View report page

CIVIL AMBULANCE SERVICE
On 1st July, 1945, the Council's Civil Ambulance was
transferred from the Civil Defence Depot to the Fire Station,
Throwley Road, Sutton, A staff of eight men was engaged as
ambulance drivers and attendants, on a temporary basis, and at
Civil Defence rates of pay. This staff operates on a twentyfour
hour shift system, with four men on each shift. A Civil
Defence ambulance was purchased as a second ambulance, and has
proved necessary for urgent calls, and as a replacement of the
first line vehicle during repairs. A Civil Defence motor car
was also purchased to maintain inter-hospital transport, as
requested by the Ministry of Health, but was sold later, as this
need could be met by the use of the second ambulance. The
Civil Ambulances now operate as a separate service, controlled
and wholly financed by the Council. For depot control and
call purposes the service functions in close association with
the National Fire Service. The total number of calls increased
during the year. The service provided was in keeping with the
needs of the Borough.

Of the 1248 calls, 122 were dealt with by the second
ambulance, and 114 by mutual support from other districts: 193
calls were from adjoining authorities and from hospitals outside
the Borough.

(28)