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A fire was discovered at Surrey Hills Clinic and two of ay
personnel played an important part in checking the spread of
fire and the removal of patients. Letters of thanks were
received from the Medical Officer of Health of Caterham and
Warlingham and the Matron of Surrey Hills Clinic.
For details of journeys, patients, mileage etc. see the
Appendix, page 112-114.
CIVIL DEFENCE (Ambulance Section)
The total number of volunteers on the register at 31st
December, 1961, was 349 and of this number 49 are attending at
the New Addington Training Centre. This figure shows an increase
of 56 and the usual Recruiting Campaign which was held in
October was responsible for the enrolment of most of these new
volunteers.
Driving tuition is still being given by the Onward Driving
School at South Croydon and since my last report 3 volunteers
have taken their driving tests and passed. A further twelve
volunteers are completing their tuition and will be taking tests
in the near future.
A First Aid Course was again organised with Doctors and St.
John's Instructors and of the 87 volunteers who entered only 2
failed to gain their certificate. First Aid instruction has also
been given to the Electricity Board Civil Defence First Aid and
Rescue Section and exercises were held at the Rescue Range,
Albert Road, south Norwood where Civil Defence Ambulances were
loaned.
A new Ford Thames Ambulance was delivered and the Austin
Ambulance (GLR 483) was disposed of. This new vehicle and
Bedford Ambulance RVB 353 are maintained by my Mechanical staff
and routine inspections are carried out during the year by the
Home Office.
In conclusion, may I express my sincere thanks to the
Members of the Ambulance Sub-Committee, the Medical Officer of
Health and the Officers and Men of the Service, for their help
and encouragement which has been of great assistance to me in
the administration of the duties of Chief Ambulance Officer.