View report page

AMBULANCE CASES
As could be expected from an increase in passenger traffic, the number of invalids carried by
air increased slightly.
1965 1964
(a) National Health Service 851 751
(b) Private Ambulances 599 492
(c) Service Ambulances 116 121
Towards the end of the year, the Ministry of Aviation acquired a "cross-country" ambulance,
which will prove invaluable in rescue work over muddy terrain in the event of an air disaster.
Discussions are also taking place with the various interested bodies regarding the acquisition of a
trailer, capable of being used as a casualty clearing station in aircraft accidents. A similar vehicle
is in use at Orly Airport, Paris, and the proposal is that the trailer should be towed to a suitable spot
on hard ground in the vicinity of the crash and within ready access for outside ambulances and
to which the "cross-country" ambulance would ferry the injured.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The number of passengers and visitors treated for sickness or injury at the Sick Bays in
Passenger Building No. 1 and in the Queen's Building was 1,723. This compares with 1,480 in 1964,
and 1,282 in 1963.
The number of sick staff attendances was 2,561. In 1964 the figure was 2,275, and in 1963 it
was 2,311.
Medical examinations carried out on Ministry of Aviation and Ministry of Buildings and Public
Works employees totalled 319, comprising non-industrial 29 and industrial staff 290. In 1964, the
total was 166, and in 1963, 183.
MENTAL ILLNESS
The number of mentally ill patients who were given help at London Airport in 1965 was 190.
This figure compares with 116 in 1964 and 129 in 1963. The Borough mental welfare officers had
to be called on 40 occasions. When patients require urgent admission to hospital, accommodation is
usually found at St. Bernard's Hospital, Southall, or at the West Middlesex Hospital.
20