coat with rapid and\ thorough drenching of the arm with a current of water (or suitable neutralizing solution). Standard practice in almost any works employing caustic soda solutions is water and yet more water whilst clothing at the same time, and I sbould like to refer you to a paper 011 the prevention of caustic soda burns by H. Tenry, M.B., Cll.B., of I.e.I. (Alkali) Ltd., in the British Medical Journal of 19th June, 1943, p. 756, in which the author stresses the need fOE drenching, not immersion or th e us e of compresses, in the immediate (i.e. first aid) treatment of cases splashed with liquid caustic soda. He also advises drenching with a neutralizing agent followed by water or normal s;aline even for developed burns. Further, removal of clothing and the treatment of this with running water by a second help er, when available, will frequently save the garment itself from complete destruction-a factor of some importance nowadays.
ObviGlus;ly, the average fus;t aider should not be supplied with a multiplicity of s®luti<VJi1s, each specific in its; action, but I fail to see how, in a case such as the one described, ne can even <\:arry out adequately the instructions in the" Black Book" to "thoroughly flood the burnt part with water" without removal of the saturated coat, nor would the follow-up treatment as <;I.n ordinary burn (as given in the Supplement) be very effective.
In my own laboratory we have had no alkali burns except an experimental one on myself. I purposely ndrained from treating this at all for several minutes whilst helping to swab up a gallon of hot (180°F.) 40% caustic soda solution from bench and floor. I then applied a compress of a material which I was desirous of trying out and which p
