iMexborough & Swinton Times, May 24th
FIRST AID.
Conisboro’ Ambulance Division’s Bright Idea.
An Emergency Cabinet.
At the Headquarters of the Conisborough Division of the Denaby Ambulance Brigade, Co-operative Hall. Conisborough, a ‘first aid’ cabinet has been installed, and there was a large gathering to witness the opening ceremony by Corps Supt, H. C. Harrison last Thursday.
Supt. C. Farrell, who presided, stated that the cabinet had been provided at the joint expense of the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions of Conisborough. In these days of swiftly moving traffic it behoved us to be prepared for accidents. Half-a-million persons were killed and injured in this country every year. There was no found from which the local divisions could obtain assistance; it was all done by the efforts of members of the brigade and by public subscription.
Sgt. E. Dale, the local secretary, read a report of the finances of the division since its formation in July, 1918. The income had been £308 17s, 9d., which included a cheque for £61 from Supt. Farrell as a loan in a time of difficulty. (Applause) This loan had now been repaid without interest. Uniforms had accounted for £173 of the expenditure, and eleven new uniforms now on order would absorb practically all the balance. The new cabinet contained four stretchers, two fully equipped surgical haversacks, four new blankets, six new ground sheets, splints, surgical bandages, and other appliances.
Dr. W. J. McClure, corps surgeon, said it was gratifying to hear such a fine statement as the secretary’s. They were out to help the community. Certain ambulance appliances were already distributed throughout the parish, and there was a schedule of members who could be called upon in case of emergency. The cabinet was the result of spontaneous work on the part of the Brigade. During the summer lectures on subjects allied to ambulance work were given, and he invited the public to attend.
Coun. Brocklesby stated that he had not had time for ambulance work, but he had privileged to assist their efforts from time to time. He had never until that time realised how worthy was the cause and how much they deserved financial assistance. He was pleased to find so many young men in the ranks. Their work was important, and it was gratifying to the general public to know that such efforts were being made. There were many perils in Conisborough; he had seen mane narrow escapes in Brook Square. He was pleased to be able to show his interest, and wished them success.
Corps Supt. H. C. Harrison said that ambulance work was essentially unselfish. It involved the giving up of much spare time. When a nice day came, as it did about three times a year – (laughter) – often it had to be given up to lectures. The members had to put their hand into their own pockets, but it was difficult to persuade others to put their hands in their pockets to assist the work. He felt very satisfied with the accounts which had been read out. The movement was making itself felt; the need for knowledge of first-aid became daily more apparent. Accidents were often fatal because of the lack of skilled assistance.
The cabinet was in a way unique. Not only did the Brigade members give up their spare time, but they provided material. It was a real, practical way of demonstrating unselfishness, and it was a source of gratification to him as Corps Superintendent to know that the Divisions were doing such useful work. He thought that this was splendid, and Conisborough should be proud of its division. It did not really take much spare time to become efficient. If during a lifetime only one case could be relieved, the work had not been in vain. He had opened many things in his time, from bazaars to bottles of beer, but this was his initial opening of such a cabinet, and he hoped that it would not be the last. ‘This is one on Denaby,’ he remarked, and he hoped that Conisborough’s example would be followed throughout the district. He congratulated Supt. Farrell, the lady Supt. , Mrs. M. A. Throughton, the secretary, Mr. E. Dale, and all who had assisted in this matter.
Capt. Harrison then unlocked the cabinet, amidst applause, and he outlined the contents. He remarked that he appeared to be a very complete cabinet, and hoped that it would never have to be used, but it was better to be prepared. The Coinsborough Division had been wonderfully successful, and had made of it a splendid job. It was the coping stone to the efforts of Supt. Farrell, backed up by the loyal support of the members.
The Secretary then read a list of places where keys for the Cabinet will be available. They are: The Police Station; the Doncaster Co-operative Society’s manager, Mr. Graham, West Street; Mr. Seville, 57, Lime Grove; Supt. Farrell, Doncaster Road, St.-Sgt. Akester, 40, Athelstane Road. Headquarters would be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., after which hours it was hopes to arrange for keys for the rooms to be at Sgt. Dale’s house, 15, March Street and also at home of the lady secretary, Mrs. Urch, also of March Street. A list would be placed in the new glass cases for notices in West Street and Church Street, where Corps Orders would in future be displayed.