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48
and has not at the time of writing this report been officially submitted
to the Ministry of Health for approval, I am unable to place
details before the members of the Council. I think it would not
be premature, however, to state that the present scheme includes
the provision of two Stationary Posts and 4 Mobile Units, each
of which will be manned by a doctor, a nurse and a detachment
of volunteers, the provision of 60 stretcher parties and 75 ambulances.
It is hoped that this will be sufficient to cover the
whole district. The personnel required amounts to 1,275 persons,
all of whom must be trained in Anti-Gas and First Aid measures.
Many in addition will require special training in the driving of heavy
vehicles.
During 1938, 10 First Aid Classes were held as a result of which
235 persons obtained the requisite certificate. The classes were
held in co-operation with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who
appointed Mrs. Peabody as the Liaison Officer between the Brigade
and the Health Department. I cannot pay too high a tribute to
the co-operation I have received from Mrs. Peabody and the members
of the Brigade who helped her throughout the duration of the
crisis and subsequently. Hurried as the preparations were, I am
satisfied that they would have formed the very satisfactory nucleus
of a scheme which would have rendered very valuable service.
I would also wish to acknowledge the help I received from the
Rev. Elmes and from Mrs. Phypers, whose advice and counsel and
whose ready work, made possible such results as we were able to
achieve.
The Council will realise that the training of a large number of
volunteers is no mean task. The task is most difficult in its initial
stage when it is growing apace.
At the time of writing this report there have attended at
lcctures no less than 1,309 people, of whom 527 have already obtained
Certificates of Proficiency in Anti-Gas measures, First Aid,
or both.
Ambulances are being obtained or earmarked and shortly
drivers will be in training.
Until the end of April 1939 the work was carried out without
additional staff, but authority has now been given for the employment
of one additional clerk for a period of 6 months during the
year 1939-40.
All new schemes are subject to criticism. It is easy to find
fault with them and to better them once they have been tried out
and their defects discovered.