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21.55 hrs. Emergency lights rigged; the launch returned alongside.
22.05 hrs. Patient lowered aboard "Howard Deighton". The R/T being out of action I asked
the 2nd Mate to flash "Call Ambulance" on the morse lamp. (I subsequently learned
that two men had picked up this signal and acting independently and without reference
to the P.L.A. had both called the Gravesend Ambulance).
22.10 hrs. Alongside Tilbury Stage. Telephoned ambulance.
22.20 hrs. Ambulance arrived. Patient transferred.
22.30 hrs. Patient's gear put in P.L.A. store as ambulance men stated they had instructions not
to take large amounts of gear to hospital. This is quite understandable.
22.40 hrs. Returned to Hulk "Hygeia".
22.50 hrs. Explanation to Gravesend Ambulance about wasted journey.
23.45 hrs. Lighting fault traced. Repair impossible at time. Mr. Alewood established direct
lighting. This will not supply the R/T.
27th February 1960
03.00 hrs. Telephone call from Tilbury Hospital. Mr. Lucas, Orthopaedic Surgeon, stated that
apart from injuries which included fractures of pelvis and right femur, the man
appeared to be under a large dose of narcotic. How much morphia had been given?
Replied that to the best of knowledge only one injection of ¼ grain, but would check
if possible.
03.15 hrs. Telephoned North Foreland Radio. Operator stated that "La Colina" was a one
operator ship and it was unlikely he could make contact before 08.00 hrs. but he
would try.
05.00 hrs. Master of "La Colina", through North Foreland Radio, confirmed dose as ¼ grain only.
05.05 hrs. This confirmation was passed to Mr. Lucas. Patient still alive but now found to have
haemothorax.
Comment
1. The greatest credit is due to all members of the launch crew on duty. They completed this
unhappy job in the minimum time with no thought except for the patient, and a complete
absence of "flap" when the lights failed. It rained throughout.
2. If at all possible, any new launch should have an arrangement whereby all essential lights
— navigation, engineroom and ambulance — plus the radio-telephone, can be immediately
restored to action should the primary supply fail. (N.B. This has already been considered
and the proposed new launch will have stand-by generator.)
3. There would appear to be an increase in these "human sacrifices to the Great God "Tide".
Why cannot all vessels be made really "ship shape" before sailing?
4. It has often been said that these cases are not our responsibility. If we do not help, who
will, or who can? What if an accident clashes with Quarantine duties? For the accident,
the launch is often more important than the doctor. For infectious disease, the doctor usually
more important than the launch. In most cases a solution can be found with the help of H.M.
Customs, the Pilot Cutters, or the Tugs. The improving communications could also contribute
to the solving of most "clashes".
Summary
One accident case to Tilbury Hospital.
Conclusion
Death.
"UNUSUAL CAUSES"
The following account by Dr. J.A. Jones of activities at Gravesend during his morning tour
on the 1st June, 1960, is another interesting example of how the Port Health Service is called
upon to give medical aid:
09.30 hrs. The Thames Navigation Service passed on two requests for help from incoming ships:
1. s.s. "Clan Mactaggart". Accident Case.
2. m.v."Deseado". Female passenger — "weakness of legs".
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