St John Review (1970)

PLASTIFOL

REVIEW e Comment

Firstly, I should like to wish everyone a happy - and a pro spe rou s - New Ye ar.

to build up a complete range for your team. Send 1/6d in stamps for a colour booklet giving details of all wounds available.

BROWNING'S L TO., Dept J. 69 Aberdeen Street. Hull, Yorkshire. 1970 NATIONAL FI RST AID COMPETITION MARKING SHEETS

In 1970, a total of 20 sets of final competition marking sheets, each comprising one team plus two individual tests, will again be available for training purposes

The test papers will be distributed after each c ompetition, on payment of a subscription of £3 to defray costs and surface postal charges.

To ensure receipt of the complete 1970 issue orders should be placed before 10th January 1970 with :

The Competition Secretary, St. John Ambulance Headqu arters, 1, Grosvenor Crescent London, S W 1

Subject to availability, single sets of papers relaring to specific competitions may be ordered throughout the year at the pro rata cost of 3!- per set post free

Ulster 1969 , by Our Belfast Correspondent p 2

The New Lord Prior pA Installation of Lord Caccia

Grand Prior's Trophy p.7

R es ults of 1969 comp e titions

Around and About , by the Editor p.8

London (Prince of Wales') District p l2 60th Anniversary Service at Westm inster Abbey

Good Camping , by Richard G. Farrell p 14 Part I

Gay Paree , by Dr. Ian Ritchie p.l6

Readers Views p.l8

Questions and Answers p.1 9 On first aid

News from Scotland p .2 0

Oversea s New s p.2l

News from the Divisions p.23

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W 8. (01 -603-8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS:T. G Scott & Son Ltd 1 Clement's I nn Strand, London , W.C 2 (01-242-6264 and 01 -405-4743)

Price 1/6 (7 V, N.P.) 23/- (115 N P.) per annum, including postage from Treasurer, St John Ambulance, 1 Grosvenor, Crescent , London, S W.1 COVER

Taking a breather 2 V, year old Clilristine Demicoli, born in Darlington but her family has now moved back to Malta, feels rather as the Review does - ready for the future.

But to look back : over the la st few months the thought which has occupied much of our time at Headquarter s has been our magazine the Review What part does a magazin e play in an organisation such as ours? It is a form of communication between Headquarter s and the 300 Centres and 5,000 Divi sions in England, the Pr io rie s of Wales and Scotland , the Commandery in Northern Ireland, and the Priori es and countries overseas. It also links together every month the nearly half-million of our m e mbers in this far-flung area. It is a shared thought ; a shared idea; a shared joke; shared news. At least, at best it should be We decided it was an es sential part of the work of the Order of St. John an d its Foundations.

But it wa s losing money -a great deal of money annually. And there is no reason why a magazine catering for a membership as larg e as ours should lose so much money.

Revenue from advertising, which helps to make a magazine pay its way, is ba se d on the number of people who buy the magazine. At present the circulation of the Review is 7 000absurdly small compared with our total membership Something then must be preventing th e vast majority of our members from buying the ir magazine.

We have done two things to try to remedy the sit uation. Firstly, we have change d to the mo st up-to-da te printing process , which will cost less , especially in the long run Secondly , we have appointe d a new Editor.

So now it is a completely new Review Let us all wish it the greatest success.

Lieut. - General Sir William Pike , KCB , CBE, DSO. Director General

ITS SURVIVAL

As Chairman of the Review Management Boar d , I should lik e t o thank Mrs Richard s for her untiring effo rt s in e diting the Revi ew for the past three years Without her there would have been no Review in existence t o d ay.

She has worked under very difficult c ir cumstances and has safely brought it through a very trying time, during which, in spite of a price increase , she has managed slowly but surely to increase its circulation.

I am sure you will all wish to join me in expressing our since re thanks an d appreciation to her.

Our new Editor , Mr. Frank Dri scoll, is now taking on this onero u s task an d I know that he is looking forward to the valuable support which I am sure yo u will give to the 'New Look' Review.

I would like to wish him and his new venture the be st of luck.

Marjori e, Countess of Br ecknock, DBE. Superintendent-in -Chief

'Apprentice Boys of Derry' Procession-soon afterwards the real trowble started in 1969

The even flow of the life of the community in Northern Ireland was disturbed during the past eighteen months by marches, protests, demonstrations and riots which caused injury, suffering and distress to many people The Brigade was actively engaged during this period and made a positive contribution towards those in need of help. While first -aid teams and ambulances were on the alert throughout the province standing by to assist, it was on the ambulance and nursing divisi ons in Londonderry and Belfast that the heaviest demands were made

Before the serious dist mrbance in Londonderry last August, Belfast had suffered several outbursts of violence, especially at week-ends and it was during one of these incidents that the Divisional Officer of West Belfast A/N.D. while driving a St. JOl111 Ambulance, was severely wounded in the head.

It was after these and similar incidents, including some minor ones in the country areas, that the role of the Brigade during times of civil unrest became clear in the circumstances prevailing here. First, close liaison between the .Brigade Officers, the police and the hospital Ambulance Control Centre was vital. The pattern of the disturbances was fluid, so that communication and mobility in first-aid teams an d ambulances was necessary if immediate and effective assistance was to be rendered. But many more lessons were learned , not the least of which was the vast difference between first-aid when practised under normal conditions and that when the teams were confronted with multiple casualties with complicated injuries to be dealt with quickly amid petrol bombs al1!d bullets.

And now to a brief chronicle of events as they escalated from the serious disturbances sparked off in Londonderry last August, and to record the part played by the men and women of St. J ohn Ambulance Brigade in Northern Ireland who did their duty under trying and often dangerou s conditions.

Northern Ireland is well-known for its annual colourful marches and demonstrations in mid-summer, for which, by prior arrangement, St. John provides ambulances and persol1!l1el for first-aid posts along the routes of the processions. One such event is the 'walk' of the organisation known as the 'Apprentice Boys of Derry' which takes place on August 12, when thousands of members and sightseers travel from Belfast and from all over the Province to take part in, or to see the procession in Londonderry, the day being recognised as a general holiday in t he City. As the day dawned it was not expected events would differ much from the usual pattern and Londonderry Area had arranged first-aid posts along the route as in previous years. Ahlo ugh there was obvious tension, it was not until the evening the position 2

THE DISTURBANCES AND THE BRIGADE

Thi s article is p rin ted as rec eived from our correspondent in Belfast - Ed.

deteriorated and the police carne under severe attack with all sorts of missiles, including petrol bombs.

It was decided the St. John forces could be best used by withdrawing the first-aid teams from the route posts to man one post in the most strategic position. In consultation with the local civil authorities, this post was established and operated whi le the troubles lasted This post wa s continuously manned for two days by St. John Ambulance and nursing members during which many casualties, including policemen who were injured in the fighting, received first-aid attention. Within the post, a canteen was set up and blankets were made available for the needy. During the 48 hours of disturbances St. John members worked in danger o us conditions, in some cases under fire, treated and removed casualties amid petrol bombs and burning debris Th eir ambulance ran a shuttle service with wounded between the scenes of the fighting and Altnagelvin Hospital which is situated beyond the perimeter of the city, across the River Foyle.

The concentration of St. John first-aid facilities at one strategic position under the best protective measures available proved to be much more effective than relying on mobile first-aid posts. The scene of the fighting changed rapidly , and it would have been difficult for mobile units to do anything effective. As it was , with the fixed fi rst-aid post in a central position , the teams could go out where-ever and whenever they were needed.

After two d ays fierce fighting in Londonderry the disturbances spread to Belfast. Here the pattern for St. John operations were somewhat different. On the ambulance side, three vehicles attached to West Belfast A/N.D. operated in the Falls Road area; the other vehicles, belonging to Headquarters Transport Divi sion , were operated under the Central Ambulance Control of the N l. Ho spit als Authority , the sta tutory body respon sible for all ambulance operations throughout the Prov ince. Of these , throughou t the disturbances one ambulance operated continuously day and night with the N.l.H.A. fleet and one was manned and worked on a call basis. Other ambulances from this Division were manned each ev.ening and kept available to relieve and reinforce as neces sar y.

First-aid teams were standing by and were conveyed to various church halls in the disturbed areas, where first-aid was needed

Fighting took place in and around the Falls Road area in the territory where West Belfast Ambulance/Nur si ng Division operated, so rising to the demands of the moment, the Divisio Iill set up a major first-aid post in St Teresa's School, Andersonstown, which was right on the fringe of the fighting area, an d to which th ere was a constant stream of refugees, wounded and distressed. This important Post, along with seven

By

OUR BELFAST CORRESPONDENT

Pho tographs from' N EWS - L E TTE R' Belfast

temporary first-aid posts set up in various parts of the affected area, was manned night and day continuously for a period of nine days by members of this Division, many of whom did not follow their usual daily employment but chose to carry out their St. John duties as a priority.

All credit is due to the St John men and women - yes,many nursing m e mber s worked in the first -aid teams as well as in ambulances - for their re sponse under such conditions.

All of them were volunte ers, and were fully aware of the personal risk when they went on duty.

West Belfast A/N Division is one of the family divisions no fewer than five members of the Pett icre w family being members This active division has 18 ambulance members and 6 nur sing members and the D /S is Mr. F. Petticrew. It was this division that bore the brunt of the di st urb ances in the Falls Road area during the whole of the emergency an d their ambulance crews had some very narrow escapes in the m e le es when they were often caught in cross gunfire. In their area the worst rioting, burning and shooting was dur ing the we e k- end Augu st 15 to 17, a nd the entire division was on continuous duty for over 37 hours The divi sion's three ambulances operated thr o ughout that week-end, usually in the middle of the danger zone, fortunately without injury to the crews. The blue fl as h er on the roof of one of their vehicles was shot off, which gives so me idea of the proximity of the fighting. In charge of the ambulance at this time was D / O Petticrew who , as me n tioned earlier, wa s injured on St. John duty. Again this time, his home an d that of another member of his crew was destmyed by petrol bomb s but they s till carried on their first-aid work.

Another West Belfast Ambulance crew reported on duty at 6 p.m. on August 15 and were on continuous duty until 4 .2 0 a.m on the Sunday morning August 17 - more than 34 hours without sleep.

The third Ambulance Crew serviced the refugee centres, the eight firs t -aid posts and the Centre the division set up earlier in St. Teresa's School, all of which were manned by those members not engaged in ambulance duties.

Headquarters Transport Ambulance fleet was also working all out in the thick of the fighting from the start of the disturbances in other parts of Belfast and the experience of one crew was typical. On Saturday , October 11, Driver R.M.C Piggott, A/M W.M. Ryan and N/M Ellen Dickson commenced a period of duty in Ambulance No.1 5 which they will not easi ly forget. Their first assignment from Ambulance Control was to the Shankill area whel·e fighting was taking place. Taking what cover they could find from the bullets and petrol bombs they drove to a spot

where two policemen and one soldier, victims of gunshot wounds were lying on the footpath, one of the policemen being unconscious and suffering severe head wounds. As these were the most serious of many casual ties the crew requested ambulance reinforcement then ru shed the badly wounded to hospital. During the journey the condition of the policeman deteriorated and both A/M Ryan and N/ M Dickson had to apply resuscitation until they reached hospital when the patient was rushed to the Theatre for inunediate operation.

The ambulance was again directed back to the scene of the fighting and now had to deal with two wounded men who had been carried into a house. The situation at this spot was tense and at one time i t was thought the ambulance was being fired at when the patients were in it. It was here that local vigilantes ordered the barricades across the street to be removed to permit the entry and exit of the ambulance.

Back again, on direction from the Hospital to Malvern Street to collect more seriously injured casualties and this time the driver was continuously diverted by shooting in the streets, eventually encountering a cloud of C.S. tear smoke which seriously affected his eyes and those of his colleagues. He reach e d the hospital in some distress. In h is own words "I fo und that by rubbing one eye I was just able to see sufficiently to drive and managed eventually to reach the hospital with my patients". And so it went on all through the night.

Other work performed by the St. John HQ ambulances at these times was to collect members for duty and take them home afterwards because there was no public transport after 7 p.m. It is interesting to record that A M W.M. Ryan is the son of Area Nursing Officer W.H. Ryan, who is the Training Officer for the Emergency Hospital Reserve at Belfast City Hospital. W.H. Ryan, too was actively engaged with E.H R. ambulance and Reservists , many of them members of, or trained by St. John who were on riot duty in the City of Belfast as well as being used as reinforcements for the hospital ambul anc e services in Londonderry and Enniskillen , as required.

A fina l word of thanks to the officials in all hospitals with whom St. John enjoys a happy working relationship. We are particularly indebted to the Belfast City Hospital which, at the height of hostilities when first-aid equipment in St. John ambulances was seriously depleted, the City Hospital at short notice an d without prior arrangement produced kits of bandages and first-aid material.

The Brigade in Northern Ireland is proud that it was able to be of service during these difficult times

Shankill Road Area -a shot victim tended by St. John and Police.

New Lord Prior

In the Chapter Hall at St. John's Gate on November 19th , against a colourful background of coats of arms in st ained glass , painted armorials of the Grand Priors of England since 1143 , portraits of Order dignitaries throughout the centuries and in front of the assembled members of the Chapter-General , which comprises the Great Officers and other Bailiffs Grand Cros s, the Priors, the Sub Prelates, the Executive Officers , certain Knigh ts

The

(Left) Kneeling, The New Lord Prior is Blessed by The Prelate of the Order (Below)

New Lord Prior bei ng presented to Chapter General by The Director of Ceremonies, Colonel P. H. Catt

(Right) The Lord Prior, Lord Caccia, after The Ceremony of Installation

(Ab0ve L to R)

Sir elive B®ssom, BT, Capt The Lord Harris and Mr R.L. Bellwood

and rep re se n t ativ es of tn €! oth er grades o f th e Order - Lord Caccia was installed as the LOFd Prior o f St. John.

A new Lord Prior is traditionally [nst aH ed by th e Gra nd Prior but t he Duk e of Gl oucester was unable to attend ; as a lso was th e retiring Lord Prior Lord Wakehurst who was str icken with influenza the night be f ore. For the installation , the Duke appointed a Comm is sion of three Bailiffs - the Archbishop of York (Prelate of the Order) , Sir Gilb e rt Inglefield (the new Chancellor) and Lord Aberdare (the Prior of Wales).

In a simple but moving ceremony , which lasted f or 20 minutes, Lord Caccia , 64 years old , f ormer h ea d the Dip ]omatic Service , a member of th e Order for nin e years, was presented to the Commission of Bailiffs to whom he p aid homage the Prelate offered a sped aJ prayer a nd bl essing o ver the kneeling Lord Prior , and then he was proclaimed: 'Confr ere s, salute the new Lord Pr i or of St. John

With those few words, th e Order s work o f more th an ] 300 years continued.

AT THE

CEREMONY

St. John Ambulance

( Left to L to R)

Mr C.S C. Prance Sir John Hathorn Hall, and Mr N.C. McClintock

LORD WAKEHURST K.G.,

Lord Wakehurst was appointed Lord Prior in 1948 - so his retirement means that he served as the executive head of th e Order for exactly 21 years. He was the first 'Lord Prior' as such , by the way , his predecessors having been styled simply 'Prior' or 'Sub-Pr ior'.

To his well-known public career - during which he was Governor of New South Wales and Northern Ireland - must now be added his work for the Order.

First , his drive and vision were very much Goncerned with reshaping the Order and its Foundations in the immediate post-war years To co-ordinate and encourage support for the work of the Foundations at home St. John Councils were established throughout the counties of England Overseas , Councils were also established in the emerging countries , former1y of the Empire, so that the work of St. John could ccmtinue there unhindered lhe Grand Frior's Advisory Cou IDl cil was established at The Gate to facilit ate liaison with the overseas Priories.

The world was changing rapidly ; Lord Wa kehurst h a d to ensure that the structure of St. John changed to suit t he se new conditions.

An ardent traveller, Lord Wakehurst's tours overse as on behalf of the Order took him to most of the countries of the Commonwealth.

Another of his outstanding t asks was establishing new and cordial relations with the Sovereign Military OFder recently awarded him the Grand Cross of Merit); also the successful bringing together and consolidation of the ties between the European Orders of St . John of the Reformed Church.

K.C.M.G., K.J.St.J. (1937).

Grand Priors Trophy

Since 1956 the Grand Prior 's Trophy for men has been won by either the Police , the Gas Industry or S J A.B This year the men of the Fir e Brigades (City and County of Bristol) put a stop to all that and t ook the championship trophy wi th 293 lh points , 10 point s ahead of the runners-up , the Port of London Authority team. The S J A.B te a m came third Since the trophy competiti o ns st a rted in 1950 the Gas Industry has t aken the trophy on ce be f ore , in 1952 (Great Yarmouth).

RESULT : MEN

1 FIRE BRIGADES (BRISTOL)

2. PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY

3 S LA.B. (MARKHAM DIV.)

4. MIN OF TECHNOLOGY (ROF BURGHFIELD)

s NAT. COAL BOARD (BOLSOVER)

6. POLICE (EDINBURGH)

7 BRITISH TRANS. POLICE (LAMBETH)

8. NAT.ROAD PASS. TRANSAMBASSOC. (ABERDEEN)

9. GAS INDUSTRY (SOUTHERN)

10. B.R. (LONDON) & BRITISH TRANS. DOCKS (FALKIRK)

11. ELECT. SUPPLY AMB. CENTRE (BATTERSEA)

12. NAT DOCK LABOUR BOARD (GRIMSBY)

13. ARMY AMB CENTRE (CDE PORTON)

14 P.O. AMB. CENTRE (BIRMINGHAM)

WOMEN

1. POLICE (CHESHIRE)

6 Today , the Order s o f

and and Swed en m ee t annually with the Briti sh Order t o di sc uss pr obl em s of mutu al interest.

He ac compli shed this work with th e la te Sir Harr y Luk e , whom he now follows as Bailiff of Egl e; to gether th ey al so established the Am erican Soci ety.

One of Lord Wakehurst s keene st hobbie s is ph o t ogr a phy and filming; many of hi s trips thr o ughout th e w or ld on St. John wo rk he assiduously put on to film , so a ddin g inv alu a ble m a t e rial t o the record s in the Orde r's ar chiv es.

He likes t o g o everywher e to me e t everyo n e. A memb er o f t h e Order who worked with him for m os t o f th ose 2 1 y ea rs, wr o te recen tly: 'It is an education to b e al o ng Sid e him , es pe cially when the parades and formalitie s are o ver , individual s are m o r e rel axed

Then, not everyone c a n come down f r om their official pedestal , as it were, and mingle easily with those who so recently presented themselves a s unit s. Ther e is usally c o n st r aint on both sides. But not with Lord Wakehur st. In the real sen se of the words he mingl e s and meets all the gr eat numbers of peopl e who, like him self, give their work and time to St. John.

We salute the new Bailiff of Egle.

Order Appointments:

Cha 'fll 6.: e llor - Sir Gilbert I nglefield

Vice-Chancellor - Lord St. Aldwyn

Obituary

Mr. H. Pirie-Gordon OBE, DSC - Baili ff Grand Cross

But at thi s year's final s at London's Seymour Hall on Novemb er 20th , with over 18 ,000 people - 5 000 more than last year -t aking part in prelimin a ry and eliminating competitions prior to this big day , it was the women's teams who brought forth the gasps of surprise from the 600 - odd people as t he scores were announced and the awards were presented by Lord Caccia, the new Lord Prior. Up and up went the points awarded to the women s team s. 2 86 lh - the Gas Industry coming third . 288Briti sh Railwa ys, second And then - 323 lh, ye s, 323 W - to the Poli ce (Cheshire Con stabulary ), who al so pulled off t he trophy in 1964. Pe rh a ps t hi s high scoring o f the ladie s was partly due , as one judge pOinted out , to th e alacrity with which they removed the clothing of the (male) casual ties!

2. B.R. (LONDON) & BRITISH TRANS. DOCKS (GLASGOW)

3. GAS INDUSTRY (WEST MIDLANDS)

4. MIN. OF TECHNOLOGY (LIVERPOOL)

s. AWRE ALDERMASTON

6 S.J.A.B. (SPALDING NURSING DIV )

7. NA T. ROAD PASS. TRANS. AMB. ASSOC. (LIVERPOOL)

8. P.O AMB. CENTRE (LONDON S W.)

9. ARMY AMB. CENTRE (NCOSD BARLOW)

10 ELECT. SUPPLY AMB. CENTRE (SHEFFIELD)

(Right) Marjorie, Cou ntess of Brecknock S uperi ntendent n · Chief,

The Winning Women's Team, Cheshire Police, congratulated by Lord Caccia City and County, Bristol, Fire Brigades Team reach the top of the ladder - and win.

West Midland's Gas Industry Team (3rd) a the 15 minute Botanical Gardens test.

THE CHAUFFEUR

Taking over the ed il tors lill ip of a magazine is rather like getting in to drive a car that is stFalilge to you. First you have to be sure that you thoroughly understand the mechanics of the thing and that everything is working properlysuch as gears , clutch , brakes light dipper , windscreen wipers, indicators , etc. Only when you re sure of all these things can begin to drive in the direction that you want to go.

But in the case of the Review, TI\9t only is this a new car to me , but most of the mechancial parts have been replaced too - new printers, new printing process, completely new production technique, and so a new magazine.

Don't think that I'm complaining , because I'm not. If you re going to change a magazine, there is nothing like having a complete change.

But what I would like to say is that fi r st we are thrashing out the mechanics of publishing a different magazinebreaks, indicators , etc. - and as soon as we are satisfied with these I will explain in an article (next month, I hope) the direction in which we will be driving

There is no fun in driving for any len gth of time on your own; so I want you - the passengers - to know and have some say in where we are going , for as much as I shall enjoy driving these monthly trips are for you - to enjoy , to learn from , to be a part of your life

So only by you participating - in sending me the sort of material I'm looking for , telling me what you like and what you don't like (letter or 'phone, 24 hours a day , 7 days a we@k; the quicker we understand each other , the better)will our monthly trips be REALLY worthwhile

I'd also like to mention while we are on the subject of the new magazine that our subscription list has been brought right up to date. Moving to new dist Fibutors, this was essential. In future, United Kingdo m subscribers will be rem G>ved from the distribution list when

AROUND and ABOUT

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

waiting for

the renewal of their s ubscription is two months overdue; overseas subscribers, because of the possible delay in the mail , three months.

I only hop e that no one has been removed from the list who has paid th e ir subsc ription If this i s so I apologis e now - and please let me know. It won't happen again.

I'm sorry to have to be so firm about subscriptions , but we have a new rule at headquarters: everyone whQ wants a copy of the Review pays for it - including myself

ONE DAY'S HAPPENINGS

On my way to th e Seymou r H all in London to see th e fir st aid comp e ti ti on for the Grand Prior 's troph y la te in Novemb er , ther e w as a milit a nt ga th e ring o f 10 ,000 s triking sch o ol te a ch er s meeting in Hyd e Park ; th er e h ad b ee n uncertainty about th e tube tr a in s running every day th a t week - for London 's Underground guards had been c rippling the city's t ra n sport s ystem with unoffi cial stoppages one day a week over the la st few weeks; the U.S Pre ss wa s publi shing a r e port of so me 500 South Vietn am es e vill a ge rs a lleg e dly slaught ered by American troop s in th eir eff orts to protect that country from Communi sm ; in Milan a poli ce man h a d been killed by st rli kers ; and a qu a rter of a million miles away , two men we [ e collecting rocks on the moon.

Mr. Watkin W. Williams, who took h is first S.J.A.A. First Aid Certificate in 1926, is the newly appointed Commander SJA for Buckin!!Jhamr sh - seen here at the County's Nursing IDivisions 21 st Annual Tra ining Weekend held at Missenden Abbey during the autumn

Insid e th e competition hall I found about 600 people pra ctising or watching wi th great interest procedures which would save other people from suffering or de a th. Most of th e pe o ple n th e hall h a d devoted m a ny y ear s of their hve s to this interest and for ma n y of them these c ompe ti tions had me ant a two or ev en a three day visi t t o London. A illl ov er the country were thousands of simil ar p e ople who every ye ar just clamour for f he opportunity to make thi s yearly trip to these finals And all th ese people are

BY TH E EDITOR

volunte ers - they do t he work becau se they like it

I'm not being san c timoniou s These are fact s And p erhap s they d o n ' t me a n very mu ch - but to me a t least , they are a s t r ange c o mmentary on one day's happenings in th e w o rld a s w e move into th e 19 70 's.

MYSTERY IN MALTA

Al so a t the final s at S ey mour Hall I wa s d elight e d t o meet Lord Cacc ia , th e new Lo r d Prior install e d onl y the day be fo r e a t Th e G a te , th e h e adquart er s of the Or d e r o f St. John. I a m ve ry mu c h the new b o y to both the Order , and the Asso ci a tio n and Br ga de , alth ough like so many o th er s, I h ave for m a ny y ears been fa mili a r with th e hist ory o f the O r der o f St. John

Ju s after the war I w a s in Malta for a b ou t a yea r wi th th e Nav y And no-on e, ev e n so m eo n e w i th t h e least inqu ir ing mind , ca n b e in Malt a f o r lo ng w i thout be co ming ac qu a inted with a n Order who se root s ar e so firml y implante d in t h at isl and.

1 rem e mber vi vidly m y fir st 'brush' wi t h th e Ord e r ther e . I h a d i ntended to wri te a short st ory about th e in ci d e n but - ala s - li ke so m a ny t hing s w e int e nd t o do the story i s ye t t o b e wri tt e n I was bill e t e d at the tim e in th e o ld part o f Vall et ta in a vast building n earby wh ere the northern ra mp ar t s of th e city jut into the Me diterranean to form one a rm o f the entran ce to the Gr an d H a rbour. Opp o site our billets wa s a NAAFI wh ere wh en off wat c h I oft e n u sed to ca ll f o; a cup o f tea and a sna ck This sm all N AAFI building wa s in a larg e co urt-yard whi ch al so in cluded so m e d e r eli c t r uin ed buildings with about thr ee he av; wooden doors on ma ss ive iron hing es l e t into th e ir crumbling wall s I was le aving the de sert e d NAAFI early one hot summer's a ft ernoon - the city lay silent, most of it s inhabitan t s deep in sie st a oblivion - wh e n th e curiosity I had felt for months for tho se heavy doors got the better of me I paused on my way acro ss th e court-yard. Everything was silent Ther e was no sign of the old man who usually stood at the court-yard gates selli n g ma t c nes. The F@ WS of open of the billet-blo ck O))l po sit e were empty. There was no ring of foot-steps on th e pavements outside the gates And behind me I felt sure the sole woman on duty in the now

NAAFI would be nodding off in her chair. I felt alone in wakefulness on that whole island - as in fact I probably was, so hot was that afternoon I turned towards one of the doors, quickly crossed the court-yard, went down half-a-dozen steps , and tried the ma ssive iron handle. After a second wrench the protesting latch gave and the door began to open inwards. I glanced back appr ehensively - but still there was no one about; just the white stone of the court-yard and building s shimmering brilliantly in the hot , afternoon sun. I faced the door again, pushing it further open and went into a stone-floored space , pushing the door to behind me. I stood there with my back to the door for a few mom e nts , unable to see anything in the gloom after the brightne ss outsi de Then after a while , my eyes began to get used

to the darkness and in the far distance, as one often sees in a dream, I saw a patch of ligh.t; the serrated edge s of daylight I now made out, where the roof of the building had been damaged But this patch of daylight seemed so far away, i was unbelievable ; and I cou l dn't make out what lay between it and me A ruined roof -a ruined floor perhaps? Deep chasms c ame to mind.

I looked down at the floor directly in front of me and found that my sight was corning back. The stone slabs of the floor seemed to go on and on, on and on , to the distant patch of daylight and beyond It must be enormous, I thought to myself. What could it be? Such a vast building - and in ruins

I looked to my left, from where I now heards sounds of twittering , and saw chinks of daylight where the vast roof

Cadet Training Pays off Rapidly

Didcot (Berksh ire) Cadets practise first a d Cadets Christopher Musson and Bruce Wright tend the 'Casualty' on the ground (Photo Studio Atlanta, Didcot).

THEN FIVE DAYS LATER

An auto c ross meeting near Reading. There were seven casualties when a car ploughed into the spectators, Christopher and Bruce were nearby (Reading Evening Post).

WELL DONEI

joined the walls - and where swallows had built their nests. And then began to make out something else -a long line of partitions forming what looked like cattle stalls and running the whole length of that seemingly endless far wall. What could they be ? was just about to movg forward to try ami get a closer look at th@sg stalls or what@ver they were, when suddenly in the nearest stall, there was a movement. was not alone.

I'm sorry, but I seem to be running on a bit. started telling you about Lord Caccia and the Order. What I wanted to say was that I think all in for some rather pleasant surprtises. As indeed I was in for a surprise on that hot aftemoon in Val€tta so many yeaFs ago.

I'll finish the Malta story next month. But has anyone guessed yet where I amor was?

CADET CONFERENCE

At a recent annual Cadet conference h€ld in Somerset, the major conclusions reached were as follows:

St. John has become involved in a reshuffle of ideas over the last two years and a new expression has entered into our language: 'To be with it'.

That the present first aid syllabus was inadequate for the three years a junior serves, and should be expanded to include methods such a playlets, teaching games, illustrations, mimes, more grading and more comic strips.

On religious teaching, it was interesting to learn that one group reported Mormons, Roman Catholics, Jews and Church of England members among the Cadets.

Most groups wanted more badges, prderably of the pin-on type because of the difficulty of getting wanmts to sew on badges. Also that badges should be fiiXed te removable arm-bands, since some younger Cadets did not fliilve uniforms.

I CAN HOLD MY STOUT

.

[n the middle of winter tits nice to talik ab@ut the summeF, especially tihe glorious summer of last year. Nice to talk about a gloriQus idea too, that started last summer at a St. Mary's Bay holiday camp, near Hythe in Kent. One elderly gentleman I'm sure will never forget it.

When he arrived at the camp in a group of disabled people for a week's holiday, he was unable to feed himself and felt generally dispiritecl. The long hot summer days went by - with plenty of help at hand to get him (and the others) down to the beach, back for dinner, to bed for a snooze in the afternoon, and for a quiet stroll before supper. Everything was so much easier

By the end of the week when Lady Cumberbatch, County Superintendent (N) for Kent and Chief Nursing Officer

recently nurses challenged doctors to football, three doctors returned to hospital as casualties!

Cadet accommodation was reported to be generally inadequate. One Division held meetings in a Superintendent's hguse. For Cadets, an old hut still has much to be said for it.

On literature, it was agreed that Cadet books are too expensively produced and could be more comprehensive, with one book covering: History of the Order , First Aid, Nursing, etc.

There was a terrific response to the suggestion that a Cadet section be included in the Review.

Altogether it sounds as though it was a great meeting! Somerset is on the march.

Dame Barbara Cozens visited the camp, there was this gentleman with a new-found chum at the camp barenjoying sandwiches and a glass of stout apiece. Completely unaided!

Just shows what a bit of fresh air, sun and help can do for the disabled. Help from members of the Kent St John Ambulance (a total of 2363 hours at holiday camps over 3 weeks last year) and other volunteers.

So successful was last year's holiday scheme for the disabled in Kent that plans are afoot for 1970. The weeks are at Golden Sands May 16 - 23 and Sept 12 - 19 ; at Littiestone Sept 27 - Oct. 3.

So if you'd like to be a full time helper or daily visitor in this magnificent work write now to: Mr. L. W. Ashman, Area

CommIssIOner, St. ifohn Ambulance, 2 {ro. e Avenue, Hythe, Kent.

One person rus sure fo be there. An elderly gentleman who'll be showing others how to hold their

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

It is apparent that many readers of the Review have questions on first aid which they would like answered by medical authority , so it has been decided to publish a regular feature in the magazine under the heading 'Questions and Answers'. The series begins in this issue.

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor H.C Stewart, and the Surgeon-in-Chief, Dr. M.M.Scott , have agreed to answer questions on first aid submitted to this feature.

So let's see if you can baffle the experts!

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

'Smiler' David Dickson is proving that dreams, allied to plenty of effort and some good old-fashioned gu ts, can come true.

When he was four years old, David, who comes from Littleover near Derby, decided that he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.

With this ambition still in mind, he joined Derby Division Cadets of St. John when he was 1l. But soon after he joined the Cadets lost their leader and attendances began to dwindle, until there was only David left. But, nothing daunted David continued to attend on his own taking along his toy snooker set to amuse himself. His patience was eventually rewarded when help came in the shape of Police Constable Samuel Williams , who has since built up a thriving Division.

David went on to pass all his exams, to receive the Grand Prior's badge from Princess Margaret, and to become a Cadet leader. Last summer he passed ten '0' levels and four 'A' levels at school, and now - fourteen years since he first had that dream - David has just completed his first term at Emmanuel College, Cambridge: studying medicine.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

Due to difficulties in 0 b taining instructors for their bugle band, I hear that the Dorking, Surrey, O .C. Air Training Corps approached local S J .A. Brigade officers to see if his boys could train with their local cadet band.

This has now wo rke d out very well and brought about a great deal of co-oper ah cm between tihe two oFg anisa tions. A.T.C. members helped w[tb stewarding at the Surrey County Review last summer and t he S.LA. Cadet Band played fOT the A.T.C. annual inspection

FALSE ALARM

Passers-by on the A56 where it passes through Brierfield in Lancashire must have had a shock one Saturday afternoon last autumn. A group of black-uniformed people strolled down the road and as they approached the Town Hall, one of the leaders suddenly pointed upwards and shouted, 'A man fell from that window!'

On the pavement lay a man. The group closed in and started examining him One ran 'to a nearby chemist's shop

An ambulance was soon on the scene. A stretcher, first aid equipment , blankets Within 12 minutes , the 'casualty' was on his was to hospital.

Some of the passers-by had paused, wondering whether they could help. Thanks , they were told,but this was just an exercise the annual open first aid competition' run by the Brierfield Centre of St. John Ambulance.

The people of Brierfield nodded and went about their business - feeling more secure.

Some A T.C boys have passed first aid tests and assist on Brigade parades. St. John Cadets help with first aid on A.T.C. exercises.

No doubt we'll soon be hearing that Surrey S LA. Cadets are taking flying lessons

DONATION FROM CANADA

The Receive r General of the Priory of Canada visited London during December and presented 20,000 dollars raised by the Miles for Millions campaigns, to the Order for the St. John Opthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem This was the Priory of Canada's second donation during 1969.

It's a good idea to simulate competitions in public places It vividly brings home the value of St. John work to the public. But keep the local police informed!

POSTSCRIPT

Incidentally, as mentioned in m y first paragraph about getting in touch with me, the Headquarter's telephone (01-235-5231) has a recording device out of office hours So you can ring that number at any time but please first give your name and address, then your message.

Cadet Leader David Di cksondream

On Parade - but all smiles, The Director General inspects Surrey Nursing Cadets

LONDON PRINCE OF WALES' DISTRICT

60th ANNIVERSARY

For his fjrst public engagement with S1. John since his inauguration l ast summer as the Prince of Wales , Prince Charles attended the special Service of Thanksgiving and Re-Dedication for the London (Prince of Wales's) District St. John Ambulance Brigade at Westminster Abbey on December 14. 2000 uniformed members of the London District attended the service, which was led by the Dean of Westminster , who is himself a Sub-Prelate of the Order of St. 10hn.

The London District , which was already active in the Capital as 10 ambulance divisions in 1880, was granted the honour of calling itself the 'Prince of Wales's Corps (with the privilege of wearing the Plume of Feathers as its collar badge) on December 14 1909. At the time the District had 1576 members. Today its voluntary service to the people of Greater London (about ?6. million hours annually) is given by 11,393 members.

Two of the District's 6000 cadets - 14-year-01d Corporal Helen Egan of St. John's Wood , and 15-year-old Sergeant Stephen Rogers of Hockley , Essex - read the lessons at the service. And very well they read them too. The voice of diminutive Corporal Helen confidently rang out over the relay system to the vast, high , pill a red chambers of a packed but silent Ab bey like a solo oboe - very movingly.

In his sermon the Dean of We stmin ster likened the work of S1. John members to that of the Good Samaritan. You help everyone in need, he said, regardless of race or creed. And you do this work voluntarily - for free, as it's called nowadays.

He also que stioned the assessment of news by the mass medias of press radio and television Today that which most concerned people consider as news he said, these medias do not consider as news St. 10hn work , he warned, is usually taken for granted. Sometimes, with not even a 'Thank you' , How right he was. Although there was a reporter or two from the National press at the service, I saw no mention of it in the next day's newspapers.

(Left) Prince Charles, wearing a London District tie, arrives at the Abbey

The Brigade Colours being presented

SUGcessful camping cannot be learned fwm b00ks. It is a skill acquired by practice. Having said that, ] now ex!!'ect you to go on reading! But seriously, although the essence of camping is experience, as with all out-door sports such as boating or hiking, some good, sound preparatory work is essential if the whole project is to be a suecess - and fun.

Which is why we do these things in the first place.

This series of artides then is intended to be a eheck list for those organising Divisional camps. But remember, at least one person (although not necessarily the organiser) MUST be in possession of a valid camp warrant. If unsure how this affects you - consult Brigade General Regulations, Appendix O

First, the organiser needs some staff assistance, then he can start wmk.

CHOOSING A SITE

For a weekend camp, especially with novice campers, you may not wish to stray far from home, but for a week's stay you can consider a site further afield. This question of travel with equipment must be seriously considered, for transport plays an important part in the choice of site. The novelty of camping disappears rapidly at the prospect of a long walk with heavy packs.

Some local authorities or youth movements have youth camping sitesand these may be suitable. They usually have reasonable amenities.

If you decide to hold a camp at a spot whiCH is not a pr:oper site, watch the following points:

1. 'The site chosen must have your Commissioner's approval; if in the area of another District or County, permission from their Commissioner must also be obtained.

:2. Allow adequate room for tents. The space between tents should allow room to walk without falling over guy ropes.

3. Find a telephone available nearby. The Commandant should be acquainted with the nearest hospital, doctor, etc.

4. Fresh drinking water must be available nearby. If in doubt about water, contact the local Health Authority.

5. Some sites have flush telilets and drains; those without should be ehecked for suitability for one's own dFail'lage systern.

6. Ensure that wood can be colleeted from nearby for the camp fire.

7. Cheek that one is ALLOWED to have a camp fire Some sites have specified 'fire-places' only so the Commandant should (msure that he has an allocated 'fire-place'. If not, then permission may sometimes be obtained to build Ol'le providing !it is removed om departure.

8. If there are ponds or lakes on the site, do not pitch too near them. If you do, the camp will be plagued by gnats, etc.

GOOD CAMPING

Especially for the Cadets by Richard G Farrell

(D. D. Upminster and-Hornchurch Cadet Division)

9. Do not pitch directly beneath trees. If it rains, the moistu re from the trees will drip for hours on to the tents below. Also, the tents may be shaded from the sun and take a long time to dry and air; they will never really warm up during the day and so will be quite cold to tum into at night Pitch on land which is flat or has a gentle slope; never at the bottom of a slope where rain water will lie 10. The soil should be firm, but not fQck hard. If it is too soft, tent pegs will pull out easily, especially if the weather turns blowy. Ground that is too hard will create difficulties for driving the pegs. Other points : if the grass is tough and spril'lgy, this will also cause difficulties with pegs; beware of 'parking' among sting:i!llg nettles - they may c<lll!lse agony to an unfortunate cadet. If there are netties around, then a quick search will probably reveal some dock-leaves which can soothe the unfortunate or careless. It is not wise to pitch tents on the tops of hills, which lays them open to unnecessary exposure. Also, beware of land dangers such as rifle ranges, sheer cliffs, pot-li101es and disused tm mines and wells whilclil are not propedy safeguarded. At a coastal site, check the safety of bathing and discipline the cadets accordingly, WITH CONSTANT REMINDERS. Also tell them that if one of the group is foolish

3. Experienced Swimmers. These should bath e last, when all the others have left the water.

Allow two hours to elapse between a meal and bathing. Sea-bathing is only permissable on an in-coming tide - an outgoing tide is dangerous People unused to bathing should stay in the water only a short time.

Dangers

Sea bathing: Rocks and holes , steeply sloping shores, strong currents. Rivers: Strong currents, reeds , weeds and overhanging trees. Diving is dangerous. Lake s and ponds: Cold springs may cause cramp.. Weeds, rocks, soft mud and rubbi sh are dangers.

All swimmers must leave the water immediately the whistle is blown.

No shouting or calling for help should be allowed, as a genuine call for help may not be heard.

EQUIPMENT

Deci d e whether your camp is to be fo r training only, for pleasure , or for a mixture of the two. Consider distance to travel and transport

Next what is to be taken. Tents obviously, but make sure that you have enough of them. Youngsters of today lik e elbow-room, or at l east a reasonable patch of ground to themselves. 6ft. x 3 ft . would not be an unreasonable minimum plus a little extra for luggage.

Personal Equipment

Personal equipment shou ld be as follows:

enough to enter the water without permission , AN ADULT MUST BE INFORMED IMMEDIA TEL Y; and if the swimmer does get into difficulties, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should another cadet enter the water to assist him unless authorised to do so. Know the location of the local coas tguard station. All cadets on a camp where there are swimming facilities should be made familiar with, and constantly reminded of, the Brig ade Standing Orders for Swimmers

BATHING PRECAUTIONS

Bathing is only allowed if organised and will always be in the charge of a camp officer. In addition, a qualified life saver must be on duty to go into the water at a moment's notice. Both will carry

If it is pos sib le, the life saver will carry a rope , 100 ft. x ?4ins. First it should be ascertained whether bathing is:

(a) Safe in all cases;

(b) Safe if local rules are adherred to;

(c) Dangerous (when bathing must be fGlrbiidden).

Divide the bathers into three groups.

1. Non-Swirnmet:s. This group go in fi rst and should not venture out of their depth. They should be in, at least, pairs.

2. Those who swim a little. This group is more likely to get into difficulties and should be limited to twelve.

All cadets' clothes should be marked with their full name, using marking ink . (Prates can be marked with enamel paint)

Make sure that they know that clothing should be in good repair before they come.

When camping, the rule is that the least equipment the better. If the camp is for longer than a weekend, cadets should also take pencil and paper , envelopes and stamps, to write home Two changes of clothes will be needed and two towels. If near swimming facilities, then bathing gear should be packed.

The cadets should not store their clothes in polythene bags, which create condensation and result in damp clothes. A canvas bag is the best. Clothes to be used the next day should be put between the blankets overnight. They will then be warm and dry to put on next morning Cadets should be encouraged to air thei r clean clothes before wearing them.

Should anyone fall in to the river, of course, make sure that clothes are changed and soiled gear is washed and dried Clothes marked 'dry clean only' should be dried only and packed away, and not used again during camp.

Complete uniform (to travel in)

Complete change of clothes

Raincoat/ overcoat

At least one blanket

Spare jersey or blazer

Pyjamas

Plimsolls

Spare Handkerchiefs

Toothp aste

Toothbrush

Flannel

Soap and towel

Comb

Mirror

Sleeping bag

Ground sheet

Two plates

Mug

Knife/fork/spoons

Wash up cloth/mop

Teacloth

Shoe cleaning kit

N eedle/ cottons

Scissors

Torch

Spare batteries

Wellingtons

Spare shoes

Communal Equipment

Communal equipment should consist of things like hammers or mallets, spades, shovels, axes and saws (to be used only by N.C.O.'s or adults). The first ai d tent will require a bed, table and chairs as well as medical equipment. The dining marquee needs tables for the servers. Forms benches or other types of seating for the diners.

Kitchen Equipment

Equipping the kitchen area depends upon (a) the menu and (b) the method of cooking. A coup le of tables are necessary and things like mixing bowls , jugs dixies , billies , frying pans, egg slicers, plates , cooking knives and forks , serving spoons l adles, strainers, teapot or an urn kettles , condiment sets an d a tin opener.

The only way to decide how many of these items will be needed is to go through the menu meal by meal and decide what is needed to prepare them. Then make a list of equipment

Next the method of cooking. Calor gas, Primus stove , or just a wood fire? If gas, check the containers are full, or spares are available. If Pri muse s, check the supply of paraffin at hand , methylated spirits, and, of course, a small stock of those vital 'prickers'. When a wood fire is to be used , a constant supply of wood of various dimensions (dealt with later) is the obvious requirement. It is not wise to rely so lely on a wood fire, as 24 hours of constant rain could seriously upset the camp cooki ng And then you are in trouble! Miracles have been known to happen, and a cadet sometimes does wash. For this, a bowl, other than a mixing bowl or washing-up bowl, is needed.

For washing up , some tea-cloths. When cadets wash up , the water remains clean but the tea-cloths get filthy, so a bowl must be available to wash them in. For the washing-up water, some liquid (take your choice) to keep hands soft and smooth Also a cloth and some scouring powder, plus some brillo pads for the unfortunate cadets who have to clean the frying pans

General A Tilley or hurricane lamp will be required. For the first-aid tent a pressure lamp is b et ter ; it gives more light. Don't forget extra paraffin for these and meths for the Tille y. There a re a few odd things tha t it is always handy to have in camp; balls of string, spare torches and spare batteries, a couple of balls, bat and stumps for cricket, some rope , spare guys and pegs and - finally for this month -a Good Programme.

(Next month , the second of Richard Farrell's series of exhaustive articles on Camping covers an important subjectespecially for the cadet - grub)

10'year old cadet Paul Seaman erecting a tent at his first camp

For a start we were late Bu t then I usually am. We - my wife and Id e posited our car and then faced a journey across London loaded with suitcases. It may have been Ollr uniforms, experience in hailing taxis, or just luckbut we did incredibly well and arrived at Victoria Coach Station on time. To find that everyone else was late.

We (;;hecked our luggage and waited.

The rest of our party - on a weekend visit to the Broussais La ChaFite Hospita1 in Pa Fis - began to arrive. First, an explosion of excited Scots ac(;;ent heralded a walking pile of photographic equipment.

Then an even greater uproar, as two of our younger female members arrived, who were to talk almost incessantly for the entire trip. Last, but by no means least, came our Superintendent, remarkrng that we all seemed to be early.

We were on our way. After what seemed a much longer coach journey than advertised, we reached the air-field at Lympne, in Kent. The terminal building was not completed and there was no heating. These spartan surroundings, allied to our uniforms, I suppose, seemed to turn back the clock to the grey, cold days of the last war.

:mut we were soon going out to the plane, our noise-makers falling silent for the first time that day. They'd met their match in the form of an Australian girl, who could talk the leg off a kangeroo. The aircraft ride was uneventful, but the coach trip from Beauvais to Paris seemed even more interminable than the English end, especially as when we arrived in that gay city itself we were driven from hotel to hotel , dropping off passengers. Our hotel was the last, of course; by which time we were hungry - ravenously hungry.

I t was well after midnight when we actually got into the hotel, so several of us headed for a nearby Wimpy bar (in gastronomic Paris!) while others of our party settled down to a nauseating mixture of bratldy and biscuits upstairs. The brandy - biscuit brigade were

Herts members fall for French Heart Techniquesbut not the prices of food arnd drink! by

DR. IAN RITCHIE

Illustrations by Toby

apparently some twelve feet above where I was soon trying to sleep. More brandy than biscuits, I should say; and when the noise did eventually stop my empty stomach rumbled on - cheese burgeritis. But thank goodness breakfast next morning was marvellous. Even my wife agrees that no-one can make coffee as the French do.

Our interpreter for the official part of the trip met us at the hotel soon after breakfast and we were whisked off to the hospital. The medical director, whom we gathered roughly corresponds to our hospital secretary, but more superior, welcomed us and showed us round. The language barrier was the only problem. Our interpreter did his best , but some medical terms defeated him and my French is a joke at the best of times. To follow detailed explanations, absolute \ /

concentration was essential.

This hospital, with about 1 ,000 beds is enormous. It takes no children old people, psychiatric patient s or women for confinement. The whole pl a ce is beautifully laid out with large op e n spaces between the blocks of buildings which are connected by underground corridors.

We learned that there are two form s of ambulance transport in Paris. The municipal service which is similar to our county ambulances , and also private services which compete for victims. These private services offe r bett e r vehicle amenities rather than greater speed to the accident. Most of the French a mbulances are of the low-loading type which make for easier handling but have less interior space. Unfortunately we didn't have the opportunity of studying these ve hicles closely.

Next we visited the Admission Department. This was similar to our accident or casualty department but more sophisticated. Here, patients are assessed and then moved on to the wards indicated by their condition. But the department does more than that. Patients who are seriously ill are retained in cubicles in an emergency ward, which has facilities for investigation, resuscitation, and any necessary treatment. Only if patients require an operation are they moved after surgery to the surgical wards for con va le scence and after care Similarly, patients, following emergency treatlil1lent and invest gation in tihe A.dmission Department, are then moved to the relevant medical wards.

We were shown these intensive care units, for this is what these

emergency wards are, and were very IDipressed the facilities available. We saw an kinds of medical and surgical problems undergoing the most intensive treatment. And yet we were surprised to see wheeled stretchers with, at one end, an enormous pair of wheels like bicycle wheels. Old fashioned, the French admitted, but this type of stretcher can be tilted and wheeled by one person. So still very, ve:ry useful.

Next we went to the cardio-surgical unit which is the foremost in France. We shown the fantastic operating theatres , which, with their enormous machi nes and ranks of dials, resembled a space-age programming centre. Naturally we were not allowed into the theatres , but there is a magnificent viewing gallery. The 'germ-free' rooms , where cardiac transplant patients are first nursed, were empty, and we were able to wander through them Our Superintendent was delighted to see that one of the machines controlling and sterilising the whole environment was made in Hemel Hempstead!

Then we moved out into the wards, where we sa w a variety of patien t s Their star' , a complete cardiac transplant with whom we spoke was their second case. (The first had been 'done' in the same institute.)

Such achievements are far from common-place at this in s titute for their main work lies in other a spect s of the cardiac field. For instance, heart valve replacement , corrective surgery on congeni tally deformed hearts and abnormal arteries, which while unbelievable a few years ago , are now rou tine work.

Perhaps I am by profession more used to these 'miracles' than most people , but what I did notice was the close similarity between these people and their counterparts in British hospitals. The patients were of similar types, the small group of doctors looking at X-rays at the foot of the bed, the ward sister trying

desparately to arrange her off-duty times, the resident junior doctor (from Vietnam) grumbling about her lack of time off. They all looked and behaved exactly the same as in an Emglish hospital. I don't know why this mundane fact struck me - but it did Likewi se, for some uncertain reason, we were surprised to find that the nurses were not nuns. Some preconceived notions of how other people do things, I suppose ... Which only goes to show the value of going to see for yourself.

Our time was up; reluctantly we had to leave. As I said at the time (Gallic politeness is infectious): "We could have spent a month - and still not finished"

With the official part of our visit to Paris over, our party broke up - for pleasure. Our Superintendent (rather nobly, I thought) took our extrovert girls on an extended tour of the city on foot. And even the exhaustion of such exercise, he told me later, didn't stop them from chattering inc essantly!

My wife wanted to see as much as possible of Paris, so we took a coach tour. The rest of the party went off to the Opera - where they were shocked at having to pay 4/- for a glass of water. At least, they said they drank water

Our visit to the French capital coincided with that of President Nixon, which is probably why we didn't make the headlines in the local press. But our uniforms certainly created a great deal of speculation where ever we went.

We were 'the new German army', was the most popular suggestion. I'm not sure whether this was intended as a compliment or not. Was this Second World War thinking or the new entente between Paris or Bonn? The Russian - and even the Salvation Army was mentioned. I suppose such speculation was just pleasant , harmless curiosity. We hoped so.

Of the city, we were particularly struck. by the tall houses, each window fitted with shutters , their upper floor crowding in upon each other above the

narrow streets. The weather during our stay was - well, typically English: damp, dull and rather depressing. The food was magnificen t but expensive , drinks especially so In fact we began to become dehydrated - with coffee at 2/- a cup, and lemonade at more than a shilling a glass Drinking tap water was out - unless it was laced with brandy!

Our conducted coach tour was strictly a l' Americaine. 'Out of the coach. This is the Louvre - the Venus de Milothe Winged Victory - the Mona Lisa. Back into the coach.' Cars and lorries seemed to drive much faster than back at homeand the rumble of traffic went on throughout the night. The city's big department stores are just like Selfridges or Barkers, but the small shops stay open much later than in England - often till 10 or 11 o'clock at night. The cafes and restaurants never seem to shut. One odd thing was to see children coming out of school at 4 p.m. on Saturday - its a six-day week for them.

Low, threatening cloud spoiled most of Paris' famous views for us. The upper half of the Eiffel Tower had disappeared! And we could see very little of the city from the Sacre C,oeur on Montmartre's hill top.

President Nixon's visit also meant that the streets were swarming with police and soldie r s all armed to the teeth and anxious not to be photographed.

Exhausted by now, it was time for us to return to the land of the 'bobby' , but fog delayed us at the airport. Those of us with any spare cash left stocked up at the duty-free shop and eventually the plane landed us at Lympne.

Our Superintendent who had insisted that we wear uniforms for the trip because 'it makes things easier at the Customs', had to turn out his suitcase twice before he was even allowed into his home country!

What a relief it was to see our Divisional ambulance waiting for us at Victoria. We all bundled into it - bottles and cartons - to be ferried first to our cars and then the rest of the party home. It took me nearly a fortnight to recover from our instructive weekend in Gay Paree - but we're going back again this summer. Without uniforms , I hear ...

At the Opera - water at 4/- a glass

VISUAL AID USAGE

from

Dr R. St. J. Buxton, M.B., Ph.D., D.C.H.

The City of Bristol is fortunate in having a Health Department with an active health education section. This possesses films, filmstrips, Resusci-Anna models and first aid charts which may be borrowed for no charge. Se>me of these aids are well known, and although some people are consistent borrowers, the number is not as large as we would like. The St. John relationship with this health education section is excellent, partly due to the fact that the Centre Secretary has also worked in the central clinic of the Health Department for some years. He keeps St. John members informed on recent additions to the department's equipment, and tells the department about St. John facilities.

For the first six months of 1969, ten educational establishments including seven schools, three training colleges and the university borrowed from the department Also four nationalised and two private industries used the facilities, as well as the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Health Department.

Thirty film strips were loaned out - mostly concerned with blood loss, burns , maintenance of airways, and the delivery of a baby in an ambulance. The four films - Emergency Resuscitation 1 and 2, That They May live' and 'Breath of life' - were loaned 117 times. Resusd-Anna was borrowed on a number of occasions, and many slides were shown, the most popular being Home Accident Prevention, Drugs, and Poisonous Plants and Weeds. These figures are the minimum use rather than the maximum, fo r they are based only on classes which return full information. It is gra tifying to see some instructors names appear time and again as borrowers ; but from these figures, it would seem th at nine out of ten nrst-aid classes in our area do not u se teaching aids - unle ss many are owned privately, which is (l!;JU btful. Eight doct ors' names are included, one fifth of those who lectme in the city. It is obvious that the need to reinforce the spoken word with visual aids in teaching is insuffiCiently appreciated, and that the facilities offered by the Health Department of Bristol must be advertised, such as in conjunction with course registers.

County Dire ctor, Bristol R. St. J Buxton

VISUAL AIDS - IDEAS NEEDED

from A. A. W. Weston, B.E.M. London District Deputy Trainin9 Officer

The Review often publishes various me thods of teaching. The Manual of First Aid gives the subject. To s uccessfully link the two 18

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations.

together ideas are needed. Where can we get these ide as?

Our Lay Instructors Courses often produc e (to me, at least) new presentations of a particular subject, from either a lecturer or a student. Whoever i t is I am d elighte d , for ever since I first met John Coles , the Association Secretary, when he was struggling to get the Vi sual Aids Section established, I have been striving to improve my own standards of visual aid an d in struct ion.

I have a lot to do with t eaching first ai d and training in structors , yet I would not for a moment s u gges t that I know the best met hods of teaching all subjects. For teaching anatomy an d physiology I think there is nothing to co mpar e with the 8mm fIlm loops m ade by Hala s an d Ba tchelor - Heart in Action,Breathing Movement , Nerve Reflex Acti on, etc. - while for practical demon strat ion the application of the bandage for the fractured jaw as demon strate d in our own St. J ohn film loop, is excellent. These are o utstanding examp les of teaching; so m eone found the right idea. It is this question of ideas that prompts me to appeal to everyone concerned with teaching to help me in a search for the best methods.

What visual aids do you u se? It could be the colouring of the edge of the roller bandage, simple but effective. It coul d be the diagram from Chest Injuries in the August Revi ew, produced with expert knowledge Somewhere in between these two highly successful extremes there must be a whole field of very valuable training aids - if only one could collect and collate them.

If you use a chart, model or technique that you know is successful, will you please send me the detail s to s tudy and so develop it for the benefit of others? I would like to see someone produce a chart that could exp lain shock as clearly as Dr. J. Horner does with his little bottl es of blood - a masterpiece in simplicity and class participation.

Like many others I am looking at the overhea d projector as a me ans of teaching firs t aid I envisage using it not only to show parts of the body , but with up to 5 o verlays to show sites of injmy, signs and sympto m s I think this would be a very useful aid if we could fi nd the right i dea s to d evelop its use other than just as a 'cha lkboard' to scribble o n So, please your ideas on vis ual presentation.

London District Headquart ers, 29 Weymouth Street, London, W1N 4DR A.A. W. Weston

SORRY .. from Miss Betty Charlton, D/SUP

On Page 22 of the November issue of the Review there appears an announcement of the Daily Express Competition re sult where it is stated 'the U.K.A.B.A. women's team won the Gr an d Prior's Trophy last year' I must point out that this is not so; the

U.K .A .E.A. women's team won the trophy in 1967. The St. JO hn Ambulance Nursing team from 91 st (Palmers Green) Nur s1l1g gaine d the trophy i n J968.

The photograph shows them w i th. the and the many cups they won in the Brig ade compehtlOns leadIng up to the big event. Edt

May we wish you a happy time as the new 1 or 91st (Palmers Green) Nursing Di vision Bet ty Charlton

UNIFORM TROPHY

from Miss Susan Vick, 0/0

The Cade ts and I read the article (Review, November 1969) on the Worcestershire Uniform Trophy with intere st. I would like to point out that thi s is certainly not a um que awar d , although the Worcestershire Trophy may have been 1Jl eXI s tence longer than ours. . .

This Divi sion has two such awar d s, for cadets and .JunIor d ts which are presen ted every three months to those WIth the ca e , D G t s age d smartest uniforms. The most recent winner was a e 12, t he trophy be i ng pr esented by Wallasey Corps VIce PreSIdent, Councj}jor Mrs. Anne ElllO t.

I might say to Divi sions which d o not present such tr o phies that these awards a r e a superb incentive for all of .our 65 ca det s and I am ju s tly proud of their smart appearance 111 umform on every occasion.

Wallase y Cad et Nursing Di vision Susan Vick IDEAS FOR PUBLICITY

from J C.T urnbull, 0 0

Our local new s p a per runs a regul a r weekly whole-page feature which spotlights in picture s so me subject of to It s readers. These subjects have ranged from local. 1I1dustnes , village s, to pastimes and hobbie s, an d thi S DlVl slOn per suade the publishers to include a page on the Bngade 111 Saffron Wa ld en.

It ha s occurre d to me that other Divisio n s might try the sam.e idea with their l ocal papers - let's hope with equal success. It IS

certainly a u se ful method of obtaining pub licity for the Briga de D · J C Turnbull Saffron Walden lVlSlon

(Ed: Couldn't agree more! As well as supp l ying news to local newspapers try them with feature Ideas - no matter how outl an di sh they may see m to yo u! It is ideas that give newspapers life )

Questions and Answers

COUGHS AND COLDS, from C. Hall, Sussex.

Q: There appears to be no mention of the common co ld the First Aid Manual. D o you recommend aspirin and a hot A Strictly speaki n g, the common cold is n ot a fust aid emergency and the request for treatmen t really comes within the province of minor medlc1l1e. Many so called. common colds have got a definite pathological underlym ? b aSIS so that medical a dvic e may well be indicated. For the cold the radical methods of bed rest and hot dnnks IS all that IS normally required. The use of medicine as such, forms no part of first aid teaching and even aspirin ta blets have b een to produce reactive side effects including severe gastro-1I1test1l1al haemorrhage

TOURNIQUETS, from F.K. Tolley, Worcester.

Q : I have been a first-aider fo r the last eight years, all courses passed at Ash Vale during my military and I am now employed as a sec u ri ty where fmt aId IS one of the essen ti als.

On reading the St. John Manual , I find there is no menti on of the tourniquet in the con trol of b lee d1l1g .

A: The meamng of tourniquets has been interpreted , the underlying ba sis being some form. of of the llffib for the purpose of temporarily haltmg cuculatlOn. l!nless the tourniquet is correctly applied it may result 111 of the venous return without ad equate ly controlling the atenal and thus would have the effect of increasing an d ?ot ?ecreasmg the bleeding. Furthermore, the tourniquet whIch IS le.ft 111 osition for too long may result in adverse changes to the tIssues are irreve rsible , an d conditions such as gangrene (or. de a th of the part) have been known to occur. An added factor IS th a t the tourniquet may be overlooked and thus left in place for too long.

A constrictive bandage , as such , is probably the safest of application but the general feeling is that its us e sho uld be lImIted by first aiders to those cases where the of the llffib dIstal to the constriction is either am put ate d or meverslbly destroyed. Mod ern technique for the control of haemorrhage prove a dequate for a ll normal purpo ses an d furthermore ehmlllates need for the obliteration of the circulation t o an extenSIve area 111 or der to cont rol a local haemorrhage.

Justly proud, Palmers Green 1968 team with haul

The achievements of the Priory in Scotland are little known to the rest of the Order of St. John - indeed, they are little known in Scotland itself, in spite of the dedication and hard work of a band of devoted members. The new Review will have a section containing from Scotland, compiled from reports sent by our association committees in Glasgow, Ab(Hdeen and Edinburgh, and by individual members of the Order. We hope to surprise you, for up here we are engaged III some new and exciting ventures.

In the past the Order in Scotland has not attracted the attention it has deserved, largely because of the nature of its work. Homes and hospitals, while giving comfort to the elderly and sick and fulfilling in the most prabtical way the charitable aims of the Order of St. John do not catch the public eye. They function only in peaceful conditions, are often built in quiet areas, and are unnoticed by members of the public unless actually passed or visited by them.

Scotland has no St. John Ambulance service and therefore cannot hope for the publicity afforded by the appearance of men in smart uniforms at crowded events, or the sight of ambulances displaying the

NEWS from SCOTLAND

badge of the Order, dramatically racing through traffic.

One development that has taken place up here in the last few years may change all this. We are now associated with the Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team and in a future 'News from Scotland' we will tell you about its work. This association with the Mountain R escue Team has given us a further out let for our activities. A Landrover of the Mountain Rescue Team bears on its side the Cross of St. John. The Order in Scotland is now not only doing, but is seen to be doing, good works, so public support may well increase.

La st summer, Allan S. Morrison, the deputy leader of the Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team, visited Czecho slovaki athanks to an exchange scheme arranged between Horska Sluzba, the Czechoslovakian Mountain Rescue Service, and the Scottish Mountain Rescu e Association.

From Prague he was taken to the Mal a Fatra and High Tatra Mountains and to the J esenicky area, where, staying in mountain hotels, he climbed with Horska Sluzba guides. He was particularly impressed by the way the Czechoslovakians tried to make the

NEW NURSING MANUAL

mountains as safe as possible, issuing special tourist m a ps for every region and on which nearly 3,000 miles of paths were shown in colour. Normally inaccessible routes are made easier by building ladders and bridges, and even fitting large metal belays on rocky outcrops so that rock-climbers can train in comparative safety.

He was also struck by the efficiency and professionalism of t he Horska Sluzba itself which is fin a nced by the Ministry or Sports ; this well-organised Re sc ue Servi ce employs 120 full-time professional mountaineers and is supported by a b ody of specially selected amateur climbers.

Allan Morrison carne away convinced that there were many lessons that Brit a in could le a rn from this service.

We have lots of new s in store f o r you from Scotland - from English cadets who vi sited us eighteen months ago, a Cypriot boy adopted by the Order , a report on historians of the Order in Scotland , together with notices on th e work and achievements of our confreres up here. 'As cold waters to a thirsty so ul , so is good news from a far country,' J.R - S.

NURSING: the authorised manual of St. John Ambulance Association; the St. Andrew's Ambulance Associ a tion and the British Red Cross Society. Third Edition 1969, Joan Markham, SRN ,SCM,RN T,H V ,DN, (London). 6s. net postage extra. From Stores, St John's Gate, London, E.C.1.

further care within the home.

The new manual is the answer to the need for he lp in home nursing.

It is written in a modern style, is attractive to look at, easy to read and well laid out. The instructions are simple and the illustrations clear. The patient is

the central figure throughout and his care and comfort given full consideration.

The basic principals of nursing care in the home are given but the author never lays down hard and fast rules and leaves much to the common sense of the nurse and lecturer.

feel confident that the nursing members throughout the country will find this manual exactly what they need when they are caring for a patient in his own home, and furthermore they will enjoy reading it and learning from it

Barbara Cozens, DBE, RRC. Chief Nursing Officer S.J.A.B.

OVERSEAS NEWS

Next to them, we planted three rows of squash: Squash Gossip, Squash Unreasonable Criticism and Squash Indifference.

Then we put in five rows of lettuce: Let us be Faithful, Let us be Unselfish Let us be Loyal , Let us be Truthful, and Let us Love One Another No garden is complete without turnips. Ours has four rows: Turn up for meetings Turn up with a smile, Turn up with a new idea, and turn up with determina tion.

Quebec 4. Victoria Feltus,Area Supt.

JAMAICA

The Director Overseas, Sir Hilton Poynton , paid a short visit to Jamaica in October. Sir Hilton was met at the airport by the Chairman of Council the Senior Commissioner of the Brigade the Director of the Association and by Brigade personnel.

That afternoon a meeting was held at St John Headquarters at which Sir Hilton answered a number of questions, mainly connected with the merger of the Association and the Brigade in the United Kingdom.

The following morning, Sir Hilton paid a coutesy call on H.E. Sir Clifford Campbell, Governor General of Jamaica and President of the St. John Council for Jamaica , before leaving for the airport to continue his tour of the West Indies.

*

Eric Bell, presented some 150 First Aid Certificates at a function held by the S.E. Centre of the Association in October. The candidates included 70 air hostesses from Air Jamaica (the new national airline), personnel from a children s home and from a hospital , members of a boys' school and a church youth movement as well as people from offices, factories, etc.

CANADA

A Happy New Year from Canadaespecially from Quebec City!

In our garden of resolutions for 1970 we have planted five rows of peas: Preparedness , Promptness , Perseverance, Politeness and Prayer.

JERUSALEM

For the first time since 1947 the Warden of the St. John Opthalmic Hospital, Dr. K.L. Batten, laid a wreath on behalf of the Order at the Commonwealth War Cemetary on Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, on Rem embrance Day, 1969. (Pi cture below)

This cemetary was in 'No Man's Land' of this troubled area from 1948 to 1967 although some of the hospital staff attended the service in 1967 and '68. But no one at the hospital is sure whether a wreath was laid prior to 1948.

Ninety per cent of illnesses in the United Kingdom take place in the 'home

More and more volunteers are working as a part-time activity, in hospitals . This new handbook will be ]!lPlVa lu able to anyone in either situation. It should replace all previous editions.

Peggy Nuttall, SRN, MCSP. Editor, Nursing Times

Nursing m em bers of St. John Ambulance and those responsible for their instruction often wonder why they must use a Nurs1T11g Manl!lal containing so many procedures and tre a tments

Here is an excellent new paperback which should be not only on the bookshelves of every member of the three organisations, but in every household in the country. It is more than a new edition: it is a new book, with a gay cover and an illustration on nearly every page. The fundamentals of good nursing - be it in the horne or ilil the hospita [ - are described and illustrated with a wealth of diagrams. There is a separate section on 'procedures' appended for the benefit of members working in hospital and here the whys and wherefores of such techniques as in travenous fluids an d oxygen administration are clearly set out. Bandaging (more useful for developing manual dexterity than anything else, surely) now takes a 'back seat' and evern 20 here as much space is devoted to the new forms of securing dressings, such as elasticated net am.d tubular gauze, as to the old divergent spica of the elbow.

are only used in hospitals, and which they never see in practice and find difficult to underst a nd.

This is a question often put to me as Chief Nursing Officer.

When the manual was w r it te n just over 10 years ago, it was clear that our members were taking, and would be expected to take , a much more active part in the nursing teams working within the hospitals

The p a ttern of p a tient care mhlst now 'be seen within the home, for during the last ten years at least many changes have taken place; in the field of medical science the use of modem drugs, improved surgical techniques and methods of resuscitation. These all lead to earlier discharge from hospit a and

St. John Ambulance has just completed seventy years of service m Jamaica.

To mark the occasion , a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication was held at the Kingston Parish Church. The Lesson and a letter of congratu lations from the Director General were read by H.E. the Governor General and the Bishop of Jamaica, the Rt. Rev. J.c. Swaby, C.B.E. , Chaplain of the Order in Jamaica , preached the Sermon.

After the Service, the Governor General took the salute at a march past of the Brigade personnel, including units from the Constabulary, Prisons Derpartment and Fire Brigade, to music of the band of the Jamaica Defence Force.

* The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor

Sir Hilton Poynton greeted at Kingston airport, Jamaica, by Mr. Justice G. E. Waddington Chairman of the Council for Jamaica. Others (from left to right): Dr R. D. K. Le vy,

Photo)

Safe, gentle and swift to healSavlon

'Savlon' Liquid and 'Savlon' Cream are indispensable to your first-aid kit. They gently clean a way dirt , killing the germs that would infect the wound. The antiseptics in both products are powerful, safe. They were discov ere d by I CI and are now used extensively by doctors and hospitals in this country and overseas

Savlof'l Antiseptic Cream 2/6, 4/6, 8/3

Savlon Antiseptie Liquid l/S, 3/-, 5/1

THE EDITOR'S DREAM by Toby

BICESTER - Bicester F.e. home matches are regularly covered by Bicester Combined Divi sion. The photograph above shows Bicester's centre forward being carried off having suffered a fractured tibia. The Brigade mem beris Sgt. D. J. Cashman. BILLINGHAM Ambulance Cadet Divisi on was inspected during November by the Assistant Commissioner-in-Chief, Lt. Col. Arthur Goring, the first time that Col. Goring has visited the North Riding of Yorkshire since he joined the Brigad e. BRADFORD - The Central Ambulance and Nursing Division has been presented with the Dr. and Phyllis Black Memorial Trophy , awarded for the most efficient division in the Midlands area

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

St. John and B.R.C.S. flags over Surrey. (Photo: J. & E. Pearcey) )

PL YMOUTH Central Ambulance Division held its annual inspection at St. John House , 2 Bedford Terrace. Plymouth , in November.

Sqn.Ldr. J .E.G. Hancock, Commissioner for Plymouth, South-West Devon and East Cornwall, was the inspecting officer. He later presented Div. Supt. R. W. Cox and Mr. A. E. Moul (hon. secretary of the division) with their sixth bar to the Service Medal in recognition of their 45 years' service with S t. John. A cup for all-round proficiency during the past year was presented to Ambulance Members A Vincent and A. Elford, who were joint winners.

SUBSCRIBE

TO THE NEW ST JOHN

REVIEW

To the Treasurer, Order of St. John, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.1.

Please years subscription to the St. John Review commencing with the issue. I enclose for years.

(231- or 115 N.P_, including postage for one year)

NAME

ADDRESS

(ALL BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)

* Delete whichever is inapplicable

The division has a lso been awarded the Zetland Shield for the fourth time in succession, and two other competitive cups.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Congratulations to Mr. W.E. Cooper honorary member of the Brigade, who was recently made President of the Ulster Chemists Association. Mr. Cooper an d his wife who is Superintendent of Belfast's first combined division Rathcoole built up this thriving new division together.

SURREY - In Surrey's Western Area every effort is made by St. John to work closely with the British Red Cross Society. They hold an annua l Cadet Drill Competition for cadets of both organisa tions. with an appropriate In 1969, the competit ion was held at the B.R C.S. Woking headquarters, and was won by St. John Woodham Nursing Cadets.

Mr. W.E Cooper, honorary m ember of the Brig ade

recently returned to

up her old job as % of the Workington

S_J .A. B _ Divi sion after a 'wonderful' 13 months in the U.S:A. and Canada - where she worked with and met many St. John people.

OBITUARIES

A E.w. Dilks , IIkeston (Derbs.) Area Cadet Supt. (Ret d.)

Dr. John W. Dowzer, Barton(Lancs.) Corps Surgeon.

Miss

(Retd.)

REVI EW CROSSWORD No.1 (70) Compiled by W. A. Potter ACROSS

l.Alternatively, the scaphoid.(9.4.) 10. Body in anatomical position.(S) ll.Cell with pus in the centre_(9) 12. Acid present in abnormally high amounts in the blood of gouty patients.(4) 13. Aid given by start to prescription in clenched hand.(S) 14. Infection of follicles of eye-Iashes .( 4) 17. Mischievous imp of RAF confuses girl with men.(7) 18. Collection of pus u s ually requiring incision and drainage.(7) 19_ Wound i nfection characterised by rigidity of muscles of jaw and neck.(7) 22_ Acute intestinal infection from re-stacking her coal.(7) 24. Lacrimal secretion in innominate artery.( 4) 25. Concerned with birth in South Africa(S) 26. Basis for powders is present in spirit alcohol. ( 4) 29. Blind spot on the retina.(S.4 .) 30. Ear is twisted to rear.(S) 31. Its enlargement is common ly a caus e of obstruction of urine in e lderly men.(8.S.)

DOWN

2. Change of time in directions for amoebicidal alkaloid_(7) 3. Very little Greek (4) 4. No cut in mixture producing soothing ointme nt.(7) 5. Congenital absence of natural orifice.(7) 6. Face and lips in early stages of asphyxia .( 4) 7. Decorative apparel enci r cling the collar(4.3_) 8. Reverse flow of food from the stomach into mouth.(l3) 9. Lymphatic tissue of ileum bearing the brunt of the attack in enteric fever.(6_7.)

15_ Quickly close and open the eyes.(S)

16. A little science then back to the races.(S) 20. Before hill reverse cart for repl ace ment of farm horse(7) 21. Ability to maintain physical effo rt.(7) 22. Primary le sio n of sy phili s.(7) 23. One tail is lost in high- spirited mood.(7) 27_ Surgical needle used by the Romans.( 4) 28. Examination of the mouth .(4)

Solution to Crossword No. 12-69

[Photo : Telegraph & Argus, Bradford )

Mrs. Wi lso n, of Workington , at a Montreal English Nursing Corps meeting

WORKINGTON - Mrs. Kathlyn D Wilson

Cumberland to take

L. G. Ridgway, Bury (Lanes.) Nursing Cor p s Supt.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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FOR SALE

S.J.A.B. Badge Wall Shields, 35s. 6d.; S.J.A.B. Gold Cased Crested Cuff

Links, 6gs. Medal ribbon s 1s. 6d. each ribbon IDn buckram for sewing on uniform, 2s. each ribbon mounted on pin brooch ; R egulation medals molY nted 3s. 6d. per medal on brooch. Miniatures qUlDted for.-MONTAGUE JEFFERY, Outf itte r, St. Giles Street, Northamp to n. (4)

CONWAY STEWART QUALITY BALL PENS, Die-stamped with 33 Gold Letters and Spaces. 30s. a gross. 6s. standard charge, post and pa cking any quantity. Three days d@livery. Samples free. Sale or return. Full refund on pens returned .-ABBEY WHOLESALE, 77 Liverpool Road, Stoke ST4 lAE. (36)

BALL -PENS, Diaries, Note Pads, Keys, Fobs, Pencils, etc ., Gold-stamped Brigade name or Personal names raise funds quickly-easily. Details-Northem Nl'Jvelties, Bradford, 2. (22)

ll , Wok n g, Surrey. Tel.: Woking 2303. (4 5 )

CENTRAL NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON, E C.1. Ophthalmic Student Nurses

Candidates accepted at he age of 17 to commence an 18 months cou r se of training as Op hthalm ic Students, Moorfields Meda and Certificate awarded to successfu candidates. W e ll equ ip ped School of Nu r sing Success fu I candidates, on complet on m ay enter the General Training School o their cho ice. Comforta bl e Nu ses' Home in Kensington within eas y re ac h of the Albert H all, Vic tor ia and Albert Mu se um and Thea tre s, Tenn is Cou rt, Act ve Socia l Club.

App icatio ns in writing to the M atron.

ST. JOHN HOUSE CLUB

50 Eaton Place, London S W. 1.

Member ship of t hi s club is open to all members of the Order of the Association and of the Brigad e

Full Member ship. £1 per annum. Associate member sh ip (open t o close r el ativ es o f f ull Members) £2 per annum. No entrance f ee. It i s just the p lace to stay or to enterta n you r friends to lun ch or di nne r when vi sit

Camer a Ta lks Ltd. distribute the i r 35mm filmstrips and 8mm filmloops t o countr i es allover the world; let them help you to bring you r visual teaching aids and pr ojec tion equipment r ight u p to date.

Fill in the form below and return it to: Camera Talks Ltd., 31 North Row, London W1 R 2EN

Plea se send me on approval the fo ll ow in g series:

o First Aid, 0 Advanced Fir st Aid, 0 Safety i n Indust ry, 0 An atomy & Ph y sio log y , 0 Nu rsi ng Pr oce dur es ,

o H ome Safety, OS afety by the Sea, O Sex Education, O M at ernal & Ch i ld Hea h OP h ys o th erap y,

o Occupational T her apy, ORehabilitation, OM odern Visu a A d s

am also 1r1terested in hav ing th e €l li owing equ i pment on approv a :

o 35mm fi lms t rip proje c tors , 0 8mm filmloop p roject o rs,

o 16 mm f lm projecto r s, 0 fi Imstrip v iewe rs, 0 por ta bl e sc re ens, Odaylight screens , O portab e tape re corder s

Name

Address D ate

Contents

Where We Are Going, by The Editor p.2

The R ev-iew and its future

Road Accidents and the Fami ly Doctor , by P.S. London, MBE, FRCS p.6

Diagnosis Competitions, by Frank Frewin p.9

Around and About, by The Editor p IO

Help! p.13

Good Camping, by Richard G. Farrell p.14 Part 11

Readers'views p.18

Questions and An s wers p.19

News from Scotland p.20

Overseas News p.21

Meritorious Service p.22

News from the Divisions p.23

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, Lo ndon, W. 8_ (01-603-8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS:T. G. Scott & Son Ltd. 1 Clement's Inn, Strand, London, W .C.2. (01-242-6264 and 01-405-4743)

Price 1/6 (7 11, N.P.l 23/ - (115 N.P.l per annum, including postage, from Treasurer, St. John Ambulance, 1 Grosvenor. Cr esce nt, London, S.W.1.

COVER

Mum, Mrs Betty Dixon of Saffron WcMden, Essex, who often helps out at the local IilGspital, gets daughter Tracey as an apprehensive patient (phoi1:o: Safiir0n Walden Weekly News)

Comment

WHAT IS NEWS?

'What is news?' This was the subject of the sennon given by the Dean of Westminster at the service of Thanksgiving and r e-De dication for the London District and attended by the Prince of Wales at the Abbey during December , and reported in the January Review. The Dean said that which mo st concerned people considered news the m ass media (radio, TV, and national newspapers) did not consider news. And that St. J ohn work would go on unmentioned by these media.

All of which is very true, unfortunately, But it is a pity the Dean did not take his argument further and consider a remedy for this sad state of affairs. For journalists, especially those of the highly competitive d aily newspapers, have one bounden duty to their readers: and that is to interest , never to bore. And to interest they must tell them something differen t every da y. When I say different, I d on't mean that the story has to be an original one - we all know how few original stories are - but at least it has to have a different wrapping. There has to be a new reason for telling it. An angle , as the press says.

The newspapers and their editors do not create this attitude to news; it is the readers who demand it. We in the west are passing through a period of emotional instability, which is undoubtedly the backlash of Victorian stabili ty, and today the inconsequential, the irreverently amusing, maybe (alas) even the down-r ight lie providing it is only to avoid the sto dgine ss of reality is preferred to an appraisal of deeds and works done.

Of course it is a pity that the ears and eyes of the majority of listeners and readers have been turned inside out like this. Bu t they are turned inside out, and that must never beforg ottenif one wants them to listen or to watch something with interest.

If the Dean had continued his subject and attacked the mass media for, say, their irresponsibility towards the majority of people or if he had exhorted his congregation to withdraw their support from ma ss media for locally produced newspapers - then whether this was a good idea or not he would have made news.

Such thinking is no t very palatable, I'm afraid but true.

Prince Charles himself (or he was well advised)achieved this form of human, individualistic presentation, which is valued so much nowadays especially by the young , when he was to be interviewed on radio for the first time last year. He chose, the press were told and they m a de much good publicity of it , his interviewer: Jack de Mania, the most off-beat , in fonna 1 commentator in the BBC hierarchy This, - and if he m a de the social choice unconsciously it reflects even more the mood of today - was the Prince s angle.

This question needs thought.. The Editor

THE JOURNAL

IHIRIII ARI GOING

THE REVIEW AND ITS FUTURE by The Editor

Now that we are producing the second issue of the new Review, with most of the teething troubles of our new production methods ironed out, I should like to talk to everyone of our readers about the sort of magazine that I would like the Review to become, and the part that we can all play in achieving this goaL.

First, let me establish my exact role. I am a professional freelance writer, with a background of documentary films, magazine and newspaper editorial work. The editorship of the Review is part of my freelance work which I carry out from my office at home. I am the sole member of the staff, by the way, which will help to explain why I may answer correspondence with a postcard or by 'phone, for in this job speed is essential. I visit headquarters, where I have a desk in the press office, once or twice a week - to collect mail addressed there , to see the various departments, and to attend the two Review committees, which each meet monthly, set up to advise and assist me in running the magazine of the vast and sometimes complicated structure of St. John work throughout the Commonwealth.

Last month in the Review Lady Brecknock , the chairman of one of these committees, referred to the editorship of the Review as an 'onerous task'. It is onerous only because the magazine is not doing its job proper1y.

A magazine which represents a group of people of a given interest should act as a catalyst in fusing together these peoples' thoughts, ideas, aims, and interests. To do this with any degree of success it must lead, stimulate, hold-the-interest, amuse - in other words it must be positive. This is the role I intend for the Review. It is easy to say or to write that, but how does one put these (lofty, some may say) aims into practice?

Look at the January issue of the Review. I think you will agree after studying the contents that I have tried to establish a framework for our magazine. Within this framework are certain clearly-defined departments which if continued in each issue will give our magazine a shape of continuity and policy - strength in other words. Let us look at each of these departments.

First is the leader, headed 'Comment' - and it should be exactly that: a comment ideally on any subject of poLicy or of importance to our organisation as a whole. It can be written by anyone.

Then follows a factual news story - Ulster 1969 - or a feature in depth on subjects which are orf national or international interest in St. John. In this issue, this artjcle, and next month an artiele entitled 'Is Your Dignity Really Necessary?' come under this heading; the latter you will find to be a thought-provoking piece which could affect all of us, and indeed the veuy roots of 2

our organisation. If, for instance , someone replies to the 'Dignity article showing that its basic thinking could be disastrous to St. John, then we have a leader , or another lead a rticle. Other subjects I have in mind for good factual news stories are 'Hooliganism in Sport , particularly at Football Mat ches', Accidents in Industry' and similar subjects. I am particularly interested in receiving ideas or art icles for this 'block-busting' department of the Review. Such articles of course must be related to St. John work and I hope they will be st ro ng enough to shed new light on to issues and so attract the attention of the more general, national Press.

Next comes 'Around and About' - which is my chatty , informal department , rather like a diary in a newspaper This , above everything else, I try to make really readable , but I also want it to include stories sent i n by you. Don t worry about trying to write material for A & A in my style; if you can so much the better , I won't have to rewrite it! But try to give me plenty of facts and detail so that from your material I can write an interesting story, not just a report. Really interesting or unusual items sent in for Divisional News will be pounced on by me and rewritten as stories for A & A I have received letters from Divisions saying 'Would you publish so-and-so? It's an item we've often seen in the Review about other Divisions' That reason for publishing should, I assure you, guarantee its excl u sion al together. What I am most interested in is something that has NEVER been published before; or something that read s differently; then it will go in the most proIhinent position in the Review.

Next comes news events, with plenty of pictures, of national or international interest in St. John. In January, this departmen t included the new Lord Prior, Grand Prior's Trophy, and London District's Anniversary. I want suggestions here too. My thoughts at the moment are, for instance: Cadet National Conference; a picture story on a big cadet camp; of a Divisional trip abroad.

Ideas that alie now past but could well have fitted in here were: Opening of the new Canadian H/Q; Malta anniversary last yea r. Any subject, in fact, that is news in St. John and that lends it se lf to good pictures wouid be excellent here. I will be talking late r about what I think makes good pictures.

Now we come to the general interest articles, which in the January issue included 'Good Camping' and 'Gay Paree'. First , I want such articles to be 'meaty', readable and to with subjects in depth. 'Good Camping' for instance , runs to three pam- ts, a total of 6000 words, all1<ili iJs a fine piece of work by its author. It covers the subject in detail, as an article of this type should, for thelie is no point in publishing a prac t ical article unless

i t tries to be really exhaustive. No article ever completely covers a subject, of course , and here I hope readers will follow up th is type of article with interesting letters on the subject from the ir own experience. In this way we will get a flow and interchange of ideas through the pages of our magazine which will make it more Interesting and of more value to everyone.

I would like to see these pr ac tical articles covering a vast field of subjects of intere st to St. John members ; on anything in fa c t , that reader s feel they are knowledgeable. Th ey could include: mountain re sc ue , ideas for raising fund s; photography ; buying and renovating an old ambulan ce; making a nd erecting a new H / Q flag pole ; how you created a new cadet meeting place; a new divi sional H/ Q (did I re a d of an Essex Divi sio n converting an old pUb?) ; building a successful division from nothing; ways of winning loc a l support fo r St. John work; co-operation wi t h other organisations ; ideas fo r publiC duties ; driving for the hospital service and running a family. There must be hundreds of subjects, everyone of which i s familiar to one of you, and which would be of inter es t a nd value to others as well as make good reading by the fire. We want to hear about them.

It must lead, stimulate, hold-the-interest, amusein other words, be positive.

Now, Gay Paree , the funny piece Humour is not easy to write but to those who can make the effort such mater ia l is invaluable to a magazine. It entertains, and this the Review must do. If you do want to have a go at writing a funny piece , may I offer thi s suggestion; don 't try too hard. As with all wribng try to be yourself - which, inciden taLLy, is probably the most difficult th i ng to do when you don't write consistently. Write what you feel - no matter how absurd, on reflection, it may seem to you. Put it your way - for it is you we want to know when we read your article. No one is interested in re a ding an English-lesson composihon. Readers Views is self-explanatory. But let us always have your views - good and bad. For readers letters can become an interesting platform for discussion , and an opportunity for letting a lot of people know your views. And it is surpdsing sometimes how many other people are feeling, but haven t said so, the same as you are.

Questions and Answers , I hope, will give authoritative, satisfactory answers to those niggling queries on first aid.

News from Scotland is a regular monthly feature; 1 hope soon to see similar columns from Wales and Northern Ireland. But these should not preclude members from Scotland ,

Wales and Northern Ireland from sending articles on speCialised subjects , of co urse.

I would very much like to see more news and other material from overseas. The overseas news column is now established , so there is space waiting to be filled by the world-wide network of St. John organisations. I think we should be hearing something from Bermuda , for instance; from Ceylon ; what is happening in Fiji , Mr. W. E. Donovan? (on a winter 's evening in England I , for one , would love to read about life and work in Fiji); Guyana and Hong Kong; what about St. Kitts-Nevis, and particularly Anguilla - what have you been up to on Anguilla over the last few months? Malaysia Sabah and Mauritius. Many of us have happy memories of these places and it would be nice to re-live these memorie s through your The Iist o f St. John overseas reads like a millionaire's travel brochure. With contacts for the Review in everyone of them - someone who just likes writing a long le tter occasionally - we'd be better off than Time / Life or Expres s Newspapers for overseas correspondents! Then in the new Rev ie w comes News from the Divisions. Now before anyone jumps up and shouts , let me explain why this feature is at the b ac k of the magazine and the pictures are small. Wh'e n news comes into me I have to assess it s value for the whole of our readership. If 1 think i t would i nterest everyone and be of value to the organisation as a whole I will put it on the leader page as 'Comment'. If it is of general interest and makes good reading but is not policy , it will go into Around and About. If it is of purely local interest (and perhaps a few others) it will go into News from the Divisions. This then, is fair to everyone. It mus t be remembered that my duty is to all Review readers, not to any particular area or group. If I do not adhere to this policy 1 might just as well not be here. A photograph of Divisional Officer Joe Bloggs and his members after their a nnual meeting will be of interest (providing this has no other news value) only to D / O Bloggs and his men. D / O Bloggs , if he want s this picture published , must find or do something newsworthy (to everyone) to tell me - then I shall be only to happy to publish.

Her e I must talk about , and especially to, the cadets. 1 am only too aware of your strength - about 60 % of the Brig a de in the U.K.; your importance to the organisation ; the fact that only a few years ago you had a m agazine of your own; and to the suggestion that the centre four pages of the Review be yours exclusively. I have, and am , continually giving your importance to our magazine and the organisation a great deal of thought. But first, look at the January issue. If you add up the column inches given to cadet m a terial you will find tha t it is in excess of four pages. So how would we stand if cadets were restricted to the centre four pages? Not only that. 1 find your news , articles and picture s so bright , alive and stimulating that r think the magazine

3

WHERE WE ARE GOING

(CONTINUED)

as a whole would suffer if your material was not scattered throughout the issue. I want to involve the cadets more and more in the Review. New ideas, in which you can participate - and benefit from, I might add - will be announced in the Review soon. But please remember, at the moment I'm a one-man band. Now let us talk abcuut illustrations for the Review.

One of the advantages of our new process is that it is very much cheaper to reproduce photographs and line drawings. In fact line drawings (pen and black ink, preferably Indian ink) which do not have to be reduced or enlarged in size cost nothing to reproduce! Which,I am sure everyone will agree, is the bargain of the century. So if you do want to illustrate a point in an article or letter don't hesitate in sending me a sketch; but try to make the sketGh the same size as it will appear in the magazine, acirOSS a column, or two columns. (See my sketch on this page).

Line drawings of the humorous type and cartoons, as Toby is doing so admirably for us at present, enliven a magazine no end, so if you do have the urge to draw or doodle I'd be delighted to see some of your work in pen and ink. Simple, bold drawings for illustrations are often the most effective; although characterful detail in a cartoon can be faSCinating - as in Giles' work, for instance.

The more good photographs the Review publishes the better. But - what is a good photograph? Try to get a photogr aph into focus - naturally. Then try to make the camera do what you want to say. For instance - a photograph of putting up a tent. Don't just snap it while the tent is being put up - unless there's an awful shambles and that's the point you want to make: how not to pu t up a tent. To show how it should be done, work out the specific points you want to make about putting up a tent, and arrange your aGtors accordingly. Only then take the photograph. Spend a little time' amd thought on the subject. You'll find it pays dividends.

Also watch out for 'good' faces. By that I don 't mean angelsthey're far too rare - I mean faces that express feeling uncomGiously. When you've foun d one, stalk it for a time , and snap when the person is engrossed in talking, explaining or avidly watching something. Try at all costs to avoid the posed picturethey're as dead as the dodo. At parades, get-togethers, or official functions look for the unusual picture, which is often achieved by getting something completely di fferent to the subject (as a contrast) in the side foreground. Try always to photograph important people doing something very ordinary - such as tying their shoe-lace, laughing, gesticulating, drinking tea - stalk them until they do something ordinary. Or simply make them do something - by handing them a cup of tea or getting someone else to talk to them. For the strange thing is, in photographs these simple, little actions make important people seem even more important than all the official, posed pictures do put together.

To finish on photographs, we need glossy, black and white prints, any size. But PLEASE get written permission for the Review to publish the photograph (we are happy to give the copyright owner a credit) from the photographer or newspaper whose name is 'on the back of the print BEFORE sending it to us.

At present the Review has no editorial funds to pay for articles or reproduction fees for photographs, Most newspapers and photographers agree to this afliangement for a organisation, but it is a good idea to mention this (if you intend sending the Review photQgFaphs) before arranging with a photographer to cover your events, They usually charge for the prints only, at about 5/- each.

4

One point about sending me photographs; always put a piece of cardboaFd, the same size or larger thari the photographs, into the envelope - otherwise they may well arrive too damaged to use. Now, ideally we should have tons of excellent material for the Rev i,ew arriving at 26 Pembroke Gardens - my address. For, as e ditor , I can't write too'm uch of it. Not on ly can't, out I won't, Because it would be a funny sort of magazine if I did. It would be the Dri scoll Review , an d we don't want that, It is the St. John Review - or, as members of St. John, it's your Review, My job is to organise it, to look after the technical side of it, to act as referee, an d to see that you get a magazine you want to read and is important to you at the end of every month

I can produce such a magazine only if I get the material I think you want to read. Will I get it? Under the present system , I'm not sure. And that's no use; we've got to be certain, As things are I think you and I are too remote from each other. We've got to ge t closer together somehow, to create a better understanding. How are we going to do that?

Over the last two months, I've given this problem a great deal of thought and have talked to many members throughout the country on the telephone about it. The outcome is the following proposal , which with. Headquarters bleSSing, I should like to try out.

That County and Area H/Qs, the 5000-odd divisions and the Associabon Centres in the U.K. nominate a Review Representative, preferably the Divisional Officer, Secret a ry or P.R.O., but someone who is familiar with all aspects of local St John activities and personnel, a nd who is on the telephone ei tlLer at home or at work.

These Review Representatives would have two duties: 1. To act as a direct link between their members and me. News, stories ideas and critism can then be sent direct to me, but copies of all such communications MUST be sent to their District/County/or Area PROs for information, Then any questions of policy arising from these reports can be ironed out between PROs and myself, and myself with H/Q.

From time to time I would be advi sing all representatives through the Review or by mail of the sort of ma terial I am loo!kting f or. If, say , I am looking for someone a specialised knowledge of ambulance design or bee-keeping to write an article, I could then circularise representatives and so tap the vast source of knowledge and experience which must exist among St. John members.

A major complaint from readers in the past has been that tfueir rliews was publisllil ed months after it was submitted. This will be re ctiDie d if a direct link b etween the source of the news and myself is established, so that queries on the story can be settled by picking up the 'phone.

In other words, I want to compile a directory which will instantly give me a name, address and 'phone number of a St. John member in every and H/Q in the country, someone who will become more and more familiar with my rt hinking behind the deve10pment of the Review.

2. The Review Representatives would also publicise and sell the Review among members and others in the)r area who are interested (i.e. retired members, hospitals , schools, industry first aid and safety departments, etc.) This will help with our lagging circulation , which needs a boost.

Representatives can order copies of the magazine in bulk (minimum 6 copies monthly) from Treasury at H/Q either annually; half-yearly, or quarterly at 1/4d a copy, postage paid. This slight reduction of the price of the Review can be achieved only by handling bulk orders.

They can charge their members the full price of 1/6d for these copies , and so put 2d a copy into their funds, or charge any lower price they think fit. Customers other than St. John members must be charged the full price.

No one has an original idea, of course, and since working out this plan I have found that about 30 divisions in the U.K. already operate this scheme (but they're paying the full price for the magazine of course). All of them except one pays for these bulk subscriptions out of divisional funds , which are reimbursed as members pay for their copies. The one D/O pays the subscriptions out of his own pocket , then collects the cash.

To give you an idea how successful these divisions are with the scheme: an Essex division with 40 members, takes 21 copies monthly; another in Derbyshire takes 40 copies, 25 of these going to the 60 members of the division, the rest to members of a nearby division; A Buckinghamshire Nursing Division with 20 members takes 16 copies, some going to retired members; the D/Sec of a Hampshire NurSing Division orders 63 copies, some of which go to the local Ambulance clivision and retired members.

None of these members who handle bulk sales of the Review said the job was easy. They all agreed the magazine had to be 'really sold". (See Readers' Views). But what doesn't have to sol d to be a success nowadays?

That, then, is my proposal. It can bring only one result. A better Review (because of closer liaison), more circulation (because it will be a bet ter magazine), more advertising (because of higher circulation), more money coming in (because of more advertising) - and more money will mean more pages of good reading, colour and plans that I would like to put into effect but can't at the moment because they cost money. The result from this spiral will simply mean a bigger and an even better Review. Just two things are needed to make this proposal work; the will and the determination ff'Jm everyone. Both of which, I know, exist.

When Divisions and Area H/Qs , have nominated their R eview Representatives will they please pass the name, address and 'phone number to County H/Qs, who are asked periodically to pass a of these Representatives and the Divisions on to me. Association Centres should pass these details to me clirectly, informing their County Director.

At present this proposal applies only to St. John in the United Kingdom.

Th e sort of complaint (from Mrs Toby) we'd like to hear from

Any person who wants to do something helpful for the victims of a road accident must be prepared first to acquiJre both the necessary knowledge and the appropriate equipment. A doctor may have two roles in this one being to inform and equip himself and the other being to help others to do the same. Both roles will be considered in this article.

For all the theoretical value of standard first aid training its full practical value cann<vt develop without experience of genuine casualties in realisbc conditions. First aiders should therefore seek , be encouraged to seek, and should be helped in obtaining practical experience in hospitals, factory surgeries, and other places in which wounds, bleeding , dressings , and the behavi<vur and management of injured persons can be studied. The difficulties of this are aG-knowledged lout they cannot be insuperable.

The management of injuries of soft tissues may be summarized as: apply a dressing , stop accessible bleeding, and try to mitigate the effects of bleeding or burning.

Wounds of the face, chest or 0elly need special attention.

Dressings

No first aid kit sold to a motorist is of much use after a road accident, in which wounds are likely to be numerous , with some very large ones - an (mtire limb may be stripped of its skin and fat. If a doctor makes his own kit up, which 1s the best way, he cannot look to- commercial finns for dressings 40 - SOcm. square. Instead he will have to seek the help of an occupational therapy or comparably productive department of a hospital, or a sewing circle and be prepared to provide them with gamgee or similar tissue to make up into neat bundles with lengths of bandage sewn on. H€ will also need help with sterilization and protective wFapping

An alternative worth considering would be unused - and therefore at least clgan - plastic bags, which could be used as bags or after being slit and opened out, and then surrounded by firmly bandaged absorbent material that would be kept off the wound and therefore need not be sterile, Qr even clean. Paper tissue is a satisfactory emergency dressing.

A dressing that is too small to cover a wound and too small te> absorb its blood and remain fairly dry on the -surface is of questionable value, however much better the person applying it and the onlookers may feel.

Finding and Treatil1lg the Wound

The length to which one should go in Giiagr.lOsis and treatment of the wound depends to some extent on the condition of the casualty, but perhaps rather more upon t he length of time available before the patient is removed to hospital. The 6

Woumds of the Face an d Jaw s: should be applied with du e rega rd to the airway, wll]clh may already be nil Uch endangered by the inj uri es and sometimes by in haled glass. If possible at least one eye should be l eft uncovered. Wound s of the neck and chest carry the risks of air embolism and of pneumoth orax, which may be valvular a nd cause increa sing respiratory embarrassment as mor e and more air is sucked in a nd exerts increasing pressure on the lungs, heart and great vessels A fairly bulky dressing should be applied to the le ak without delay. Though the dressing may not at first be airtight, it will usually become so as blood wets it. A further and larger dressing may, if necessary, be applied on top of the 'emergency plug'.

[f an increasing pneumothorax is suspected because of increasing cyanosis and respiratory distress - especia lly with surgical emphysema and without evident damage of the chest - it is reasonable to plunge the widest bore of needle as is ava ilable through the seco nd intercostal space in fron 1. A makeshift valve is desirable but not essentia l in an emerge ncy of this sort

ROAD ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY DOCTOR

TREATMENT OF SOFT TISSUE INJURIES AT THE ROADSIDE

by P. S. LONDON, M.B.E., F.R.C.S.

(Surgeon, Birm ingham Accident Hospital)

weather and the possibility of fire , explosion, subsidence, flooding and other dangers must also be taken into account.

At one extreme therefore, a patient may be extricated with all possible speed and put straight into a waiting ambulance withou any attempt at applying dressings. At the other, there will be a careful search with displacement or even removal of clothing and with covering of all wounds. In practice, many wounds will go undressed, usually withou t serious disadvantage t o the patient.

'Fhe best application to any sort of wound at the roadside is a clean, if possible sterile, dry dressing such as gauze Medicaments and clean sing are not required. The only local treatment that should be undertaken is the removal of any loose foreign bodies and the out of any large and distorted maps of skin.

For therm a l burns a plain dry dress ]ng is all that is required. Chemical burns of all kinds should be irrigated as copiously as pos sib le with the cleanest water that is available. A step that may prevent

burns is to switch off the car ignition at once.

Covering a wound and absorbing it s blood with the aid of a firm, snug dressing is sometimes possible , but it is frequently prevented by the presence of fractures, the situation of the wound, it s sheer size, and other reasons for being realistic and not idealistic. In any case, the easiest bandage with which to secure a dressing is a 'confor ming' one, such as Kling or Cr[nx, whi c h are cheaper than crepe and 1ess likely to be put on too tightly. Triangular bandages will hold a dressing on well enough but they are not easy to use for applying pre ssu re.

Adhesive 2.Scm. elastic and l2mm. inelastic strapping, safety pins, and scissors should be included in the first aid kit.

Special Wounds

Open Fra ct ures: Dressings should be applied with due care, but if an iNflatable splint is used it should be applied over the dressing, in which case a bandage may be dispensed with

seek merely to absorb the blood. Under a loo se wrapping sca lp wounds in particular m ay bleed prGfusely but unseen - and unnecessarily - with the risk of su dd eJ1 co ll apse and possibly grave consequences

Arterial pressure points should be u sed only when a firm d ressing does not control the bleeding. In many parts of the body, however, eve n if th e main artery can be closed by pressure , collateral vessels will enab le quite brisk bleeding to continue.

Artery forceps shou ld be used only when the bleeding vessel ca n be seen. They shou ld never be used blindly because of the risk of inflicting damage on nerves and further damage on l arge blood vessels.

Tourniquets and other constrictions have no place in the equipment of a n ordi n ary first aider, and it must be very rare for them to be the on ly means of stopping bleeding; used as they all too ofte n are, tourniquets increase bleeding more often than not.

Mitigating the Effects of Bleeding

If the chest waJl is rendered in effect soft by multiple fractures the resultant paradoxical movement should be dealt with by firm local support, sufficent to bring relief and reduce the amplitude of p ar adoxical movement. One's own hands may be used or the weight of the patient by turning him on to the injured side. Otherwise persons with painful injury of the chest may be better sitt ing up

Abdominal Wounds: Evisceration is unusual but the treatment is the same as for any other wound - namely, a suit ab e dressing.

Stopping Bleeding

The general rule is very simp l e; press where the blood is coming from and press hard enough to stop it. Torrential bleeding is rare. More often there is a more or less profuse flow of venous and arteriolar blood from several places that are not easy to iden tify; it is enough to apply general pressure using a large, bulky dressing and firm bandaging that complete ly encloses it. If possible, the part should also be raised.

DiffiCUlties arise when th e eye brain or neck are bleeding. One h as' to conte];lt with absorbing blood and raising the part in the first two instances but a dis crete Source of bleeding in neck may n eed pressure with, if necessary, the bare finger or thumb. The head shou ld be kept low for fear of venous air embolism.

For the anxious first aider it shou ld be emphasised that, however al arming he may find bleeding, it is not Gften the mortal danger that h e may be inclined to think and that it u sually responds favour ab ly to firm dressing. With the exceptions mentioned one should not

Pain

To most persons it is se lf- evident that an injury causes pain, the degree of which bears some re lation to the degree of the injury. In many cases the behaviour of the injured person supports this belief. In fact. whereas mild injuries leave a person's anxieties and senses unimpaired, severe injury dulls them to a point at which there may be not only no comp laint of pain but little acknowledgement of pain. The person that makes a fuss is likely to be badly frightened rather than badly injured and will often respond well to firm reassurance.

Those persons that are in pain or are lik e y to experience pain while being removed from wreckage or during the journey to hospital should be given relief. This is not just a matter of injecting morphine or pethidine. Unless the injection is given into a vein it may well not be absorbed into the circulation until after the painful period is over. If the drug is given into a vein no more than the usual dose is necessary.

It is helpful to have some idea from the blood stains or from the site, severity, and nature of the injuries how much blood they are likely to remove from the circulation by the time the patient will have reached hospitaL There need be no

The Foundation's Medical Board feel that this article, reproduced by kind permission of the editor of the British Medical Journal, will be of great interest to Brigade surgeons and advanced first-aiders. However, the Board wishes to emphasize that the items detailed are those that a well-equipped doctor might carry and that the article contains much more than a trained first-aider can be expected to carry out.

anxiety about the gradual l oss of up to 2 0- 2S % of the total blood volume (equivalent in an ad ult to 2-3 donations) for which it is suffi cient to keep patient comfortab ly recumb e nt and protect him from chilling. A t least 2 S% loss would result from most open fractures, from displaced closed fractures of the large bones, from serious injuries of the trunk, and from wounds damaging more than abo u a fist's mass or a hand's area of soft tissue. Though these rules are subject to modification by the particular circumstances, they are u seful as a guide to the severity of the bleeding.

With more serious injuries the best treatment is usually removal of the patient to hospital in comfort and without avoidable delay, but it is occasionally necessary to summon a resuscitation team to a person that is trapped and bleeding. Venepuncture is not something to l earn or to practise at the roadside, which me ans that few passing doctors are lik ely to be ab le to put infusion apparatus and physiological saline to any useful purpose even if it were needed.

Morphine a nd pethidine should not be given to any person who is in a worse s tat e of consciousness than mere confusion. If these drugs are given by intravenous injection they ma y mask the manifestations of internal injury but the effect will soon wear off.

General Anaesthesia Any person undertaking to give a general anaesthetic at the roadside should be clearly aware of the fact that for all. practical purposes he has to con t end with all the dangers of anaesthesia without any of the u sual safeguards. Only as a last resort should it be undertaken by a doctor without good experience. All anaesthetic drugs are potentially dangerous, and in a dangerous situation the one to choose is the one that one knows best.

The Crush Syndrome

This follows prolonged crushing of l a rge masses of muscle. If the trapped limb has clear l y been crushed or mangled beyond salvation a tight constriction should be applied at the proximal edge of the irreparable part and left in place until the limb is amputated. Usually the damage is much less severe and it is enough to bandage the limb firmly or put it into an inflatable splint. Drinking should not be allowed i f the injury carries any possibility of a general anaesthetic in hospital.

Suggestions for First Aid Kits

D reSSings

Gamgee tissue or incontinence pad 4S x 4Scm. with fastening tapes attached.

Two IS x lS cm. pad and bandage of the mine s or she ll dressing type.

Three S x 10cm. pad and bandage dre sings.

One lScm crepe bandage

7

One 7.Scm. crepe band a ge

TW0 7.Scm. conforming b andages.

One packe t sterile cotton woot bans.

One packet gauze swabs 10 x lS c m.

Two triangular bandages

On e 2.Scrn. elastoplast roll.

One l2mm. zinc oxide plaster roll.

Six large and medium-size safety pins.

One pair of scissors.

One squeeze bottle containing % centri7 mide (for cleansing, not antisepsis)

One small squeeze bottle of Swarfe ga

Inflatable Splints

The

Protective

Two

Artificial

Artificial

Sucker

Tracheostomy

DIARY 1970

FUN AT CAMP

DIAGNOSIS COMPETITIONS

THE MANUAL SUPPLIES THE TREATMENT; LET'S PRACTISE MORE DIAGNOSIS, says Frank Frewin (Area-Staff Officer, London District, S. W Area)

'Treatment , gentlemen, consists of diagnosis, diagno sis and diagnosis'. This remark used to be addressed to the students in a famous London medical school and it seems to me that it is as tru e of first aid as it is of medi c ine. Treatment in first aid is as often as not routine in accordance with the manual ; diagnos is, even for the limited ends of first aid, demands much greater knowledge and experience.

This experience and knowledge necessary to make a diagnosis must of necessity be gained primarily in th e day-to-day administration of first aid but they can be augmented very rna terially by diagnosis competitions. In my view these should playa much more prominent part in our tr aining than they do. They have two outstanding merits: (a) they enable a dozen or so se parate problems in diagnosis to be set in one competition, and (b) since the answers have to be written, no competitor is submitted to the embarrassment of exposing his inexperience in public, as he would in the conventional competition.

The pattern of diagnosi s competitions will be well known. The patients are numbered and placed in numeri ca order round the hall. The competitors take up their places with their backs one to each patient and at a signa l turn round and start their examination. The patient is of course fully responsive to questioning and fully made up When time is called a ft er each examination a short peI;iod is allowed to write down their diagnosis. Thet then move to the next patient. The recommended time to be allowed for examining the patient is 11,12 minu tes. If all findings (history, signs and symptoms, and diagnosis) are required in the answer, two minutes shou ld be allowed for this, but for di ag no sis only , one minute is more than adequate.

IJeally there should be as many patients as competitors, since it is obviously wrong to have a co mpetitor standing idle on the set. Twelve patients are quite a manageable number. Each patient and the persons responsible for

casualty faking shou ld be carefully bri efed in writing , and each bri ef should be examined and agreed beforehand by a doctor. The doctor should, if possible examine the make-up and attend a rehearsal of each case. If this is n ot done the most embarrassing misunderstandings can occur. Indeed some years ago the required diagnosis had to be altered after th e competition had started because an inadvertent inaccuracy was noticed in the acting of a patient!

An additional reason for having the acting and make-up brief examined by a doctor is that a competition is much less likely to contest their accuracy if he knows they have the authority of a do ctor behind them.

The selection of patients should be canied out with care, particularly if Brigade members are used. Classes are being held in casualty acting and make-up for Brigade members, and our standard is unquestionalbly rising. But acting is an art and a n expert first aider may be an inadequate actor. The Casualties Union, whose speciality is casualty simu lation , is still ahead of most of us. My own personal prediliction for the moment therfore is to have Casua lty Union pat ients for diagnosis competitions, which, after all, rely entirely upon the accurate acting and make-up of perhaps a dozen or more patients. But this will not always remain true

Some judges set cases that do not figure in the join t manual on t he grounds that, if a St. John m a n is called to a case, he can not say, 'I can't help you, your co ndition does not appear in our

textbook'. But I think the practice is to be deprecated since our formal training is exclusively on the manual. To avoid arguments, it is best to play safe on this point.

Since there is no judge as in a co nventional first-aid test , it is desirable but not always practicable, to have an assistant judge s tationed at each patient to award mark s for gentleness in handling (he will of course confer with the patient before awarding marks). I have seen some very rough examinations carried out on real cases and loss of mark s in a diagnosis competition does I know, have a very salutary and chastening effect on a comp etitor.

It is a good device to divide the answer papers into two parts so th a t the judge can be marking say, the first six while the second six patients are being examined. This will clearly save the co mp etitors a nerve-wracking wait before the results are announ c ed.

The competition itself shou ld be followed by a d emonstration examination of eac h patient to show, step by step, how the diagnosis was reached This is most interesting for the competitors and if done thoroughly the usual judge's comments can be very brief.

Finally it must be admitted that it takes more time and trouble to organise a diagnosis competition than the conventional "You four are walking down a lonely co untry lane type" (did you ever see four St. John m en walking down a lon ely country ane in uniform?) but I believe they provide the one sure way to increase our efficiency.

9

"We belong to Glasgow 'The British R ai lway s' Scottish team, runners - up in the 1969 G rand Prior 's Trophy competitions

THE REVIEW

The teething troubles of pr(j)ducing a new magazine with new printers and editor, of which I wrote in this column last month were not nearly so as imagined. But then, after the event it's easy to say that. I like to go into any new project prepared for anything to happen.

Not looking on the dark side of things, mind you; just prepared for anything. It tau ghtens the nerves, inhibits amy tendency to complacency (and makes me slightly irrascible, I might add) - but overall it sharpens the senses and so demands that little bit of extra effort in everything that is done.

I hope you like the r@sult.

The direction in which I feel the Review must now begin to move is de alt with in my article 'Where We Are Going', published this mc:mth. For although we've now got over the teething troubles of printing our magazine, we still have a long way to go (about 12 months, I estimate) in establishing a ccmtinual flow of interesting material fQf our pages.

One thing continually heartens me in this resolve or belief that good material will be forthcoming from our vast membership; and that is the favourable r@action I get from the many members to whom I mention my thoughts on the future of the Review. You may reply: 'Oh yes - that's a ll very well. People will always be polite and agre@ with you. But what are they doing about it?

First, not everyone has been polite and agreed with me. SeGond, remember that every cog in a vast pigce of machinery will never start turning at once. Providing some of the cogs start turning in one direction, soon there must be a general movement - which will then grow and grow and grow.

ARoUID and ABIUT

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN CONGRATULATIONS

O.B.E . - Mr. Raymond Jarrett , Treasury Secretary, Priory for Wales.

M.B.E. - Miss M)J.Holloway , Matron, St. John Opthalmic Hospital, Jerusalem.

M.B.E. - MiSS L.U Morrish, Assistant County Surperintendent , Surrey, SJAB.

B.E.M. - Mr. A.W. Holloway Assistant Commissioner , SJAB Camarthenshire.

B.E.M - Mr. John Holgate , 82 (Mitcham and S.E.G.B.) Surrey Division for heroism in h is work for a security organisation.

Some of our cogs In the Review are already turning and we're going to keep pushing until they're all moving. So next time you're jostled trying to get on to a crowded bus or train - you'll know what's happening. It's just us pushing!

SPRINGBOKS AT TWICKENHAM

With experience gained from previous Springbok Rugby matches , the London District SJAB , in co-operation with the l ocal division, was well prepared for casualties at the match at Twickenham on November 22.

Overall in charge of the London District's plans was Deputy Commissioner Derek Fenton, with Div. Supt. K.J. Shapcott in charge of events inside the ground, as usual.

On duty at the match were 69

personnel, from 16 divisions. As well as the ground's main first aid room for thi s match four mobile first aid two outside the ground , and six a mbulance s were used.

The main reason for having such strength in first aid s t a tions wa s that casualties were expected to come in a flood rather than the more usual s teady stream. One main · first aid room only would not have been able to cope with such a rush

The whole operation was controlled from London District 's mobile r a dio control unit, under Staff Officer A.F. Bareham, situated inside the ground. First aid parties were accompanied by a radio operator. Also at the radio control unit was Mr. Hunt, liaison officer for the

BY THE EDITOR

London Ambulan ce Servic e, and thre e-' policemen from the Metropolit a n police, who had nearly a thousand men on duty for the ma tc h

Two cas ualties were treated before the match started, an d during the rest of the afternoon 12 d e monstrator s and 2 polic em en wer e also trea t e d. One demon str a t or, who cut his hand while trying to climb a fence into the ground, was sent o ho spita l.

As th e first aid stations were being closed down at the e nd of the day after the crowds had le ft , a police mes sage was received calling for a mobile first aid unit and ambulance to go to Twickenham police station, which was being stormed by about a thousand demonstr a tors. Sev e r a l mobile first-aid unit s and ambulances answered the call. One policem an was later se nt to hospi tal. Mobil e unit s for this operation ca me from: Harrow, L.T.E., High Wycombe , Weybridge ; ambulances from: Harrow , High Wycombe , Richmond Kingston, Molesey , and Northern Heights.

On D ece mber 20, when England played the Springbok s at Twickenham , London District , with other units in support , were aga in on hand at the Rugby mat c h But a t his Big Mat ch demonstrators were not nearly so active , and throughout the day only four casualties were treated by SJAB.

No Ambulance

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

A gr and old photograph of a St. John group appeared recently in a local paper and 1 just couldn't resist wr it ing to the owner of the picture to find out what stories lay behind the faces of that battered pr i nt. The print was sent a nd is reproduced on thi s page together with a le tter about lif e in a West Country Brigade well be fo re I , and I'm sure m a ny of our readers were born.

The letter said:

'The photograph was taken at the R.E. Ba rr ac ks , Falmouth, early in 1920 The name s I remember are , back row from l eft : Cpl. Townsend , Pts. St eer, Burge , Holland, Cascoe - the last being killed in a bombing ra id on Falmouth during the la s t war. Capt. Dr. Barry, a grea St. John man, is seated extreme right.

Back in those days and before (I jo i ned in 1915) all we had was a Littee (edit. cannot make out this word) to convey the sick and wounded. Thi s was a stretcher on two wheels, with a hood or covering, as some folding prams or carry cots have nowadays. This we pushed for miles in all weather. During the 1914-18 war the Royal Fuseliers gave us a horse bus, which we very often had to help push up hills - and pull back when going down

Then came the motor - a green Ford van with a red cross on its side, with h ard tyres and hard boards to rest stretchers on. With the kind of roads we had in those days , and the speed we travelled at15 to 2 0 mph - the poor patient and the St. John men were shaken all over the place. But there were no complaints or grumbles. Later we were pre se nted with a rubber air bed which was a great relief for the patient.

Our first headquarters was behind the Sailors Home We had a great division.' From there we moved to the Soup Kitch en a horrible place. Then we

found a great friend, Mrs. L. Ho skin, an d in 1919/20 we decided to build a new meeting place on a pi ece of land in Quarry Hill, where is stands to this day

I did 48 years service with St. John , my last divisio n being Redruth from 1923 to 1963, and I e njoyed every minute of it. - C.V. Holland, S.B. late Redruth Corps Officer.'

S.J. MEDICAL CONFERENCE 1970

Now that the Brigade and Association have become one Foundation of th e Order , i t has been de c ided to broaden the scope of the annual conference p revious ly held for surgeons and nursing officers of the Brigade. In future, it w ill be known as the St. John Ambulance Medical Conference and will include all medical matters relating to the Foundation.

The next medical conference will be held at Nottingham Un iversi ty from pm. Friday April 17 to pm. Sunday April 19 1970 under t he chairmanship of Profes sor Sir Hedley Atkins , KBE , DM , MCh , FRCS, chairman of the Foundati on Medical Board.

All members of the medical and nursing profe ssio n belonging to St. J olm Ambulance Association and Brigad e are cordially invited to attend and forms of application may be obtained from District / County Area Headquarters

In view of the enlarged conference and limited accommodation, early application is advisable and in any case not later than March 31 next.

NO WHITEBAIT FOR HARRY

1 had a charming lettelf from Major Robert O'Brien, Knight Justice of the Order of St. John and Pro-Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, about the late Harry Pirie-Gordon, Bailiff Grand Cross, whose death was reported last month at the age of 86.

Major O'Brien wrote: I first met Harry Pirie-Gordon in. 1921 when 1 was 19 and working in the Foreign Department of The Times as a trainee-j ournalist. Harry , who joined The Times in 1912 wa s one of the many distinguished figures at Printing House Square whom 1 regarded with awe and reverence, indeed almost as Gods. This was about a year before the death of the then chief proprietor, Viscount Northcliffe, when Harry Wickham Steed, himself a former distinguished foreign correspondent was the editor and the chief foreign leader writer was a revered figure, John Woulfe Flanagan, who used to glide silently along the corridors of P.H.S. in the evenings with a white scarf around hi s neck, his f€et clad in soft slippers. The chief foreign sub-editor was a delightful and kindly little gentleman, David Cowan, who would firmly but paternaHy correct the mistakes of the beginner struggling to cope with telegrams from the ends of the earth and faced with the task of turning them into tolerable English acceptable to the traditional standards of Auntie.

Harry Pirie-Gordon was later appointed special correspondent in 'Turkey and from there he went to represent The Times in Palestine and Mexico. While I eventually left for the welrld of more popular journalism on the staff of the Continental Daily Mail in Paris.

I next came across Harry Pirie-Gordon on becoming a member of the Gold Staff Officers Club of which Harry was the honorary secretary. This cielightful dining society comprises those (who wish to b e]o ng) from among the Gold Staff Officers at the Corona tions of 1 9 37 and 1953. Harry threw himself enthusiastically into each annual reunion and would circularise members exhorting them in his meticulous handwriting to come and bring guests, with the result that the yearly dinner held latterly as near as possible to the anniversary of our present Queen's Coronation in June, was invariably an inteFesting affair. The parties took place at the Athenaeum. Our honorary secretary took an immense amount of trouble in the choice of menu and wines : and 1 remember one year meeting him in Waterloo Place on the great day when he expressed his indeed agitation, that the dlef h a d been unable to procure any whitebait, a delicacy on which he h ad set his heart!

Despite Harry's efforts, we had no whitebait that year..'

12

PUZZLER HE

When I rang compiJ]er-of-cf0sswords

Mr. W.A. Potter at 2 o 'cloG:k on a recent Saturday afternoon to ask him to send me a picture of himself, he came to the 'phone saying: 'You only just caught me. I'm just off to the local football m atc hin uniform. One of my duties .' I hope his home-team won. The photograph of Gur crossword expert is reproduced here.

Mr. Potter, who is a metallurgist and lives in Burnley , Lancs, joined SJAB in 1939, and since the war has help e d in the casualty department of the local hospital. He has been a member of the N.H.S.R. since the organisation was formed in 1948. Since the war he has also carried out first aid and ambulance duties at local playing fieldS , with a total of 941 duties and 3442 patients attended to date. So his crosswords could halfd ly be said to be compiled from theory!

Crossword Expert W. A. Potter

I've often wondered how one sets about composing a crossword puzzle and I quizzed Mr. Potter , who has been supplying crosswords to the Review since 1958 , on this subject in an earlier letter. But as with most artists when questioned on how they do their work, Mr. Potter was not very forthcoming. I don't blame him For really my questions were stupid. With such work you can either do it or you can't. Those who can, can't really explain how they do it. For thos e who can't, no explanation will ever teach them.

But Mr. Potter did say that with luck a square 'works out' in two or three evenings; but sometimes it requires 2 to 3 weeks. And if he gets into real difficulties , his tendency is to throw the puzzle out and begin again.

Among correspondence he has receiverl on the subject, the medical officer to the Nigerian Railway Corporation wrote asking the same questions as 1 did!

Sorry, Mr. Potter.

AMBULANCE INFORMATION WANTED

A new directory which is to include all ambulance services and a ddresses in Great Britain is being prepared by Ambulance Services' Directory 1970, 82 St. Catherine's Avenue, Luton, Bed s.

This organisation has written 'to me saying that they have sent a questionnaire to all St John Ambulance branches throughout Britain there seems to have been some as to the exac t information required.

The following are the points they would like answered to the above address: 1. How many ambulances are there in each area. 2. Addresses of ambulance stations. 3. Name of person in charge of ambulance and his appropriate title.

FUTURE NURSES

Thinking of becoming a nurse? Then if you would like to know more about the life and work , the Nurses' Christian F ellowship h as vacancies for girls and boys , aged 14 to 19, at their Summer School s for Future Nurses at a cost of about 10 guineas a week.

Full details from: N.C.F. Summer School Regi strar, 69 Forster Ro ad, Beckenh a m ,Kent.

MYSTERY IN MALTA

To go back to Malta, which I d o with relish as London shivers in below-zero temperatures ; for to me in memory that island is perpetually in sun, balmy and the essence of soft living. And yet, a thought that always puzzles me when I think about the extremes of climate between the Mediterr a nean and our part of Europe, is a comparison of the activities in the two areas. Two thousand years a go, the countries on the shores of the Med were the centres of civilisation; the Order s, organisatio n s, religions the probing out into the unknown, the intellectual and scientific progress - all this effort stemmed from there. Whereas we in our northern mist s, were barbari ans in the true sense of the word. And yet today - 1 wouldn't go so far as to say the reverse exists - but still the main driving force behind most world thought and development comes from northern countries. Mo st of the centres of the old world are now playgrounds - centres of tourism - for the new world. But then perhaps playgrounds - rel axation and leisure, which we have inclined to overlook in northern Europe - are more important than 'worIdy' achievement?

Many of our sociologists are now sayring that le risure will be one of our major problems iN the near future.

However, where was I? Having made my way into that vast, gloomy building alongside the NAAFI on a sweltering hot afternoon in Valetta at the end of the war, when I was in the Navy , I was ju st

about to take a closer look at that long line of partitions that ran t he length of the far w a ll when suddeiilly there w as a movement nearby. I was not, as 1 had thought, alone.

It was just a slight, indefinable movement in the shadows of that vast building, a few yards from where 1 stood with my ba c k to the closed door. 'Hullo', I said aloud. 'Who's there?'.

There was no reply, just the continued twittering and fluttering of birds moving about betwe e n where the gre a t roof joined the wall s; a heavy atmosphere of heat and mustiness.

'Hullo', I called out this time. 'Is there anyone there?'.

Nothing. And then, a movement again. A shuffling like old leaves on dry concrete, over by the wall to my left I took one, two steps towards it - the movement came aga in - and then could make out a shape , a shrouded shape moving a bout by the cattle stall or whatever those partitions were 1 moved ba ck to my left, along the wall where the door was, trying to silhouette whatever it was against the patch of daylight from the hole in the roof in the far distance. And then 1 saw her - a woman a bent old woman, i t seemed, in Arab dress tending something, I saw now, by the first partition. She was working quietly, oblivious of me , intent on what she was doing. So engrossed was she that I felt like an intruder - as indeed 1 was ; I didn ' t speak again ; I wanted to turn and go out to bright sun of the streets again; to the NAAFI , to my room, on watch, for a swim, just to walk, anything but to stay there where I felt I wasn't needed, wasn't wanted in fact.

But I didn't. Something made me stay. Oh dear here we are - run out of space again. My Malta story, like Old Man River I hope it d oes n't go on for ever, will have to be finished next month.

OVERSEAS TOURS

The Countess of Brecknock, Superint endent-in-C hi ef, leaves London at the beginning of February for an extended 7-week to ur of Africa and the Far East. She will be visiting Malawi Feb. 2 - 4 , Zambia Feb. 4 -6 South Africa Feb. 6 - 25, Mauritious Feb. 25 - Mar. 2, Austr ailia (Perth) Mar. 3 Singapore Mar. 3 - 6, Sabah Mar. 6 - 10 , a nd Hong Kong Mar. 10 - 17.

On February 20 the Commissioner-in-Chief will be lea ving for a visit to Nigeri a a t the invitation of the St. John Council there to advise on the developemeNt of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Nigeria. He will be m aki ng an extended tour throughout the country, returning to London about March 6. Bon voy a ge! The Editor.

At London's University College Hospital 130 nurses were down with flu, so SJ members lent a hand Here Neville Freedman, 78th Enfield Division, helps on a ward.

HELPI

FLU EPIDEMIC SWEEPS BRITAIN

The great flu epidemic which started in the south-east of England before Christmas and then rapidly spread throughout the country to reach its peak during the first week of 1970 when 2400 people died from influenza and pneumonia that brought a flood of 'help' phone calls from hospitals to St. John Headquarters and centres throughout Britain.

With many of their staffs down with the 'bug ', London hospitals went on to the R e d Alert, admitting emergency cases only, and St. John members moved in to give a hand to the skeleton staffs on the wards.

The epidemic now seems to be on the wane , but so far we have heard that the following hospitals asked for help from our members:

Whittington Highgate St. Pancras Division.

University College , Western Area , London Dis t r ict.

Greenwich

St. James' Balham, Clapham Common, Nsg, Div. Moorfields.

H a mp stea d General.

Bromley (with Red Cross) Becken ham (with R e d Cross) Leicester , Greby Road. Cumberland, Carlisle Infirmary. Birmi ngha m Finchl ey.

Hackney.

Chase Farm.

St. John and St . Elizabeth. Fulham.

Harrow.

St Bernard's, South all

St. Charles', W.ll.

Wembley.

Wille sdon General.

Greenwich; S .E. Area , London District.

St. Nicholas , Plumstead.

Queen Mary's Sidcup

St. Giles' , Camberwell.

St Helier an d Carshalton.

Ealing Old Peopl e's Home: Ealing Nsg Div

Hadwell (Old People's Home).

Northolt House (Old People's Home)

Mansfield Group, Notts. Chesterfield Royal. Gateshead , Queen Elizabeth. Merthyr General. Kettering General. Wellingborough Gen eral. Ulster Hospital. Cheltenham. Gloucester. N orthleach. Moreton-in-Marsh. Banbury , Horton General. Oxford, Cowley Road Wingfield Radecliffe Infirmary. Harrogate (2 hospitals ). Ripon. L eeds.

GOOD CAMPING PART 2

ESPECIALLY FOR THE CADETS

Last month in this 'check li!st' for camping I dealt with the more general choice of camping site, personal gear and equipment to be taken. This month I am going to deal with what is probably the most important aspect of good camping, at least it certainly is for the average cadet - grub.

The fact th.at one is at camp does not mean that the body will aecept anything that is shovelled down the gullet. If upset stomachs are to be avoided, it is essential not to create too great a breach between the normal standard of eating at home and the standard in the camp. Meals, therefore, must be of the 'Mother's home-cooked type, of reasonable variety (not sausages and mash every day), and planned to supply the three essentials for healthy living.

These are the body building foodsmilk, cheese, meat, fish and eggs. The protective foods, to keep the body in good health, which include milk, cheese and eggs but also liver, butter, margarine, dripping, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Finally, the warmth and energy-givimg foods - bread, potatoes, carrots, onions, cereals, flour-foods (pastries), jams, sugar and ice-cream.

When planning meals for the day make sure that each of these three groups is included at least once a day.

Meals should be prepared to time. It is no good having dinner at 5 pm when lunch was at 3 pm; neither should one wait seven hours between meals. Remember there is a great deal of truth in the saying 'the way to a man's heart is thwugh his stomach'.

With this article is a specimen menu I've drawn up which might be useful for planning this summer's camp.

Pref)aration of meals

While preparing meals, consider the subject of economy. Wastage means higher 'camp costs'. For example, when peeling potatoes, PEEL them - don't make six straight cuts and end up with one fat chip. Economy of fuel should also be watched. Don't leave Primuses burning unnecessarily; when using Calor gas, this can be even more expensive.

Cooking equipment may nlDt be im abundance, so some cooking hints may be a help.

Supposing the meal is sausage and mash - then prepare as follows. While the potatoes are being peeled put on a pan of 14

by Richard G. Farrell ( D .O. Upminster and HornchurCh) Cadet Division

water to boil. Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters - they will cook more quickly. Put them into the boiling water and add salt. Then bring them back to the boil. Simmer until they are almost cooked (which will not take long , especially if the lid is on to keep the heat in). Remove the lid and replace with a frying pan with a little fat in it. As soon as the fat melts, pop in the sausageshaving pricked them with a fork beforehand , to prevent bursting. They should be done to a turn soon after the potatoes are ready - which will just give time for mashing. Hey presto! - The meal's ready. But first put on the kettle of water for the hot drink. And as soon as this is made, put on some more wate r for washing up. Then everything is ready as you need it - wi t h a minimum of wastage.

R emember some of the Golden Rules. Hot food stays hotter on hot plates - so keep them near the fire. Don't waste heat - yem can cook more than one dish over the same flame - it's all a matter of experience. For safety's sake, cooking should be Clone outside the tents - a kitchen shelter is better.

Remember also that you are not cooking in a well equipped modern kitchen, but in a draughty area in the middle of a field, probably with a Force 5

wind blowing. Therefore, the mos t stringent precautions must be taken to see that the food is hygienically prepared and tha.t cooking u te nsil s are kept thoroughly clean. It cannot be stressed too strongly that with a large number of people living together any infection present will spread like wild-fire.

If you are cooking with an open fire remember that: A the fire mu st be down-wind of the tents; B. it must b e built so th a t a constant down-draught blow s through it ; C. solid supports for cooking are needed.

A trench fire is the eas iest to manage. This can be mad e either as a simple tench or in the shape of a cross, so that the fire can be laid in either direction To make such a fire, the tu r fs should be carefully cut from a space approximately 4ft l o ng x 9 ins wide This can be widened out and deepened at each e nd , to facilitate fuelling and improve the draught. Bri cks should be plac ed along each side (with a ir spaces between them) and a few bars across the top to mak e a sta nd fo r the dixies.

The turf should be stacked safely nearby for replacing later ; stack them grass to grass a nd soil to soil , a nd water them occasionally to kee p them fresh

The fuel should be stacked on the wind ward side of the fire so t hat sparks

cannot blow into it , and should be a convenient dist a nce away. It should be arranged in three piles (1) thick, (2) medium, and (3) kindling , the wood in each pile having been cut to suitable length s.

When tending the fire, see that it is not clogged with ash, and always have a current of air blowing through it. Aim to maintain a steady heat while coo king by feeding the fire at regular intervals and not allowing it to get too low. During cooking, the logs should be red hot. Smoke and flames will spoil yOUT food. Never put twigs and kindling around the pot.

So as to avoid the smoke the cooks work and refuel from the windward end of the fire, the prevailing wind blowing the fire along the fire-trench. As a safety measure in dry weather, a shallow trench should be dug around the fire and filled with water.

Camp fires should never be in peat

GlF neather country. For an apparently de.ad fire can run, smouldering, for many miles out of sight below ground surface.

On striking camp, tidy up the

fire-place, refill with earth , and replace the turfs , so that the ground looks undisturbed

Food Storage

Where possible, use a separate store tent for food. Good ventilation is essential and no food or food containers should rest on the ground ; they should be on tables or on stakes driven into the ground. It is not advisable to use ground sheets in the store tent, and the tent's brailings should be kept up. Likewise, with a ridge tent, there should be an opening at either end to ensure ventilation.

All dry goods should be kept in tins or jars with secure lids; everything else must be effectively protected from flies and insects , so take a large supp ly of silver foil with you.

Everyone handling food must observe the most scrupulous cleanliness of hands (iillcluding nails) and should, if possible wear an apron.

SANITATION

The strictest hygiene of course must be observed with regard to sanitation.

Without adequate care, if just one person is suffering from sickness or diarrhoea it could spread to the rest of the camp in under 24 hours! Some camp sites have toilets and wash-housC5s, but if not, they will have to be built.

Latrines

Screening for these can be hired, or made from canvas or hessian. It is usual to errect separate cubicles 4ft x 4ft x 6ft high. A tarpaulin or loose cover can be thrown over the top when it rains, but in dry weather it should be left open overhead. One's own ingenuity will best suggest how the available material should be folded to make as many cubicles as possible. Each cubicle should of course have a flap for a door.

For a small camp of short duration, quite good latrine screening can be made of branches, bracken or heather , but of course, ask permission first from the site owner.

Aim at making all screening as inconspicuous as possible. Take advantage of trees and shrubs, etc ., to mask your latrines.

Spud Bashing at London District Camp

SPECIMEN MENU for A WEEK1S CAMP

To d ig a atrine: Earth is the greatest of all purifiers. Therefore a latrine shou1d be of the trench varlety; althouglh short trench is the most difficult to dig, it is the best. It should b e 12ins wide, 3ft ]ong and 3 to 4ft de ep. Fo r a large camp such a trench sho uld be allowed for every ten campers for one week. The a trine s are best dug before camp begillilS, so giving extra time for providing extra facilities. When a trench is filled to within one foot of the top it should be filled in, and the place marked so that it is not used by sub sequent campers.

Experienced campers do not use latrine seats They are difficult to keep clean and best avoided.

When a trench is dug, the turf is kept for rep la c ing and the earth is piled u p inside the screening by the side of the trench. This is then gradually replaced every time the atrine is u se d , with a trowel or shovel provided Paper shou ld be kept in a tin and everybody warned to replace its lid It is useful to have some kind of tag to hang on the outside of the door when th e cubicle is occupied.

Di sinfectants are unnece ssary. A littl e wood-ash may be added to the trench daily. If every user rep l aces a layer of earth at lea st one inch deep , the lat ri n es will remain in a clean and hea lthy condition. 'Elsan' l a trines shou l d be emptied at least once a day.

The floor s of th.e l atri n es and the ab lu tions should be kept as dryas possible. With boys, it is always difficult to keep the floors of the abl utions dry, as they tend to use half a gallon of wa ter for washing - most of which goes on to the floor!

If latrines and ablutions have to be dug take great care that the sewage does not foul the freshwater supplies. This applies parti c ularly to sites where the fresh water comes from springs or streams with underground tributaries.

Disinfectant shou ld b e provided ne a r the l atrines for cleaning hand s.

The l atrines must be built downwind of the camp, and as far as conveniently possible from the main area.

No washing is permi ssa ble inside a sleepin g tent. For washing equipment make a tripod of three poles or br anc he s ashed together; a 1edge for soap, etc., can be fixed underneath. On an extended camp, it's a good idea to make duckboards to stand on around the washing area; a towel rail is also useful. Soakage pit

This should be dug a short distance from the ablutions so that dirty water can be thrown into it. In order to get a good 'soak away', the ablutions should be built on a slope, a lead trench dug downhill for some yards from the trench. Needless to say , this should no t run towards the ten ts or the kitchen.

For the disposal of washing-up water, or anyt hing e se of a greasy nature dig a pit roughly 2ft by 2ft by 1ft , and line the

sides an d b otto m of it with small stones or gravel. Then make a lattice of sticks, or use a of w ire n ert:Hm g , and fix this over the top of the pit abou t 6ins. from groun d level. It must b e easy to remove 0111 to thris screen lay a thick covering of leav es, br acken, h eat h er , dried grass or pine needles

Then once a d ay, a t twice a day in a larg e camp, the grease-soiled scree r can be renewed and burnt to be rep l aced by a new one But take care when pouring greasy water i nto the pit not to spill any around the e dg es - and never on to the gr ass. If you do , the whole area will soon be swarm ing with flies and other insects, which can be an awfu l nuisance to get rid of.

In a l arge camp a bri ck incinerator for burning rubbish shoul d be built ; for the smaller camp a bucket w ith holes punched in its side serves the purpose admirabl y. A bucket incinerator sho uld be raised off the ground and a fire made underneath it.

Unburnable rubbish shou ld be buried in a refuse pit, but tins and bones sho uld alw ays be burn ed first, to prevent put refaction, then the tins beaten flat before burying. Food scraps may be of use to a neighbouring pig-farmer , but not bones, tea leaves or egg she lls

Our camp is n ow prepared. Next month my article will cover camp lifeand how to get the most out of it.

ODETO FIRST AID

by Heather Mann

There's an art to the l earning of First Aid ,

How the body works and how it's made,

The Organs , the liver , lungs , kidneys and heart.

On duty on the p arad e grou nd. lin

co ln ca de ts at the ir Bridlin gton camp

But now the muscles and joints an d bones for a start!

Th e b ones join together to give the shape form.

Bones i n the he a d , shou ld ers, the ba ck and the ar m

Ri b bones and h ip bones, and in the knees

Leg bones and ank e bones and phalanges.

Muscles and tendons keep the bones a ll together

And are covered with skin to keep out the weather.

Sk in will stretc h all over to reach

From the top of our head to the sa es of our feet.

Th e brain is the centre from which actions star t

Contro ] ing the said - lun gs, kidneys and he a rt.

Controlling our movements, thoughts and our wills

And sending o ut Sig n a ls when we are ill.

The heart is a pump and we must know the way

It sen ds blood round our body by night and by day.

It hes in the chesrt: a nd its beat can be r ead

By the pulse that is found in the wrist, neck an d head

Bl ood carries the needy food, air a nd water ,

Distributing these just where it oughta.

Pl asma for food, red cells for a ir

And white cells t6 kill any infection there.

The lungs take in air th at we n eed in the blood

The orga n s n ee d air t o work as th ey should ;

Without it they suffer and as seconds go by

The br a in stops working an d we sha ll di e!

The stomach we need for food digestion ;

Food is essentia l , of that there's no question,

T o get rid of our waste th e kidneys must function

Down the ur e ters a nd out at their j un ction.

To maintain a good airway and con tr ol any bleeding

To handle our patients with care and with f eeling ,

To treat any f r acture or dislocation

To give of our best with co mplet e dedication.

We go week after week to 'Fir st Aid' clas ses

Men and women, young boys and young l asses.

Our prom i se to humanity we h ave made

We int e nd to maint ai n it in the Brigade.

(D.O. Easingt on Nursing C a det Division Co. Durh am)

THE REVIEW - SELL IT!

from Mrs. Kathleen Coley, D/Supt.

I have been a regular subscriber to the Review for a few years, but one day I decided that I could sell a few at the D ivisaon (inste a d of passing on myoid copies) so a year's subscription for 9 copies was sent. The first two months, all 9 copies were sold, so I ordered and paid a year's subscription for another 9 copie s, making 18 copies in all. Another ambulance member , our President and myself buy our own copies independently, which makes a total of 21 copies a month for our Division. We have just over 40 members.

When the copies of the Review arrive by post, as soon as 'I walk into our First Aid Station, where we hold our weekly meetings , I pass the bundle over to one of my ambulance members and ask him to sell them. This is being done while we are preparing for the evening's work. Some months we sell the lot, other times we have a few left over (depending if the member's rates electricity and gas bills have just come in !). This is a chance that has to be taken. If the members want a copy but haven't enough money to spare that night, I let them have it on 'tick' until the following week. If there are one or two copies over, I usually pass them on to the cadets (free of charge) or try to sell them to someone outside the Brigade, which we can usually do when we hold first aid and home nursing courses for the public.

As with all things , you have to push the Review. Nothing will come to you if you sit and wait. It is no good putting the Reviews on the table and waiting for someone to buy. You have got to put them right under their noses.

]t is only with pushing that I have now got a Combined Division of over 40 members. In 1955 I was transferred from 108N Romford Nursing Division to take over 77N Canvey Island and Benfleet Division (as it was then called) with 6 nursing members (3 from Canvey and 3 from Benfleet). Five of these nurses were elderly (one was over 70) and they only remained (bless them) until I could get new members. With the help of my husband (who is not a St. John member), I managed to double the Division's strength in 12 months, and over the years the members have gradually increased until in 1964 we were made a Combined Division.

I wish you as the editor every success and may the Review grow from strength to strength.

77 Canvey Island Comb. Division Kathleen Coley (Ed: incidentally, Mrs. Coley, her husband, and their eldest son work 14 hours a day, 7 days a week in their business during the summer; the fascinating story of how she built up her Division's

BLOOD ITS COMPOSITION

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations. strength will be appearing in the Review shortly.)

THE REVIEW - WHERE WE ARE GOING from K. Chapman, D/Sec.

I read in a recent edition of your (our - edit.) m agazine that not enough people are bothering to suppor t the Review.

I feel it is time something was done to improve the press relations and think that mu ch more interest would be shown if some of the m a ny channels were reduced, and each divi sional superintendent was res pon si bl e for acce pting an d submitting arbcles for the Review direct to the e ditor.

Will all superintendents please help u s to get o ur news to the magazine and I am sure that this will give a n ew int erest an d h e lp to gain greater support for our month ly.

ACOMB Mens Division , Yorks K. Chapman

(Thank you, Mr. Chapman. I notice that your lett er was written on December 24. You and I - an d many others, I'm su r e - were thinking alike over Christm as, for it w as during the h olid ay th at I wrote my a rticle 'Where are we Going' for this issue , a nd which substantiates your thoughts - Edit.)

CHEAP VISUAL AIDS

from A.A.W. Weston, BEM. Deputy Training Officer

I believe your readers are inclined to be hostile towa rd s articles on Visual Aids. Why? Go through so me issues of th e Review a nd in these articles you'll see that more sp ace is d evoted to costly equipment than any other aspect of our s ubj ect. And 1 often find the same attitude to the su bject at our in structors' courses. Anyone would think visual aid is exclusively for the rich! It needn't be so.

In my work I am surrounded by 16mm (sound) and 8mm (loop) films and slides, overhead projector s, and a considerable

number of charts, which cost a few shillings to produce. Of the lot, I would say the charts offer the b es t valu e. Recemtly visiting an army s taff li nst :u uctors' office, I was surprised (and flattered) to see that they had produced a fine flip chart over my chart 'Blood , It' s Composition and Function'. My t wo charts are shown her e Ca li d No. 1. explains the composition of blood, and then by plac ing Card No.2. in the centre of No. l. [he function of blood is immediately clear to aJl.

This visual aid can be produc e d with a little time , and even less money. In teaching , I think you will find it very effective. London District

THE JANUARY REVIEW from Watkin W. Williams, Commander SJA Bucks.

A.A W. Westo n

First of all I must at once congratulate you on the first iss ue of the new Review which reached me today. In m any way s it's ju st the so rt of thing that I've fo r years wanted the Review to be , bu t I'd almost despaired of it s ever bec o ming so. Having been brought up on The Scouter , whose la te Editor (Rex Hazlewood) is a personaJ friend of mine I've repeatedly found my self making comparisons unfavourable to the Review ; but I think it look s as if you have now put a stop to that! I hope you'll receive the strongest possible support , both f rom contributors and from su bscribers.

SJA Bucks Watkin W. Williams

Questions and Answers

Quest io ns on First Aid from our readers are welcome for this regular feature. They will be answered by The Chief Medical Officer, Professor H C. Stewart DL MA , MD. PhD FRCP. FFA, RCS and the Surgeon in-Chief Dr. M M Scott MRCS, LRCP.

UNCONSCIOUSNESS, from H. Browne, Norfolk.

Q: A person who has an injury to th e brain may be suffering from concussion, contusion or compression. Is it necessary for a first aider to diffe rentiate between these conditions before starting necessary treatmen t ?

A: It is the degree a nd effect of the unconsciousness which is the guiding factor to the nature a nd inten sity of the treatment. It must be stressed that in all cases careful observation and notes should be made regarding timing and alteration s in condition which may occur in the patient.

CORROSIVE POISONING from J.O'Kelly, Glasgow.

Q: In the trea tmen t of a patient suffering a corrosive poison which has been swallowed we were instructed to give copious fluids or soothing drinks , such as milk. Is it in order to give both fluids and milk, and are there any other soothing drinks which can be given instead of milk?

A: The basis of the treatment is dilution ; milk has the additional advantage, if available, of being soothing but that may be considered a beneficial si de-effect ; if sufficien t milk is avail able there is no need to give any other fluid.

EFFECTS OF COLD, from Miss F. Garrard, Jersey,

Q: Can you tell me why in the case of a person exposed to inclement weather, the instructions are that they should be 'Fapidly rewarmed in a bath of water at a temperature of 107 to 113 degrees F', while in the· case of accidental hypothermia , we are instructed not to use heat (ie hot-water bottles or e lectric blankets)7

A: One has to di ffe rentiate carefully betwe en superficial cold and cold affects the innermost structure of the body ; in the first case, the withdrawal of heat from the interior to th e surface would be unlikely to cause any m a terial effect upon th e vi ta l organs. This does [lot apply in the case of true hypothermia where the effects of cold are deep seated.

CANINE CASES IN BRITAIN RAISE OLD QUESTION OF QUARANTINE PERIOD

CONTROL OF RABIES

The two cases of canine rab ies reported in Britain recently must rai se the question whether the quarantine imposed on imported dogs and cats is long enough. In fact the question might well be asked, Can any reasonable period of quarantine be certain to exclude rabies? If it cannot, the import of animals capable of bringing the disease into the country should be altogether prohibited.

This exceedingly dangerous disease is of virtually world-wide distribution. In recent years it has spread throughout the wild animals of Europe to a remarkable extent. Britain , like Australia , New Zealand , and some other islands , remains one of the few places free of it , a happy condition for which we have to thank our island situation and the rigorous application of a sensible law deSigned to isolate an animal until the incubation period of the dise ase is completed. Though the disease can attack many species of mammals and also birds , human infections are generally acquired from dogs a nd cats , especially the former. But in Central and SouthAmerica the main vectors of infection are vampire bats, which infect cattle, while the dog is of no importance in spreading the disease.

The incubation period in the smaller mammals is u sually a few weeks , and four months is about the longest normally expected. In Great Britain from 1919 to 1969 some 77 ,000 dogs and felines went through the quar a ntine period of six month s, and 29 dogs and one leopard developed rabies during this period. But if experience in man is any guide, incubation may be expected to vary greatly in accordance, at lea st in part with the nature of the site of the injury through which the virus gained access to the nervous system. While seldom under 10 days in man and usually shorter than three months , it may extend up to one year or even three. Though the incubation period is usuaJly three to six weeks in the dog , it can rarely be a year or longer. When this unpredictable variability is considered in relation to the pr ese nt recrudescence of the enzootic disease in Europe and other parts of the world the need to review the quarantine regulations is clear. Vaccination of animals is held not to offer an effective safeguard. Though cases of rabies in man have been reported in Britain in recent years , they were in people who were infected abroad. The last case of hum an infection contracted in this co untry was in 1911 Despite perennial campaigns in the correspondence columns of newspapers, nothing whatever can justify any easing of res trictions on the quarantine regulations , for they have given this coun try a freedom f ro m a grave disease tha t few others enjoy

We have heard from the contingents of Canadian and Cypriot cadets who visited Scotland as guests of the Priory 1ast summer. Our Canadian visitors were all girls aged from 14 to 17 , with the exception of one boy of 13. They were accompanied by Mrs. Ashley, the Provincial Cadet Officer from Ontario. On the other hand th@ Cypriots were all boys, their ages ranging from 14 to 19, accompanied by two leaders: a staff officer and 8J divisi onal officer.

A fairly comprehensive tour of Scotland had been arranged from the centres of Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, where the cadets were entertained by the local committees, and fwm St. John hospice at Lossiemouth, where the party stayed for four days. In this way the cadets were able to take a boat trip down the Clyde, seeing the Queen Elizabeth II on the stocks at John Brown's shipyard, tour the Highlands and the Borders, and visit EQinburgh castle. They were welcomed into the homes of Lord and Lady Rowallan at Kilmarnock and Maje>r Patrick Telfer-Smollett of Bonhill, and while at Skerry brae they were visited by Captain Ian Tennant, the Lord Lieutenant of Moray Throughout they were a cco mpanied my the Chancellor, Sir Andrew Murray.

A charming letter, written in French and English, was received from Christine Huggard of Ontario , one of the Canadian contingent, as follows:

'Dear Sir Andrew,

On behalf of the Canadian contingent

I would like to thank you for your gFac ious hospitality during our visit to S co tl and. It was an unforgett able experience for all of us Th e S co ttish people whom we had the pleasure of meeting showed great kindness and thoughtfulness We consider ourselves most fortunate for having met such distinguished people as the R t. Hon. Lord Rowallan, Captain Ian Tennant Colonel Souter, Mr. and Mrs. Mutch, the Glasgow Co ill m ittee and the Edinburgh Committee

The many tours which we took were breath-t a king and educational.

finally would like to say that you 20

NEWS from SCOTLAND

OVERSEAS NEWS

MALAWI

The New Prior for S€otland, the Earl (tIf lriaddo, CBE, TO, DL ,. (Photo ; Aberdeen Journals)

a nd your deligh tf ul secretary, Mrs R.obertson (the Priory-Secretary) were the most enjoyable host and hostess that a group could possibly have and you certainly added a to u c h of s plendour to our stay in your beau tiful co untry . Hoping one day to return to S cotlan d and to visit you again, I remain

Sincerely yours , Christine Huggard (Canada)'

Meanwhile, one of the Cypriot contingent, Efstathios Papadopoullos, known as 'J.P.', has been 'adopted by the Scottish Priory , so that he might st udy agriculture in Scotland. He has written an account of how this came about: ' It is now fifteen months since a contingent of the St. John cadet force of Cyprus was invited to be the guests of the Scottish Priory. was fortunat e enough to be a member of this contingent. On

arrival at Glasgow airport we were met by the· Chance!llor, Sir Andrew Murray, and Mrs. G. Robertson , Secr etary to the Priory For most of the tour around Sco tla n d we were especia lly honoured b y the presence of the Chancellor of th e Priory , who gav e us very valuable information on various p laces that we cam e across. We had the opportunity to enjoy mo st of the glorious scenery, well-known historic l andmarks , and above all some of the traditions a nd h ospitality of the Scottish people. The itinery covered practically the whole of Scotland , including the Clyd e, the Highl an dS and MidlandS, the West and the East. This gave us t he opportunity to see at first hand the work of the Order in Scotland.

By the time the tour was over I had seen quite a lot of the countryside an d was highly impressed by the very high standard of agriculture, especially liv estock farming. As a result of this decided t o study agriculture in Scotland I mentioned this to the Chancellor a nd, after cons ult ation with the leaders in our group , it was decided that could stay and be taken care of by the Scottish Priory. The Priory made t he n ecessary a rr a ng ements for my enrolme n at the North of Scotland College of Agricul ture. Also, provision was m ade for my full board and lodgings until I was fo und a farm on which to do my 'practical'. must say that without the Order's hel p further e du catio n was entirely beyond my reach.'

J .R.-S.

1I1' he new Brigade, launched in Mal awi on January 30 1969 is now getting into its stride after a very successful first year. The Brigad e strength started with 156 men trained i n first aid and ready to take up duties ; 5 divisions were formed in the Blantyre/Limbe area; while facilities for training membe rs were offered by the Queen Elizabeth ho spi tal, where since members have b een performing ward and casualty departmen t dutie s. Our programme over 1969 included: May" 3. At the Lion s Club of Blantyre's annual Maye Fayre, which draws 10 000 people from noon to 10 pm , we ran the first ai d station (attending 53 cases) and set up a stall to explain the work of St. John Ambulance to the public.

July 6. This is Malawi's Big Day - to celebrate the state's republican status. Sharing the first aid duties with the Red Cross at the main celebrations , which draw 40,000 people to the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, the Brigade turned out 107 members , who worked in relays. We also undertook the feeding of all first aid personnel at the St a dium , which entailed supplying 10 gallons of so up, 300 bananas, 250 oranges, 200 cold drinks , 500 r o lls, meat, tomatoes , tea and coffee. No one, we might add, werlt hungry! In f act our soup we found to be excellent m edi cine - for some of our patients rapidly recovered after a bowl of soup and some food. During the day 643 cases were attended, there were 16 hospit al cases, and we even had two expectant mothers who duly gave birth at the celebrations. No doubt these two children were lat er christened ' Republic '. Once it got around that we of S t. John didn't charg e for our services we were inundated by people complaining of head ac hes During the day we dispensed 2570 aspirin!

June 22. To celebrate St. John 's Day we held a church parade; a message of goodwill was received from the President which was read out in church. and late; the Chief Commissioner, Mr. John Msonthi, gave a reception.

Augu s t 24 was the day of our Annual Review and Competition , the largest function of our first year which was attended by Mr. Eric Harcus, Commissioner, and Dr. Paul Keen, Deputy Chief Surgeon, from the Priory of South Africa.

During 1969 the Brigade has atten ded every publi c function held here and our strength has grown from 156 to 550 members , which !lil.OW includes nursing and cadet divisi ons. So we have not been idle. Our plans for 1970? Continued expansion, t he major part of which will be t hree new centres in Lilongwe, Salima and Balaka.

PRIORY FOR WALES

We regret to r e port the death on Decem11er 13 1969 of Sir Gwilym Ffrangcon Williams, CBE, KStJ, the Assistant Seneschal of the Priory for Wales Sir Gwilym , born 1902 , was an outstanding personality for the past 40 years in Aberdare.

The annual dance organised by the Aberdare sub-division of the SJAB during December , and at which the above photograph was taken, was once again a great success.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

NORTHUMBERLAND

The theme of the 1969 annual county F.A. competition, held on December 15, was industrial injuries and we were fortunate in being able to use the new works of George Angus & Co. Ltd. at Cramlington. So the competition was set among machinery which gave a ba ckground of reality to the tests, which proved and outstanding success.

RESULTS

B ellw oo d Cup Competition (Men's Teams):

5th B.R.C.S. Hexham : 82

s. A cup presented by Miss J. Fearnside. (Women's Teams) 1st. North'd. Canst. Team A: 98 marks. 2rid. S J.A., Shiremoor Nurs: Div : 91 marks. '3rd. North'd. Const. Team B : 86 marks. 4th. S.J .A ., Haltwhistle Nurs. Div : 83 marks

NEW AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

J.P.' frolilil CYP fWlS and Su za nne Tremblay from Qwebec No language problems, it seems

With the help of a lot of friends, our mream of a Brigade in Malawi is now a reality.

Gatwick - based Air London introduced a comprehensive 'ai r ambulance' service in January 1970. The aircraft have a swivelled stretcher for the comfortable loading of the patiel}t, and there will be accommodation for a nurse and two other passengers The new se rvice provides the complete escort service; air ambulance, nurses, doctors and road ambulances throughout Europe, on a 24 hour service.

At Gl as gow H/Q - Mrs Ashley from Canada, Sir Andrew Murray, 'J P' and two visiting Leaders.

(L to R) Mr. L. Davies, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. S. Chell, Lady Williams, Mr C. Parry, Secretary for Wales, Councillor Mrs. L.. Lynch, Councillor C Williams, Mrs. P.H. Roderick, and Dr. H.B. Pierce

CERTIFICATES FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

A report from Lord Aldingwn, involved in the accident:

At about 12.30 in the middle of the night of 12/13 1969, my daughter's car in which I was her sole passenger, burst one of its front tyres. The car went out of control, and after about 100 yards gf skidding and swinging from one side to the other, we came off the road oro the left hand side, where, unfortunately, there was a slightly sunken footpath. The car turned over on its left side, hit the bank of the path, turned back on its right side, and so far as I remember, went again onto its left side before finishing up on its right side. At the point of leaving the wad, we hit a small Goncrete post and this must have fractured the petrol pipe front of the car began to burn.

My daughter was con cussed from hitting her head, I think on the windscreen, and fell under the steering wheel with her back against the offside door. I was strapped in and though my knees were badly hurt was able to move. I found that I could not open the near-side door, so I moved to the back window. It took me a little time to get out through this, (there is no opening catch inside).

I was out I went round tel the front to try and put out the fire. But this was not possible. 'The fire began to spread fast towards the petrol tank so I [(sturned to re-enter the car to try to pull my daughter out, when t wo or three cars stepped and I shouted at them.

From one of the cars came two young men who later proved to be Mr. Newey and Mr. Perkins. They jumped onto the top of our car, wrenched the door open, and one holding the other, managed to lean down and carry my daughter out o f the car, a very difficult operation because she was still unconscious, and rescue was hindered by the steering wheel They took special trouble not to alter the position o f her body in case she had any bones broken. They then carried her to the roadside and shortly afterwards she regained consciousness. About three minutes later the petrol tank caught fire and the fire spread immediately to the whole car , which despite the attention of a fire engine, was almost wholly burned out.

My daughter was given a seat in a larger car by a third man, and either Mr. Perkins or Mr. Newey watched over her while the other looked after my, by then

22

considerable 'wounds For on the way out of the car I had had to br eak the glass resulting in a very deep cut betw ee n the fore finger and the second finger of my Tight hand, as well as heavily bruis e d a nd lascerated knees and legs.

The attention which I had from Mr. Newey in particular was quite excellent. Between them, these two men then arranged to telephone my wife (who was at home) in a way that she wa s not made to feel tQo distressed.

I have nothing but praise for the way in which these two excellent men behaved (like modern Good Samaritans ) and made available to my daughter and their expert first aid training.

It is not too much to say that without their help, there was only a remote chance of my rescuing my d a ugh te r before the fire s pread.

On Friday O c tober 10 1969, Nursing Officer Mrs. M. We ns was going t o bed at home at 11 . 15 pm . when her so n-in-l aw arrived to sa y that there h a d been a serious accident at the foot of Pri es ts Hill , and that several people were injured.

Mrs. Wells was t a ken to the scene by her son-in-law - a scene sh e des crib e d as ' reminis cent of the blit z, with bodi es lying allover the place' Two cars h ad been in head-on c ollision

On e Surr ey a mbulance was pr ese nt , and Mrs . Wells organised six st ud ents from Wind so r Hospital and t he ambulance attendants into a squad, gett i ng the seve n seriou sly injured people to hospital i n the five a mbulan ces which were now on the scene She went in one of the ambulanc es with a cas u a lty who had deep fractures in th e front a nd ba ck of the skull, a nd multiple fractures of the jaw. All the way to hospital Mrs. Well s cupped the la d 's head in her hand s so as to m a int ai n a n airway to administer oxygen and manipulate suction, for he was bl ee ding f rom the nouth nose and ears.

Unfortun ately this casu alty died a few minute s after arr iving at the h ospital.

C. IN C·S. LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Cadet Cpl. P. Jaycock Amesbury Ambulance Div Wilts.

Mr. Pogson and

On August 31 1969, while on holiday at Lyme Regis you went to the help of a small child who had just been rescued from the sea. She was blue and did not appear to be breathing. I am told that you created an airway with your fingers and maintained it while artifical respiration was carried out under your direction. The casualty was then carried up the beach to the road; during this she continued to vomit and fluid drained from her lungs. After further artificial respiration, the casualty was taken to hos p ital by private car and during the journey you conhnued to carry out artifici al respiration. After arrival at the hospital you assisted the doctor in maintaining her breathing for some 272 hours. The child eventually recovered

CANVEY ISLAND - During November the 86 C Cadet Ambulan ce Division, started 2 years ago, he1d its fli.rst cere mony. Th e cadets carried out a demonstration of first aid with 'patient' John Coley who had sus tained a fractured leg and wound on the arm. Cadet Area Staff Officer J. Stevenson presented nine cadets with. badges and certificates. Area Staff OffIcer Mrs. E. Holland presented Cadet N. Wood with a book 'A Good Uniform' for performing the most duty hours - 227 in 3 months; the President's badge to Mr. P G Coley; and the Vice-President's badge to Mr. J. Vine.

HANBOROUGH AND FREELANDThis A/N Combined Division in Oxfordshir e, formed 18 months ago after the disbanding of the Civil Defence Corps, where most of its m embers took their first aid certificates, were inspected recently for the first tim e by their new Divisional President, Dr. R.G. Macbeth.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE - Div. Supt. Eric Harris of Rushden division has been on a trip to America where he has been demonstr ating the art of shoemaking to customer s of the biggest stores over there Mr. Harri s, who went on behalf of the compa ny fo r which he works , had a complete shoemakers shop sent out from this country for the trip. He gave demonstrations in New York and other ma jor Amer ica n cities.

News from the Divisions

On the e vening of June 1 2 196 9, you went to th e help of a man who had been seriously injur ed in a road ac cident at Folly Bottom , Amesbury. He was suffering from severe scalp wounds and concussion.

I am informed that you pl ace d the casualty so as to maintain an airway and applied pressure and band age d th e sca lp wounds thereby prev e nting de ath from arterial haemorrhag e The casualty was then taken to hospital in Salisbury a nd admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Ov er 60 members of Peterborough Corps were ca ll ed to deal with more than twenty casualties when a te st of their skill in a mo ck r ailway c rash was stage d recently. Dr. H. Weaver, Corps Supt. in charge, said the exercise was very successful. Peterborough Police also t(')ok part a nd Dr. Weaver sai d that furth er exercises involving all emergency services wer e being planned.

Div Supt. Mrs. Elsie Palling , who h as just retired from the Ound1e Nursing Division spent the last 30 years as a full time ambulan ce dr i ver , first under the Brig a de 's auspices and for the past 12 years for the Councty Council. She was the only wom a n ambulance driver in the county service. Previous to her full time service Mrs. Palling h a d b een a part time driver for St. John. Joining th e Brigade in 1939, she was involved in A.R.P. and Civil Defence work during the war and had been Div Supt. sin ce 1940. Mrs. Palling received a cheque from her Colleagues in the Northamptonshire County Ambulance service.

NORTHUMBERLAND one of the largest-ever first aid exercises involving men and women of the North

14 years - old Corp0ral

P. Jaycock joined SJA when he was 11 (Photo: Underwood)

Obituaries

W. E Vowles (Chelmsford) Crompton

Par k inson Div. (d !i sbanded) Supt. (R). W.J. Bailey , 16-years-old (Bradford), cadet sergeant.

23

Ambulance member G. NEWEY, Dover Town Ambulance Div. Kent.

Nursing officer Mrs. E.M. Wells Englefield Green & Egham Div, Surrey

Ambulance Driver K. Pogson, Boston Ambulance Div. Lines.

his wife at Lyme Regis

Ambulance

(above) Hanborough & Freeland Division meet the r new President

A a recent nspecti on of the Helston Cadet Nursing Division.

Old Hill nUl"sing cadets (Stourbr dge) with trophies

Northumberland Division was staged during the autumr.l at Ashington. The exerGise, part of the Divisi0n's annual inspeGtion and called 'Omnibus' involved 200 ambulance and nursing members, two divisional and 8 staff officers it was staged at the NCB Area Workshops. The county SJ Casualty Group provided 35 casualties simulating injuries and illnesses at one time - rare to have so many people being 'made up'.

STOURBRIDGE has no women's division- so the ambulance division has now become a new combined division, so that girls of the Old Hill Nursing Cadets can join them_ The nursing cadets team were runners up in both Country and area competitions in 1969 and winners of the Uniform Trophy. One of the cadets is now a full time nurse, while others have joined the committees for the physically handicapped.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

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REVIEW CROSSWORD No.2 (70) CompiledbyWA. Potter

ACROSS

l. Nevertheless this malignant lesion is not transmitted by ra l (6.5.). 7. Doctor holds nothing in disorderly crowd (3). 9. Glan lying in the Sella Turcica (9). 10. Seductive wrecker sound s

FOR SALE

warning (5). 11. Given in prevention and treatment of infe ctiou S.J.A.B. Badge Wall Shields, 38s Od.; S.J.A.B. Gold Ca se d Crested Cuff diseases (4).12: Acids essential anabolism of (5). 1: Links 68s. Medal 1s. 6d. each ri bbon on buckram for sewing on Amusement With a penny provides money for specifIc purp m uniform, 2s. each ribbon mounted on pin brooch; Regulation medals (4). 16. Greek goddess, now With a complex, could make tre ac mou nte d 3s. 6d. per medal on brooch. Minia tu res quote d (7). 18. The tarsal plates (7). 19. The disease he des c ribed for-MONTAGUE JEFFERY Outfitter,St. Giles Street, Northampton. characterised by malignant enlargement of lymph glands (7). 2 (4) Bony spiral in the ear (4). 22. King's counse is retuming ill-health (4). 23. A likeable sort of rogue (5). 24. BUffow iJJ animal on skin or in uterus (4).28. Stimulus to la crimal glan ( ( 5 ). 29. Politician in a slice cut-up before a serious complicati o of pregnancy (9)_ 31. Sheep where east meets west and we meets east (3). 32. Very often follows perforation of intestine ( stomach (11).

CONWAY STEWART QUALITY BALL PENS, Di e-stamped w ith 33 Gold Letters and Spaces 30s. a gross. 6s. sta nd ard cha rge, post and packing any quantity. Thr ee days d elivery Samples free. Sale or re turn Full refund on pens returned .-ABBEY WHOLESALE, 77 Li verpoo l Road Stoke ST4 1AE. (3 6)

BALL-PENS, Diaries, Note Pads, Keys, Fob s, Pencils, etc. , Gold-stamped DOWN Brigade name o r Personal names rai se funds quickly-e asi y. Details-Northern Novelties. Bradford , 2 1. Tear up an epitaph (3). 2 Discourage in wide terms (5) Two-and-a-half inches on fingers an d toes (4). 4 Syndrome ( chronic renal failure (7). 5. Condiment from capsicum (7). Cornerstone of treatment of inflamed part (4). 7. Volat i diuretics? (9) 8. Achondroplasia, osteomyelitis or rickets (4.7. 11. A medical listener (11). 14. Gambler's support (5). 15. Chea variety of fruit, mainly vegetable (5). 17. Glands whose secretio r are passed directly into the blood (9). 20. Lean cur 111 ingredients of essential part of cell (7). 21. Camel returning I legendary city (7). 25. Appearance of first symptoms of infecti o (5). 26. Break a photograph (4). 27. Sign of women withoul point (4) 30. A ship for a fool (3).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.1 (70)

ACROSS (22) UP TO WILTON.AXMINSTER.

: 6 Old Bailey. London. E.C A Tel: 01-248 7971 on branded (10

1. Semilunar Bone: 10. Erect: 11. Cor-pus-c1e: 12. Uric: I. 1---

fi-r-st: 14. Stye: 17 Gremlin: 1'8. Abscess: 19. Tetanus: 2: Cholera: 24. Te-ar: 25. Natal: 26. T-alc: 29. Optic disc: 31 Raise: 31. Prostate gland. DOWN GOOD FUND RAISERS "from Airedale Press Ltd. Have the S.J.A. Emb lem displ ayed on Pencils a nd Ball Point Pens, printed with 2/3 lin ed of Brigade details on British-made Rowney Penc il s a nd Conway Stewart Pens. Write for Pri ce Booklet an d samp

to Dept. F ., P.O Box. 60, Mosscar Street, Bradford 3, Yorkshire.

2. E-meti-ne: 3. Iota: 4. Unction: 5. Atresia: 6; Blue: 7. Neck-til 8 Regurgitation: 9. Peyeii's Patches: 15. Blink: 16. A-sc-ot: 21 Trac-tor: 21. Stamina: 22. Chancre: 23. Elation: 27. Acus: 21 (_2_5_)---1 Oral.

Problems disappear on the Complan cou rse

The elderly have a lot of problems. Often they get dispirited, feel drained of energy and can't be bothered with food. Why should they, when their teeth and digestion are poor, their appetites non-existent? Tea and soft toast fills them up. But it's not nourishment, and they become too tired , too depressed to f<aee their problems. Complan breaks the vicious circle Complan gives the elderly complete nourishment, in less time, with less effort, than it takes to make tea. A daily cup of Complan enriches inadequate diets without upsetting delicate digestions. Well-nourished on Complan, faces lighten, steps are sprightly, and problems don't seem quite so bad.

ST. JOHN REVIEW

Opened b y t h e D uchess of Gl ouceste r

Around a nd Ab o ut , by th e

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EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke G a rdens , London, W 8. (01·603 8512)

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OQVER

Cadets Gillian, Jennifer and Louis e ge Grand Prior Badges on t he

day, In m any ways it 's ju st th e sort of t h in g I' ve fo r years wan te d t he Rev iew t o be b u t I'd alm ost des p aire d of its ever beco m ing so. Havi ng been br ough t up o n Th e Sco u te r ' , wh ose later edi to r , ( Rex Haz lewoo d ) is a pe rso n a l fr ie nd of min e , I'v e re peate dl y fo und m yse l f m aking co mp a ri so n s un fa vo ur abl e t o th e Rev iew'; bu t I thi n k it looks as if yo u 've n o w pu t a st o p t o t h at! I h op e yo u rec eive th e st ronges t po ss ible supp o rt , b o t h fr om co ntr ibu to rs and f rom sub sc riber s. Wh at co n cl usio ns ca n I , ca n we dr aw fr om th ose t wo react io ns? I receive d so me 25 le tt e rs and m an y ph one ca lJ s of congratu lat i on s o n t h e ne w Rev iew So m e of th ese le tt e rs a re publi sh e d in o ur Rea de rs Views thi s m on t h Mr. Orl ik 's le tt er was the onl y exp ressio n of co nd em nat i on that I re ce ive d , I sh o uld lik e t o t h an k Mr. Orl ik sin ce rely fo r hi s fr ank vie ws.

But I am still not complet ely sur e th at thi s rat io - 1 aga in st mor e t h a n 2 5 fo r - is a fa ir assess m ent of all o u r rea d e rs' vie ws o n th e ne w Rev iew

Can we h o ld a refe rendum ? May we ta k e Mr. Orlik 's p oi n t and as k if m y head lin e ' New Boss fo r Bu c ks' is offe nsive or no t wh en use d in th e Revi ew in 19 70 ?

Would read ers pl ease se nd a p os t- ca rd t o t h e Ch airm an of th e R evi ew Manage m ent Boa rd 1 Gro sven or Cr esce nt. Lo nd o n, S.W I. stat in g eit he r , ' No o bj ect io n t o New Boss' o r Obj ect t o Ne w Boss ?

The res ul t o f y o ur o pini o n s wi ll a pp ea r o n thi s p age in du e cour se. And t h at will di cta te th e futur e st y le of th e Revi ew

So it 's up t o yo u - th e rea d ers.

Th e Edito r

If yem remember the wartime poster 'Is Your Journey ReaUy Necessary?', you'll recoglilise the source or the title of this article. Th.at slogan has somehow become linlke@ in my mind with a much more recent railway incident.

The Paddington to South Wales express had arrived at Newport eleven minutes ahead of time. The new General Manager of the Western Region got out of his compartment and walked along the platform to congratulate the driver. Reaching the engine just as the train was starting off again, he showed his footplate pass and got in with the driver. Neither man spoke till they were past the short tunnel just outside Newport station. Then the driver said: 'They tell me the new General Manaaer's on the train'. b 'Hewas,'repJied the other, 'but he got out at Newport'.

'Oh , he ought IO have gone on to Cardiff. I wonder where the silly bastard's got to.'

'Here.'

I don't know whether the General Manager's journey was really necessary, but clearly he didn't think his dignity was. Contrary to the custom 0] General Managers, he preferred to stand on the footplate than on his dignity, and by so doing he established a friendly relationship with the engine driver that he could have achieved in no other way.

You'll have guessed by now that the title is just my impertinent way of introducing the subject of personal relationships - personal relationships between executives and €:lperatives, between those whose job happens to carry a high-grade rank and those (but which might be much more important) who carry a low-grade rank. Personal relationships between those who serve (and please note the word "serve") at county and area level and those at divisional level.

You will have gathered by now that this subject of personal relationships is one about which I feel very strongly. But please don't imagine that I know all the answers or that I always do the right thing. I'm all too well aware that I've made a great many mistakes in the past aftd that I still make them; but I also believe that I've become aware of just a few of my mistakes, and that this \ A sense of insecurity about oAe's !,!osition 2

WATKIN W. WILLIAMS, the newly appointed Comllilander SJA Bwckingoamshire, asks:

IS YOUR DIGNITY

REALLY NECESSARY?

has made it possible for me to discover a few of the a ns we rs. So I'm going to tell you about my own personal philosoph y concerning dignity , particularly in relation to our Brig a de job s

Inevitably I must speak very personally - not in arrogance or conceit , but because it would be impossible to discus s the subject without being per sonal. So I mu st risk some of you thinking that my views are absolutely crackers - but I reckon I'm hard e n ed to that. I must al so risk causing offence , which is the l as t thing I wish to do , but if it should happ e n plea se brush it o ff with th e thought, 'Oh, it's just Williams being ham- fisted again .'

Nothing i s so certain to strain personal relationsh i p s in th e kind of job we are doing in St. John Ambulane a s nerv o u sn ess due to a sense of insecurity about one's exact position , and thi s is often aggravated by shyness. Nervousness - insecurity - shyne ss, You may reply: 'Rubbish! I'm not nervous , I don t feel insecur e and nobody has ever accused me of being shy .' If you re ally believe that , you are either a very exceptional p e rson or th e victim of a tragic self-deception. Each of us is a bundle of nerve s· I'm as nervous as a cat myself - and each one of us suffers a t time s from a sense of insecurity because we don't know where we s tan d with the other chap.

This affects us in different ways. It would be an overSimplification to say that if we are introverts it makes us relap se into stony silence, and if we are extroverts it makes us talk to o much ; but there' s at leaST something in that. Nervousnes s and a feeling of insecurity can make us rigid strained, unrelaxe d unbending, silent; it can make us look bored or displeased whe n really we feel nothing of the kind; it can affect the way we spe ak which gives a bad impression to others; worst of all , it can make us hedge ourselves about with a defensive armour of such dignit y as we may possess, and so give the impression that we are pompous stu ffy, conceited, or 'too proud to talk to the likes or them'.

At the other end of the scale , and simply because we are aware of our nervousness and want to overcome it, it can make us talk too much, or walk slap into the limeligh t and give the impression that we think we're the devil of a good chap and at home everywhere, or behave with an artificial bonhomie that can be more [ rritating than the stoniest of silences. And, Femember, the person we <liFe dea1ing with is almost sure to be equally nervous , though his nervousness may take a different form from ours. And we are therefore each of us predisposed to misjudge the other! motives for silence, glumness, pomposity, too unceasing a flow or chatter, or whatever it may be.

How are we to break down this barrier erected by nervousness insecurity and shyness? I think there are four ways:

1. By trying to be our natural selves, neither more nor less· and I know it's very difficult at times.

2, By remembering that the person we are dealing with is probably equally nervous, and therefore discounting any awkwardness on his part and trying not to feel - still less to showany annoyance at it.

3. By thinking of him as a person , a colleague, a fellow- worker who has problems and worries and difficulties - yes and joys and triumphs too - which he has a right to expect us to share with warm-hearted symphathy.

4. By never losing sight of the ultimate object of all that we are doing - to help the sick and injured - and remembering that such trivialities as our age our experience or the rank we hold all fade into insignificance compared with achieving that ultimate object. In other words , by asking ourselves , 'Is your dignity really necessary?

Now this may shock you , but I recently heard of a very highranking member of the Brigade remark in conversation: 'We in St. John are the most rank-conscious voluntary organisation in the country'. And I'm afraid it's just about true. I don't think it would have been true five years ago , not because we were less rank-conscious then, but because the British Red Cross Society held the field! Their rank-consciousness became so acute that they tried to cure it by swinging the pendulum full tilt the other way and borrowing as their slogan Toc H's adaptation from Dante's Inferno - 'All rank abandon , ye who enter here'.

It is made harder for us by the fact that our badges of rank are closely similar to those of the army - corporals' and sergeants' stripes, officers' stars and crowns, and staff officers' gorget patches. Th[s unfortunately produces a built-in impression that grades of office are a sort of ladder on which every reasonably ambitious person should try to reach the highest possible rung and that any change of job involving a step down the ladder would involve a 'loss of face'.

Still more unfortunate , in my view, is the further deepening of this impreSSion by the introduction of County Pools, With all thei]j advantages, which I don't deny , they have the disadvantage oif confirming the idea that if you are for any reason unable to C(i)lil h nue doing a particular job in the Brigade, you cannot PQ)ssiMy take a lower-ranking job or revert to being an ambulance or nursing member, but must be frozen in the County Pool in your present rank if no other equal-ranking or higher-ranking job

is available for you. Now that shocks me to the core! What does it matter what rank I carry if I'm trying to help the sick and injured? When I moved from the Southern Area a few years ago, I said that I didn't want to sever connection with St. John in this country, but that I would rather not go into the County Pool unless I must. And I told the Cornmisioner that if there was any job that he felt I could usefully do from a distance , I would gladly do my best to do it and that I didn't a bit mind if it carried a lower grade than the one I then held. In fact, I was not asked to accept a lower grade; and I hope it doesn't sound ungrateful if I say that I almost wish I had been, Simply to prove that I was prepared to practise what I professed. I just didn't think that the dignity of rank mattered a scrap compared with job I was doing.

You see, I served my apprenticeship in an organisation which is far less rank-conscious than the Brigade - one which I've been connected with for far longer than the 29 years that I've been with the Brigade, and even longer than the 42 years since I gained my first Association Certificate. I hope that all your hackles won't rise vertically if I make a few friendly comparisonsthough I don't mind if some of them just lift slightly! We all , whether as individuals or as organisations, have something to learn from each other and something to teach each other and we mustn't be above either giving or receiving.

Mr. Williams retired recently after 31 years as a master at Eton College

34 years ago, when I moved from another county into Bucks, my Scouting jo b in my former coun ty was wba t we ilil the Br[gade would call county training officer, which (witlil us) would cany a crown and star. When I came into Bucks, the only Scouting job im mediately available for me was that of assistan t scoutmaster, equivalent to our two-star divisional officer. I accepted it at once, and nobody thought it odd, least of all me! Soon after , since Scouting admits dual appointments, I was also given a training job on the county staff, and again nobody thought it odd that J wore a purple plume in my hat when doing a COUlilty job on some evenings, and a Ied plume when doing a troop job on other evenings. But it would have been much more difficult if I'd had to remove my gorget patches and replace my crown with a second star on one evening, and then change them back again the nex t day.

Well, for better or worse, we've got our stars and crowns and gorget patches, and we've got to live with them; but at least we can try to get rid of what I might call a 'star and crown and gorget patch mentality', which can so easily build up a barrier in our personal relationships.

Took

rest as a patient

If you can bear two more comparative examples, the first is my memory of dear old Dr. Emlyn, who at 70 was still the county training officer in Scouting, and was one day visiting a local troop with the District Comntissioner, who said to him: 'One of the things I find so difficult going round visiting these troops is that there's never anywhere to sit down.'

'Oh,' said Em lyn, with studied naivety, 'I always sit on the floor.'

'But,' spluttered the other, 'but my dear chap, I'm a colonel!'

'Yes I know,' said Emlyn, 'fuut they'll soon forget that if you sit on the fiOOL'

And the second is this. When, on the death of Lord Somers, Lord Rowallan was appointed Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth, he was a very distinguished soldier, colonel of his regiment but invalided out of the army after being severely wcmnded in France; and he had had considerable experience as a scout commissi'oner im Scotland. But it so ha!ppened tbtiIDt he had never taken the basic training course which a]1 scout leaders are normally expected to undergo.

This is in two parts: first a correspondence course on theory; and second, a practical course held in camp, lasting at least a 4

week, during which all candidates work together in patrols of 7 or 8, sleeping together [1'1 a watIol tent , doing tmei tr own cookling and domeshc cfuores by !patrols, ealicfu n'lembe[ in tum serving for one day as patrol leader, attending ililtructional sessions daily and practising a wide vaJ riety of competitive and other skills, and culminating in an adventurous 24-hour hike. The new Chief SCOUI of the British Commonwealth attended one of these courses, nol as an observer but as a participator , and everyone thought that il was a perfectly natural thing for him to do. There was nothin g undignified about this: in fact, it added greatly to Lord Rowallan's prestige as Chief Scout.

Now , haVing made it clear that in my personal view a facade of dignity is not only unnecessary but positively dangerous to OU r relationships, let me put in a contrary warning. It is just as important not to make a cult of being undignified as it is to be afraid of losing dignity.

Ceremonies, for example should alway s be dignified an d carried out with absolute correctness. Nor is there anything subservient in the ceremonious use of 'S i r' or 'Madam' on forma l occasions. This applies not only to the Brigade but to life in general. As a schoolmaster , I have all my life been on Chri stai n name terms with my headmaster, but I would never dream of addressing him otherwise than as 'Sir' at a staff meeting. And in the parish in which I work as a licensed reader, my vicar is a greal personal friend whom I always address by his Christian name ; bU I when I arrive in the vestry to serve at the altar when he is celebrating, I should find it quite unnatural to greet him in an y other way than by saying 'Good morning , Father'.

There is a true dignity that is necessary and there is a fal se dignity that is unnecessary and harmful; and as leaders it is pan of our duty so to act that others may learn to distinguish betwee n the two.

Sometimes they will, in their friendly inexperience , get il wrong. When that happens, it is most important that we shoul d never show annoyance or resentment, for we must be patie nl with their mistakes in expressing the dignity due to our office on ceremonial occasions , as distinct from the dignity due to ourselves as persons, which in the final analysis depends not upo n our office, nor on any rank or status, but on our natural selve s - 3 dignity which needs no artificial bolstering up.

When I was an area superintendent, I used to try to behave with suitable dignity on formal and ceremonial occasions , because that seemed the natural thing to do ; and on other occasions il seemed equally natural to behave with whatever degree or informality best suited the circumstances. Several of my St. John friends raised their eyebrows in horror when they heard I intended to go on doing voluntary ambulance attendant's dutie l with the County Council Ambulance Service. 'But you can't do that as an area superintendent', they said. 'Can't I? You wait an d see!'

The relationship between the County Ambulance Service and the St. John volunteers was sometimes sadly strained, and the fault was certainly not always ours; nor was it always theirs, fO I there were thIiee factors which we certainly ought to have gol right, but only som e of us did - and those who did, did il superbly.

They were:

1. Being careful not to give the impression that one had come solely to attend transport cases, by giving a hand with washing up the tea things, sweeping the floor, or getting to work on th e ambulance vehicles w[th hose 'and brillo pad. No one evel ask us t® do any oHhese things, but I have very happy memories of doing them, also very unhappy memories of attendants whO turned a blind eye to the chores of the overworked staff, and of one who even asked for the telly while the drivers were still cleaning their vehicles at the end of a long weekday shift.

2. Go [ng at least half-way towards establishing a team spirit. It the Glf one month's experience to feel at ease en an emergency job wi th a volun teer of, say twelve year's experience, and it is up to the volunteer to make the first move. I used to say something like this to a newish driver: 'Look don't forget that you're in charge ; I'm here to help you in any way you want; be sure to tell me what you want me to do , so that we can work as a team In that way I never had any diffi culty , in fact several new drivers afterwards thanked me for the help and confidence that I was able to give them on their first road accident.

3. 1m the case of officers, saying and doing nothing to sugge st that one expected to be treated 'as an officer' when on duty at the ambulance s tation. The whole atmo sphere could be spoilt by even one officer who failed to remember that he or slle was there as a voluntary assistant to a full-time staff in circumstances in which Brigade r ank was irrelevant and didn't matter a hoot.

I think there's such a trung as 'prop e r pride and I hope you won't think that what I'm going to tell you is 'improper pride'. Getting the right relationship does payoff in the end in terms of sheer joy. Only last m on th I had the immense privilege and joy of being invited to the wedding of a full -time ambulance driver and a voluntary attendant who being a divisional officer , had perhaps done more than anyone else to get the right atmosphere between St. John and the full-timers (and I don't mean by marrying one of them!). But I had an even greater privilege: When the person detailed to propose their health at the reception was delayed by an emergency, bride and bridegroom came straight over to me and asked if I would step into the breach. It's not one of my usual accomplishmen t s , but that spontaneous gesture of friendship and confidence moved me - welJ , no quite beyond words, because I had to make a speech but very nearly. Of cours e , one gets caught on the left foot sometimes. I remember the night when. I dropped into a division , found the members sitting round in a semicircle , and, motioning to the Superintendent not to interrupt the programme on my account , slipped into the nearest vacant chair. 'Well', said the Superintendent, 'We're just having a quiz on one of the chapters of the Nursing Manual, and as you're sitting in that chair, it's your turn to get the next question'.

Illustrations by TOBY

Fortunately , I knew the answer pat, and heaved a sigh of relief. But afterwards I thought it might have been even more fortunate if I'd been faulted , if only to demonstrate that area staff are fallible human beings and not walking encyclopedias , and that they are well aware of this and can take the consequences. I always dropped in quite informally if the visit was informal, and I remember another combined division where the members were working in groups. I slipped in and joined the nearest group and the first intimation the divisional superintendent had of my presence was when he suddenly saw me already bandaged as a casualty.

I can think too, of a former county superintendent not unknown to us. who periodically attended an Association course as a refresher before taking her re-exam , and on nights when the practical work was on ground level, she turned up in slacks and got down on the floor and took her turn with the rest as either patient or first aider. Telling one of her opposite numbers in another county about this, she was met with a shocked enquiry 'But isn't that very undignified for a county superintendent?'and she answered with a smile, 'Even county superintendents get involved in accidents sometimes'. But then she was brought up in the dght tradition for her father, when surgeon-in-chief, caused a tremendou s flutter among the Brass Hats on one occasion when he insisted on taking the part of a patient in the National Finals because he said that was the only way he could be sure the teams were handhng the patient properly.

On the other side of the picture , you can imagine my horror when I heard that at a recent nursing evening, when two of tho se present hesitated on being asked to make a bed, someone rushed up to the county nursing officer and whispered , 'Perhaps you don't know , they're officers' - and seeing that this didn't exactly register as expected, she went on 'Officers don't make beds'. I've no doubt that our county nursing officer was not only firm but a good deal more polite than I should have been ; for I should certainly have been tempted to say 'Don't make beds , my foot! If they don't make beds they're no use to us; and they can go out of that door and stay outside till they have decided that they are officers who do make beds.

Why, when I took my last nursing re-exam, the examiner was a most efficient girl - well , if she'd been ten years older she'd still have been easily young enough to be my daughter - who put me through my paces with utter fairness but no false mercy; and if I hadn't had plenty of practice at bed-making , I should certainly have failed.

'Is your dignity really necessary?' I hope I've made my point. As a light-hearted tailpiece, let me tell you this: an ex-nursing cadet from this county, training for State Registration, was thrilled when her first chance came to scrub up and go into the theatre and hand the instrum ents to the surgeon. Presently the surgeon said, 'Awl' - an instrument not very often used. The trainee, misunderstanding said 'All what?' And the surgeon meekly answered, 'Awl please'.

If you know and remember the play of Hamlet, you may think Polonius was a bit of a fuddy-duddy - positively square, if not indeed cubic. But he had some good advice to give to his son Laertes, culminating in these words:

'This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day , Thou canst not then be false to any man.'

'To thine own self be true' - 'Is your dignity really necessary?' Not if you behave as your natural self.

Believe me, if we are true to ourselves by being natural , then we shall sometimes be dignified and sometimes undignified, but no reasonable person can ever accuse us of being either one or the other.

Bed making - ME?

her turn with the

FIRST AfD FOR A HAPPENING

Will the coming summer see more festivals like this one, when SJAB Isle of Wight coped with about 600 casualties in 3 days.

By ELIZABETH KELLY, SRN

As the newspaper-reading populace doubtless knows , at the em of August last year a three-day mammoth festival of music wa held on the Isle of Wight. Somnolent , hitherto exclusive , the t in\ village of Wootton vibrated like a drum under the 150,000 arriving fans. On the Thursday evening 24 hours befolt the proceedings began , and with thousands of campers alread) ensconced in their euphemistically named 'Inflatable City' in tht fields surrounding the 60-acre site of the main arena, the St. Jo hr Ambulance Brigade started its long Bank Holiday vigil.

Just inside one of the entrances, with a panoramic view of tht Solent, three large marquees were erected: the first as a casual tl receiving and treatment centre, the second as a IS-bedded fiel i hospital and the third to house extra equipment, staff belonging - and, too optimistically, as it transpired, toilet facilities. (Due t(

some 'oversight' the staff and patients' Elsan did not arrive until Sunday afternoon, a few hours after the festival ended!) l'ilil e centre was manned day and night by 30 men and women of the Island's Brigade working in rotation, three doctors - one stationed in a smaller first aid post near the stage - and, at varying times, six State Registered Nurses. The Island's Brigade commissioner, Dr. F. R. Kennedy, was in overall charge.

Most of the casualties on Friday, the first day, were youngsters suffering from the effects of travel, particularly the hitch-hikers with their sore feet and blisters; one person even complained of sea-sickness after the half-hour ferry crossing from Portsmouth!

On Saturday , when the pop groups started up in earnest , the number of headaches was phenomenal. In the constantly busy hospital tent, there was quite a demand for cotton-wool ear plugs _ rather a blow to be forced to stifle the 'beautiful sound', when one considers that they had paid £2 lOs for a ticket to hear it in the first place! But the noise through the amplifiers was deafening ; even the monks at nearby Quarr Abbey must have reflected on this strange clamorous 'happening'.

In the grounds, towards evening, the number of cases of

nausea steadily rose. Some were genuinely unwell from poor food or even lack of it - the prices demanded by traders were often exorbitant. But other youngsters, vomiting copiously and perhaps protesting too vehemently that they had not taken anything made one wonder. Yet the number of definitely known or self-confessed drug takers was surprisingly small in such a gathering and of those treated, most seemed somewhat frightened teenagers who succumbed to curiosity for the first time and smoked cannabis. Three cases of LSD, two with severe hallucinations, were also seen and during the course of the weekend two 19-year-old registered drug addicts reported three times daily to the doctor and received injections of Physeptone; both had discharged themselves from hospitals on the mainland in order to attend the festival and consequently had arrived without their precious 'scripts'.

Five officers, three men and two women, from the South-East Drug Squad patrolled the grounds throughout the four-day period and 22 arrests were made. Most of these offences involving the sale or possession of LSD, cannabis resin and Drinamyl tablets. have now been dealt with in the Island courts. Apart from drugs, the suspicious number of headaches and

(Above) The morning after a fan wants some peace (Below) Aftermath of the festival (Photographs by Roger Smith)

Bird's eye view of the Happening

·digestive disorders' , the rest of the casualties (about 600) were comparatively minor : cuts , superficial burns, sprains three or four boils - some a week old - a!iild two dog bites - {)ne 0f thelUIil being a security guard who had been bitten by his own Alsati an. Both patients were given anti-tetanus injections but neither was serious. There were also four or five young diabetics showing signs of hypoglycaemia due to wrong or insufficient diet while camping out; one had left her insulin at home.

Another interesting point was the l a rge number of epileptic fits; one wonders if the continuous displ ay of psychod elic light s had anything to do with this ? Whe n the hme came on Sunday even[ng for the star, Bob Dylan, to appear, gate-crashers swarmed lih monkeys over th e 8ft. fences of the la rge enclosur es and, du e to falls , the casualty list went up correspondingly. One boy was taken to hospit al with a suspected fractured tibia. Our youngest patient during the festival was a tot of two years with a paronchia. Our eldest was a fiery preacher from Wale s. Bent on exhorting t he pop worshipppers to turn and repent, he had to b e rescued by guards from a barrage of newspapers and a few empty cans . He was not hurt, an.d I doubt if the fans begrudged him his point of view, it just seemed an inopportune t ime to express it. As one bearded hippy said, 'It's Dylan we've paid to hear - not him

Now that phallic balloons , car jousting and love-making in the foam are ju st memori es, what is the outcome? While most islanders agree that in the main the crowds were astonishingly

FILMS ON FIRST AID

OUT OF SIGHT (Celeur 22 mins.)

Sponsor: Society for the Visually Handicapped

Preducer: Lion Pacesetter Films

Available from Concord Film Coum il Nacton, Ips wick, Suffolk, for a small charge

This film indicates the special problems of partially Sighted children, how they are identified and educated and the various ways in which they can be helped at school, and in adjusting to the family and community , at all ages.

The Panel considers this an excellent film that gives new understanding and sympathy for the visually handicapped It might be considered a little lengthy but, nevertheless , it is recommended for universal audiences. It is of specific interest to those engaged in chil d welfare: careers officers, voluntary services, the medical profession and public health officials.

DRUGS

AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (Colour 18 mins)

Produeer: Churchill Films, U.S.A.

Available from Concord Film Council, Acton, Ipswich Suffolk, for a small charge.

This film indicates the effects of drugs on organs and body systems, using aspirin to illustrate how a common drug works on the nervous system to reduce pain and fever and the serious disruption of the nervous system caused by the abuse or misuse of certain drugs. Substances covered are model aeroplane glues, stimulants (amphetamines), depressants (barbiturate s, opiates), hallucinogens (mariju a na LSD).

The PaN el consid ered tla [S fiim effec ti ve in i ts psyc1rlOde1ic approach but that al1-in-all it p r eselilts a 'p owerful plea agaiflst dmg addiction. Manifestly it will be of va1ue in heaHh education providing that it has an introduction and a post vie wing discussion. The Panel considered that on the whole, drug 8

well-behaved, some concern remains, especially as the youthful organiseFs are aheady t alking enthusiastic aJID y of anot l1eli festival

Hext year. And in [a t e Septe[1llliJe r a report was given o t he Newport Town Counc[l by its sen [or pubhc health inspector.

The m ain focus of criticism was the hope le ssly inadequ ate sanitation an d hygiene arrangements. On t h e site the water supply wa s insufficient , d aily disposal of re f u se was pracbcall y non-existent an d the provi sion of only 25 bu cket lavatories was palpably ab surd , even for the expecte d CL"o wd of 50 ,000 -no wonder a near-crisis developed when three times that numb er turned up Fortunat ely the weather stayed dry. If it h ad rained there surely w ou ld have b een a risk to health and a pOSSib le spread of di sease.

How ever, a great d eal has been learn e d For one thing , wh en events of this magnitude are envisaged , there should b e a mu ch earlier li aison b etween the organisers, local resi d ents' associations and , m ore important , whatev e r l oca l publi c health departm ent is involved. Legislation giving more pow er to exercise a rigid co ntr ol ove r futur e large gathe rings is now being consid ere d

After the event the I sland's MP , Mr Mark Woodnutt wrot e: 'There is no d oubt that if l oca l authorities d o not a lr eady possess the ne cessa ry powers to e nforce stri ng ent hyg iene regul a tions in such circumstances , then th e necessary p owers must b e obtained.' Rep rinted from the Nursing M ir r or

The St. John Ambul ance Film Appr aisa Pan e which mee ts fortnigh ly at Headquarte rs consists of doctors, first aiders and visual aid experts who offer their services for this important aspect of visual aids. It is ntended to publish monthly reviews of those 16mm ilms recommended by the panel

dependen cy films m a de o ut si de of the U.K. tend to pre se nt an alien culture in non-recognisabl e surro undin gs; a home-ba se d f il m upon this imp orta nt topic w ou ld b e of t h e greatest valu e Neverthele ss, of the f ilms deal ing with drug d ep en d ency c urr ent ly in circulation , this is one of the best a nd sho uld rece iv e unive rsal exhibition amongst appr o priat e au di ences a nd groups.

A WAY OF LIFE (Colour 53 mins.l

Available from Visual Aid Section , St. John Ambulance Headqu arters , 1 Grosvenor Crescent London S. W 1 Free of charge.

A brief history of the foundations of the Ord er of St John ano shows many of the tasks perform e d by the Briga d e both at home and overseas. Sequenc es include the Flying Doct o r Se rvice iii Africa , dent al ser vi ce in Hong Kong , a hurricane in Jamaica anG day-to-d ay dutie s in the U.K.

The Panel considered this fi lm shou ld be regularly sc reene d all Brigade memb ers . Although not new, it is sti ll of the utm as value to all in the Order and will prove of great int erest to thf publi c at larg e

PU LS E 0 F LI FE (Colour 27 mins.l

Pyramid Film Producers, U.S.A.

Available from Visual Aid Section St. John Ambulance Headquarters

1 Grosvenor Crescent, London , S W 1. Free of charge.

This film is one of the most authoritatively produc ed upon emergency resuscitation. It covers in detail respirator) resuscitation and external cardiac ma ssage

T in e Paro e[ consi de r ed this film an exceUe nt teaching aid al t h ough Emergency Resuscitatio !l1 produced by the Admi raHty i! a more up-to-date film, Pulse of Life may safely be where its running time (27 minutes as opposed to 50 m:inutes) i the prime factor. It is suitable for a universal audience.

HENLEY'S NEW HIO

Opened by the Duchess of Gloucester

Henley , the Bucks County , Thames-si d e SJA , saw three yea rs of hard work , planning and fund-raising come to fruition on February 7 when the Duches s of Glou cester dropped i n on them by h elico pte r to open their new £7,5 00 h eadquarter s.

Met by the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire , the Duches s, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Nur Sing Corps and Division s, sni pped the ribbon at the door of t h e new buildin g wi t h a pair of sil ver scissors an d sai d to Mr. Watkin W. Williams , Commander SJA for Bucks : ' On b ehalf of His R oyal Highness o ur Grand Pr io r I co ngr at ulat e you on having been able to provide such premises fo r h ea dqu arters.'

The single-storey building , to b e used by 5 divi sions, has an enonnous man hall , S store r ooms, kitchen , toilets an d ambulance bay.

(Photos by Reading Evening Pos and Guildway Ltd)

(Abo ve) The Duchess of Gloucester meets Henley members, In thiS case Dlv. Supt. (N ) Mrs A. Sadler

(Below) Of American single -storey style and incorporating factory-built techni q ues , Henelys new H / Q, built to the Guildway system was comp leted in 15 weeks!

The Duchess of G oucester talks to Div -Supt H.A. Barlow

(Below) In rain , more than 200 people turned up for the opening

(Below) The enormous main hall 248ft by 50ft was in use by some of Henley s 100 members 48 hours after the opening

VOLUNTEERS FOR NIGERIA

Amicd the uncertainties, the suspicions, the ac(;;usations, the counter-accusations, the near-hysteria of some Press reportingone fact is certain of the recent events in Nigeria. The world can never be accused of not having a conscience about the results of the fall of Biafra.

As the 4-year-old civil war came to an end with tlie over-running of Biafran-held territory by Federal troops, offers of help for this war-torn area flooded into the Nigerian capital from all over the world.

One offer carne from St. John Ambulance, an organisation which has had close ties with Nigeria for many years; in fact, our Chief Commander, Lt. General Sir William Pike had been invited some months earlier by the Nigerian St. John Council to visit their country in February 1970 to advise on th@ running of their organisation. Sir William kft, as planned for Nigeria on February 20.

But on January 13 , he put out an urgent call for St. John volunteers to go to Nigeria on relief work, if required. The response to this call was tremendous

Within three weeks 270 members had offered their services. They included 8 doctors, 22 SRNs (including 5 male) , 164 ambulance members, and 76 nursing members. The volunteers' ages ranged from 16 to 73, and included a cadet and a chairman of St John Council.

Among the many groups of both Association and Brigade members who volunteered, from one division - Lea Ijall Ambulance and Nursing Division of Rugeley, Staffs - eleven ambulance and one nursing member (aged from 19 to 64) sent their names forward.

AROUND and ABDUl

WHATS GOING ON - IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

As we rn l as thanking the vol1!lnteers for tills wonderful response , we must also thank many of their employers for agreeing to release them, in many cases on full pay

From the first applications received for this work, twenty-seven m e mb ers were called to Headquarters for interview.

As a result, the nucleus of a St. John team can be quick ly assembled , if required ; and t he reserve of experience, skill and goodwill available in the country for this work is now known.

A letter of February 3 from th e Chief Commander read:

'It was probable once the war ended that there would be a r eq uirement for relief workers. An offer of help was, therefore , made to the British Government and also to St. John in Nigeria . Both offers were gratefully acknowledged but a greater availability of their trained nationals than was perhaps forseen, and an understandable wish to rely as little on outside help as po ssib le , re sulted , in the event , of only a small British Government s ponsored contingent being sent.

Our offer remains open, but to be frank , I have to say that at the moment it

does not look as though our help will be required The sit uation could, however , change again and if it did this would probably b e at short notice. I shal l find out more about this possibility when visit there, at their request, at the end of this month. The trouble that you have all taken h as not , therefore, been wasted since w e now h ave at Headquarters details of members available to go out to Nigeria , with whom we co uld get in touch quickly if the need arose.'

ULSTER 1969

I was pleased to see that the article U lster 1969, on the work of St. John members dur n$ the recent troubles in Northe rn Ireland, and published i n the Januar y issue of the R eview, was taken up by th e Ulst er n ewspaper Belfast wh o publi shed extracts from the article und er a heading 'Unsung Heroes of the Rioting

To my knowledge, this is the first tim e that a newspaper ha s pubhsh ed an report of this work of St. John. And fe el that more facilities should be mad e available to the general Press to cover St. John work at the time that it is going on.

FLU EPIDEMIC

I do not know how we would have carried on without them ; willingly and capab ly your members came to h elp us' nursing officers amd members , ambulanc e and nursing cadets.' These and othel expressions of warm, since r e gratit ud e were con ta ined in a letter to GroUP Captain F. Aitkens Commissioner. Cumberl a nd and Westmorland, from Mis) D I. Whitel ey, Matron, Cumber land

In firmary, Carlisle, the recenl influenza epidemic when as m a ny as Oyel

50 of the hospital nursing st aff wert <.'bsent from duty.

Even with th e assistance rendered se veral of the hospital wards had to bl closed , but, to further quot e MiS' Whit eley, 't h e vital nursing work have been drastically impeded , had nol the St. John members com e forward

BY THE EDITOR

pro mptly and shown th eir capabi litie s so admirably. Patients and staff in the Cumberland Infirmary were grateful indeed for the help, so cheerfully and selfl ess ly given , at such a difficult time'

My picture shows Nursing Member Mrs. Edith Frey, Wicketthorn Cottage, Kirkpatrick-Fleming who was on a week's holiday from her usual work , assisting a whole-time nurse with a patient who was admitted with pneumonia fo ll owing influenza.

'PULL FOR ST. JOHN'

James McKenna , a 50-year-old Boro' Market porter and keen amateur athlete , will pull his mark et barrow 325 miles from Land 's End to Gravesend in ai d of St, John Ambulance. H e starts on March 24 , stopping overnight at Bodmin , Crockernwell , Horton, Amesbury , Hog 's Ba ck, We sterham, and reaches Gravesend on March 30, Easter Monday.

Mr. McKenna is inviting spo n sors to con tribut e at four m i les a penny , thus 6/9 d over the full course ; the whole dista n ce at a penny a mile , thus 27/- over the full co urse; or the last 25 miles (the hard est) at 2/- a mil e, thus 50/-.

Jam es McKenna is a South Londoner an d has lived most of his life in the Old Kent Road area where h e h as been an ar dent s upport er of athletics and

50 - year -old

e ntly runs for Mitcham Athletic s. He has organised barrow-pulls in aid of Cancer R esea rch Spa stics, Tokyo Olympic s, and also a la-mile race around the Southwark district in aid of Guys Ho spital Old Patients . This barrow-pull, the initiative for which ca me from J a mes McKenna is, he says: 'To show my appreciation and thanks to St. John Ambulance for their voluntary work in covering amateur athletic events'.

I hope S t. J ohn members along the rou te will turn out to cheer J ames on his way.

Another thought: might not this be a suggestion for other national sportsparticularly football - to raise funds for the organisa tion th a has given a service to t h eir events for so many years? On e big ma tc h a year, say

ACTION DRAWS A BIG CROWD

Mor e than 250 people were sitting in their seats for a first ai d lecture in Port smo uth recently when suddenly there

was a sickening sc ream of brake s and a crash - a road accident! Th e crowd was rivetted to their seats and watched the full horror of the crash unfold before them

With one of the injured partly thrown through the windscreen of a car, and another trapped in the wreckage, some members of the audience rushed forward to help. Within a few seconds the Portsmouth City Fire Brigade emergency tender and another apphance were on the sce ne - and fireman took over the first aid duties.

For the stunned audience, who were still waiting for the lecture, the crash was a shock; and that was the int en tion of its organiser, chairman of Port smouth SJA a nd the city's Chief Fire Officer , R. W. Bray.

The mangled 'crash vehicle had been o btained in the city; the sound effects were from a television source; the 'victims' were fine actors; and even the members of the audience who had ru shed forward to help were planted. The firemen and their appliances were genuine but stan ding by.

It was a spectac ular evening in eve ry way. For a start, the SJA meetings in the ci ty usually attract between 20 and 30 memb ers This one drew nearly 300 people! Usually a quiet hall serves as the meeting place. This time the audience sat in the appliance room of the city Fire Brigade's Copnor Ro ad h eadquarters. And while lectures ca n so m et imes b e a little dull for even the most enthusiastic first aid follower, the one that followed this demonstration was fascinating. It includ ed a film , co l our slides and a mo st interesting lec tur e by Dr. D E. Argent , Senior Anaesthetist, Port smouth Group Hospit als, Dr. Argent gave an enlightening comme nt ary during the car cras h -

Cumberland member Mrs Edith Frey helps out at a lo ca hospital during the lu epidemic

(Photo; Cumberland Newspapers L td.

pointing out how audience members who 'helped' by dragging injured peopl e across the floor wer e, in fact, worsening their plight. He also indicated how effective was the skilled work of the firemen.

The correct handling of a patient during the first moments of uncons ciousness was then graphically illustrated with sli d es and film

If the activities put on th.at evening were spectac ul ar, the response from the public was astounding. Mr. Bray had advertised the evening well and was hopefully expecting 100 to 150 people to turn up He was surprised when it became obvious that 2 00 were coming. When the final numbers approached the 300 mark he was delighted.

Commander E. A. Morrison the Hampshire County Dir ector, who was present, said after the meeting: 'This evening has been a complete innovation. I feel it was as imaginative as anything I have seen in this country. And I fervently wish that such demonstrations can be repeated - will be repeat gd - elsewhere in Hampshire. I must say how fortunate Portsmouth is in having a m an of the calibre of Dr Argent who is prepared to give his time for doing such work'.

Mr. Bray explained to .the audience that the evening had been the first of a series of six, each of which would consist

of some kind of demonstration to be h eld at differe nt locations in the city. f'ortsm€Juth City Fife Brigade's facilities were used by permission of the Chief Fire Officer G.E.B Brunner, who was also present.

BUSY WEEKEND

The St.J ohn Ambulance Medic al Conference , the successor to the Surgeons and Nursing Officers Conference now that the Association and Brigade are merged , and which will embrace all medical activities of the S t. John Foundation looks as though it's getting off to a good start.

All Surgeons and nursing officers attached to the Foundati€Jn are invited to attend; accommodation is strictly limited and will be provided within student Halls of Residence ; facilities for married couples do exist but owing to the capacity attendance anticipated early application is essential; it may not be possible to entertain applications received after April 8 1970.

The three-day get-togeth er at Nottingham University from Friday evening Aptil 17 to Sunday evening April 19 covers an interesting field of medical subjects.

After dinner on the Friday evening an 8 o'clo ck there will be a lectme by Dr. O. van Be nn haupt, Surgeon-in-Ch illef, J ohanniter-U nfall-Hilfe (Germany) on 'The Use of Overhe ad Projector Transparencies i n First Aid Training'.

On S a turd ay morning discussion groups cover the subjects of Ambulances, Motor Accidents , First Aid in Industry , and First Aid , Me thods of T eaching

After lun ch , Lt General Sir Wilham Pih 'will introduce the Conference Chairman Profes sor Sir Hedley Atkins ; then come three 45-m inute lec tures: First Aid - A Contem porary Appraisal', by Surg eon Rear Admiral Stanley Miles of Man c hester University; 'Com munit y Nursing and Medical Care', by Mrs. M 1. Sears and Miss K. M Pfister; and 'Inflatable Splints', by Dr. Heather Ashton of New cast le University.

During the early evening there will be an open forum followed by the Foundation Dinner.

Sunday will include talks by the Conference Deputy Chairman a seminar of Syndicate Discussion , an open discussion on Syndicate Rep orts, and it is hoped , a talk on 'Transplants in Surgery ' by Professor Roy CaIne of Cambridge U niv ersi ty

A compre h ensive exhibition of visual ai ds wil l be on display over the thre e day s.

Altogether it sounds as though it' s going to be an interesting - and busyweekend for the medical people.

UNISEX IN SOUTHEND?

Southend SJAB members, I h ear, have mixed first aid teams of ex-cadets. The group was formed two years ago when four ex-cadets, two fellas and two gals formed a team and entered a first aid competition As the Brigade does no t recognise mixed teams from other than co mbined divisions, the ex-cadets of thi s ambulance division were limited to non-Brigade competitio ns. With

NEW AMBULANCES

competition successes, other ex-cadets joined them and there are now th.ree such tg(i [iill S An attFactive -l ooking lot they aFe too, from the accompanying photograph. Tfu.ey now also compete in stretcher-bearing and rescue competitions.

What's given the impetus to this idea? The ex-cadets themselves feel it is more realistic to practise with mixed teams and say that they would be far likely to see an accident when in mixed company. My interpretation of this is: that the most natural inclination after the age of sixteen is to have a pastim e that can be shared fully with the girl-friend; also first aid applies to both sexes so training shou ld apply to both too. And secondly, th at a teenager or someone in their early twenties is far more likely to be with someone of the opposite sex, rather than the same, when their skill ill firs t aid may be of some use; so isn't it just as i mport ant to be able to work with someone of the opposite sex?

Sound reasoning - as a Southend member puts it 'in this age of unisex'.

Re cently these Southend teams which are named Malta, Rhodes and Cyprus, have had to remove patients from a simul ated pothole and from the engi ne room of a tug-boat. In the last com petition they took first and second places, and were highly praised by the judge.

MYSTERY IN MALTA (Contd.)

So, curiosity had led me into that va st gloom y old building alongside the N AAFI in Valletta on that hot afternoon so many years ago. I had tho ught I was alone; but no , there was a bent, old woman in Arab dress tending something by the first of a long line of partitions th at ran the full length of the far wall.

I stoo d there transfixed Was sh e as unaware of my presence as she seemed? Or was. this her simple but effective way of saYIng that I was intruding? I didn 't know. For althoug h I had been in Malta six months. by then, and had met many of ordmary, unimportant people of the Island, thell attitude towards the English was stIll much of an enigma to me. In ;eneral I found them gentle, quiet nd u nass ummg - but from such a very one can gauge very little true feelmgs. I knew basically we were on their island, to their way of hfe and to th' , en stnct relIgIOUS observance As races w e had little in and through the years of war wlt ih two s h' uc OPPOSIte races on one very small island, it had been th.e natives who ha<i !bald to comp iwmise their beliefs their their ideals. The betw ee n the Maltese and the ngilsh I had found to be excellent· but would t h" no t IS b e SImple expediency?

What would be the relationship when the ordinary, si mpl e face, that one sometimes Englishman moved into their way of life, sees in animals but far from devoid of as I was doing now? feeling It was a face from a medieval Rejection through being ignored, it painting or woodcut ; fine but seemed. That is what I felt ; but I had to expressionless. be sure. Now was the time to find out.

I moved forward towards the shrouded Then suddenly there was a cry - one, ben t form of the woman still busily short, sharp staccato cry. A child's cry. I tending something, her back towards me. looked down into the feeding trough and I got to wHhin two yards of her, but she still saw a baby lying there, its tiny hands didn 't turn or make any acknowledgment stretched upwards towards the woman It of my presence. I saw now that whatever tried convulsively to cry again, but it she was t ending was in a stone feeding couldn't. The woman was still looking at trough that ran along the partition , her me I moved forward a step and motioned elbows re sti ng on the edge of the trough. with a hand towards the child. But the 'Excuse m e', I asked diffidently 'a r e woman paid no attention; she just look ed you all right?' at me.

Her ba ck straightened slightly, the 'Your baby ', I said. 'It wants you. It mass of dark h air turned, and then I saw Is it your child?' her face. She just looked at me, without But she didn't move - not even a surprise, wi thou t fear, without flicker. That blank, expressionless face recognition, without resentment; she just just looked at me as the child stretched ooked - a face not as old as I had out its hands again in a superhuman imagined it would be' old in life maybe effort and the swallows worked noisily but not in years; a 'face of resignation: where the great roof of that delapidated that had learned to accept, that had come building joined the walls in the humid , to terms with life but hadn't been foetid heat of that summer's afternoon in damaged, corrupted, hurt , disappointed, Malta so many years ago. or in any way defiled ; it was a good, Was this the silen ce of hatred?

Southend's ex-cadets mixed teams with 1969 awards

(Photo; J Hutchins)

-bearer

K. E Godbold, Lord Wakehurst, Mr: Gardner W' lliams Bngadler W H du Plessis, Chancellor for South Africa

Fun? Of course it's fun.

Before go on to actual day-to-day programmmg and how to get the most out of ?amp life I would like to say somethIng about the choice and of wood for the camp fue, v.:hIch IS especially important if wood fIres are to be used for cooking.

WOODCRAFT

First, try to distinguish between wood that burns well and wood that doesn't, DRY wood the sap has dried out) cuts up easily, IS of moderate weight , and v.:elL GREEN wood (with sap still m It) WIll be heavy to handle, difficult to sa.w, and will 'boil' on the fire; the twigs wlll not bend OF snap. ROTTEN wood is very light and crum bIes easily, and this wIll not burn but just char.

So, obviously, dry wood is best for the fue.

Woods which burn easily are: hard wood, burns excellently WIth bnght, clear flames ; long-lasting.

BEECH: Burns well, and when dry, gives hot ash; good for kindling.

BIR C:H: Gives hot fire, is short-lasting, but IS good kindling

CONIFERS: Blazes easily on hot fire so useful for campfires, giving showers' of sparks; needs care in use.

OAK: A hard wood which burns well leaving hot red ash; long-lasting. This is the best wood for kitchen fires.

Woods which do lilOt bum easily:

SYCAMORE: Will burn only if very dry. LIME: Will burn only if very dry and difficult to cut up.

Burns very quickly and pops. No good for cooking.

SPANISH CHESTNUT: Doesn't burn well and is apt to spark.

Woods which are umsuitab1e for bu![ning: ELDER & POPLAR: Flares and sparks and gives off acrid smoke.

ELM: Will not burn on its own and gives off unpleasant s moke

14

GOOD CAMPING

ESPECIALLY FOR THE CADETS Part III

By Richard G. Farrell

(D.O Upminster and Hornchurch Cadet Division)

I?'l wet weather stack the firewood upnght against a tree to keep it dry.

PROGRAMME

A good knowledge of games and pastimes is invaluable, for the secret of happy camping is a full programme so that the cadets do not get bored. Some suggestions for a programme follow: DAY OF ARRIVAL

Instrucitons given to duty parties for the afternoon. Then clearing up after meal and pitching camp

Move into tent s. Settling-in timefollow ed by free time to look around.

Followed by det aili ng rest of work for evening, and then a football

go to town 'A party to lo cal pla ce of inter es t. (These were reversed earlier in week.) 5.00 Dinn er 6.00 Camp fire 9.00 Supper 9.30 Go to b ed 10.00 Light s out

But what about work? There are sti ll a lot of camp c ho res which ne ed doing.

The adults, of course, will h ave their duti es allocated b e fore arrivaL The cadet s should b e divid e d in to work parties by tent arrangement. In the morning one group of 6 ca dets will split into two sections, one to clear up after breakfast , the other to prepare dinner. A seco nd tent-group would follow a simi lar procedure in the afternoon. After dinner in the evening, a third group c ear up , have a break, and then r etu rn to prepare supper at a specified time.

By working on constant rotation it will oe found that no group works m'ore than a couple of hours each day and with 5 groups (30 cadets) nobody finds thai the only job they do is 'spud-bashing'!

All members are expected to k eep theIr t ent s clean and tidy, and the area around th eir t en ts free from litter. Th e loosening and tightening of guy-lines an d checking of pegs, etc. , are' the responsibdity of rlilh e i ndividual tent-leaders.

I have found that this is the best forn ] of work-programme for the cadets and il is the one tha t they l i ke best.

Try to create enthusiasm for work needs to be done, rather than a '¥ om do this'

GENERAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Nothing allows the body to become more out of shape than just laz i ng around doing nothing Cadets should be encouraged to indulge in plenty of activity, which will also mean that th ey get plenty of fresh air.

A good proportion of one' s life is spent asleep, therefore good sleeping arrangements are necessary.

Ground damp rises , even from apparently dry earth, so a groundsheet to sleep on is a necessity. On e of thick rubber, 6ft x 3ft, is recommended.

At night a groundsheet is used to cover the ground beneath the ca mp e r in his sleeping bag. By day, he rolls up his equipment in it. Groundsheets must be kept clea n never u se d for carrying wo o d and NEVER TRODDEN ON.

For sleeping use a slee ping bag and a blanket; with no sleepi ng bag use blanket s. And remember, that one bla nke t ben eath the body gives as much warmth as two on top

Blanket s and sleeping bags should be thoroughly aired every day , also the t e nt.

A sleeping person's body gives off a quantity of moisture, so when ther e are several people s eeping in a t e nt , the canvas soon becomes d a mp ; also of course, evening and morning dew ca n sodden the ca nvas.

Wh e n cadets go to bed they are usually tired. thank goodness, but ask t h em occasionally if their pyjamas are damp. They usually a nswer , No ', but check for yourse lf. It is sur pri sing how many ca dets cannot - or are too tired to - tell the dif fere n ce betw ee n wet and d ry! You ' ll pro bably find tha t th ey walked through wet grass on their way to ablutions early t hat morning , rolled up the legs of their PYjamas be ca us e t h ey were we t, and then left them like tha t all day.

Never allow cadets to sleep in their cloth.es. If t'hey do so, their clothes will become damp from sweat and after an hour. in bed they will be 'shivering. For slee pmg, pyj amas are the best wear even with a jersey over for extra warmth' and bed-soc ks also, but never the socks'that have been worn all day.

The cadets must have an undisturbed night 's sleep too. If adults are going to sit around the camp-fire or play cards till lat e, they should do so with a mi nimum of noise. A final point that is often overlooked is to make sure that all cadets have been to the toilet before getting undressed for bed; and, of course, cade ts should go to bed at a r easo nable hour although one lat e night over a weekend or two over a week's camp is acceptable: What is a reasonable time for bed?

Obviousl: this depends a lot upon age, but 100 clock seems fair.

In we t weathe r cadets should be encouraged to wear wellingtons , or better stIll plim so ll s and no socks. Then they are le ss hkely to catch co ld than if they wander around in wet socks and leather

We t clothes should be changed 1m.medlately it stops raining a nd then dned.

If you are blessed with really hot, sunny weather while on camp do not allow cadets to sit too long in the sun. When th ey start over-doing it, get them i nto the shade, but n ot into the t ents for these will b e eve n hotter

For sunburn , apply calamine lotion immediately. Do not neglect sunburn , otherwise the patient will soon feel ill and co uld develop a fev er, so s poiling the holiday . GENERAL

With adequate care the te nt s will keep th e ir occup a nts warm and dr y. Wh e n pitching , try to do so on a gen tZe s lope

Dont't face the open end of the ' tents directly into t he wind. If it ra ins, slacken the guy-ropes ; with a high wind , tighten

and lock them.

If water appears to be flooding the tents during heavy weather, dig a drainage trench on the weath e r side and a lead trench to divert the water away or downhill. But fill the trenches in again before leaving the site.

Inside the tent - NEVER have naked lights. Also never take food into a sleeping tent; it will attract insects and perhaps even mice , and also soil the sleeping are a.

If it rains , do not touch the canvasotherwise water will pour through If a tent has a small l ea k , this can be stop ped by sticking adhesive plaster on the outside of the canvas.

To strike a tent in a hurry - for instance, if a fire has started inside - get everyone out loosen all the guys , and push the poles over. This will bring the tent down on top of the burning material exclude the au and smother the fire . This may put out the fire , if not throw earth , sand or water on top of the ten t.

CONCLUSION

That then is my A to Z of camping procedure especially for cadet camps. To repeat , these notes are not intended to replace camping experience. They should be used by the camp organiser more as a 'c heck-list' of things that he should or should not do.

Having read my series of articles I'm sure that many people will produ ce facts ideas and advice that I have omitted 0; they will have other opinions on the ways that things should be done. Of co urse this should be so. For is no t this the attraction of outdoor sports such as camping? Every ime we d o t hem something different or new crops up : a hItherto unknown problem develops. This IS what makes it such fun ; the uncertainty of many of d e tails Good Camping, I hope ha s gIVen a broad outline of a general plan for camping - and so leave you more time to deal with the unforeseen Happ y Camping

(left) Can have

second

(right) There' s nothing like

good camp fire

REACTION TO THE NEW REVIEW

from the Director General, Lieut-Gen. Sir William Pike

This is a brief note to you on your first issue of the new Review. I thought it was a first class effort, especially in view of all the difficulties with which you were encompassed.

I am quite sure that your ideas are on the right lines and I would like to say that the print is far easier to read than the old Review. I can, indeed, read it going home in the train at night which I could never do with the previous prin ting.

The best of luck to your future productions, to which I look forward very much , and please let me know if I can help you at any time.

H/Q St. John Ambulance William Pike

from B. R. Jarman, Dist S/O (Cadets)

Please allow me to congratulate you on the splendid 'new look' Review and judging from the No.1 January 1970 editionit's going places.

A few ideas have occurred to me and so I pass them over to you for the benefit of our magazine.

Firstly, I like the idea of enclOSing the Review in an envelope. This keeps it flat and is easy to open without tearing the pages as so often used to happen when rolled in a wrapper. How about a bold announcement at the top left-hand corner of the envelope'THE ST. JOHN REVIEW' or some such phrase - by way of advertising the magazine ?

I also think the idea of a serial 'Mystery in Malta' , your story in Around and About, is a good one and could bring many casual readers into the list of regular subscribers. We all want to know what happened in Valletta that hot afternoon!

If you're going to continue having 'What's going on in the world of St. John' or even just an editor's column , how about letting your readers know you a bit better? You'd never think of doing it on y our own, but if aske d for a picture of yourself (say) sitting at your office desk - would you ' oblige please? We shall all know then who is dealing with our reports, stories and perhap s our problems.

Being particularly interested in cadets, I am wondering if there might be a section just for them. They could be invited to ask questions on the Brigade, etc., and could send in their interesting stories Competitions could be arranged with occasional worthwhile prizes This could bring in more readers from our cadets. And they are a most important section of the Brigade. Well, there it is. You 'asked for it' under the sub-heading 'Chauffeur' (page 8)!

I wish you every success in your new office. West Riding of Yorkshire Ben R. Jarman

Ed: Thanks for the ideas, Ben ; most of them, I'm glad to say are already in hand. The first competition for cadets I hope to announce next month, wIth prizes of a week's holiday in Malta Look forward to more ideas like these from West Riding -a very practical c(mnty, as we all know )

from Mrs. E. J. Pigott, Area/Supt

I felt I must write to you and congratulate you on the new look you have given to our Review I found it both interesting and readable. I have been through it from cover to cover and happened to have seen the photograph of Christine Demicoli being taken on the steps of Marsa StadiufIfl_ Y()U a re certainly 'with it', as you quote the price in both £.s.d. and the new decimal notation, although I notice on page 22, the quotation for renewal of subscription is 23/- or 115 n.p. Should not this be £1.15.0. or 1.15 n.p.? 16

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations

On page 11 I notice that Cadet Leader David Dickson has come to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. I have written to welcome him to this lovely city in general, and to the St. John in Cambridge in particular.

Your 'Mystery in Malta' sto ry can only refer to ..

With all good wishes for the future of the Review and may the circula tion increase.

Cambridg e Evelyn Pigott

Ed: I think d ecimal currency in Britain is long over-due, but there is still some confusion. 23/- is 115 n.p., but of course Mrs. Pigott is correct , it should, in fact, read £1.15 n.p. What I don't understand is how we can have (one tenth of the present shilling) with a decimal system! Mrs. Pigott is the only person who has told me where I was in my Mystery in Malta story, so, to keep the my stery for the rest of us, I'm afraid I'm not printing that bit of her letter!)

from Major Robert O'Brien , Pro-Chancellor of the British Association Sovereign Military Order of Malta

I would like to offer you my warm congratulations on an excellent publi cation I am so glad to see that yo u have been generous with your illustrations, which makes this kind of magazine very attractive. Your handling of the installation of the new Lord Prior was, I think, excellent.

I am now looking forward to seei ng No.2!

With every good wish.

London , W.I. Robert O'Brien

(Ed: Major O'Brien, I must mention, is a direct or of a major London newspaper holding company, and, I learned, after receiving his piece in this month's A & A on the la te Harry Pirie-Gordon that we have both 'done time' on the same newspaper , the Continental Daily Mail that used to be published in PariS.)

from J. C. Turnbull, 0/0

Just a line to offer you my congratulations on your first issue of the Review. Editorially it is, in my opinion excellent, and t should go down very well with your readers. From the technical and printing angle, it is quite an attractive job and well printed

One or two of the half tones are a bi t OIl the 'black' side while others to be a little 'wishy-washy', but this may be largelY the fault of the original photographs The page make up lackS some of the niceties of spacing which we must bear with [f this process is going to make the magazine economically more sou nd , Saffron Walden Combined Division J C. Turnbull

(Ed: Mr. Turnbull is the m anaging di rector of a printing CCnIilpany. Wi th offset-litho pr jntin g repro duce exactly as the Glrigjnals; there is no 'b[ock' as in letterp ress piiimting, on which tonal inequa lHies of the original can b e ad1usted. But block-making charges for a magazin.e with m any illustrations greatly increase the production costs. Th e nicebes of spacing in make-up will come with time - this was my fault; I don.'t like pages finishing with little fillers , or articles turning to page so-and-so. I l1ke them to finish the page comp letely But working to new production methods, which nee d a very accurate estimate of wordage, takes a little time to perfect.)

CADET BADGES

from G Soper, 0 / 0

[ would like to send my congratulations to you and your staff on the publication of the 'new' Review.

While writing , I wonder if you could find out through your colum ns what the views are of other cadet officers of cadets showing their badge su bj ects on their anTIS instead of numerals as at present? The front cove r of the Review, October 1968, gives a good examp le of this with cadets of South Africa.

I look forward to reading any comments.

Tavi stock Division (C) G. Soper

VISUAL AI DS - I DEAS WANTED

from the Secretary, Visual Aids Committee

Refer ence the letter on this subject published in the Janu ary issue of the Review , the Chairman of the Foundation's Visual Aids Committee has requested me to invite yo ur readers' attention to the fact that this committee. which consists of distingu ishe d members of the medical and nursing professions , educational and Service authorities and visual ai d officers , is the St. John Ambulance's paramount authority on visual ai d s. This committee meets regularly to avalu ate all visual aids , to promulgate in terest in such training ai ds , and to initiate acquisition of suitable equipment. The committee is always delighted to be of assistance to St. John members. It is sugg ested therefore that any comments , remarks or ideas upon visual aids that readers may have be address e d to the Visual Aids Secretary at St. John Headquarters.

London , S. W.I. P. Adams

(Ed: I should hke to point out that the Re ader s' Views pages of the Review will be always open for di sc ussing any subject of general interest appertaining to the Order of St. John and its Foundations - with the u sual exceptions of libellous or slanderous material of course - while I am the editor.)

WANT TO BE A THEATRE TECHNJCIAN?

from G. F Brown, Div/Supt.

Male members of the SJAB have you ever thought of working in a hos pita[? If so, the following may be of interest.

I take it as read that you have a keen interest in the welfare of your fellow m an and a desire to seek knowledge to further your capabilities in pursuit of this object: then you have the essentials that are required of a theatre technician.

What is a theatre technician? He deals with the technical side of theatre duties, with speCial responsibilities for the anaesthetic eqUipment (and aSSisting the anaesthetist), also the equipment for reSUSCitation, and emergency procudeures.

. But the duties of the technician go much further than that. He 1S trained in aU aspects of theatre techniques, which include knOWing how to look after a patient before , during and after the anaesthetic; in a knowledge of the instruments used during

surgery, includi ng steriliSing procedures , and the ability to assist the surgeon; as well as numerous other responsibilities.

Those are the theatre technician's duties in a hospital dealing with general surgery. The training period is two years, fo llowed by the examination to b eco me a member of the In stit ute of Operating Theatre Technicians and a Regi stere d Medical Auxiliary, which is recognised by the BMA but not yet by the Departm ent of Health an d Social Service.

As yet, not all hospitals have theatre technician s, but where they are employed this is a very worthwhile and interesting career.

I had no idea there were such openings within the hospital service until our County Staff Officer (Me. R. Ingram) , who is also tutor at the County Hospital, told me. I feel other members may b e interested in such a career.

I take my examinations in 18 mon ths time - so wish me luck! St. Ives (Hunts) Cadet Div.

Cadet trophy from Malta preserned to Wantage Combined Division

Brown

CADET TROPHY FROM MALTA from Mrs. B. Stewart, Div/Supt.

Readers may be interested to see our new cadet trophy, the 'Malta' Trophy pre sen ted to Wantage Combined Cadet Division by C/SIO H. Knott and N/O Mrs. M. Knott for the best cadet. It is to be competed for annually. The figure is that of a Knight of the Order , hand-made in metal. It was brought home from Malta after the Diamond Jubilee celebrations last year - hence its name. Wantage Combined Cadet Division B. Stewart

ANONEMUS

I thought Review readers m ight be as amused as I was by an entry in one of my cadet's record book s which I found when preparing my annual returns We had been on duty at our local gymkhana and he entered '4 hrs - Jim Carner'. I had better remain anonymous!

London Cadet Superintendent (Ed: I too get confused over English spelling. Our coinage is to be more logical - why not our spelling?)

G. F.

NEWS fpom SCOTLAND

THE NEW PRIOR

A friend writes: The Earl of Haddo is the eldest son of the 3rd Marquis of Aberdeen and Tremair and nephew of the 2nd Marquis, who was himself a Prior of Scotland. He was educated at Harrowlater he was to marry Joan, daughter of A.P. Bossier, a past Head Master - and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. He was for some time assistant to Major Ross , then factor at Balmoral, before becoming land agent to Major Mckenzie at Fawley Court and Carradale, Argyll. He took over the Haddo estates from his uncle twenty-five years ago and spends much of his time in running them. He is a Fellow of the Land Agents' Society. From 1962 to 1966 he was Convenor of the Scottish Land Owners' Federation and is now one of its vice-presidents.

At the outbreak of war in 1939, Major David Gordon (as he then was) was land agent to Lord Derby at Knowsley but , being a serving officer in the T A., he mobilised with the 5th Bn The Gordon Highlanders which he had joined in 1928 and served with them and the 9th Bn. in France and the U.K., gaining a Mention in Despatches In 1940 he was appointed Brigade Major and from 194 2 to 1945 he was staff officer to the Provost Middle East Forces, serving in the Middle East and North Africa. In 1947 he was awarded the Territorial Decorationindeed he has had a very long and distinguished career in the T.A. in which he has always taken a most active interest. In 1963 he was appointed chairman of the County of Aberdeen Territorial Association, a position which he held until the disbandment of the T.A. in 1968.

In public life, Lord Haddo has many commitments and many duties to perform. Apart from his responsibilities as a landowner, he is a member of the A.berdeen County Council, a governor of Robert Gordon's College, a Justice of the Peace and a director of the northern area board of the Clydesdale Bank. He is Her Majesty's Vice Lieutenant for the County of Aberdeen and a member of the Quetm's Bodyguard for Scotland - the Royal Company of Archers. For his services to the public and his country he was awarded the C.B.E. in 1963. His interests are many and varied. Like his predecessor, Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey, he is a railway enthusiast and a member of the Great North of Scotland Railways Association. He has always played a very active part in all sports, especially Rugby Football - in 1938 he captained the London Scottish 18

Rugby Football Club and was a Scottish tria list in 1934-35. He is also greatly interested in cricket and is a member of the M.C.C. But perhaps what gives him the greatest enjoyment and satisfaction is the particularly active role he plays in all the productions of the Haddo House Choral Society , founded by his wife, the Countess of Haddo , twenty-five years ago.

He joined the Order of St. John over ten years ago and was promoted to Knight in 1964. He was for many years chairman of Aberdeen Committee of the Order and is now its President, having succeeded his uncle, the 2nd Marquis of Aberdeen and Tremair. The Order is indeed fortunate in having a man of such outstanding ability and integrity to succeed Sir Malcolm, whose personality and charm endeared him to all whose privilege it was to serve with him.

MISCELLANY

The generosity of Mr. Herbert Green , the Glasgow Knight of St. John , is well-known in Scotland. It has been his custom to present every life-m ember of the A.ssociation with a framed illuminated

certificate and to give many S t. John diaries - specially printed with a reference to the Priory of Scotland - to members of the Order at Christmas. This year he has broken all records , giving away about 400 St. John diairies, besides a number of St. John address books to ladies of the Glasgow Association sub-committees.

Miss Jessie Hay Cassie, a resident of the Order of St. John's HOP.1e, Mansion House Road, Glasgow, will be 102 y ea rs old next August 3. On her 100th birthday she received a telegram from the Queen and a party was held at the Home, to which all her relatives came. A cake wa s the centre-piece of the party and champagne was provided by Mr. Matth ew E Taylor, a member of the Glasgow Committee

COINCIDENCE?

The department of Medieval History of the University of St Andrews has ju st moved into a new building - an old hou se on the site of the property in St. Andrews of the Order of S t. John in the Middle Ages. Lecturing in the departm ent are the librarians of the Priories of both England and Scotland. The libra'rian of Scotland has written volume I of the projected four volume history of th e Order of St. John. The lib ra rian of England, who is also head of the department is at presemt writing volum e II. J. R.-S

MISS MAUD HARRISON, M.B.E.

Secretary to Four Suprintendents-in-Chief Retires

From the Countess of Brecknock: 46 years at St. John Headquarters - it hardly seems possible! But that is the record achieved by Maud Harrison, as secretary to the Superintendent-in-Chief, or to be more accurate to four Superintendents-in-Chief. And in addition to this formidable amount of secretarial work, for 39 of those years she was doing active, voluntary Brigade work, which she gave up only when she reached the age of 75; but even then she kept up her efficiency, passing a first aid re-examination as recently as 1968.

Maud's record of service, in fact, is so fantastic that although I normally disapprove of facts and figures I think readers will be interested in her's: 1923 Awpointed secretary to the S-in-C. 1926 Joined the Brigade as 'Ambulance Sister', with NO.9 Kensington Nursing Division.

1940 Appointed 'Lady Ambulance Officer.

1942 Appointed corps Officer.

for advice, from Superintendent-in-Chief to the newest recruit. Her great strength is her interest in people and their problems, her patience and sympathetic understanding, her vast fund of knowledge and experience, and, above all, her ability to keep up with the times - to be 'with it'. This was perhaps best expressed when a member of neadquarters staff said to her recently : 'In the year that I've known you, Maud, you've never once said, "Things are not what they used to be" or "We n ever used to do it that way in the old d a y s". And Maud replied : 'No, dear , becau se times change, and one must change with them.'

How many of us could say that after 6 years in a job let alo ne after 46? The immense popularity a nd affection felt for her throughout the Brig ade was shown by the generous re s ponse from Districts and Counties to the suggestion that they

1944 Appointed Staff Officer (Grade II).

1947 Appointed Staff Officer (Grade O.

1953 Appointed Assistant Brigade Secretary as well as secretary to S-in-C.

1969 Retired on pension in June, but continued to give voluntary service fOf three days a week until the end of the year.

For her fine war service she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1946.

Alas my three predecessors - Lady Perrott, Mrs. Atkinson and Lady Mountbatten - are no longer here to support me but I am sure they would have agreed when I say that Maud's devoted and untiring service throughout those 46 years has contributed in no small measure to the tremendous e:(Cpansion of the nursing side of St. John work. She has been guide, philosopher and friend to everyone who came to her

might like to contribute to a present in token of our esteem and admiration of her outstanding service. As a result she received a transistor radio and (to her amazement) a cheque for £165. A great tribute to a remarkable woman

counsel, her infallible judgement, made her service outstanding.

Mrs. Bomford, Cheshire: I know of no-one who has been more dedicated to the Order and the Brigade during her long service. She will be sorely missed. Thank you, Maud, for your loyal invaluable support and help during the ten year s we have worked together.

Other tributes to Maud Harrison came from: Miss M. Watson: Maud's skill in diplomacy was called upon in many ways at Headquarters. Especially, I remember , when Prince Phillip telephoned Lady Mountbatten , who was in conference, and Maud was instru c ted: 'Please tell my nephew I cannot spea k in the middle of a conference'

Miss Overend, Co. Dublin: I want to express my real admiration and affection for her and all h er wonderful work for the Brigade Her loyalty, her wise

Lady Heald, Surrey wrote : I cannot think of St John without her. To me she has been the fountain of knowledge in connection with St. John

Mrs Manley Cambs.: She has been guide, philosopher -and friend to so many of us.

Mrs Watson , Durham: Always ready to help with problems great and small real or irnaginery.

Mrs . Hull, Northants: I am sure no one has ever asked her advice or help on any matter without receiving a most wise and considered judgement.

Mrs . Gro svenor : Maud's departure from H.Q. - an historic event .

Questions and Answers

Questions on First Aid from our readers are welcome for this regular feature They will be answered by The Chief Medical Officer, Professor H

ARTI FICIAL RESPI RATION from G.D. Baker, Westmoreland.

Q: What pr essures are required for Silvester method of artific ial respiration - are they the same as recommended for the Holger-Neilsen method , i.e. 24/30lbs for adults, 12/141bs for children, and 2/41bs for infants?

A: An interesting point; the Manual says 'rock your body forward and press down'. Mere leaning forward should, in fact , exert moderate body pressure that should suffice.

As a good guide, pressures reqUired in the application of the Holger-Neilsen method would apply in the Silvester method but it is important to bear in mind that speed is essential. One cannot be dogmatic about drill pressures because it is the yield and the reaction of the body to the pressures that really rna tters and this may have to be varied accordingly. One should also remember that as people get older , t he rib cage tends to become mor e brittle and any attempt to obtain the requiSite yield may possi bly fracture ribs. This is of COurse a calculated risk in the case of dire emergency but it is a poss i bility and should always be borne in mind.

HYPER AND HYPO from L.C.Collins, Somerset.

Q: Two words in the First Aid Manual - Hyperglycaemi a: insulin lack, and Hypoglycaemia : insulin excess - might be considered misleading. Would not a better descrip t ion be - Hyperglyc ae mi a : blood glucose level is too high , and Hypoglycaemi a : blood glucose level too low?

A: The first part of your statement is not in itself strictly correct but you have given a correct definition in the second part. The word HYPER indicates too much ; and HYPO too littl e Th is refers of course to the amoun t of glucose in the blood ; the insulin element is merely causative.

Also:

Q: In the Manual it states, 'due to nervous reaction t he individual sweats and his skin becomes clammy '. May I ask why?

A: This presumably refers to 'shock' and allied conditions; the of the mechanism is somewhat complicated but in Slll1ple terms the sympathetic nervous section of the autonomic nervous system in the skin is stimulated in shock thus producing sweating which has no connection with he heat factor.

PRESSURE POINTS from J.C.Turnbull, Saffron Walden.

Q: ConSidering that many doctors advocate the use of pressure points , I feel ju stifi ed in continuing to instruct on the three principle femoral brachial and sub-clavian. Am I wrong?

A: As you so rightly say, the use of pressure points is still adl/ ;cate d by so me doctor s and indeed our text-book encourages the indirect use of a form of pressure point in the treatment of bleeding from the hand when the immediate control of haemorrhage consists of grasping the wrist The use of any of the three advocated pressure points entails the cessation of circulation to a much larger area than may be necessary for the control of the local haemorrhage and since modern methods of treatment are so efficient it should be generally po ssi ble to eliminate the use of pressure points. Furthermore both the femoral and the sub-clavian pressure points are notoriously difficult to apply and maintain.

SEDATIVE from M.W.Harris, Hove.

Q : The first Aid Manual mentions , 'a mild sedative'. Can you iden tify those available?

A ; The administration of a sedative, however apparently mild , should be a matter for the medical officer; the mention of the word in the Manual is for general information only so that the patient should be encouraged to seek medical aid; you will note that no sedative is advocated by name. Even the doctor himself will vary the nature of the seda tive according to the special needs of the specific case

Also:

Q : For plastic irrigation bottles for acids in the eye we use a solution of bicarbonate of soda and for alkalis in the eye we use boric acid. Should these be of a certain st rength or saturated solutions?

A: The text-book no longer advocates the use of neutralising agents in the event of corrosive burns whether affecting eye or skin. Ac i ds and alkalis are only corrosive when in concentration; when well diluted , they cease to be corrisive in action. The neutralising agent would have no effect on the damage already don e. Bu t dilution may well partly minimise the effect and certainly prevent further aggravation. While on the subject, I would remind you of the necessity for speed of action.

(Left) Toy s made by member s, puts £60 into Hersham (Surrey) Divi sions's funes

News from

EXETER - Duri ng 1969 the Nursi ng Cadet Div ision won t h e Bolt Cup for the best nursing ca de t division in the county; they celebr ate d their 40th birthday (the division , th at is!) ; they represe n ted D evon ca d ets at St. John's Day service at St. JPau l's Cathedral ; a!lild they ca

the Divisions

an d bru ises from broken glass. The St. John m embers stayed on the scene un ti th e police arrived , and t':"'o of tne passengers

- ca det s from C 14 6 (Upmi n st er and Horn ch ur c h) Ambulan ce Divisio n were being dr ive n hom e recently by Divisio nal Offi ce r Ri chard F arrell from a road safety quiz whi ch they had l ost by two point s against Bexl e yh ea th Cade t Divi sion , when they encountered an accident.

Two cars h ad co llided at t r affi c light s one being a write-off , the o ther seve r e ly damaged. Th e five p eo pl e in the acc id en t wer e not serio u s ly in j ur e d ; ju s t a few c ut s

.L ,'1 .r;'::./",//'} \ "

(BeIGw) 0 ne present and three ex-cadets of Wembley Division rec:::eive Grand Prior's Badges frGm Area/Comm. Dr. C.P Seccombe (PM@te : Middlesex County Press)

(Above) Keighly Airedale (W.R. Yorks) cadets J a yn

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW ST JOHN REVIEW

To the Treasurer, Order of St. John, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.1.

Please years subscription to the St. John Review commencing with the issue. I enclose for yeaf!s.

(23/- or £1. 15p., including postage for one year)

NAME ADDRESS

(ALL BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE)

* Delete whichever is inappliGable

STOP PRESS

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.3 (70) CompiledbvW.A.Potter ACROSS

1. S olid pus in nail produces cong e n i tal d efec t over coccyx (9.5 9. Colourful rash of virus infection of children (7). 10. Surg er) employing non-metallic materials (7). II. Late change in part ( Pia Mater (4). 12. He takes 59 to form margin of auricl e (5). 13 Carminative coi n (4). 16 Doubl e vision (8). 17. Nur se take s or attachment of muscle to bone (6). 19. Bus ran for splint used fO treatment of fracture of low er limb (6). 21. Breath taken at tht end of one's e ndurance (4.4). 24. Ancient British home (4). 25

Inadequately metabolised by untreated 4. Down (5). 26. Seasidf entertainer gives up rot to show where h e may perform (4). 29 Most dilatable se c tion of alimentary tract (7). 30 . A large glam alongside (7). 31. Main sister's lot could be the cause of dyspno e: and cyanosis (6.8).

DOWN

1. Suppurative infection of salivary gland (7.7) 2. Past aI reformation for the final round (4.3). 3. Gas contributing ( many signs (4). 4. Coma associated with excess of 25 Across il the blood (8). 5. Oily or fatty substance (6). 6. How rain cal make a country (4). 7. Reorganised red unit not yet put to tel (7). 8. Kidney infection sometimes a sequel to tonsilitis chi ldr en (5.9). 14. Noise in good health (5). 15. Progno s carrying a grave co nsequence possibly (5). 18. Phy sical featu n leading to blindness not uncommonly in 4 Down (8). 20. II glands, lungs and maxillae (7), 22. Slam in a return to liv in; creatures (7). 23 Capacity of Syllabus he learns (6). 27 Hav in relatively small amount of pigment in skin (4). 28. Part of cere which, by providing roughage, acts as a mild laxative (4).

Safe, gentle and swift to healSavlon

'Savlon' Liquid and 'Savlon' Cream are indispensable to your first-aid kit. They gently clean a way dirt, killing the germs that would infect the wound. The antiseptics in both products are powerful, safe. They were discovered by I CI and are now used extensively by doctors and hospitals in this country and overseas .

Savlon Antiseptic Cream 2/6, 4/6, 8/3

Savlon Antiseptic Liquid 1/8, 3/ -, 5/1

Solution to Crossword No.2 (70)

ACROSS 1. Rodent Ulcer: 7. M.O.B.: 9. Pituitary: 10. Siren: JI

Sera: 12 Amino: 13 Fun-d: 16. Electra: 18. Eyelids: Hodgkin: 21. Cochlea: 22. Si-ck: 23. Scamp: 24. Mole: 28 Onion: 29. Ec1a-mp-si-a: 31. E-w-e: 32. Peritonitis. DOWN

1. Rip: 2 De-ter : 3. Nail: 4. Uraemia: 5. Cayenne: 6. Res t: 1

Mercurial: 8. Bone Disease : 11. Stethoscope: 14. Stake : J5

Pea-ch: 17. Endocrine: 20. Nuclear: 21. Camel-ot: 25 Onset: 26

Snap: 27. (W)omen: 28. A-ss.

HUDDERSFIELD ROYAL INFIRMARY

HUDDEHSFIELD HD3 3EA

ORTHOPAEDIC AND GENERAL NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL

Applications are invited from young men and women who wish to follow a Cours e of Training lead in g to: -

ffirthopaedic Nursing Certificate

Age of entry for this training is 17 yea rs and the course is of twenty months duration Suc cessfu l students are allowed six months reduction in General Nurse Training, giving a combined training lea ding to State Registered Nurse/Orthopaedic Nursing Certificate of four years two nwnths.

Candidates should possess G. CE. '0' Lev el or CSE. Grade 1 in four subjects, o ne ofwhich must be English Language, English Literature or History.

Further details may be obtained from Matron , who will be pleased to answer your enquiries.

Come NURSING

CF{AY VALLEY AND SEVENOAKS HOSPITAL MANAGEMENTCOMltrllTTEE

NURSE TRAINING

PUPIL NURSES 2 year course in practical nursing to become a State Enrolled Nurse. Facilities for training on a part time basis also available. Schools commence May and November.

STUDENT NURSES 3 year course for State Registration. Schools commence February and August.

Good training facilities both in excellent progressive teaching Department and in practical work on the Wards, in conjunctio n with Sidlcup and Seven oaks HospitaL

For further details apply: Matron Orpington Hospital, Orpington, Kent. (56)

information. Why not as k , write or telephone tod

CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, WESTGATE ROAD, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, 4 Telephone: 38811.

CENTRAL NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON E.C.l.

Ophthalmic Student Nurses (46 )

Candidates accepted at the age of 17 to commence an 18 months course

training as Op h thalmic Students, Moorf ie lds Medal an d Cer tif icate award to successfu ca ndid ates. Well equ ipped School of Nu rs i ng Success ca ndidat es. o n complet io n may enter the General Tra ining Sc h oo of hl c hoi ce. Comfortab e Nurses' Home n Kensingt o n within easy reach of Albert Hall, Victoria and A lb ert Mus eu m and Theatre s, Tennis Ca u Active Social Club.

Applications in writing to the Matron.

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON, E.C.l.

Vacancies ex is for State Enrolled Nurses to enter for the training in Ophthalmic Nursing. Twelve months' course. of which v month s ar e spe nt in the Schoo of Nursing.

Moorfields Certificate of Pr oficiency and Medal awarded to successfu cand idates who are a Iso prepared for the Proficiency Ce rti fic ates of the Ophthalmic Nurs ng Board Opportunities for promotion and pra ctica responsibility in th e spec ial fi eld of nursing.

Apply to Miss M B. M acKe lJ ar, Matron. (2i

ORGANISERS OF FETES AND FUNDS. W e welcome b oth pers o buyers and mail orders for our exte n siv e range of toys and who lesa e prices, se nd for price lists. ALSO pre-selected parcels :- 144 1 Toy s OR 72 1/- Toy s OR 381/11 Toys OR Selecticm Stationery. Eac Parce 54/- plus 4/6 postage Two or more parcels 6/- postag e. J.E. Th arr & Son (Cuffley) Ltd 2A Hand swo rth Road. Lond o n, N.17. (f

CONWAY STEWART QUALITY BALL PENS, Die-stamped with 33 Go Lett ers a nd Spaces. 30s. a gross. 6s. standard cha rg e. post a nd packing ar Quantity. Thr ee days del ivery Samples fr ee. Sale or return. Full pens returned .-ABBEY WHOLESALE, 77 L iverpool Road. Stoke 5T lAE. (31

GOOD FUND RAISERS from Airedale Pre ss Ltd Hav e the S.J.A. Emblem disp la yed on Pencils and Ball Point Pens. printed with 2/3 lined of Brig ade deta ils on British-made Rowney Pencils and Conway Stewart Pe ns. Write for Pri ce Booklet and samples to Dept. F. , P.O Box. 60. Mos scar Street, Bradford 3,'Yorkshire. (25)

SOUTH WEST MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

STUDENT NURSES AND PUPIL NURSES

Application s are invitea from young men and women who ar e interested in a worth -whil e career in the nur sing profession:

STUDENT NURSE-training at:

West Middle sex Hospit al, Isleworth, Middl esex (948 beds)

Gen era l Course - 3-year course for stu dents with 2 or more 0' level pas ses including English or History or pass in Educational Test. This course leads to State Regi stratjon (S.R.N.). Courses start in J an ua ry , May and September eac h year.

Int egrated Course - 5 GCE su bje c t s with English, of which 2 must be at 'A' level , or passes in 4 subjects 3 of whkh are at 'A' lev el, required for a 3-year 9months' course for State Regi stere d

Nurse, Distr ict Nurse and Health Vi sit or qualihcations. Courses star t in Se ptember.

Combin ed Certificate-4 year course lea ding to Regi stere d Mental Nur se an d State Regi stere d

Nurse qualifkations This co urse is open to Male Students only.

King Edward Memorial Ho spita l , Ealing, W.l3 (235 bed s).

General Course - le adi ng to State Regi ste red Nurse qualification. School commences Janu ary, April and September.

PUPI L NURSE- training (2-year couse) at:

West Middle sex Ho spital Isleworth , Middle sex.

Br entfo rd Ho spit al, Bo ston Manor Road , Brentford , Middx. (35 beds).

South Middl esex Ho spital , Mogden Lane , Isleworth, Middx. (145 beds).

Teddington Memorial Ho spital , Tedding ton, Middx. (52 beds)

School commences January , May and September.

All these hospitals are within easy reach of Central London.

Th e Matrons of these ho sp ital s will be pleased to supply full deatil s about Training Cour ses, facilities and careers in the Nursing Service. (53)

Queen Alexandra's ROYAL NAVAL NURSING SERVICE

NURSING SISTERS

A Direct Entry for S.R.N.'s with one year's postgraduate experience. Preference given to Nurses with an extra qualification.

NAVAL NURSES

S.E.N.'s-There is now a Direct Entry for qualified S.E.N.'s under the age of28.

Training-Girls accepted from 18-28. S.R.N. candidates must have obtained 4 G.C.E. '0' level passes in academic subjects.

S.E.N. candidates require no G.C.E. This is the ideal course for the girl who wants to be a practical nurse.

For further details write to: -

Matron-in-Chief, O.A. R. N. N .S., Department (4), Empress State Building, London S.W.S.

ca tomorrows intoclay. ..

.Foryou! Much of your happiness in the years ahead will be found in your work. Success and contentmentfollow when you choose a job that is i nteresting, rewarding and challengi.ng. Exciting advances in modern medicine and the new hospitals of the future ensure satisfying work conditions with good prospectsofspecialization and promotion. Take the first step towards happy Tomorrows today.

Get details of Nurse Training from Regional Nursing Officer . Birmingham Regional Hospital f, Board.

SUPPLIES

O f Firs t Aid ma nu als, or any t eaching boo k relating to co u rses o rg anised b y S t. John Ambu lance. Teach ing aids ge nerall y inc lu d e First Aid Film loops. Uniforms for t h e St. John Ambulance Brigade, including badges and insignia. All First Aid Materia/s Stretchers, Kits, etc. write: GENERAL MANAGER Order of St. John Stores Dept. St. John's Gate, Clerkenwell London ECl

o r better still c all and see for y ourself

REVIEW 0) Attention!

CADETS' JET-TO-MALTA COMPETITION

Roll up! Roll up! Here it is! The Review's Cadet Competition - as prorrnsed la st month - with a week's holiday in Malta for the four lucky winners! It's open to St. John ambulance and nursing cadets , aged 12 to 16 , in Britain,

Let me explain what all you eager travellers have to do:

St. John Over seas , by Sir Hylton Poyton p. 2

Installation of the Chan c ellor , and Investiture p. 4

Police N a tional First Aid Competitions p. 5

Emergency! by St a nley Miles p 6 Rescue! p 9

Around and Abou t , by the Editor p . 10

The Teachin gs of Flor e nc e Nightingale , by Dr. M.M. S c ott , p.]4

Readers'Views p. 16

Question s a nd Answ e rs p 17

News from S c otl

Book Reviews p 19

News from the Divisions p. 20

Student Nur se , by Diane Davi s p 22

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W. 8. (01 -603 -8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS:T G. Scott & Son Ltd 1 Clement's Inn, London, WC2A 2ED .2 (01-242-6264 abd 01-405-4743)

Price 1/6 (7'h N.P.l 23/- (£1.15p.) per annum, including postage, from Treasurer, St. John Ambulance , 1 Grosvenor, Crescent, London, S W.1.

COVER MERCY MISSION - SJA members in Hong Kong help recently widowed Mrs Kwan. 68, from an air-force helicopter which brought her from an offlying island for hospital care

1. Write an essay, including a title of §OO to 700 words, comparing the role and work of the Order of St. John (based on the Short History) during the first f ifty years of their stay in Malta, that is 1530 to 1580, and the role and work of the Order and its Foundations in Britain today.

2. Entrie s must reach Headquarters by June 15 1970, addressed to: Review Cadet Competition, St. John Ambulance H/Q, 1 Grosvenor Crescent , London , S.W l Each entry must include a competition form (see page 23) ; these forms will be published in three issues of the Revie w: April , May and June 1970. Note that the form must be signed by an entrant's parents and divisional officer , certifying that the essay is the cadet's work.

3. To enter the competition , cadets must be between 12 years old and 16 years old on June 15 1970. The essays will be judged in four groups: A. 12 to 13 years ; B. 13 to 14 year s; C. 14 t o 15 years ; D. 15 to 16 years The best essay in the opinion of the editor from each group will be the winners . State which group you are in on the entry form as well as the date of birth. A cadet may subrrnt only one entry

4. The four prizes of a week's holiday in Malta will be from August 20 to 27 (approximately). Full details of the jet travel arrangements and the stay in Malta will be announced next month.

So there you are, all cadets. A chance to solve my 'Mystery in Malta' story for yourself ; a week in the sun ; ajet flight ; and to see the history of the Order in Malta.

So start writing!

NOT FOR CADETS TO READ

Adult readers : I want this cadet competition to be the first of many - Rhodes , Cyprus , Jerusalem - as well as other non-travel competitions during the year. But r need some mone y for these plans I ' m st a rting a Review Competitions Fund (I'm putting in the first £1) , and any sum that readers se nd to the Fund will be more than welcomed. I need £ 2 00 for this compe t it ion Cheques or money orders , made out to th e Review Competitions Fund, should be sent either to me or t o the Trea sur y, St. John Ambulance , 1 Grosvenor Crescent , London , S.W.I. The money , r can assure you , will be well spent. For travel , I think we all agree, is marvellous for youngsters

T he Edit o r

I was invited by the former Lord Prior, in 1967, to take charge of the new Overseas Branch at the headquarters of the merged St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade; and assumed duties at the beginning of February 1968.

This was not, of course, the first time there had been an Overseas branch, but before the merger it had been concerned solely with Brigade matters overseas. It was now decided to expand it under the responsibility of the Director General/C-in-C to cover both Association and Brigade functions; to make it the normal channel of correspondence with overseas countries on St. John Ambulance Foundation matters; and to give it a closer relati(;)Ilship with the Order itself at St. John's Gate.

I knew little if anything about St. John work as such; but nearly forty years in the Colonial Office had given me a fair knowledge of most of the countries with which I was to deal; and, indeed, I had had a finger in the pie in the advancement of most of the new Commonwealth countries from Colonial status to independence, or to the more recently evolved status of 'Associated Statehood', which six of the West Indian colonies have achieved.

In St. John tem1s, the countries concerned fall into three classes, broadly according to their constitutional status.

1. At the top of the ladder are the older Commonwealth countries - Canada, Australia, New Zealand - and also South Africa , which have separate Priories and Chapter General of their own. (That in South Africa dates from before South Africa left the Commonwealth). For these countries, the D.G/C-in-C has no responsibility; but close liaison is maintained, mainly through the Order. All these Priories have assured us of their readiness to help us in matters relating to overseas countries which are not separate Priories, and last year, for instance, a mission of experts from the South African Priory visited Malawi to advise on the best lines of continuing the development of St. John work there.

2. The independent Commonwealth countries which do not have separate Priories, and the West In'dian Associated State s, mostly have Councils in which is vested overall control of St. John activities in the country concerned. Rhodesia has a Commandery (like Northern Ireland - 'Ards').

ST. JOHN OVERSEAS

by

THE FUNCTION OF THE OVERSEAS SIR HI L TON BRANCH AT HEADQUARTERS POYNTON

3 In the remaining Colonies - now comparatively few - the Director-General and Commissioner still exercises dire ci responsibility for St. John Ambulance activities. Some of them, it is true, have local St. John Councils, but the se are in respects subordinate to the Chapter-General of the Grand Pri Of) and have no executive responsibil i ties. They are more in th1 nature of advisory bodies, but even so perform a most valuable function in stimulating and maintaining general public intere st raising funds, and so on.

lt follows from this classification that the functions of the Overseas Branch at 1 Grosvenor Crescent vary acco rding to the degree of the D.G/C-in-C's direc t re spon si bilit y. For the independent countries without Priories it is largely a matter of advice and assistance. and there is a considerable volume 01 correspondence with them as well as with the Coloni es. St. Joh n is established in most of them, though not as yet in all. S ome have very strong and efficient establishments; other s are mOfl modest in size and scope. I have throughout regarded the

Overseas Branch as a liaiso]1 branch rather than a staff of functional experts; it is obviously more efficient, and .economica l of staff, for me to seek the advice of the expert functional departments at H / Q (Dep. C-in-C, Supt-in-C, Association, Medical, etc.) and where necessary adapt it to overseas needs. Since I jo ine d the staff, I have been m a inly concerned with two major tasks. The fir st has been that of explaining to overseas countrie s the way merger works at H/Q; how it is progressing in the Counties; and generaJly 'what it is in aid of'. We are not trying to force m e rger on overseas countries, but we do feel that where it is practic a ble a unified executive command and a single H/Q does lead to greater efficiency and is easie r for the public to understand But in very small countries it may be impracticable to find one person to do both jobs and too expensive to have a co mbined H/Q building E ac h must do what is locally most appropriate. The other main task whicl-i I have in hand with help from Brig a djer Herbert of the H/Q staff) is the revision of the Overseas Edition of Brigade Regulations. These have not been revised since] 962 and do not reflect the changed constitutional

status of many of the countries which at that date were still colonies. I am aiming at giving the local Councils in the independent countries the responsibility to adopt, with or without modifications, a model text; so that in future, the disciplinary sanction shall derive immediately from the fact that the Regulation s have been made by the Council , instead of being made in England and arbitrarily applied. Further , we propo se to discontinue the deSignation of whole countries, such as Kenya or Malaysia for example, as 'Districts' analogous to countjes in England. They are nations and the title s of the senior posts (hitherto , e.g. Di strict Superintendant or District Surgeon) should reflect that they are national posts I obtained the approval of Chapter General for this at their first meeting in February 1970.

I was fortunate in being able to make my first St. John tour abroad during September and October la st year. This was made pos si ble becau se I had be e n asked to do a job for Government in St. Vincent and so I grafted on to this a St. John tour to British Honduras (which is aiming at consolidating and possibly expanding its ac tivities and forming Brigade units). My route there took me via Grenada, Barbado s and Jamaica ; and my return journey included Bahama s and Bermuda. In each of these countries I had a mo st friendly reception and I hope that I was a ble to help them with some at le ast of their probl ems , or to brief my se l f to get the answers when I got home.

Finally , may I say in the Review what I said at the Foundation Conference in London during St. John 's Week. If anyone from counties at home should be contemplating a visit to any Commonwe a lth country where St. John Ambulance is established , do please let me know so that I can put you in touch with confreres overseas; I am sure it will intere s t you and I am sure they will welcome the chance of picking your brains. Similarly to r ea ders overseas, do please let us know if you are going to be in England and give us as long notice as you can We are always glad to see you and if we know in good time c an often get you invited to St. John activities over here , such as Investitures in the Priory Church competi t ions and the like ; and arrange for you to see something of the practical work of the Foundation in London or in the counties.

ST. VINCENT, WINDWARD ISLANDS

St. Vincent Police H/Q. Commissioner, Col. S.A Anderson and Sir Hilton Poynton

(Director, Overseas Branch)

BERMUDA

Sgt. BlackWood from Jamaica (se cond from B leh is guest ect urer at this first aid c ass in errnuda.

Installation of the Chancellor

AND THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY

On February 26 1970 at the Grand Priory Church of St. J ohn, and in the presence of Chapter-General, the Postulates and the Lord iPFior's guests, the Lord iPrior, Lord Caccia GCMG , GCVO , installed Sir Gilbert Samuel Ingl e fi e ld , GBE , TO, the Chancellor-designate as the Chancellor of the Ord er of St. John.

Later that afternoon at the investiture ceremony 114 members of the Order of St John Ambulance Association an d Briga de received an insignia from the Lord Pri or. Eleven

Commanders (Brothers) were invested, five Commande r! (Sisters), twenty Officers (Brothers) , fifteen O fficers (Sisters forty -two Serving Brothers an d twen ty-one Serving Sisters

Among these two married couples wew invested: Mr. an d Mrs T.L. Petters of Bayle , Cornwal1 (Offi cer Brother and Sistel respecbvely an d Mr. and Mrs W. Appleton of Ware , Berts, (Commander and Serving Sister). Congratuations to everyone A li st of those invested will be published next month.

TWO WINS FOR LONDON

EMERGENCYI

EVERYONE, says Stanley Miles,* SHOULD BE TRAINED IN FIRST AID

Th@ fact that the teaching of first aid has been largely in the hands of the voluntary aSs;e)ciations has tended to raise the subject from its simple context and transform it into a speciality whose practitiemel1s are trained to agreed standards, obtain certificates and, when on first aid duty, wear uniforms. First aiders have thus become a select group within the community, which gives rise to the popular belief that only members of this group are competent to give first aid treatment.

Ideally eveFyone should be trained in f1rst aid. It is however pfuysicaUy impossible for more than a 'limited number to be given formal courses aNd! to gain certificates. This is not a very satisfactory situation, especially as 6

recently the national conscience has been stirred by the publicity given to accidents and the human suffering and economic loss they involve.

Accidents account for over 20,000 (jeaths a year in Great Britain, with, in addition, 300,000 persons seriously injured and 5 million hurt. The estimated cost to the nation is £500 m. lost in earning power, productivity, medical expenses, and compensation. This means that every minute there are ten persons needing first aid treatment and £ 1,000 goes 'down the drain'. Further significant factor is that of this [aFge toll of

'Surgeon Rear Admiral Stanley Miles, CB, MD. MSc, Meclical CommissiGH) on Accident Prevention; Dean of Postgraduate Medical Studies, Manchester University

injury or sudden illness by a or other lay person before the arrival of expert medical aid'.

Fr@m this definitio [1l , ceFtain points arise. 1fhe bystander who gives the immediate assistance is, .in most cases, untrained in what is commonly regarded as first aid Nevertheless whatever he does - for better or worse - is 'first aid'. In every case the effectiveness of the first aid UFeatment given will depend upon the skill of the persons present at or first on t fu e scene of the accident or sudden [[]ness. H he or she is trained in first aid, so much the better. The expert medical aid, which normally will arrive sooner or later, may be in the person of a voluntary first aid worker, a professional ambulance team, or, less frequently, a doctor. This expert medical aid, sometimes called, 'intermediate aid', is not the final treatment of the injury or illness but an improvement and continuation of the first aid until the care of the patient is taken over by the casualty department of a hospital or by the general practitioner at home. It follows that, if confusion is to be avoided by the introduction of additional terms, the definition of first aid should thus be enlarged to: 'First aid is the immediate assistance given in the case of sudden injury or illness by a bystander or other lay person with such further expert help as may be available until the patient reaches hospital or other source of professional treatment'.

accidents , 40 % occur in road accidents in full view of the public, are dramatic in nature, and widely reported in newspapers, radio and television.

Early and efficient first aid, though basically having no effect in preventing accidents, would significantly reduce th e death rate, improve the degree and speed of recovery of the injured, and save a great deal of money, It is ther efore essential to widen the availability of first aid treatment. To do this, first aid must be defined, the needs of various standard s of training studied and the resources available to give such training assessed.

What is First Aid?

First aid !is commonly defined as 'the immediate assistance given in the case of

urgent need today is that every man, woman and child should know what to do - if faced with an accident or sudden injury - to save life; protect a casualty from further injury, prevent the injury Qr illness becoming worse; and to obtain expert help. To achieve this goal is the immediate and essential requirement in first aid training.

Members of the public trained in these basic principles should be encouraged to take further formal training. Everything they can learn o.ver and above these may one day be of use in treating the acutely ill or injured. There is more to first aid p r a ctice than saving of life. The effectiveness of early treatment will be reflected in a speedier and more complete recovery with less discomfort to the patient. Training in first aid is thus progressive. The more time that an individual is prepared to devote to training, the greater will be the skill acquired. If instruction is properly graded, the student may stop at any time, or if interest and experience grow, he may volunteer for special service or advanced instruction with the established first aid organisations. Others will specialize in particular aspects of first aid associated with the home, the factory, various sports, or adventure activities.

In addition to the volunteers, good first aid training should be given to professional ambulance personnel, police, firemen, and other public servants. Furthermore, all doctors, nurses, medical

From this definition, two further observations may be made on which the present concept of first aid training should be based. Any person injured or taken ill suddenly would hope, and might even expect , to be given immediate and effective first aid by anyone near by. No one, however should expect this, unless that person is also comp eten t and willing to give useful first aid should he or she be the first arrival at the scene of an accident or sudden illness. It .is thus essential, and indeed a moral obligation for every individual to be prepared for such an event. Furthermore, first aid is no more than an intermediate procedure bridging the gap between the injury or illness and initiation of professional treatment. Hence the initial treatment must be simple as well as effective and the enthusiastic first aider must remember that the hospital doctor Feceiving the patient will need to remove dFessings and splints to carry out his examination and begin final treatment.

First aid is thus a branch of medicine in which the whole of the population should have some basic knowledge, as many as possible should be given some fOlirrnal training, and a limited number be lil.j,ghly skilled.

Whem to Teach

At present in most cases, first aid is gIven by an inexperienced layman. The

technicians, and orderlies should receive advanced instruction in first aid as early as possible during their professional training. Of those trained in first aid a growing number will have to accept further resp onsibility and become instructors in the subj ect.

Training Programme

First aid must be taught as a positive branch of medicine and as an investment for efficiency. Compassion is as imp ortant as skill and the first aid box must be looked on as the 'human repair kit'. The minimum instruction which should be available to every man, woman and school child, must cover the basic principles of maintaining an adequate air supply, controlling haemorrhage, and caring for the patient.

The I a r g e r v 0 I un tar y teaching organisations have their own admirable and adequate courses, but progressive series of courses leading naturally one into the other could be carried out on the following lines

Life-saving Course

A programme of basic intruction should be available for every member of the community. It is possible within two hours - by means of films, models, posters, and illustrated hand-outs - to teach airway maintenance, restoration of breathing, control of bleeding and casualty management Motoring organisations (including driving schools)

the football match (Photo: Daily Express

On the beach (Photo: Western Times)

women's institutes, works committees, sports dubs, etc., should ensure that such a basic course is available to their members. Every effort sh.ould be made to enrol the assistance of the mass medianewspapers, radio, and television Furthermore, elementary instruction in life-saving techniques should be part of the highway code as well as incorporated into the codes of practice of various industries and recreations. Instruction in heart compression should be made as freely available as teaGhing facilities anow.

General First Aid

A comprehensive course for volunteers, and others wishing to become usefully competent, could be based on nine two-hour long periods, with good illustrations and practical instruction (see Table)

Advanced First Aid

For those wishing to acquire further skill or having some occupational or recreational commitment which demands special responsibility in first aid of a high standard instruction in rescue and survival techniques and the control of mass casualties could be given (see Table). A ttachments to working emergency services - for example, ambulance depots, hospital. casualty departments, and treatment centres - should form an essential part of this course Those attending should become familiar with mechanical aids to resuscitation , cutting and lifting gear, stret chers, ambulance equipment, accident investigation and re p orting, and the organisation of national accident facilities.

Special Courses

Many situations exist where , in addition to general first aid requirements, the hazards of the environment demand additional knowledge. Thus people engaged in mountain rescue work, skim diving, exploring , and certain other sports or out of the ordinary adventures, should be enabled to undertake additional special studies. They should be trained in recognized codes of safety practice, know the specific hazards involved, and be able to ac't accordingly Knowledge of first aid which is relevant to these situations is an investment towards the success of the mlSSlon amd the survival of those involved. It can, however, only be ta ught by those with knowledge and experience in these particular fields.

Courses for Professionals

Medical personnel have the advantage that any advanced first aid training is built on a foundation of professional knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, it is often taken fOF granted that medical train i ng automatically produces a good first aider. This is not true. Doctors and personnel in 8

the rescue services have much to learn in accident management. Their ability to deal with accidents on site , particularly major incidents producing many casualties, depends ]aFgely on their knowledge of additional skills In many cases a long and uncomfortable journey to hospital may be delayed until shock has been controlled and the patient's condition improved Furthermore skilled medical personnel are better able to consider an injury as affecting the whole boc.dy physically and emotionally and to instil calm and confidence li nto a situation of potential chaos.

The Role of the General Practitioner

Doctors and their assistants should form group emergency services with good

communications, adequate transport , and close liaison w it h the police and reSCUe services. By jo i nt they shou d establish agreed courses of instruction and standardize equipment for ambulances and first aid centre s possibly with some variation on local needs. Furthermore , it would be of great service to the community if whe n called to an accident doctors could - afte r giving priority treatment to the injured study the accident itself , its causes results. This should be done not so m men from the mechanics of the acciden t the legal aspects of responsibility wh icn is primarily a police duty but from t hf human and medical angles of th osf concerned Much more needs to bi known about accident proneness , risl acceptance, and the persona l First-aid Instruction

environmental, and chance factors involved. Such investigations will to accident prevention and a folrn ow,-up of the p a tient's progress win establish the efficacy or otherwise of the f,irst aid trea tment given.

The Teacher

Ideally the general practitioner shou ld be taught to teach , bu t there is no substitute for a sound knowledge of the subject a nd an enthu siasm to pass on th a t knowledge to others. Very many visual and practical teaching aids are available and should b e used , pa rticularly in practical period s, but the se cannot replace the personality of th e teacher. Patient planning and pr e paration , even for separate lect ur es on th e same subject, are essential. Finally there is no t hing better than first-hand experience for gaining skill and know ledg e. To acll ieve this it will b e n ecessary to persuade the emerger.c y serv ices to take trainees along with their calls and let them also assist at hospital casualty departments.

First aid in the Future

What has been written already is no more than a proposal to spread a minim urn 0 f first-aid instruction throughout a community which badly needs it - a "crash cou rse" on a national scale. In the future such know ledg e must be acquir e d in schoo l as an essential part of trainin g for citizenship in a co untry where accid e ntal injury and illness are co mm on occurrences In other words progressive instruction in simple human science, first-aid , r e scue, and survival techniques s h o uld be provided. A select committe e of doctors an d educationists ahould be formed without delay to study what is already being done in this dir ection in schools, colleges, and universiti es, and mak e r ec ommendations for future action.

RESCUE!

Three of the men were safe but the fourth had stopped breathing. PIC W.A. Olive

the ambulance attendant (he s also D/Supt. 211 NDLB Div ision, SJA), successf ully applied mouth-to-mouth resu sci tation while a Stephen son minute-man was brought into operation. On the way to Guy's Hospital in the ambulance , twice r es uscitation was successfully applied when the casualty's breathing ceased again. The casualty was discharged from hospital 24 hours later.

suspended ifeboat and the tug closing in.

Bringing the rescued men ashore

FIRST AID FEAST

I had a feeling that there was more to these high-powered first aid competitions than at first met the eye . . Now I know what it is. The Cheshire Constabulary Police Womens' team, who took the Grand Prior's Trophy for 1969, went home to a slap-up lunch , given to them by the chairman and members of the Cheshire Police, and many compliments.

For apart from winning that most coveted trophy , the police girls from Cheshire also won 14 other national and regional trophies during 1969. The team captain, Sargeant E.M. Younge who is a Serving Sister) has been in the team since it was formed in 1960, and in 1964 had the distinction of competing for the Grand Prior's Trophy while she had her own foot in plaster - it was fractured! I hope they enjoyed their hInch .

JINXED?

I wrote the above paragraph for last month's issue but at the last moment it got squeezed out. Later I heard that the Cheshire police women's team fell at the first fence in the 1970 marathon for the Grand Prior's Trophy At the Northern Area Eliminating Policewomen's competition on January 19, the girls from Cheshire were beaten into fourth position by the girls from Northumberland's Policewomen 's team. I'm sorry, Cheshire. I hope I didn't jinx you. But congratulations to Northumberland

REPLIES TO SOMERSET

My paragraph on the Somerset Cadet Conference, published in the January issue, has brought forth the following replies from the Regulations and Dress Revisions Committee.

Present First Aid Syllabus inadequate: The syllabus has been reviewed and it has been decided that the existing Efficiency Tests (3rd 2nd and l8t Grade), as cQ)ntained in the Divisional Supel!intendent's Handbook 1968,

IIIUID and ABOUT

WHATS GOING ON - IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN BY THE EDITOR

Nigeria n boy Lateef Ademola won baby show at SJA Hall Bodmin recently. (Photo: Ray Bishop, Wadebridge)

Appendix 2, are adequate for children und er the age of 10 V2 and who have not yet started to study for the Preliminary Certificate.

Proficiency Badges: The Committee appreciated that b a dge s are attractive to children and their introduction might lead to an increase in the number of Proficiency subjects taken. Badges would be expensive however and the administration of the system which would fallon the divisional

superintendents, would be considerable. The committee recommended that Proficiency Badg es should not be instituted , because they might well lead to some detr action in the value of the Grand Prior Badge and a lessening of the imp ortance of first aid in our training

In addition , the committee has always opposed the proliferation of badges on St. John uniform.

Books: The suggestion that one boo k should cover all subjects is impracticabl e and would n ot result in any saving of expense.

The Short History of the Order ha s a large sale to people who h ave no connection with St. John. It sells ver y well in the U.S.A. and Canada. These sales would be lost if it was combined with a first aid manual. It is a high cl ass publication on gloss paper and costs onl y 3 shillings. This is an incredibly low pri ce when yo u think that the Sunday Tim es now costs 1/3d and many comics 2/6d.

The First Aid Manual sells millions of co pies largely to industry, who woul d not want it combined with the Shor l History.

A COVEY OF PARTRI DGES

I just didn't believe it when I saw the picture 0 f the Partridge Brothers reproduced on this page. Seven of them 18 to 30 years old a nd they're all members of SJ Al I bet that is a record.

They'r e David (30), Norman (28), James (26), twins Victor and Anthony (25), R aymond (21) and Michael (18); they're members of the Warwick Division. Between them they've served 57 years and David and Norman - with 15 years apiece - qualify this year for the l ong service medal.

Un til recently there were eight Partridges in this combined division; sister Ann was a nursing member, but l eft when she de cided to get married.

Well , let' s hope that there'll soon be some more little Partridges to join the others . .

GLASGOW HEALTH WEEK

Glasgow is holding a Chest and Heart Health Week, April 13 to 17. The object of the week, say the Chest and Heart Association, 69 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, from whom full details of lectures and exhibitions can be obtained, is to create the necessary awareness in the Glasgow public to Scotland's Three Great Killers - bronchitis, lung c a ncer and coronary thrombosis.

WEST HERTS TRAINING

Representatives from all over the Herts western area of SJ A, I hear, took part in a training day at the Onslow School, Hatfield during February.

The morning session was spent in a group disc us sion on the various aspects of running a division. As well as discussing administration, transportation and public duties, some time was given over to questions concerning fund raising and recruitment.

PARTRIDGE BROTHERS

FOUR LOST LADIES

simulated disast er exe r cise The situation which was arranged by Area Superintendent J. Schofield , d epicted a crash of a jet airliner on a village. After stating how th ey would tackle the initial phases of deploying early forces available and set up control and medical aid centres, th e syndicates were askecl to project the situation to a point one and a half hours after the crash. The problems which faced them then were concerned with numbers of personnel required , evacuatio n of casualties , transport organisation and the feeding arrangements for the emergency services.

So mu ch interest was expressed in this method of training th at Superintendent Schofield agreed to circulate some notes as guidelines to enable individual divisions to arrange their own exercises.

The conference was arranged by Area Commissioner G. Hend erson Smith and

severa l members of the county staff attended. One guest who received a particularly warm welcome was Mr. L.R .N. Percey , MBE , the retired Hertfordshire Commissioner.

Mr. F. Gordon Holm es , the D eputy Commissioner , summing up the co nference , said that apart from training co nferences he hoped that there would soon be quarterly meetings of officers from all divisions in the area so that there could b e a regular exchange of views and ideas.

Sounds a good idea.

'DRIVER OF THE YEAR'

In the Decembe r issue of the Revi ew, Dr. B .S. Irani was shown receiving his Warrant of Appointment as Divi sional Surgeon of the Blackpool Ambulance

PARTY TIME .... IN LANeS

Victor , Anthony, Raymond an d Michael. (Photo: Heart of England Newspaper s, Leamington)

After lun ch , Miss D. Sparkes the retired County Superintendent, gave a talk on the history of the Order of St. John and made special mention of the St. John Opthalmi c hospital, which today continues the work of the Order in Jerusalem , treating the eye diseases which afflict the people of the Arab countries. During a visit she made to the hospital a few years ago, she said she had been particularly im pressed by the confidence amld implicit faith the patients had in t he an d the treatment that they received there.

the talk the representatives diVided into syndicates and took part in a

THE CHAMP - 14-month-old

Mable Strickland

SJA headquarters Southport was bo uncing the other weekend Photo St ephenson Newspapers)

Division from Major J.D. Cameron, No 6. Area Commissioner, Duke of Lancaster's District.

Dr. Airani has now taken an appointment at the City General Hospital, Nottingham. Before he left Blackpool, he completed a course in advanced driving and came out with the highest marks of the several courses organised each year. He was awarded the 'Driver of the Year' certificate by the local Safe Driving Association.

My photograph shows the presentation by the Mayor of Blackpool, Ald. A.E. Stuart, J.P. In the centre is the Deputy Chief Constable of Lancashire, Mr. S. Parr, who is also chairman of the Blackpool Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association.

This is the first time that a Blackpool Divisional Surgeon has received such an award. SJA Blackpool wonders if any other Division's Surgeon has received a similar certificate.

Nottingham members are advised to contact Dr. Irani; he is an asset to any

ambulance division and is an excellent first aid competition judge. Blackpool is very SC>fry to have lost him.

SUCCESSFUL ALLIANCE

A recent reception given by Lady Semphill marked a year's progress of the alliance of the Central Council for the Disabled, of which she is chairman, and the National Fund for Researh in to Crippling Diseases.

The alliance brings logically under one head both research into disease and care for the disabled. It is also very much in line with Parliament's desire to see charities streamline themselves by reducing operating costs. The National Fund is close to the Central Council physically, they're both in the Victoria area, as well as in spirit, and some staff integration has already taken place.

FOOD POISON ING

No conclusive evidence as to the cause of the food poisoning at West Greenwich

Lower School, Albyn Road, London

S.E.8., last September is given in analyst's Feport submitted to Lewisham Co 1:!l1Ol crul

During ithe exhaustive investigattions carried out after the outoreak, samples of all food served from the school kitchen specimens of faeces , urine and dinne; waste were subjected to intensive bacteriological, virological and chemical investigations.

A sample of zinc phosphide rodent bait was identified but was subsequently found to have no connection with the outbreak. Mr. J.H. Shelton the Public Analyst, referred to potato as the only common food eaten by all the boys affected. Biological tests on the residue of the potato eaten that day were not inconsistent with the presence of solanine (a group of substances found in potatoes which ·can be toxic if present in sufficient quantity) to have caused the symptom s but a chemical analysis on the remainder of this potato sample showed that the total amount found was not excessive.

The outbreak of food poisoning occurred during the evening of September 9 1969 and 78 boys between the ages of 11 and 15 were affected.

FIRST AID FAMILY

Another SJA family is the Poulters of North Derbyshire. My photograph the group - father , son and two daughters, Son Malcolm joined the Bolsover Colliery Ambulance Division in 1963 at the age of 17. Ann enrolled in the Nursing Cadets in 1966 and was promoted to corporal in 1968. Lynne , who joined the Nursing Cadets in 1964 at the age of 11, gain ed he r Grand Prior in 1968 when she was 14V2.

Dad is George Edward Poulter who joined the Bolsover Colliery Ambulan ce Division in 1946 , be coming secretary of the division in 1948 a post he retain ed until 1962 wh e n he was appoint e d to t he North Derbyshire (NCB) Area Staff.

In October 1959, Mr. Poulter was admitted as Serving Brother of the Ord el and in N ov e m ber 1968 received t he insignia of Officer Brother. Since the n he has undertaken the secretarial dutie s of the newly constituted North Derby shire (NCB) Area on the retirement of predecessor, Mif. F .J. Norman.

Between 1941-45 , Mr. Poulte r endur ed the rigors of Jap anese Prison Camps in the Far East and since repatriation haS become known and respected b1 hundreds of people who follow the activities of St. John. One of his colleagues said of Mr. Poulter recentl y 'This admirable officer flings himself the work of the movement wit h an enthusiasm and cheerfulness and heap to others, !i n a manner consistent witih the finest traditions of the Order'.

To bridge such a gap unaided must indeed have warmed the hearts of his audience, as it does ours.

NIGERIA

I hear that at least one British St. John member has been helping in the former Biafran-held territory of Nigeria. He is 22-year-old Terence Hodgson, who was a member of SJADarlington;1ast autumn he went to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on a constMction contract.

When civil war came to an end, he and others working on the contract helped many refugees in the war torn area around Port Harcourt.

Let's hope the first aid and the building will help Nigeria.

MYSTERY IN MALTA (Contd.)

Then, just as suddenly as she had turned to look at me, and still without a word, or an expression even, she turned back to the child lying in the feeding trough with its hands still reaching up beseechingly.

WAR M WE

LCOME

I hear that Div. Supt. KJ. Shapcott of the 84th (Twickenham) Ambulance Division, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of Surbiton Deaf Club.

In lus talk Mr. Shapcott outlined the basic principles of first aid , and explained to members what to do if they came across the scene of a road accident. This was followed by a practical demonstration of the uses of the triangular bandage and standard sterile dressings.

The talk was followed by a very lively question time , for this audience proved far more inquisitive than most.

But this was no ordinary talk that Mr. Shapcott gave - for the entire me eting was conducted in sign language at which Mr. Shapcott is proficient.

The woman bent forward again, and fumbling among the folds of her Arab-like dress she bared a full breast, which the child grabbed and started sucking hungrily, while the swallows continued their chattering from where the great roof of that delapidated building joined the massive walls. It suddenly seemed hotter now, more airless.

The three of us - the baby feeding, the woman stooping, and me just standing there - must have made a strange frieze in the gloom of that building on a Mediterranean island But my northern puritanism, sensibilities, awkwardness, inhibitions - or whatever it was - soon made me move away , past the woman and child and further into the building, so that their activities were screened from me by the partition. I went probably ten yards , and stood there gazing up at the massive timbers of the roof, the rowS

upon rows of fine beams and struts which went on and on to where the roof was damaged in the far distance. I had no desire to turn and retrace my steps out of that place now. In fact, although there was no reason for it, I felt I wanted to stay; as though, in some strange, inexplicable way , I belonged. Perhaps it was the feeling of sanctuary that a woman tending her child gave the place; a feeling of continuance amongst apparent decay. All thoughts of hatred had evaporated.

'She must live here', I said to myself, 'with her child'. Probably bombed out during the war and crept in here. I'd noticed people living in all sorts of odd places since I'd been in Malta. In shacks, even in holes in walls with a piece of old cloth or sacking strung across the front 9 f them to give some privacy. Was this the result of the war, as so many hardships were put down to then? Or was this part of their every-day, normal life?

Where was her husband - the father? Assuming it was her child. And how did they eat? What money would they have for food? Then I remembered the garbage men who called at every military camp and mess on the island, and jealously guarded their rights to collect great tins of discarded northern European military food. Garbage, literally. Could people survive on such food? For I had never seen a pig farm on the island. Or any pigs, come to that.

Suddenly something touched my arm. I turned quickly and the woman was standing beside me, her great eyes looking at me. For a moment, there was a flicker of a smile in those liquid eyes; and then she raised her left hand in a simple, gracious gesture, which suggested that I should go further into the building. The gesture was so courteous that I almost involuntarily bowed in response. Instead I went forward, with her at my side as though we were going into a palace and she was a queen.

CADETS GALORE

The Mayor of Blackpool presents 'Driver of the Year' Trophy to Dr. Behrooz Irani (Photo: Blackpool Gazette)

Lady Semphill (second from right) at the reception after a year's alliance of the Central Council for the D isa bled and the National FUrl€! fGlr Research into Crippling Diseases.

First Aid Family - The Poul ters

Nursing cadets are certainly flourishing in Fleetwo 0d, as this c la ss wiith Anne Beeston and Pat

So much has been written about Florence Nightingale the woman and the mystic that with the passage of time one is apt to ovedook her tremendous contriDution not only to nursing but also to public health. Prior to her day, nursing was a profession (if it could be so called) which attracted only the lower dregs of female society, and it was against this dubious background that this great humanitarian fought and overcame so many prejudices.

Thanks to her efforts the Training School for Nurses was founded at St. Thomas's Hospital, London in 1860, and from this modern nursing may be said to have grown. Equally important were her efforts regarding sanitation and hygiene. Her outstanding work and experience from the Crimean War gave her practical knowledge and opportunities which were subsequently to form the basis of the techniques which she laid down.

These articles will not deal with the personality of the legendary lady, but with her knowledge and sincerity, her insight into the social problems of the time. Fortunately most of her written work is still on record for analysis and in many cases it may well be considered complimentary in the social sense to some of the works of Charles Dickens.

One cannot however refrain (rom observing that, being a great Victorian, she would in writing never manage with one word if twelve could be used!

Her teachings are best expressed in her own words, and one must remember that these were written 110 years ago. Seen in this context one can only be amazed at her foresight, because so much of what she wrote then is just as applicable and topical today. In those days the concept of a male nurse was almost unthinkable, so her teachings assumed a feminine attitude throughout. Perhaps we should start with her definition of the need for nursing:

'Every women, or at least almost every woman in England has, at one time OF another of her life, charge of the personal health of somebody whether child or invalid - in other words every woman is a nurse. Every day sanitary knowledge or the knowledge of nursing, or in other wmds, of how to put the constitution in such a state as that it will have no disease, or that it can recover from disease, t akes a higher p]ace. 111 is recognised as the knowledge which everyone ought to have - distinct from medical knowledge, which only a profession can have.'

Disease, she regards as being at some period of its course as a reparative process:

'Shall we begin by taking it as a general principle - that all disease, at some period or other of its course is more or less a reparative process, not necessarily accompanied with suffering: an effort of nature to remedy a process of poisoning

14

or of decay , which has taken place weeks, months, sometimes years beforehand, unnoticed, the termination of the disease b€ing then, while the antecedent process was going on, determined?

If a patient is cold, if a patient is feverish, if a patient is faint, if he is sick after taking food, if he has a bed-sore, it is generally the fault not of the disease, but of the nursing. I use the word nursing for want of a better word. It has been limited to signify little more than th e administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of d iet - all at least expense of vital power to the patient.

Bad sanitary, bad architectural and bad administrative arrangements often make it impossible to nurse. (But the art of nursing ought to include such arrangements as alone make what I understand by nursing possible.)'

The infant mortality rate of the times, which is appalling compared with today, brought about the following reflection:

'Oh, mothers of families! You who say this, do you know that one in every seven infants in this civilized land of England perishes before it is one year old? That in London, two in every five, die before they are five years old? And, in the other great cities of England, nearly one out of two? The life duration of tender babies (as SaINe Saturn, turned analytical chemist say) "is the most deli cate test" of sanitary conditions. Is all thls premature suffering and death necessary? Or did

THE TEACHINGS

OF FLORENCE

NIGHTINGALE

The first of a series of articles not on the Legendary Lady, but on her insight into Nursing Problems

By Dr. 1'v1. M. Scott Surgeon-in-Chief, SJA

Nature intend mothers to be alway s accompanied by doctors? Or is it bette r to learn pianoforte than to learn the laws which subserve the preserva tion of offspring? '

Next, a plea for the right ty pe o f school education, which is increasingly ill line with modern thinking and tendenc y:

'But how much more extraordinary it is that, whereas what we might call the coxcombries of education, e.g. the elements of astronomy - are now taughl to every schoolgirl, ne ither mothers of families in any class, nor school -mi stresses of any class, nor nurses of children, nor nurses of hospitals are taught anything about those laws which God has assigned to the relations of our bodies with the world in which He has put them. In other words, the laws which make these bodies , into which He has put our minds, healthy or unhealthy organs of those minds , are all but unlearnt. Not but that these laws · the l aws of life - are in certain measure understood, but not even mothers think it worth their while to study them - to study how to give their childr en healthy existence. They call it medical or physiological knowledge, fit only for doctors.'

On ventilation and warming:

'The first rule of nursing is: to keep the air he breathes as pure as the externa l air, without chilling him. Yet what is so httle a ttended to? Even where it is thought of a tall , the m 0 s t ext r a 0 r din ary misconceptions reign about it. Even in admitting air into the patient's room or

ward, few people ever think where that air comes from. It may come f r om a corridor into which other wards are ventilated, from a hall, always unaired, always full of fumes of gas, dinner, of various kinds of mustiness; from an underground kitchen, sink , washhouse, water-closet , or even, as I myself have had sorrowful experiertce, from open sewers, loaded with filth, and with this the patient's room or ward is aired, as it is called - poisoned, it shou ld rather be said. Always air from the air without, and that too, through those windows, through which the air comes freshest. From a closed court, especia ll y if the winds do not flow that way, air may come as stagnant as from any hall or corridor. With a prop e r supply of windows and a proper supply of fuel in open fireplaces, fresh air is comparatively easy to secure when your patient or patients are in bed. Never be afraid to open windows then People don't catch cold in bed. This is a popular fallacy. With proper bed clothes and hot water bottles if necessary, you can always keep a patient warm in bed and well ventilate him at the same time.

I know an intelligent and humane house surgeon who makes a practice of keeping the ward windows open. The physicians and surgeons invariab ly close them while going their rounds; and the house surgeon very properly opens them whenever the doctors have turned their back

Do you ever go into the bedrooms of any persons of any class, whether they contain one, two or twenty people, Whether they hold sick or we rn l, at night, or before the windows are opened in the mormng, and ever find the air anything but unwholesomely close and foul? And

trusting to the patient's diet, or to his medicine , or to the occasional dose of stimulant which she is directed to give him, while the patient is all the while sinking from wan t of a little external warmth. Such cases happen at all times, even during the height of su mmer. This fatal chill is most apt to occur towards early morning at the period of the lowest temperature of the twenty-four hours , and at a time when the effect of the preceding da y's diet is exhausted. The extraordinary confusion between cold and ventilation in the minds of even well educated people illu strate d this. To make a room cold is by no means necessarily to ventilate it Yet , if the nurse finds a room close, she will let out the fire, thereby making it closer or she will open the door into a cold room, without a fire, or an open window in it, by way of improving the ventilation. Windows are made to open doors to shut.'

Here is slight note of uncertainty which would not arise today:

why should it be so? And of how much importance is it that it shou ld not be so?

During sleep, the human body, even when in health , is far more injured by the influence of foul air than when awake.

Why cannot you keep the air all night then, as pure as the air without in rooms you sleep in? But for this , you must have sufficient outlet for the impure air you make yourselves to go out ; sufficient inlet for the pure air from without to come in.

You must have open chimneys, open windows, or ventilators , no close curtains round your beds ; no shutters or curtains to your windows, n one of the contriva n ces by which you undermine your own health or destroy the chances of recovery of your sick.

A careful nurse will keep a constant watch over her especially weak , protracted and collapsed cases to guard against the effects of the lo ss of vital heat by the patient himself. In certain diseased states much less heat is produced than in hea lth ; and there is a constant tendency to the decline and ultimate extinction of the vital powers by the call made upon them to sustain the heat of the body.

Cases where this occurs should be watched with the greatest care from hour to hour, I had almost said from minute to minute. The feet and legs should be examined by the hand from time to time and whenever a tendency to chillin g is discovered, hot water bottles, hot bricks, or warm flannels, with some warm drink, should be made use of until the temperature is restored. The fire should be , if necessary replenished. Pati ents are frequently lost in the latter stages of disease from want of attention to such simple precautions. The nurse may be

'If the nurse be a careful one she will, when the patient leaves his bed , but not h is room, open the sheets wide and throw back the bedclothes in order to air the bed. And she will sp read the wet towels or flannels carefully out upon a horse in ord er to dry them. Now, ei ther these bedclothes and towels are not dried and aired , or they dry and air themselves into the patient's air. And whether the damp and effluvia do him most harm in his air or in his bed, I leave to you to determine, for I cannot.'

And,. finally, a reflection on the times:

'A slop-pail shou ld never be brought into a sick room. It should be a rule invariab le , rather more important in the private house than elsewhere , that the utensil should be carried directly to the water-closet, emptied there, rinsed there, and brought back. There should always be water and a cock in every water-closet for rinsing. But even if there is not , you must carry water there to rinse with I have actually seen, in the private sick room, the utensils emptied into the foot-pan and put back uminsed under the bed. I can hardly say which is more abominable , whether to do this or to rinse the utensil in the sickroom. In the best Hospitals it is now a rule that no slop pai l shall ever be brought into the wards , but that the utensils shall be carried direct to be emptied and rinsed at the proper place. I would it were so in the private house.'

This is the first of a series of articles by Dr Scott based on Florence Nightingale's book 'Notes on Nursing', to celebrate her birth in 1820 - '50 years ago.

Dr. M. M. Scott

Floren ce had amazing foresight

REVIEW REPRESENTATIVE NO.1.

from J.E. Smith, AISID

I have been a staunch supporter of the 'Review' for many years and reserved any comments on the new style as with the first issue I was not sure whether I liked it any better. After however reading your article in the February issue I will be ready to agree that you have a new approach that may well do St. John a service.

It is difficult to get people to order such a magazine as ours, the dedicated ones always do, but I feel it is the new members and those valued people who do as muclut as they can for the organisation, however small, who would gain m0st fwm the contents, and make themselves a little more dedicated.

In the DOl'king area we have not been in the ha bit of charging Bngade members weekly subscriptions. But we are now doing thiS, as we are opening most of our meetings to the general public; we use this money for new text books and the Review which members now get free. The members do not object to weekly subscription (it is 1s.) and of course it makes sure that they see the magazine.

Would it be worth having a reprint done of Y0ur article for distribution to possible new members?

I will be your contact for news from the Dorking area.

A.S.O. Betchworth J.E. Smith

Ed: Thank you. Mr. Smith, for becoming my first Review Representative. A brochure all about the new Review will be ready shortly for sending out to Divisions.

THE REVIEW

from Mrs. M.B. Kelsey, C.St.J.

I have received two of the new issues of The Review. I think they are much improved. I have retired but they interest me.

One criticism: could the envelopes have ST. JOHN REVIEW stamped on them? I get so many similar envelopes containing Share Reports and catalogues, and one is apt to put them aside and forget them.

Wadhurst, Sussex Kelsey

UNIFORM GLOVES

fmm WH.F.L. Bunster OivlSupt.

. What officer of the St. John Ambulance raised not his eyes a httle when he read Brigade Orders, page 5, No.6. GlovesAmbulance Officers. Dress regulations to be amended so that officers will wear white nylon gloves. (Review and ceremonial optional at other times) ,

How many officers, like myself, thought what a ridiculous and unn ecessary alteration?

The wearing of white gloves is flamboyant, impracticable and a waste of money, especially when all officers have a pair of brown leather gloves always to hand.

With a larger white collar worn on the outside, we become the New St. John Minstrels.

Can nothing be done to revoke this order? Do you agree tha1 it is necessaliY?

Gainsborough Division W.H.F.L. Bunstel GLOVES AGAIN

from B. R. Jarman, Oist. SID

The Brigade General Circular No 1/70, item No.6, under the heading 'Gloves Ambulance Officers'- gives the following instructions (I quote) "With effect from May 1 1970, Ambulance Officers will wear white nylon simplex gloves in Review Order and Chmch Parade Order". (Fai r enough). But, "On other 0ccasions the weali1ng of gloves and type of gloves WO)fn wm be optional"

I think the last paragraph is rather ambiguous. What I should like to know is whether the choice for an officer will be between 16

Readers' views aJild opinions, which should be sent to the Editor although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor 0; the Order ot St. John and its Foundations.

the present regulation brown leather gloves and the new white nylon gloves on these 'other occasions' or (as I am more inclin ed to interpret the phrase) any possible type of gloves, including woollen , fur-backed , skin or what have you. If indeed this is the interpretation then I am very sorry that this decision has be en taken. The Brigade is a uniformed and disciphned body and as such, for smartness and efficiency , there surely MUST be uniformity of dress. It is difficult enough even now to ensure that detail of uniform is according to Dress Regulation s, but. It WIll be still more difficult when gloves of any material deSIgn and colour may be worn officially.

I feel very strongly a bout this and would like you to print as much of this as you feel able.

West Riding of Yorkshire Ben R. Jarma n Brigade Chief Staff Officer replies:

I think Mr. Jarman is quite righ t in picking up the unlimit ed scope for t he fashion conscious offered in the 'optional' choice ?f gloves. However, he is perfectly correct in his first assumption , It was ll1tended that the options should be white nylon or brown leather gl oves , to which could be added black PVC as worn by Ambulance Members, and, of course, when appropriate, no gloves.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

from J. C. Cave, AIM

A member of the last first aid course run by this divisio n explained that he had just started a new job and that the fir m required him to hold a first aid certificate. He had never learn ed first aid before and wondered whether we thought he would be able to do so. Naturally, we assured him that he was quit e capable and that we would be glad to teach him. In fact, he completed the course and passed the exam.

Last Saturday we held a social at which Mr. Hart receive d his certificate from the Mayor of Brent and also a cake to celebrat e his 70th birthday. His new job is night watchman at which he works 5 nights a week of 12 hours a night.

Frankly Mr. Hart found learning new skills hard work at his age but he is a very determined man and we are proud of hilTI. He, in his turn, has expressed a wish to be associated with us in some way and to help the Brigade in any way he is able It'\ neveF too late to make new friends!

Harlesden Combined Div. J.C. Cave

MORE ON THE NEW REVIEW

from Edward Tortell, Supt.

I was very pleased to receive the Review in its new f orm at. in. which you have pers?n a lly explained your fl.0ure pollcy lS defm ltdy the most forthnglht and fran lk at t itude , whJch in my opinion every editor of a p aper should adopt. I am sure l will be a success. Not tnat 1 had any complaint to make as regards your predecessor but a change of shape and general

ROPE STRETCHER

by E. T ortell

Use a 40 ft rope, approximately 1Y<I or 1V2 inch thick. 26ft will be taken up by the man-harness knot. 14ft for the sheet bend, i.e. 65% and 35%.

Start with the man-harness knot at one end leaving about 2ft for uniting with other end. Then join all man-harness knots with a sheet bend to form at least five supports: viz. for head, back, buttocks, knees and ankles. The man-harness knots should be of the size suitable for the anatomical part they are to support and spaced according to the size of the patient.

Join both with a double overhead knot or bowline.

For lifting patient, four bearers are needed, using the same technique as for the blanket-lift.

attitude was long overdue. As an item of general interest how about making some comments on the advisability or otherwise of members of the Brigade wearing long hair and/or a beard? During our Jubilee celebrations last year out of 1300 visitors we had one of each kind The one with long hair , although holding a senior position , proved to be a bit of a nuisance at one time ; bu t the bearded one was mo st amiable and respectful in all ways. We have a few long-haired members in Malta but we generally discourage them and this perhaps may account for a fall in the number of our Ambulance adult members.

There is also the question of mini-skirts. These have apparently been accepted provided they are not hypermini , but in my opinion the best working dress for nurses would be slacks , but not tights as the nurses of West Midland's Gas Industry Team were wearing during the Grand Prior s Trophy competition (Jan. Review page 7.)

Questions and Answers

PRIORITIES, from Cadet Sgt. Heany, IIford.

Q: If, after a child is delivered it is found to be not breathing , but the mother is severely bleeding from the uterus, which case should be considered the priority - mother or child? A: This may well be a moral rather than a medical question. The answer may depend upon extraneous factors not excluding religious observances and social customs of the country within which the incident occurs. Each case must be treated on its individllJa] merits , but obviously, if it be apparent that the mother cannot be saved the answer is ready-made; the reverse may well apply. I add a personal note that to be dogmatic in my reply might we igh heaVily upon my conscience.

CRUSH INJURIES, from P.J. Armstrong, Wembley.

Q:. There is opinion that there is no real evidence that giving flUIds to patients with crush injuries helps in any way does not pressure on the kidneys result, and does not the amount of fluid the body need scientific control? A: As with many other first a[m the answer is occasionally a matter of variation dependent upon the views of the author.

The second edition of 'Principles of First Aid for the Injured' by H. Proctor, MB, BS, FRCSE, and P. S. London, MBE, MB , BS,

As an item of interest to SJA members , I am enclosing a description of an improvised rope-stretcher.

Malta Edward Tortell

Ed: H'm Long hair and mini-skirts. That's a teaser. I'll think about it.

from Mrs. E .M. King, D ID

You will possibly be interested in the views of the members of the Brigade who have been in it for many years The 'new' Review is to me like a pair of smart shoes , vaguely uncomfortable , but will get be tter as time passes.

Leigh-on-Sea E.M. King

Ed: Marvellous! A perfect description. Mrs. King should write for us

Questions on First Aid from our readers are welcome far this regular feature. They will be answered by The Chief Medical Officer, Professor H. C. Stewart, DL, MA, MD. PhD, F RCP, F FA , RCS, and the Surgeon-in-Chief Dr M. M. Scott, MRCS LRCP.

FRCS, both of Birmingham Accident Hospital and published by Butterworths , states:

It is recommended that victims of crushing be made to drink copiously. This should be ignored if the crushed part has been amputated or excluded by a light tourniquet , or if the victim will reach hospital in ten to fifteen minutes or so. If there will be much delay , drinking may be allowed. Small quantities should be given at first and larger quantities if there is no vomiting. The liquid absorbed is freely diffusible through the walls of capillaries and will do virtually nothing to raise the blood pressure, though it will help to replenish the bod y's depleted store of wa ter. Plain or flavoured water tea or other beverages are equally permissable; none has any great advan tage over others.

BLOOD CLOTS,also from P.J. Armstrong, Wembley.

Q: In the treatment of fractured jaw why has a blood clot to be removed? A: The raison d ' etre of a blood clot is to seal leaking blood vessels. In the mouth owing to the presence of saliva , the blood clot formed is inclined to become more gelatinous than firm and may fail to attain its object and so, give rise to choking. This is one of the reasons why - in bleeding from a tooth socketthe initial blood clot is rinsed away before pressure is applied.

Historians of the Order in Scotland ' It is one of our proudest boasts that Scotland is at present the centre for studying the 900-year history of the OrdlH of St. John; in no other part of the world are there so many people engaged in serious work on this subject.

As was reported in the last News from Scotland the Department of Medieval Hist(;)ry in the University of St. Andrews is now occupying a fine old house in the town which, with its beautiful garden, was a Hospitaller property in the Middle Ages. The Professor and head of the department, Lionel Butler, is Librarian of the Priory of England and British represen tative on the international committee planning the Council of Europe's exhibition of works of art and other objects illustrative of the Order's history, to be held in Malta this summer.

For the last twenty years he has been working in the Royal Malta Library on the mass of unpublished charters and documents which survive from the Hospitallers' occupation of Rhodes, 1309-1523. The results of his research will appear in volume II of the f our-v,olume 'History' published by Macmillan. Volume I, dealing with the activities of the Knights of St. John from their migins to 1310, is already out and was written by the Librarian of Scotland, 18

NEWS from SCOTLAND

Miscellany

Last year the house of Mrs. Graoe Ro bertson, Secretary to th e Priory was burgled and she lost all her jewell ery. Our Chancellor organised a 'whip-round' which had an under standably good response - Mr s. Robertson is a most popular Secretary. At the meeting of Chapter h eld in Janua ry, Profe ssor J.D. Mackie, presented h er with a string of pearls, pe arl ear-rings and a carriage clock.

The Aberd een Committee, knowing that ther e is a demand for private care in surgical, gynaecological and geriatric cases, closed down the nursing hom e ar 21 Albyn Pla ce on February 28 for a comp let e upgrading, so th at it co uld be equip ped to the highest possible standard

NEW BOOKS

PRINCIPAL DRUGS

by S.J. Hopkins Faber & Faber 12s.

This small paperback book is intended as a d ic tionary to provide nurses and others with a bri ef acco unt of some of the more important drugs in common use.

University of St. Andrews Department of Medieval History

financial accounts of the Langue of England; he is also collaborating with t he present minister of Torphichen the Rev Thomas Crichton , in a history of th e Parish. In the Aberdeen area, Mr. 1 Fenton Wyness and Major R R.M. Port er have both published work on the Ord er and in Glasgow our Hospitaller, Lt. Col. J H Calder Macleod is engaged in a stud y of the curious and complicated event s that surrounded the secularisation of th e Preceptory of Torphichen at the time of the Reformation

The home will be closed for fo u r months. A survey has also been carried out to determine whether it is possible to build an extension co nsi sti ng of a new operating theatre and ten intensive-care bed unit s

The ap p eal in con n ection with the improvements to the home has got off t o a good start In the first five days , no less than £20,000 were promised

Forthcomi ng Events

who is also in the department of Medieval History at St. Andrews. As compiler of News from Scotland he hopes he will not be suspected of advertising!

St. Andrews is not the only Scottish u ni versity containing professional historians of the Knights of St. John. At Aberdeen is Anne Williams who researched into their later medieval statutes. At Strathclyde is Allison Buchan who has just completed a research thesis on the fortifications of Malta, 1530-1798. And until recently , at Edinburgh was Anthony Luttrell, the author of many articles of the fourteeenth-century Order and a book on one of its Masters which will soon be in the bookshops.

Historians are also to be found within our ranks. Mr. W.D. Cargill-Thompson recently published a detailed bibliographical study of the Order in Scotland in the 'Annales' of the Knights of Malta. Two important articles - in the 'Annales' and the 'Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland' - have established the Rev. P.H.R. Mackay as the leading authority on Torphichen the ancient headquarters of the Hospitallers in Scotland where there still stands perhaps t li1 e fines t surviving example ()f their medieval architecture in the British Isles. Mr. Mackay is now working on a critical edition of the sixteenth-century

In spite of all this activity much still remains to be done. The late Angu s Macdonald spent much of his life working on the history of the Order in S co tlan d itself and it is to be hoped that someone will soon come forward to take over the papers he left and prepare them for publication ; there are many problems of interest which need discussion and clarifica tion.

The thriving group of historians up here could not flourish without th e interest of the general public, an interest that is often quite staggering. Two years ago when we had a stand at a charities' exhibition in Edinburgh, H.M , Register House ran concurrently a displa y of the Order's medieval charters. Some remarks on the History of the Knights of st. John made by Mr. Andrew Lawson found their way into the Evening Times in 1966. For two Decembers running, in 1967 and 1968, articles in the GlasgoW Herald dealt wholly or partly with the Order's history, although unfortun ately no mention was made of the pres enl Priory.

This reflects one of our problems The interest in the history of the Knights is evident and it has encouraged those wi th an academic bent ; but in the minds of the public, it has not been associated wit h our present-day work - at times, fO instance, we have been mistaken fO Freemasons and even Knights of the Thistle! It is high time that we exploit ed the public interest in the Order's historY and took full advantage of it.

The Ladie s' Committee has organised a visit to Glasgow by Arthur Negus, the wizard of the wor ld of antiques. H e will be giving his opinion of articles submitted in advance by members of the Order at 7.30 on Wedn esday April 15 at Langside Halls, Glasgow.

The Earl of Haddo will be installed as Prior of Scotland on April 17 at St. Giles, Edinburgh

The General Assembly and Investiture of the Priory of Scotland will be held in Aberdeen on June 2 4.

J.R.-S

The drug s are listed in alphabet ica l order and the approved non-proprietary name s are given. There are two lists , of the approved name s and their equivalents, and of the proprietary names and their eq.uivalent s , at the back of the book, so that if either name is known the other may be discovered.

The notes on each drug are simple and concise and in most cases, actions , uses and doses are discussed. In a few drugs , the more i mportant side-effects are also mentioned. Some of the older drugs are discussed including BIPP , Blaud 's Pills, cade oil , chenopodium oil Dover's Powders , Easton's Syrup, Friar s Balsam, gelsemium, hydnocarpus oil, laudanum, ouabain, strophanthUS, tartar emetic and valerian. There are also notes on drugs which have been eliminated from the British National Formularies of 1963, 1966 and 1968. Some of the proprietary names are included in the dictionary and cross-referenced to the a pproved name . It would be an improvement if the proprietary names were given when the entry in the dictionary is under the approved name

Most of the drugs quoted in the Classified Notes for Prescribers in the 1968 edition of the British National Formulary are included but the anthelmintic, antiprotozoal , female hormone and skin preparations are not fully represented

This third edition can be recommended to nurses as a simple, reliable guide to the very complex subject of modern drug therapy and it is excellent value for money.

C.C.M.

THE

NURSING AND MANAGEMENT

OF SKIN DISEASES

by D.S. Wilkinson , MD,FRCP Faber & Faber, paperback 22s cloth edition 50s.

A mo st valuable text book which has been revised by the author for its third edition. This book is especially for those nurses working in industry, schools and on the district.

SPECIAL TESTS AND THEIR MEANINGS

The procedure and meaning of the commoner tests in hospital use, described for nurses by D MD. Evans, MD , MRCP, FCPath. Faber & Faber, paper back lIs.

This is an excellent book to be added to the ward library of reference books. Also it would be a very useful book to find in the nurses' library. Not only are the tests described but the preparation of the patient for the test is given, where necessary, and as the normal is shown the abnormal is easily appreciated by the nurse.

A SUMMARY OF GYNAECOLOGY by C.WF. Burnett, MD, FRCS, CRCGG Faber & Faber 12s.

This is a brief summary of gynaecology by an experienced author and teacher ; it can be recommended for all nurses in training or even those who are still planning to train for SRN or SEN. B.C

THE SEIGE OF MALTA 1565

by Ian C. Lockhead and T. F. R. Barling

New , vividly illustrated simply written - The Seige of Malta 1565 is a salut e to yet another era that is ju s beginning for t he island of Malta. For in the summer of this year, the Council of Europe's 13th European Art Exhibition is to be held in Valett a, the ca pital of this island which still hold s so much untapped history. As well as many black and white sketche s, for th e first time this book includes p hoto g raphic reproductions of th e famous cycle of frescoes of the Grand Master's Pal ace in Val etta, which t ell the story of th e seige step by step Fascinatingespecially if a trip to Malta is in the offing. Literary Services and Produ ctions Ltd ., 26 Old Brompton Road London S.W.? Pri ce 30s. F.D.

News from the Divisions

NEWS FROM WALES

Treasurer of the Priory for Wales, Mr. Bernard E. Brown, KStJ, FCA, (above) retired last October for reasons of health.

Mr. Brown's with the Priory goes back to 1938 when he was a prominent member of the Finance Committee and Hon. Secretary of the then City of Cardiff Celiltre of the Priory. He was also Hon Auditor of the Glamorgal'l Jo i nt County Committee, Red Cross and St. John, throughout the last war and was appointed Treasurer of the Priory in 1946 - at the same time acting as Hon . Treasurer for the Jo i nt County Commi1tee, St. John and Red Cross, Glamorgan Branch , which office Mr. BICDwn still hGlds.

Mr. Brown has been a great friend and a very valuable adviser to the Priory As a Member of Chapter and the Council we will sti11100k to him for support and wish him a speedy return to health

Mrs J .M. Lewis, OStJ, Receptionist (Enquiries) Department, also retired last OGtober after forty-four years continuous service.

The Priory will miss her cheerful helpfulness and meticulous attention to every enquiry.

20

CRAMLINGTON (Northumberland) - the highlight of the first joint annual dinner of the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions was the presentation of a new flag by Mr. C. Crawford , a fo rmer superintendent, who this year celebrates 60 years service to the Brigade.

Mr. Crawford also presented on behalf of the division a coffee table to Area Staff(Training) Officer R. Coulthard, who recently relinquished his position as divisional superintendent, as a mark of esteem and respect for service well rendered.

This year the Cramlington Nursing section has increased to Division al strength and at present every arm of St John is thriving in the town

Phot o: Blyth News)

ECCLESH I LL, Bradford - Cadet Stephen Ingham , received the following letter of Commendation from the City of Bradford Police : It has been brought to my notice that at 4.30pm on September 9 1969 , you were present in L ee ds Road when Mr s. Snowden of Bradford , co llaps ed and died.

I am informed that you applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in a most efficient manner and continued to do so until the arrival of th e ambulance.

Although your effo rts to r evive the dec ease d wom a n wer e unsuccessful, your actions were commendable and I thank you for your assistance in tllis matter.'

Well d one, Stephen.

LANes 17 cadets of the Great Harwood, Rishton and Accrington Division seem to have had a great time during December visiting Fulwood Barracks, Preston f o r the weekend.

Wit h two instructors and their Divi sio nal Officer, their programme included exercise on the army assault course, medica l centre talks and visits, films, netball five-a-side football, trampoline workouts, practice on the rifle range - and plenty of grub.

Fulwood Barracks Sgt. Dewhur st did them well

SH REWSBU RY - a training day was h el d at SJ A Headquarters on February 2 1 ; guests included the Shropshire Com mander Viscount Boyne , County Commissioner Col. W.P. Careless, County Supt. (N) Mrs Hewatt-Jaboor , and ·many member s from the co unt y.

Topics di sc u sse d wer e : 1 The Divisi on and the Superintenden t, a talk by Col. Careless

2 Forms , a talk by County Secr etary, Mr. Card

3. A film on safety precautions.

4. Planning a divisional programme, a talk by Mr Pally

1969 from Assi st. County Supt (N) Mrs ( Photo : West Cumberland Times)

5. Local disaster areas, a talk by Major Carter. Major Car te r gave five factors arising from a hyperthetical dis aster: dead people, seriously injured, slightly injur ed, probl ems of getting to the disaster area , and the need to evacuate people from the area.

Then he d ea lt with disaster procedures. Firstly, the statutory services (fire -brigade, police and ambulance) are alerte d Se co ndly, the voluntary services (SJA , Red Cross WVS , etc .) are alerted Thejob of SJA i s fourfold:

1. To provide escorts for the injured to hospital , a lso for those who need help to the various rest centres.

2. To provide auxiliary staff for hospital duties.

3. To c omfort the bereaved or those in distress.

4. To staff first aid posts.

SURREYth e Dorking a nd Distric t cadet band has been entered for the Crawley Youth Band Co nt est on May 31 , the first time that St. J ohn has been repres e nted.

If any divisions have drums or E-sharp c3valry trump e t s, etc., for sale or wo uld be willing ta loan them (for rent al) please contact Mr. D Lawrence , 7, Lincoln Road Dorking.

WORKINGTON - at th e annual supper

Cpl. Jack Feckie received the trophy for

the best member of the division for 1969 . CpI. Feckie's father was a member of SJAB until he was over 80 years old; his son David is D/O of Ambulance cadets ; his daughter is an SRN and nursing member; a younger son is a cadet.

UPMINSTER and HORNCHURCH - th is cadet division was opened in 1965 and existed until it was closed temporarily in April, 1969.

In May 1969 it was taken over by Divisional Officer Richard Farrell , who re-opened it in Hornchurch on Jun e 5 1969. With the help of local pres s an d headmaster s, who publicised t h e re-opening there were 90 would-be a pplicant s on the first night. Some of these were 'farmed out' to other divisions. Be cause of the large numbers involved, the doors were closed to any n ew members, excep t for a short period in Septembe r/ October , when a n ew section of the divisio n was opened in U prninster.

On De cember 13 1969 , an Enrolment night wa s held to enrol a total of 40 boys. 19 of these were aged over 11, who had qualified in a first aid examination and they were enrolled as cadets. The remaining 21 were aged be ween 8 and 1 1, who had qualified in simple first ai d trea tment , and were enrolled as juniors.

During the year , the cadets went camping seve r al times, including a week in Totland Bay, Isle of Wight They also performed 18 11 % hours Voluntary Publi c Duty in 5 months , which is almost four times the total amount of the 1965196 8 figures

1970's programme will include courses in fire-fighting , camp i ng and m ap -r eading, sever al weekend camps and a week s camp at the Isle of Wight There will also be one or two surprises during the coming year. A target of 5000 hours Voluntary Public Duty ha s been set.

OBITUARIES

Sgt. Grenvill e Arthur DaVie s, for 2 3 yea rs with Chelmsford Ambulanc e Di vision

Dr. W.R. Han cock Ellis, SBSt.J, for 40 yea rs with Woodford Division

Mrs Katie D o ro thy J effrey, D I Supt. B raintree and Bocking Di v isi on

2 1

Cpl. Jack Feckie receive s trophy for best member of Workington Division for

18-year-old DIANE DAVIS will tell us monthly about her life as a

January 1970 had come at last. It was ten minutes to midday. I had travelled u P from Salisbury (my home) by train, and was now about to go though the swing-doors of the Nurses' Home at London's University College Hospital - on the threshold of my chosen career and my new home For this was the beginning of my three years training as a student nurse - something that I had often thought about, often had doubts about, but to which I had been attracted for many years. Now I would soon know whether this was what I really wanted to do in life or not. And I hope , by writing every month in the Review about my training and life at this well-known hospital, tha t this may help the thou san ds of St. John cadets who may also be comidering taking this step when they reach the age of eighteen.

On my first day at D.C.H., I settled into my room in the nurses' home, which is across the road from the main ho spi tal , and met some of the other 50 girls who also joined that day; later we were shown around the School of Nursing, where we would attend lectures during our 8-week introductory course, and the hospital.

My room is of smgle-bedroom size, with a very comfortable divan , armchair, dressing-table, wardrobe, desk and chair for studying, central-heating, and a

STUDENT NURSE

hand-basin with hot and cold water. I must say, it's much ni cer t han I expected. There are about 400 student nurses living in our block, and we eat - breakfast at 8, lunch at noon, tea at 3.15, dinner at 7 pm - in a laFge self-service d i ning-room on the ground floor. The food is good but not Mum's horne-cooking; but th en one can hardly expect it with so many mouths to feed. On each floor there is a kitchen for our own use where we can make coffee tea and meals at any time ; and two bathroom s and a hair-drying room. In the basement is a laund ry-room, with washing machines, spin-dryers , and ironing facilities; also a sewing-room with electric sewing machines. So all told , there's everything at hand that a girl may need to keep herself spick and spanproviding of course she doesn't spend too much of h er off-duty hours dancing with medical students. And there are more than enough to go around at this hospital, as I've already found out. A nurse's life is not, as some people make out , all drudgery

On my third da y here we started work or more precisely lectu res. Our intake of 50 students was divided into four groups, A,B,C, and D, and for most of our studies two groups work together. I'm in Group C, and we usually work with Group D. The first eight weeks of our training

includes theoretical and practical nursing in the lecture room and on the wards, as well as lectures on a variety of subjects such as anatomy physiology, psychology , micro-biology and first aid. Each week we have one hour of written tests on some of these su bj ects.

We work from 9 am till 5 pm with an hour for lunch, half-an-hour for morning coffee and tea During the introductory course we get every weekend free and have to be in by 10 .30 in the evening , with on e late pass till 11 pm a week.

At U .C. H. we are sti ll on the old system of having the cost of our board and lodging deducted from our pay. Th is amounts to £ 131 a year , or just und er £ 11 a month , which leaves u s with about £ 16 a man th or £4 a week spending money

For our first few week s we were issued with navy blue and white nylon overalls to wear as uniform dress while we we re measured and our nurses' uniforms were being mad e The new uniforms we re delivered in batches and we were not allowed to appear in them until we had all re cei ved them. Mine fitted quite well· but seemed rather long after w ear in g short skirts. But then I l earned that th is is to allow for shrinkage, and all ne w uniforms are immediately sent to th e laundry for a good washing. Min e's getting shorter

By OllY

REVI EW CROSSWORD No 4 (70) compiled by W A. Potter ACROSS

I. Five indisposed with us in absorptive stru c ture of small intestine (6) 4. In short the greatest number ill with a facial bone (7). 9. Measured fabric s stiffene d by gelatinous s ub stance (5). 10. How one may b e caught with palmar bleeding? (3 -6). 11. Doctors holding nothing for disorderly crowds (4). 12. A little science confused f riend cove ring the c ranium (5) 13 Untidy ea ting-pl ace? (4). 16. Following t emperat ur e, air-space in 4 Across produces behaviour disorder (7). 17. Nurse is often called on to test urine for presence of this protein (7). 19. Traction for treatment of fractured f emur or body present in inflammatory states (7). 2 1 Don't die in tooth-like form (7). 22. Strangely, a triangular bandage has on ly two (4). 24 Antiseptic initially indicating place of development and type (5). 25. Sign of an increase by fifty in suppurative exudate (4). 28. Azure pits can be found in muscle extending th e head (9). 29. Bone with triangular shaft (5) 30. African native poisonou s alka loid from calabar bean used to contract the pupil (7). 31 For variation sus pend by the neck in established church (6).

DOWN

I. Nerve cells controlling tone of arterioles (9.6).2. Inactive parts of the skeleton? (4-5). 3 Oriental tongue (4). 4. Part of br a in stern in which 1 Down is situated (7). 5. Diagno stic procedure in suspe cted bone inj ur y (1-3). 6. Gold lost point in small house (5) 7 Condition due to deficiency of secretion of adrenal cortex (8 .7). 8. Three scruples for the apothecary (6) 14. How ulcer may be completely lacking in feeling (5). 15.). Black wood by one mutation is 8 0 % ossified (5). 18. Red muscle protein storing oxygen for bursts of activity (9). 20. Cue line for essential amino acid (7) 21. P opularly, a n acc umul atio n of fluid in the tissues or peritoneal cavity (6). 23. D octor and monkey cover operation area with sterile towels (5). 26. Must be duplicated for thiamine deficiency disease (4). 27. Skin irritation from sp lit chilblain (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.3 (70) ACROSS

1. Pilonidal sinus: 9. Roseola: 10. Plastic: 11. Te a: 12. He-lix: 13. Mint: 16. Diplopia: 17. Tend-on: 19 Braun's : 21. Last gasp: 24. Cave: 25. Sugar: 26. Pier(rot): 29. Stomach: 3 0 Abreast: 31. Mitral stenosis.

DOWN

1. Pa Fo tid abscess: 2. Last lap: 3. Neon: 4. Diabetic: 5. Lipoid: 6. Iran: 7. Untried : 8. Acute nephritis: 14. Sound: 15. Death: 18. Cataract: 20; Alveoli: 22. Animals: 23. Bus-he-I: 27. Fair: 28. Bran.

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Get a move on with Guildway

Let's be Dignified - but not Pompous, by J. F. Lafferty (Mrs.) p.2

Investiture , February 26 1970 p.3

National Competitions p.4

Overseas Tours p.5

All Aboard! by Bill Pilkington p.6

The Colour Party, by R. J. Bray p.8

Around and About, by the Editor p.IO

The Teachings of Florence Nightingale by M. M. Scott, p.14

Readers' Views p.16

News from Scotland p.18

Student Nurse, by Diane Davis p.21

News from the Divisions p.22

Cadets J et-to-Malta Competition p.24

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, London. W. 8. (01-603 -85 12)

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saying

Comment

THE 'NEW BOSS FOR BUCKS' headline controversy on which I asked for a reader s' poll in the March issue resulted in 19 non-objectors and 6 objectors; % for , against - which I mu st confess, was a higher proportion of objectors than I envisaged. So, in view of this hard-core minority view, in fut ure I will curb by one quarter my Irish exuberance when writing headlines; and I hope that the result does not incur the wrath of the few so much, or conversely try the impatience of the many for being rather formal.

So be it.

But I must add on this subject that in proposing the poll my intentions were serious: I was asking for guidance from you the readers. It was not gimmickery - or an attempt to pillory anyone, of which I have been accused since by one person. Incidentally, I notice no one accused me of pillorying myself , which could have resulted from the poll. Instead of publishing I could have ignored the one letter of complaint. In asking for a poll , I was simply seeking that which is only too often avoided: the truth.

Mr. Orlik , whose views on the headline brought about the need, I felt, for a poll , has done us - the organisation, the Review , its readers and myself- a great service.

Thank you, Mr. Orlik.

The Review is open to views - yours (the readers) and mine.

A GOOD PHOTOG RAPH

THIS MONTH'S COVER picture was one of a dozen photographs taken by Hampshire Divisional Nursing Officer Mrs. Fleming's husband at (to quote her letter) ' the usual formal enrolment ceremony'. All the photographs were submitted to the Hampshire Telegraph with a report of the ceremony. This picture , of junio rs amusing themselves after the ceremony - and how well it catches the spirit of the youngsters - was the one published by the newspaper. Mrs . Fleming said: 'We were amazed at their choice! It's publication produced more favourable comment than any formal photograph would have don e'. I think it is a marvellous picture. Congratulations , Mr. Fleming , for trying something diffe rent. The mood of the British people to publicHy is changing rapidly ; and the press is more aware of these changes than any of us.

CADETS' JET-TO-MALTA COMPETITION

FULL DETAILS of the cadet competition announced last month are to be found on page 24 of this issue , the entry form is on page 23.

THE REVI EW COMPETITION FUND

. . . . for which I made an appeal la st month stands at - £3.

The Editor

Let's be Dignified

But not Pompous

ISN'T MR. WILLIAMS USING THE WRONG WORD?

by

J. F. Lafferty (Mrs.) (Ar ea Staff Officer, London)

'IS YOUR DIGNITY really necessary?' asks the 'New Boss for Bucks', Mr. Watkin W. Williams. (Whether we like it or not, Mr. Williams is going down to posterity as 'the boss for Bucks'!)

Yes, Mr. Williams, sometimes our dignity is really necessary. Not perhaps in the instances you have quoted i.e. inside the Brigade structure, but in our relations with the public. I, personally, am not dignified by nature. I like a laugh and a joke with the 'troops', but unfortunately my jokes are often misconstrued. To take an instance quite outside Brigade matters: I was in the supermarket with my six year old daughter buying cat food for our new kitten. Indoctrinated by TV commercials she wanted to buy 'Poosy-woosy', while I was going for the cheapest. A man beside me picked up a tin of something-or-other and asked 'Have you tried this?'. My unfortunate of humour led me to reply with a very straight face , 'No, I don 't know how to cook it'. To which he replied , not realising that I was teasing, 'Oh! you don't cook it!' Had I been a little more dignified I would have answered politely and to the point , 'No, I haven't'.

And so it is in the Brigade. When I went on to Area Staff I like.d to joke 'Now my pay is just doubled', but even among Brigade members, I was selmetimes misunderstood. (If they can't work out that twice nothing is nothing, I don't know how they will manage with decimal currency!)

So I have learnt that a little dignity is expected. I can even feel for the officers asked to make beds. For an officer's lot is not a happy one. If while on duty with other ranks one tends to stand back and let the newer members do the treatment, then behind one's back they say 'She never does a bit of first aid - probably doesn't know what tco do'. So next time one digs in and treats the ghastliest casualties only to hear, 'When you go on duty with her, she does all the work, and doesn't let the nursing members get a look in'. As an officer you just can't win!

Mr. Williams mentions the BRCS. Certainly they have don e away with the brass 'pips' and gorget patches But in their place they wear all manner of words and inscriptions, reaching in some cases almost down to the elbow. This probably works very well imide the organisation but it is very confusing for the rest of us Entering a room full of BRCS uniforms is quite bewildering and one can only act like the man from Mars, buttonholing the nearest and saying 'Take me to your leader'.

It happens that I work quite closely with the BRCS members on a mutual interest, and the members who are outside both organisations have never taken any particular interest in my 'ironmongery' - no one even noticed when I took down my three 'pips' and put up a crown. The only comment I ever get is on the Grand Prior's badge and people invadab.ly say how pretty it is!

Not so the Red CFOSS personnel. These 'independent wit nesses' read 'Commandant' and 'Welfare' e tc., on the uniforms and have a splendid time pretending to salute and asking for all sorts of 2

ad ver tisement. I have no thing against anyone smoking if they wish to risk lung cancer; I like to whde away time with a little km.ittlng myself ; shou1d be done discreetly, away from the pl!lblic gaze.

A certain senior officer that I know is not in the least dignified off duty. He wipes up the coffee cups with the rest, but when the occasion demand s it, he can be a most impressive figure. For examp.le, receiving an ambulance from the dedicating chapla111, wh1ch can be a most moving ceremony and one that requires from those who take part.

impossible help of the welfare officer. Of course it may be that outsiders make no co mments on my un iform becau se I se ld om wear it - unlike my BRCS colleagues who put theirs on at the slightest excuse.

I think it is because our ranks are so like the Army's that people who understand these things immediately feel at home with ou r badge s; people who don 't want to know about the Army don't want to know about us eit her! Unhappily th is applies in Brigade circles too. Examining a prospective corporal , wi t h my area superintendent sitting beside me I asked, 'What badges of rank does an area superintendent wear?' It took some prompting on my part to d rag the right ans wer out of the ca det , and even then she had little idea what the diffe rent 'georgette' patches (as she and so many others call them) meant! Thus is our dignity effectively squashed from within.

Talking of badges of rank, in the 1930's the 'dual appointment' mentioned by Mr. Will iams, did in fact flourish in the Brigade Cadet officers wore their ap pr opriate bad ges and 'pips' when on duty with the cadets, bu t reverted to private or ambulance sisters (as they were then calle d ) when with the adu lt divis[o n Many a time was I called upon when I was a cadet to alter t he badges on my mother's greatcoat from one to the othe r.

I can't even agree with Mr. Williams remarks about the 'oth er Qrganisation, in his case Scoutin g. Unless the girls have a differen t set of rules, my experience has been the exact opposite of his. I went along to test some Browni es in first aid. At the request of Brown Owl I went in uniform although my instinct was to go ill civvies. Primed by a very good handbook, I knew al l about the Brownie s' circle and was quite pr ep are d to sit on the floor in the ring with the girls. Brown Owl and Tawny Owl were quietl y horri fied. 'We never sit on the floor' they explain ed; the poli te and well trained little girls then brought us a chair each and we sat in solitary state at points equidistant round the circl e Certainly these youngsters were being taught one of the 6r sl principle s of being a good ho stess, but I felt rather like Charlie Chaplin in 'The Great Dictator', sitting high above the 'or din ar) folks'.

Sometimes members ask should they wear uniform , O I example. when going to another organisation. To which I alway! reply , 'Yes, you are someone in uniform , but no one in civvie s By this I do not mean tha t they should assume a sense of theil own importance , but rather that they sho uld be easil) identifiable; which is exactly why the uniformed branch wa started in the 1880's, so that members with first aid certificate' should stand out in a crowd. But in assuming the uniform, the) must also assume some of the digni ty that goes with i t. Sinel they d() stand OUit a cFOwd, the re should be no sky- larkin g;, man with a cigarette drooping from his mouth and ash all dO W I his jacket does not inspire confIdence; a nursing member D el intent on her knitting to be bothered with a patient is not a gaOl

My husband and I, having a son in the cadet qivision, once attended a meeting of the paren ts' group and as we were both divisio nal superintendents we were asked to grace the platform One truculent parent was determined to pick hole s i n the dIvlsIon the cadet superintendent and the Brigade as a whole. My husband kept silent while the cadet superintendent parri ed comment after comment, until finally, the man asked, 'If you're

supposed to be teaching the boys first aid, what's the point of all t his drilling that you make then do?' I must confess that this question had me stumped, but not my husband With a nod to the cadet he told the man that when we go on duty we nux WIth members of many division s, and if each man is trained to know what to do, and what is required he can work with these other Briga de personnel , many of whom he may never .met .before. From a training in basic drill , the boys go on to tra111111g 111 stretcher drill, and then on to team work for competitions, etc. I am not sure that my husband's logic wa s absolutely sound, but his air of authority certainly silenced the awkward questioner!

be i t for me, with a mere matriculatio n certificate to my cred!t, to try to teach the English language to someone with 31 years experience of teaching at Eton College, but I think Mr. Williams might weB consider changing the word 'dignity' in his quest io n. Let u s be dignified when the occasion warrants it - but never pompoutT.

THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN INVESTITURE, February 26 1970

AS COMMANDER (B ROTHER)

Captain William Grenville Peek

Captain Francis Ja ck Cartwright, CVO,OBE.

Captain Philip Herbert Earle

Welby-Eve rard, DSC , DL.

Sir William Taylor, Bt. CBE, DL JP.

Brigadier Theodore Edward Dudl ey Kelly , CBE.

Squadron Le ader Jesse Edwin George Hancock, DFC.

Air Vice-M a rshall Jam es Clarke-Taylor, OBE QHP ,M B ,ChB, DPH ,DI H

Group Captain Ralph Sidney Peill, MB, ChB , DA.

William Appleton

William George Syer, CVO, CBE. Brigadier Francis Peter Barclay, DSO , MC, DL.

AS COMMANDER (SISTER)

Marian Charlotte, Mrs. Long MBE.

Helen Constance Margaret, Mrs. Foley

Agnes Drysdal e, Mis s Ewing

Mary Clara Elizabeth, Mrs. Harwood SRN , SCM

The Lady Viol et Vernon

AS OFFICER (BROTHER)

Colonel The Lord Mais OBE TD ERD JP. " , ,

Reginald William Clift

Rex Henry P ercy, MBE

Norris Edwin C1ark

C€llonel Sir J oh!l1 Frederick

Crompton-Ingl efie ld, TD, DL.

Dems Vere Collings

General Sir Rodney Moore GCVO KCB CBE,DSO. '"

John !Ienry Palfrey, CBE.

t...colonel RIchard Sydney Grenville

Close-Smith OBE W· ,. lng Commander John Frank Ho bson

M:8, ChB, DlPH, DIH.

AFthr Blaylock

Thomas Owen Stanley Sivell

Thomas Lindin Petters BSc

John McKim Park ' .

Ernest Arthur Poole

I vor Henry Timms

Edward William Jones, BEM

Dr. John Henry Chambers

Samuel John Cook

AS OFFICER (SISTER)

Diana Ethel, Mrs Novis

Agnes Estella Hare, Miss Johnson BEM.

Squadron Officer Mary Dorothy Walsh

Flight Officer Ann Rosalind Hall

Sybil Frances Jane , Mrs. Petters, BSc.

Lydia Winifred, Miss Parker

Helen Amina Louisa , Mrs Dillon

Elizabeth Catherine Alice Vera , The Hon. Mrs. Coke

Edith May, Mrs. Major , SEN.

Lily Louisa Celia, Miss Wells

Gladys Mary, Mrs Nicholls, SRN.

Grace Anne , Mrs. Appleby Caple

Lily May, Miss Grimmer

Hilda, Mrs Carmichael, MB , ChB.

Annie , Miss Seddon

AS SERVING BROTHER

Charles Edwin Gostling

Colonel Denis Arthur Sydenham

Houghton, TD, MA.

Albert Charles Reed

John Edward Wood

Lionel Richard Houlbrook

Brigadier Claude Morgan Hutchings, OBE

Wardmaster Commander Gordon Cecil Hamilton , RN

Ward master Lt. Commander Glyn Owen

Jones, MBE, RN.

Stanley Ernest Bailey

Alfred Henry Frederick Adcock

Stanley Bright

Charles Edward Clifton

William Cocker

Frank James Corke

Claude Eggleton Peter Elliston

John William Fox

Walter George Hart

Albert J ames Bingham

Joseph Thomas Hughes

Robert Henry Jones

Leslie Simpson

Leslie Arthur Clarke

Charles Herbert Marwood

Edmund Day

Denis John Bradbury

Stanley Mason

Major Thomas Robert Turner TD

John Francis Sanders ,.

John Silson

Charles Swain

Frank Willshaw

George Hamlett

Guy Harford Powell

George Thomas Raymond Hancox

Charles Watson

Albert Edward Pettet

Norbert Henry Humphrey

Harold Walker

Scott Campb ell, MB, ChB.

Lt.-Colonel Isaa c Cross Pedley , TD. Lt.-Colonel Ernest Albert Rochester Berkley , TD, MRCS, LRCP.

Robert Escott Milton Scoyne AS SERVING SISTER

Bertha Valentine Mrs Sandison

Dorothy Madge Mrs Henry

Helen Sophie , Dr. Watson

Patricia Ann, Mrs. Wallace

Dorothy May , Mrs. Cole

Marie-Louise, Mrs. Maycock

Barbara Josephine , Miss Wright , SRN SCM, OHNC, MWI.

Gillian Myra, Mrs. Crosse

Doreen Maude, Miss Tippetts, SRN.

Joan Mrs. Shaw , SRN

Florence Elsie, Mrs. Burr

Margaret Jean Organ , Mrs Fox , SRN

Rita Rosina, Mrs Carr

Doreen Evelyn , Mrs. Brooker

Sybil Frances , Mrs. Appleton

Annie, Miss Cooper

Sheila Mary, Dr. Hutchinson

Gladys, Mrs. Turner

Inez Hope , Mrs. Pringle

Diana Margaret , Mrs Buxton SRN.

Muriel Elizabeth , Mrs. Stronach

NATIONAL FIRST AID COMPETITIONS DIARY UP TO THE BIG

April: 16th: Dock and Harbour Authorities Association, London; 18th: National Coal Board, Scarborough; 18th: National Dock Labom Board, London;

May: 16th: H.J. Heinz Ltd., London, 28th: Distillers Company Ltd., London.

June 4th: B.R. London Transport & British Trans. Docks, etc., Glasgow, 11th B.P. Chemicals (UK) Ltd., London; l7th: Min. of Tech., London; 25th: Army Department, London.

4

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

HELD

FIRE BRIGADES

THE CHIEF COMMANDER Sir William Pike, returned to London in March after an extensive two-week tour of Nigeria. During the tour he was accompanied everywhere by the Nigerian Commissioner for Health, who is also the Chairman of St. John in Nigeria. Starting in Lagos, Sir William visited various parts of the coun try (by air and road) to see the work of St. John ; he also visited the area of the recent war. On his return to Lagos he had a long, friendly and extremely interesting interview with President General Gowon.

The future of St. John work throughout Nigeria looks bright

OVERSEAS TOURS

17

July 8th & 10th: Nat. Association of Young Farmers Kenilworth ; 4th: SJA Brigade National Finals, Croydon.

September 24th (provisional): National First Aid Compo for Industry , London.

October 4th: National Road 'Transport Ambulance Asso.ciation , Liverpool; 15th: Gas Industry Comps., London; 22nd: The Posl Office Ambulance Centre, Blackpool; November 17th: Grand Prior's Trophy. London.

LADY BRECKNOCK'S seven week tour of Africa and the Far East came to a temporary halt in Cambodia when she was overtaken there by the recent coup d 'e tat. All Cambodian civil airports were closed and Lady Br eck no ck, staying in Phnom Penh, the cap ital eventually got out of the country on one of the first planes to leave. She's now safely back in London - more of an authority on Cambodia than she expected to be when she left!

(L) Chief Commander inspects guard of honour at Lagos airport on arrival. (below) Presenting certificates at Nurses' Training School, Kano

Lady Brecknock at First Aid demon · stration in Johannesburg

ALL ABOARD!

A Liverpool Division solved its headquarter problemwhich led to solviny other local problems too

by BILL PILKINGTON (PRO, Lancashire)

AFTER YEARS OF EFFORT to obtain land on which to build a headquarters of their own, Liverpool's Maghull Cadet Division had not met with any success. They were very grateful to local school authorities and churches for allowing them to meet and train at their premises each week, but, as every married couple wants a home of their own, every division s h ould have its own headquarters. Maghll.lll did not intend to give up.

Then, during a ramble over the Easter weekend of 1967, the divisions's

R uth Bate, Maghul 's floating H/Q on a canal

superintendent Tony Morley, came across some old barges, looked them over , and then got an idea; a floating headquarters Tony Morley serves professionally with the BootIe Ambulance Service ; his wife is a State Registered Nurse; their two sons are in the Brigade ; ,and Tony has been responsible for many progessive schemes to advance the work of St. John and service to mankind. For instance , he instituted swimming classes locally under the Royal Life Saving Society for his cadets; then he extended this s cheme to

include the publi c; later Wat e r Sa f ety was added to the programme. Today , fro m this scheme more than 600 youngs te rs and ad ults have passed t heir life saving examinations.

After discussing his idea of a floatin g head quarters with his officers an d members, Tony d ec ided to go a he a d wi th the plan. The f irst job was to find a suitable barge for sal e

After a gr e at d eal of se ar c hing , he found the Ruth Bate. which m e a sur ed 75ft. by 15ft. 6ins The barg e wa s own ed by a local company and after exarruning the vessel , which was moored 13 mil es away in Stanley Dock , it wa s agr ee d to buy it fo r £50

Then came the problem of legal requirem e nts ; permission for mooring; M ersey Do ck and Harbour Bo ard Regulations ; and the hundr e d and one other formalities which had to be se ttl ed before the Ruth Bate could be moved

To bring the barge to Maghull mea nt coming through the busy Leed s and Liverpool ship canal system , and t o be towed by a tug would add c onsid er abl y to t he exp e n se. So. nothing daunted on J bitterly cold November morning, Ton Morley and his family met some twen t)' m e mbers of Maghull Division at Stanl ey Dock, Liverpool; they we r e going to tow the barge themselves for mo r e than I) miles, trudging along th e twi stin1 towpaths, through the locks It wa s goin! c c c 31:>- ): 14' l..J L£CTUR.

to be al' hot frosty day for them. ONce started, this mammoth task had to be completed by getting the barge to Maghull , for there was nowhere along the path where they could leave th e barge for the nigh t. The Volga boatmen had nothing on this band of St. John members ; with backs bent to take up the strain of the tow-ropes, soon the massive barge was on its way. The long trek had begun

After eight hours of pulling - we won't go into the d etails , they're best imaginedthe exhaust e d Maghull boatmen (sorry, members) finally moored the Ruth Bate near the Red Lion Bridge . They were home at last. And as one incredulous local' remarked: 'They looked like commandos , home from a raid'

Tony Morley's idea was taking shape; and he couldn't express sufficient thanks for the magnificent support of both his division and outside helpers, without whom the idea would have remained just another idea.

The nex t task was the conversion of the Ruth Bate to a headquarters, and here once again many people who were not in the Brigade volunteered to help, while the divisional members were always at work on the barge.

While work progressed - roofing over the vast cargo hold - a film was made of the entire operation, which vividly shows work continuing under heavy snow and icy conditions.

When the job was finished, the Ruth Bate had become a novel, comfortable and efficient headquarters at a cost of £400. The first floating St. John headquarters it's believed, in Britain. The

Ruth Bate soon became widely known locally and now other organisations in the district, following the Maghull Division's lead, have also acquired and converted old barges for floating headquarters on the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

But the story doesn't end there. With Maghull Division comfortably afloat, Tony Morley turned his attention to the dangers to children playing along Britain's canal systems, which was being given a lot of publicity at the time. Maghull Division was stationed on just one such danger spot. It went into action. Appeals went

TH E RUTH BATE SAGA

out to buy a boat. Then an outboard motor. And so a St. John Ambulance canal patrol was put into operation ., staffed by members fully trained in rescue and lifesaving. The patrol now covers a 4-mile beat of the canal , particularly during summer week -ends, when many children haunt the canal banks.

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say. Maghull Divison's necessity has been resolved, but it has also shown these active members how they can fill an invaluable gap in local safety.

In the absence that day of our friend Mr. Slater , I thought I would be the Brigade's second narrator

And put into words what took place in November,

To bring for us all an H.Q. to remember.

It began as the brain child of one Tony Morley

From there it developed quite slowly but surely

An idea so far reaching, so large in proportions

Was SOon to be putting our men in contortions!

The idea came to Tony whilst out on a ramble ,

An idea we all thought was a bit of a gamble

We were walking along when there came a great shout ,

'A headquarters I've found , of that I've no doubt'

S® Tony explained what he had in his mind

A filoating headquarters for you I will find

If they won t give the land , like we think that they ough ter)

Then Be Jabber, me lads, we'll all take to the water!

From then on did Tony search all round the Mersey

To find us a boat that he thought would be worthy.

He eventually found one , at quite a small charge

And purchased 'Ru th Bate,' a magnificen t barge.

He needed a mooring , but I hate to tell,

Whoever he asked, said, Oh just go to

Somebody else further up in the scale , Just keep on trying, I'm sure you'll not fail.

At last with the aid of dear Councillor Long

The Parish agreed, it could not be wrong -

So perntission was granted to moor at the yard.

To get her along there should not prove so hard.

One fine sunny morning a grand bunch of men

Boarded Ruth Bate for to move her again.

To a garage wen t Tony for tackle and block

To help get her ou of one diffjcult lock

F rom the floating H/Q Maghull members prepare fo r canal patrol duties

But finally then at the end of that day

Ruth Bate was made ready to be on her way.

The Grea t Flower of GlOt.lcgster was to give her a tow

But the owner declared that the engi ne won't go

Dismayed just a little our Tony set out

And gathered a crowd of his friends all about

From all over the place did they come to his aid

Togethgr with some of our own grand Brigade.

So on Sunday morning they started to haul,

Soon joined by Margaret who'd climbed over a wall.

A police car appeared as she vanished from sight,

Leaving me to explain that it was quite all right.

And so our good friends through that long weary day

Strained every muscle to pull all the wa y.

It was very much later, the job nearly done

When into thg water fell Ambulanceman Ron.

All our swimming club members called out, IDa not worry

Wg know what to do, how to work in a hurry.

For that's wh at they practise each T\!Jesday night,

To rescue a person in just such a pHght.

All weary and worn out as evening drew nigh ,

From all our staunch helpers there came a great sigh.

So near to the end and it was very b a d luck

To find a low bridge where the barge became stuck.

But- after much pushing and sawing our men

Persuaded Ru t h Bate to start moving again.

A great cheer went up , the rest was plain sailing

For soon we were moored at the Council Yard railing.

And so, my dear friends, that's the end of my story.

For soon our Ruth Bate will shine forth in her glory

And give us a headquarters of which we ' ll be proud, thanks to dear Tony and all his grea t crowd.

THE COLOUR PARTY

AN EXCELLENT ONE IS NEVER FORGOTTEN, says R. J. Bray (Area Staff Officer)

A $MART COLOUR PARTY will be for many years; being well groomed, it sets a good impression to the general public as well as beiNg a credit to the Brigade and the division providing the personnel. Having experience of this duty, some hints to future colour parties may be useful. I will comment on my training and summarise the main items at the end of this article. One thing of whIch I am certain is that all personnel who have had the honour of being in a colour party , as I have, naturally look at colour parties of all orga Nisations with a very critical eye. It is only after you have had this ftxperience that you know whether or not a colour party is as good as everyone says.

In Cornwall the Annual Review is held in alternate years in the eastern and western areas of the county. The normal procedure is for the 'host' division to have the honour of providing the colour party.

The year 1965 was the Jubilee year of the Bodmin Ambulance Division and it was felt appropriate by our county commissioner to honour the division with the Annual Review. I was at that time the divisional officer 'of the Bodmin Division an d was asked by my d ivisional superiNtendent if I would carry the Cmmty Standard at this parade. I have always felt very strongly that a colour party should be correctly trained and I only accepted my superintendent's 8

invitation with the proviso that arrangements were made for training My two escorts, who were Sgt. S.c. Bray, my father, and Cpl. J. Eddy, both agreed with my comments.

We were very fortunate in as much as Bodmin was an important military town of the past , being the headquarter s of the

Duke

of Cornwall Light Infantry

Although the r egime nt had been run down' somewhat, regular soldiers were still stationed there. One of thes e members was RSM Ron Delap , who h a d , in his time , carried the standard of hi s Regiment

Arrangements were made and training

commenced. Our county comm1SSIOner amp!lified the main parts of the relevant chal{9ter contained WI th e drill pam phlet a!\1ld these items were read by the RSM. The first tihing the RSM did was to see that the colour belt was correctly adjusted and this I feel is most important. Having felt honoured by being asked to carry the Standard and having had military training, I was looking forward to the task ; but, when I took my first few steps, I wondered whether I had taken on rather more than I co uld cope with. It took t ime to control my balance, it felt as if my right arm had bee n amputated. Having overcome the first problem, which was perfected by hours of training, my escort joined me. This initial training was carried out in t h e gymnasium. When a certain standard was attained, it was time to train on the parade ground, where the rough spots of our drill were knocked off. We were marched around the square time and time again, first in quick time and then in slow time.

This training commenced several weeks prior to the Annual R eview and on two or three evenings a week. As the time drew nigh, the parade ground was assumed to be where the Annual R eview was to b e held and dummy runs were made. Arrangements were also made with the local vicar of the parish chur ch so that this part of the proceedings could also be rehearsed. This is a point I would strongly advise, as some places of worship prov e to be difficult due to lack of room width as in some churches,or height lfl some Methodist churc h es.

Our training in t h e parish church proved t o be more important than had been envi saged. The slow mar ch up the aisle towards and up the chane l steps went well on the first attempt. Howev er , on the second trial march , the chan cel ste?s were approached on the wrong foot. This proves the necessity of training , to be prepar ed for any even tualit y on the 'day'. This problem was thought out and and on further attempts, went well. I will not go into detaIl here but the drill in church of a colour party is very co l o urful and shou ld be well studied.

Time had run out , 'AR' Day was upon us ; so, having h ad a complete dummy run the previous day, we were prepared for the test.

The colour party arrive d at the parade ground early and 1 had a word with the bandm aster This hint I feel is well worth conSidering, and is something I hav e not seen at a parade si nc e. It was agreed th at When the command 'Colour party post' , was glven, I would give my word of and the drummer would start LI1l€ 'b t' 1 ea, the rest of the band starting to pay after the introductory bea t. This was very effective and the march-on good. The inspecting officers arrived which meant on this particular the

Royal Salute , and again here is a drill which must be perfectly timed. The inspection followed , and then the march to the churc h .

The church service went well, the slow march up the aisle , handing over the Colour, saluting, removing hats, and returning in quick time to our seats. At the conclusion of the service the Colour was collected from the vicar, and the parade fell-in outside the church The march past followed en route to the parade ground for dismissal. It was all over! What we had trained for, for m any weeks, was over, but I can assure you it was well worth the toil.

I would like to close by say ing that to be chosen as a member of a colour party 1S a grea t hono ur , and should this opportunity come your way then train very ha r d so that you can parade on the

day with every confidence. It will be well worth the effort.

A few points to remember:

1. Train with a modern RSM or the eq uiv alen 1. This I feel is imp ortant as the slow march differs today from ;"hat it was some years ago.

2. See that the colour belt is correcly adjusted.

3. over and over all aspects of the drill , as co ntained in the drill pamphelet.

4 Practise in church, as here there is qUIte a lot of detail to learn

5. See the bandmaster

6. Don't forget all eyes are on you, no matter what part of the ceremony is taking place.

A smart colour party. The Author (centre) his father (L) and Cpl Eddy.

55 YEARS OF SERVICE

After 5.5 years of voluntary serviJce to t!he publie of Greater London, Charles Bower, OBE, retired from active service with the St. John Ambulance Brigade on April 1.

He leaves us as Deputy Commissioner of London (Prince of Wales's) District, having started as an ordinary member in 1914. Recognition of his outstanding example of service to others will be marked by a presentation from Group Captain G .H. Pirie, CBE, DL , J.P., Commander of London District, on behalf of its thousands of members

Charles Bower, now 72, was the head of a team who in 1932 undertook the initial research into the protection of the civil population against gas attack - from which the Air Raid Prevention organisation eventually d€veloped - and for which he was awarded the OBE in 1937. He organised first aid arrangements for many important ceremonial occasions in London, including several royal funerals, coronation and other State and civic processions; he was also responsible for assembling in Hyde Park the 27,000 SJ A personnel from all over the world who were reviewed by H.M. The Queen the year after she was crowned.

During this 55 year period Charles Bower agrees that there have been many changes not only in the St. John uniform - from bonnets and ankle length skirtsbut also in some first aid treatment ; burns are no longer treated with Carron oil, and various systems of artificial respiration have been replaced by mouth-to-mouth method, but he says, 'Although some things have altered, the fundamental

AROUND and ABOUT

WHATS GOING ON - IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

BY THE EDITOR

object of St. John is still based on its motto Pro Utilitate Hominum , for the service of mankind '. His own long record of service proves this point.

Charles Bower was made a Knight of GraGe of the Order in 1961.

HERTS COMPETITIONS

Ambulance and nursing divisions from North Herts dominated the Herts county St. John Ambulan ce competition held at St. Albans at the end of February.

A large crowd of spectators watched teams from allover the co unty co mp ete for the honour of representing He r tfordshire i n the regional competitions which will be held in a few months time. The regional winners go through to the Brigade finals in London in July.

Among the guests were the Mayor and Mayoress of St. Albans and the Chairman of the Herts C.C., County Alderman Mrs. I.D. Paterson , JP , who presented the trophies.

All members of the teams had to take THANKS, said this patient during the 'flu' epidemic

1\1.1 Nora Lund helped out at Kettering General Hospital (Photo North a m pto nshire Newspapers)

an individual test prior to the main team test. Both the ambulance and nursing team tests were identical a nd even took place in the same hall. The incident depicted an accident in a canteen where a man was badly injured following a explosion. Some minute s after the team commenced the test, a seco nd cas ualt y appeared on the set , and had to be treated for a faint.

In the anbulance tests the overall winners were Stevenage (Broadwater ) Ambulance team, who a ls o won th e trophy for the highest team test. Th e runners-up were the Letchworth Ambulance team.

The individual trophy was won by J Taplin of Stevenage Old Town and the Geo. W. King Ltd. Division won the uniform trophy.

In the nursing tests , the Royston nursing team carried off the overall winners trophy, the Bird cup for th e highest marks in the team test and th e Royston trophy for the highest marks in t h e home nursing test.

Hitchin Nusing division were the r unn ers-up to Royston in the overall placings. The individual trophy was won by Miss M. Liddlecole of Stotfold Nursing division and the uniform cup by Hemel Hempstead.

In her remarks during the presentation, Mrs. Paterson said that she knew how much time members had to put in to reach the sta t e of proficiency she had seen during the afternoon. She thanked all the H erts St. John members for the duties they undertook on behalf of everyone in the county. Hertf ord shire', she conc lud ed , 'is very proud to have th e St. John Ambulance in the county'.

Everyone who helped to arrange the competitions and those who took part were thanked by the county commissioner , Mr. Nigel Longmore.

EN FAMILLE

I hear of a fine piece of father-and-son first aid team work on British Railw ays in London.

T he driver of a tip-truck working on aN overhead road construction site was thrown from his cab over the edge of th e roadway to fall 30ft. on to a Y2-inch wired plate-glass roof, which he crashed through on to the concrete platform of the

railway freight department below.

The man had a fractured skull and a la rge wound on top of his head There was arterial bleeding of the right temporal arte ry , an open fracture of the right tibia (a 10 inch wound leading down to the site of the injury) and numerous wounds , embedded with glass, to the body , ar ms and legs. He was also con cussed and suffe ring from shock.

The two first aiders were on the scene at l4.3lpm ; they ca lled the anbulance at 14.32 ; the ambulance arrived at 14.37; and departed with the patient at 14.4S pm.

During tho se 14 minut es, the first aiders had co ntrolled the bleeding, where possible removing glass, and dressed all wounds; the fractures had been immobilised by padding and bandages ; and treatment for shock given.

The hospital d octo r reported very efficient first aid to the patient and there was no doubt that this saved his life

The first aiders, Divisional Officer John Dare and his son, Ambulance member Dan ie l Dare (see pictures), both of the Paddington (Lon don) Division , were both awarded the British Railwa ys certificate for meritorious first aid. First class!

TRYER HE

Heart defects and illnesses haven't stop ped 13-year-old William Griffin from leading a normal life. Attending a school for physically handicapped in Barking, Essex, a year ago he joined the Upminster and Hornchurch cadet division, and has now recieved four proficiency awardsfor road and home safety, animal care, clerical ability and map reading.

Divisional officer Richard Farrell said: 'It is fairly rare to have handicapped people in the Brigade, but William is a special case and we had to get special permission for him to join'.

Over the past year, William has completed 105 hours of public duty.

And at the recent awards ceremony, only two other cadets out of ten won as many proficiency awards as William.

PROs CONFERENCE

At the public rela tions conference held in London during March , I was delighted to meet the many County PRO's who managed to attend this interesting week-end get-together. Unfortunately I could only manage to be there for one of the two days.

Miss Ailsa Turrell, the new Press Secretary at London Headquarters was there. She had taken over the job only a few days before , when Miss Rosemary O'Connor, who has held down the Press Office desk so well for more than two years. returned to New Zealand , her homeland

Earlier , when proposing my scheme for Review Repres e ntatives at divisional level in the February issue of our magazine , I had been conce rned by the

LI KE FATHER - LIKE SON (see En Famille)

'Tryer' William Griffin and other cadets get new stri pe (Photo: Kathleen Roneeau)

County PROs reaction to this. Wo,:ld they feel that I was trying to undermme their position? At the PR I got the answer to this questlOn. They wholeheartedly welcomed because most of them find theIr too large to represeFlt efficiently wIth the time available

John Ryan, of Ulster, and Bill Pilkington of Lancashire, are two examples of PROs who have vast .areas represent. Bill Pilkington lIves m Liverpool, the extreme south of Lancashire. and his District (the Du.ke of Lancaster's) with eight areas, (there IS one PRO in Area 3), is the largest in the 13rigade in Britain.

Bill, by the way is an actor (among other things), and I thought readers

Bill ON DUTY

HELP FOR NIGERIA

The St. John Help-for-Nigeria reconnaissance party, led by Headquart ers' Staff Officer Major I.M. Williams , returned to London on April l , after a two week visit to Nigeria.

With Major Williams was Mr. R H. Percival, County Surgeon for Kent and Mr. H.H Ogl e, an Association memb er from Durham. The team toured hospitals m hree Nigerian stat es to find ou t where St. John medical te.ams, which are being organised, can be of most help In particular, they will relieve Nig eria n medical personnel scheduled for urg e n t work in the interior.

Som e members of the St. John medical t ea ms being organised for this work are on a two-w eek 'stand -by', and if everything goes according to plan , it is hoped that th ey will leave for Nigeria shortly

MYSTERY IN MALTA (cont.)

would be interested to see the two pictures of him (this page) 'on duty '.

PLAQUE FROM MALTA

Tony Xuereb, a of the Paula-Tarxien SJA Division m Malta, but at present· working in London, recently presented a plaque to the .a nd members of St. Albans Nursing DlvlslOn , as a reciprocal 'thank you' for a England presented to the Malta. DIV1SlOn last year on the occasion of the St. 1-ohn divisions' 60th anruve.rsary celebrations. The plaque was desIgned and made by Charles Cachia, another officer of Paula-Tarxien Division.

Mr. Xuereb presented the plaque to Mrs. D. Northfold, the St Albans Divisional Superintendent. He the thanks and appreciation of the Malta

members and hoped some would be able to visit their 'twin' division in the future.

Several Maltese members were hoping to vis i t England, and particularly Leicester, this summer.

Joining the St. Alban s (Leicester ) members for the e vening were friends of St. John , including County Nursing Superintendent Mrs. S.L.M . .Armitage a. nd members of the Leicester area nurSIng staff.

Mr. Xuereb also presented County Staff Officer Mr. P.W. Jackson and Mrs Jackson wi t h a plaque from the Malt a Division as a personal gift for their help and encouragement.

HOLIDAY ADDRESSES

The 1970 edition of this popular guid e for Chest, heart and 'stroke' pati en(s contains many new addresses and IS extended to cover parts of the country not represented in previous editions.

Each entry gives special details WhIC? will be of assistance to patients and th.eLI families i n planning holidays, includlllg availability of accommodation, provision of speCIal diets, details of terms, and the proprietor's own assessment of the suitability of the accommodation for active, invalid or wheelchair patients

Copies, price 4/-, from the Chest and Heart Association, Tavistock House North, Tavistock Square, LG:m:don, W.c.1.

St. Albans

The woman in Arab dress was beside me as we slowly made our way furth e r into that vast, gloomy , delapidated old building on tha t hot afternoon in Valetta so many years ago. Neither of us spoke there was not a sound from the baby in the feeding-trough behind us , obviously sa tisfied now after its feed; even th e swallows which had be e n continually bickering under the eaves of the great roof since I had entered the building were sile nt now ; and ther e was not even a suggestion of the closeness of the hundreds of glaringly white buildings , streets and houses that mak e up the honeycombed but formal conglomeration of a fortifi ed city such as Valetta. This, indeed, would be the time of day to attack such a Mediterranean city when the sun is high and at its hott es t when the midday meal and wine and the late-hour of the previous night tells most. Between 3 and 3.30 i n the afternoon, especially on the day following a fiesta. Would -b e attackers can have that information , gratis. For all that might be abroad would be a local woman child cries , or a curious sailor not lalterested in defensive duties. Such were we.

We were still slowly walking in silence the brightness of the gaping hol e tn the roof of the building when SUddenly the woman stopped me with alilother light touch of a hand on my arm. I lOoked at her, but she was staring past me t owards the far wall ; then she nodded Q n t ha t dir ect ion. Turning , on the wall I now saw the faint outlines, under peeling White-wash , of a wall-painting. It was very tndistinct, so 1 went closer to try to m ake

out its shape and form - what it depicted.

But apart from the odd angel , a saintly figure and a tower, the picture made no sense to me. I moved to the side to change the effect of light hoping that that would show more of what had a bviously once been an ambitious pictorial scene; but the ravages of time had destroyed much of the dedic a ted artist's work and only an impression of ethereal wonder showed through the peeling white-wash.

'What is it?', I said, turning to the woman.

But she wasn't beside me; in fact she was nowhere to be seen; she just wasn't there I gazed round the vast building its unbroken , seemingly

LAUGH WITH DAN) TH£ FIRST AID MAN

endless walls running into the far distance. I looked back towards the feeding-trough where the baby lay but the woman wasn't there ; then towards the wall painting ; then back up the vast length of the building; but everything was motionless , solid, inhuman , crumbling decaying, of the past There was not a sound. Just the heat , the silence , the building and me I suddenly felt I wanted to turn and run from that plac e again. My head began to swim, my thoughts in a turmoil. 'But she must be here' , I said to myself. ' She must be Then I remembered the baby, its raucous crying, its hands stretched out towards the woman for food I turned quickly and went back towards the feeding-trough against the first partition near the door where I had come into t his place from the courtyard in front of the NAAFI opposite where I was billeted in the Navy only a visitor to this island and nothing to do with it really an intruder who shouldn't in f ac t be here at all. Get out! my mind shouted. Get out Get out!

I stumbled half-falling against the solid intractable wooden partition , almost falling , face down, into the feeding trough, on to the baby , which lay there sound asleep , undisturbed , no more than a foot or so from my shaken face. It was still there. Sound asleep still. Why? Why? Why?

'" I c. U I ITO PEN C

THE' FIRST AID B.ox .'"

Then it moved, opened its eyes momentarily. Then - no! - no! - no! it started to cry Yes.it started to cry! Not a yell mind you, it was considerate; but just a whimper, a gentle, soft whimper , as a dog dreams.

I looked around helplessly. We were alone

D/P res Mrs. Audrey Jackson and Mrs. ElSie Newton, 0 / 0

HARD LUCK, JIM!

50 year -old James McKenna had to abandon his SJA Fund Raising barrow pull from Land's

TheTeachings of

Florence Nightingale

SECOND IN A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THE LEGENDARY

LADY'S INSIGHT INTO NURSING PROBLEMS

EVEN TODAY one reads of appalling housing c onditions that still exist scattered throughout the country and of the efforts being made by successive Governments to ameliorate them. Here Florence Nightingale had some pertinent things to say on this subject under the somewhat unusual but nevertheless most descriptive heading of 'Health of There are five essential pomts III securing health of houses:

1. Pure air

2. Pure water

3. Efficient drainage

4. Cleanliness

5. Light

The value of these factors is self-evident in the light of modern knowledge .but what is important are her observatIOns regarding the social attitudes of .her timeher words need no elaboratiOn; they strike a pungent note even today

'The object in building a house IS to obtain the largest interest for the money not to save doctors bills to the tenants.

But if tenants should ever become so as to refuse to occupy unhealthily constructed houses, and if Insurance Companies should ever come to understand their interest so thoroughly as to pay a Sanitary Surveyor to look the houses where their chents live, speculative architects would speedily ?e brought to their senses. As it is they bulld what pays best. And there are always people foolish enough to take the they build. And if in the course of tlme the families die off, as is so often the case nobody thinks of blaming any but Pro;idence for the result. Ill-informed medical men aid in sustaining the dell!lsion by laying the blame on 'current contagions'. Badly constructed houses do for the healthy what badly constructed hospitals do for the sick. Once ensure that the air in a house is stagnant, and sickness is certain to follow.'

To divert for a moment, these are her thoughts on 'Railway Carriages'.

'The health of carriages, especIally close carriages , is not of importance to mention here, otherWlse than cursorily. Children, who are the most delicate test of samtary conditions, generally cannot enter a close carriage without being sick - and very lucky for them it is so. A close with the horse-hair cushions and lirungs always saturated with organic if to this be added the windows up, IS one of the most unhealthy of human receptacles. The idea of taking an airing in it is preposterous Dr. Angus Smith has shown that a crowded railway

By M. M. SCOTT

(Surgeon-in-Chief, SJA)

carriage, which goes at the rate of 30 miles an hour, is as unwhol esome as the strong smell of a sewer, or as a back in one of the most unhealthy streets In Manchest er.

As a great Victorian Mis s Nightingale is unable to refrain occasionally from moralising; in making the tha t mankind must be responsible for Its own environmental conditions, she writes as follows:

'God lay s down certain physical laws

Upon His carrying out such laws depend s our responsibility (that mu c h a bused word), for how could we have any responsibility for actions the result of

which we could not forsee - which would be the case if the carrying out of His laws were not certain. Yet we seem to be continually expecting that He will work a miracle - i.e. break His own laws expressly to relieve us of responsibility.' Going back to houses, she men tions thre e common errors in the management of the 'Health of Houses': 1. That the female in charge of any building does not think it necessary to visit every hole and corner of it every day. How can she expect tho se who are unde r her to be more careful to maintain he r house in a healthy condition than she who is in charge of it?

2. That it is not co n sidered essential to air, to sun, and to clean the rooms whilst uninhabited; which is simply ignoring the first elemen tary notion of sanitary things , and laying the ground for a ll kinds of diseases.

3. That the window , and one window, is considered enough to air a room. Have you ever observed that any room without a fireplace is always close? If your chimney is foul, sweep it , but don't expect that you can ever air a room with only one aperture ; don't suppose that to shut up a room is the best way to keep it clean. It is the best way to foul a room

and all that is in it. Don't imagine that if you, who are in charge, don't look at all these things yourself, those who are under you will he more careful than you are!'

And now for a further insight through the writing of Florence Nightingale into the Di ckensian conditions of her tim e: 'I must say a word about servants' bedrooms. From the way they are built, but oftener from the way they are kept. and from no intelligent inspection whatever being exercise d over them, they are almost i nvariably dens of foul air, and the' 'servants' hearth' suffers in an "unaccountable' way even in the co untry. For 1 am by no means speaking only of London houses, where too often servants are put to live under the ground and over the roof. But in a country 'mansion' which was really a 'mansion' (not after the fashion of advertisements), 1 have known thr ee maids who slept in the same room ill of scarlet fever. 'How catching it is', was of course the remark. One look at the room, one smell of the room was quite sufficient It was no longer 'unaccountable'! The room was not a small one; it was upstairs and had two large windows - but everyone of the neglects enumerated was there

FILMS ON FIRST AID

WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA? (Black & White 20 mins

Producer: Spina Bifida Campaign

Spina Bifida is the most cornmon of all congenital deformiti es.

Until a short time ago; the majority of children born with this and associated conditions of hydrocephalus died, but now the advances of medical techniques have made it possible for them to live. The Panel consi dered this a well made fIlm that shows the progress by medical science in respect of deformity.

It will be of general interest to everyone concerned abo ut handicapped children.

DRUG ABUSE-THE CHEMICAL TOMB

(Colour 19 mins.)

Distributor: International Temperance Society

!his mm shows the dangers of the many drugs now being taken In varYing amounts by American children in school and college.

The Panel considered this film to give a fair appraisal of the ArliIerlcan drug scene. Drugs of Dependence are now a social PF@ blem in this country too, so exhibition of this film to aplDFOpriate audiences may wen have value. School children, stUdents, youth clubs, etc., a nd also for parents unaware of drug dependency.

And finally, some words regarding infection, which are as terrifying in their own way as the then attitude to the men tally disturbed : 'Does not the popular idea of 'infection' involve that p eople should take greater care of themselves than of the patient? That, for instance , it is safer not to be too much with the patient, nor to attend too much to their wants?

Perhaps the best illustration of the utter absurdity of this view of duty in attending on 'infectious) diseases , is afforded by what was very recently the practice , if it is not so even now in some European lazarets - in which the plagu e patient used to be condemned to the horrors of filth, over-crowding and want of ventilation, whilst the medical atte ndant was ordered to examine the patient's tongue through an opera glass and to toss him a lancet to open his abscesses with!

True nursing ignores infection , except to prevent it. Cleanliness and fresh air from open windows, with unremitting attention to the patient, are the only defenee a t rue nurse asks or needs Wise and hum ane management of the patient is the best safe-guard against infection. '

The St. John Ambulance Film Appraisal Panel which meets fort ni ghtly at Headquarters consists of do ct ors , first a ders and visua l aid experts who offer their services for this important aspect of visual aids.

It is intended to pub Iish month Iy reviews of th ose 16mm film s recommended by the panel.

THA T TH EY

MAY LIVE (Colour 20 mins.)

Producer: Pyramid Films

This film detail s the many situations where exhaled air resuscitation may be attempted. It has a slight story format telling of a reporter's in vestigation into resuscitation.

This production was a prize winning effort a decade ago. The Panel considered, de spite its age, that the film successfully demonstrat es oral resuscjtation and is by no means obsolete. It is noted that over the last 10 years various resuscitation po sitions have been improved but that is only a minor drawback. Still of general interest to all audiences.

ONLY

THE

BEGINNING

(Colour 28 mins)

Distributed by: The Lady Hoare Thalidomide Appeal

Producers: William Home Productions

This film presents the problems of Thalidomide children and shows how they adapt themselves in school, living at home , Swimming, playing and other activities.

The Panel considered that this film, with the exception of the BjW introduction, excellent in every way. It is amazing how th e Thalidomide children adapt themselves and how they can be assisted to overcome their difficulties. This production succeeds magnificently in portraying work being carried out at the Chailey Heritage Craft School.

Essential viewing for all audiences.

Nightingale's early work

IS YOUR DIGNITY ?

from Sir Rowland Jerram, KStJ

If one wished to dissuade people from joini n g St. John Ambulance Brigade one could hardly do more than to ask them to read the article 'Is your Dignity Really Necessary?' in the March Review by the Commander for Bucks.

We are told among many accusations that we are a bundle of nerves , feel 'insecure' , and that officers are too 'officer-conscious' to descend to undertaking a job o f work wi t h other ranks.

If this is true of Buckinghamshire, it is completely untrue of the Brigade in the south-western counties, of which I have had 2 1 years experience an experience con t inually forti f ied by the essential spirit of the Brigade as a band of brothers (and Sisters) and no more 'officer-conscious' than the British Legion when on active duty.

My personal view is that the article is a gross distortion of our great voluntary service and injurious to our proud reputation

St Cleer, Cornwall Rowland l erram from T.G. White,Div./Sec.

What a really refreshing art icle by Commander Williams in the March Review. With perfect charm and wit he succeed s in pricking the bubble of stuffy pomposity whi ch unfortunat e ly surround s many members, at all levels , I hast e n to add.

As a brand new member it is perhaps easi e r f or me t o appreciate the points he makes in his articl e, than it would be had I spent a quarter of a lifetime with the Brigade.

One of the dangers arising from an air of false dignity t hat some senior and not a few junior ranks assume , is that it give s the impression to both newcomers and outsiders that we bel o ng to some kind of pseudo-military outfit , which of course c o uldn't be further from the truth.

What both officers and members alike must nev er los e sight of is that they are dealing with VOLUNTEERS (real ones , not the R.S M.'s kind), who all have one thing in common : a genuine desire to help the sick and injured ; they need never b e r em ind e d about 'who is in charge' The manner and bearing of the person who is will be quite sufficient whether in uniform or not.

I am reminded of the NCO, who inv a riably demolishe s the fir s t rumblings of rebellion by drawing himself to his full height and pointing to the chevrons on his arms , acidly remarks, What do you think these are for,lad?'.

May I respectfully draw Commander Williams article to Mr. D. Orlik's attention; it may possibly answer his own query about the 'New Boss for Bucks'.

Orpington T.G Wh i t e 'GOOD' CAMPING?

from Miss D.A G. Watts, Dep. Dist. Camp Adviser

Having read most avidly the three articles on Good Campin g by Richard Farrell, I would like you to know that they have provided a topic of conversation to many London District campers, and some light-hearted comments are:

1. The girl sitting over the words Good Camping isn't a ve ry good example - she is untidy, hangs her towe l s on the guy ropes and she will have to look out for the Field Officer (N) bec aus e we recognise her (oh dear!) from London District camp and we do hope that Paul has now learnt not to put his shoes on the canvas when putting up his tent

2. We are most envious. We can't get our sausages to cook over a pan of water.

3 No food in tents - cadet's comment: Wot , no late n ight feast?

4. No washing in tents - adults comment: We'll just go di li ty

On a more serious note, I would like to add some additional comments which might be helpful: 16

READERS VIEWS

Readers' vi ,ews and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor 0; the Order of St. John and its Foundations.

1. The r ati o of adult h elp e rs should n o t be le ss th an 1:1 0 cadet s, and in t akin g less than 10 ca de t s i t is alwa y s de si rable t o have a se cond adult in c ase the adul t -in-cha r ge is ta k e n sudd enl y ill (not , we hop e , with food poisonin g) or m e et s with an acc ident.

2 Personally , I would be ve ry mu ch again st campin g o n a si te with a lake , e speci ally with young cade t s,

3. Food Store sh o uld alwa ys be se p a r a t e. 4 . Di sinfec t a nt s mu st n ever b e use d in la trin e t r enc h es, as t hey de stroy th e natur al b a cter ia in the soil, I wa s taugh t m any yea rs ago never to smo t h e r a sm e ll -find it. S o , if t h ere is a po n g, do not drown it with 'Fr es h-Air'

S. Antis e ptjc is kind e r to th e h a nd s th a n di sinfec tant.

6. No la trin e seat s are all right f or exp e ri en ce d ca mp e rs bu l should be u se d f or y o ung , inex p e ri en ce d t o wn dwe ll i ng camp er s · and kept cl e an. Con stip at i on i s a bi g pr obl em wi th fi rst -t ime y oun g c amp e rs and e very t hin g sh o uld b e d o n e to avo id it Therefore , cl ean c o mfor t ab le latr in e s a re es se nt ia l.

7. On menu s , we can all argu e th e lik es and di sl ikes en dl ess ly, but the following comment s on th e sampl e menu stdk e us as relevant :

(a) No n ea rly enough liquid - no drink for bre akfast . A drin k should be provi ded with every meal , includ i ng p a ck e d lun c h , It is well worth th e t rouble and a dded exp e ns e , le ss 'pop will be consumed and thi s more than an y thin g else , in l a rge qu a nti ties causes tummy upsets (and is d i sgust i ng f or breakfast)

(b) Whether to have the ma i n meal at midday or in t h e evenin g is a matter of opinion, but from our exp e ri e nc e ( str o n gl y b ac ked by our medical advisers) we have found tha t it is m o r e a dv isa bl e to lay on the main meal of meat , 2 veg , pudding and dr i nk in the evening at about 6 pm A warm, sat isfied in si de is bett er the day turns colder, darkness falls and the hour of hom esic kn ess approach e s , to be rounded off with a warm drink and sn ac k for supper. A light midda y m e a] is adequat e bu t really we d o critici se no pudding for dinner on t hi s m e nu

8 The advance party should arrive at l eas t the da y b e for e ca mp starts.

9 Cost ing wa s not included and is a vital part of planni ng It should be based on:

(a) Travel costs

(b) Catering co sts

(c) Hire of equipment and similar expenses

(d) Outings

Grant aid may be availabl e on application to th e Local Authority through the Youth Officer for training camp s and for cadets unable to afford the fiul[ fee.

10. Medical certificate: Giving permi ssion to b athe , as sura nce of nD contact with infectiou s disease before camp, details o man y special treatment or t able t s Epilepsy and as thma are par t icul arly important to know about and any allergi es to drugs su ch as penicillin , e tc.

&ichard Farrell is to be congratulated on a very carefully Dhougmn t out senes of articles, and of course we can all offer what we are clever but. the essen tia1 of camp i ng is to adapt y€lUli kn?wledge expenence according to your personal surroundillgs and cncumstan c es No two camps are alike and should never b e so: this is their value, to think original thoughts for yourself.

But , please , Mr. Farrell , when I come to inspect your camp Easter Saturday, may I have a cup of tea (or coffee) after my mIdday meal, because I don't like fi z zy pop London DA. G Watts

(I chose the picture of the girl strumming her guitar in the tent entrance over the words 'Good Camping' To me she looked the epito,me of happy camping. I always hang the tea towels to dry in the nggrng of my boat. In future , I'll have to keep a look out for Miss Watts on our river! - Edit.)

THE NEW REVI EW from Peter Taylor, PRO

From Canada , a hearty WELL DONE! The Review in its new format demands reading. It gives added space for good photo coverage I would imagine that that same space makes the layout a pleasure to do.

Count me in as one who looks forward to supplying you with good photo s and good stories about St. John in Canada. I also look forward to chasing down any stories about Canada in which you yourself might be interested

Very best wishes and good luck in your new chair.

SJA Headquart ers, Ottawa Peter Taylor

THE NEW UNI FORM from Jas Edwards, Sgt.

The new uniform for ambulance members and NCOs has much cri ticism in our division . It has even been likened to a bus driver's uniform'. It is completely unsUltable. for WIn ter wear when covering foot ball duties , being far too thill. It does not look as though it has much length of life (myoId style uniform did well over 4 ,000 hours). Particularly do we dislike the ab sence of button s on the pockets. and we strongly urge that they be restored

The second item is officers' hat lace. I was on dut y one and standing by a police officer. A figure ppeared 10 the distance and the police officer remarked that one of hIS Inspectors wa s on his way But I recognised the figure as th.at of our superintendent. My suggestion to prevent such would be for the St. John Wort motif on the lace to m but on a backg round . Watch any sporting ent on televlSlon and the ordmary members' white band stands out a mil e, no rna tter how fast the camera i s tracking , but there is always dlfficulty in spotting an officer.

My third suggestion concern s the metal Home NurSing badge Can 1 c p ease have a cloth badge ms t ead? Mine is always atchmg on the sleeve of my gr eatcoat.

Braintree and B o cking Division

BADGES AND TROPHI ES

from G.F. Stephenson , Div/Supt.

Tr.ophy Malta. Cannot Headq!larters supply something like th1s, or obtam these trophies from Malta?

Gainsborough G.F. Stephenson

CADET BADGES

from G. Wootton, A/Supt.

I most to read the comments of D/O G. Soper of 10 March issue of the Review regarding our cadets showmg then badge subjects in the manner of Scouts and Guides, as opposed to the present Brigade practice of wearing the appropnate numeral on the sleeve

This is a subject which has been discussed at Divisional Area and District level in the Duke of Lancaster's District 'and I believe that the majority of our young people are still i; favour of the pr.esent as one of our nursing cadets put it , 'it makes uSJust a little bIt different'

Since Mr. Soper has been bold enough to raise this matter I would be interested to learn the feelings of any member of the cadet fraternity towards the Proficiency subject of 'Swimming and Life saving from Water'.

My own particular view on this subject, since I am also a memb.er of both the Northern Counties Amateur Swimming and the Royal Life Saving SOCiety, must be that the tItle of thIS ProfiCiency subject does, in these modern times, offer TWO ba dge subjects in that a candidate for an award of the Royal Life Saving Society must be an adequate swimmer , with a knowledge ?f personal survival , before attempting the conditions now govermng the Intermediate Certificate or Bronze Medallion of the R.L.S S. as provided in Appendix 'L' of Brigade General RegUlations.

I am a member of the Liaison Committee of the Duke of Lancaster's District, and a resolution from the Committee on has been forwarded to Brigade Headquarters for conSIderatIOn , but without success.

Since that time, I have given further thought to the rna tter and hope to the , matter forward again at the next meeting of the Comrm ttee Wl th the suggestion that the A.S A Personal SurVIVal awards Silver for cadets 12 to 14 years , Gold for those over 4 , be re garded as the qualification for a 'Swimming' ProfiCIency subject and the Royal Life Saving Society'S awards to remain the same.

There are many pro s and con s to be considered on any s uch change I feel sure , and perhaps some of these could come from your readers?

Looking forward to the next few issues of the Review with even keener interest.

Burnley, Lan cs

DECIMAL CONFUSION

from V.H. Copsey

I for you Mr. Editor, and Mrs. Piggott when we go fully deCImal. (Readers ' Views March 1970).

las. Edwards

th Thanks for th e new Revi ew. May I comment on two le tters in issue ? First from G. regardin g cad e t g , I would agree to badge subjects bemg sh o wn inst e ad of Numbers m ea n nothing to the gen e ral public Only ngade memb k h h has t ers now w at t ey stand for , and even th e n o ne o ask what subj e cts have been taken.

Second, from Mr s B. Stewa rt , Di v/Supt about the Cade t

23/- has alway s been £1.15 and next year we can write it as £1.15 o r llSnp. , but certainly not £1.15.0. nor 1.lSnp . The former app ea rs to have three decimal points and what is the nought for ?

And why hat> th e no place in the decimal system ? = or £O O?S , so If you want to raise your subscription rat e by you Wlll charg e £1.155 or lIS Snp.

Glemsford, Suffo lk VH Co psey

(Over t? you , M.rs . Pigott - I'm lost! The on e point I will make is that ?emg a d eclIDal system , I don' t see how we can then re ve rt to uSlOg fra c tions, Th e whole po i nt of going decim al , I thouaht was to be entIrely decim al _ Edit.) 0

G. Wootton

AN EVENT OF GREAT and very moving significance for the Order in Scotland took ·place recently. A new branch of the Association was launch@d in Torphichen, a small village near Linlithgow and what was the headquarters in Scotland of the Knights of St. John in t he Middle Ages.

The Order first came to Scotland in the middle years of the twelfth century when King Malcolm granted it a toft in every burgh. By 1168 it was in the possession of Tenphichen itself, but it was not until 1214 that there is to be found the name of the Master, later to be called Commander or Preceptor, of Torphichen. Clearly by this time the village had become the centre from which the Order controlled its Scottish estates - a characteristic of the Hospitaller system of administration in northern Europe was the way in which one headquarters would supervise far flung properties. Later Precepters were important figures in Scottish public life, often the courisellors, ambassadors and ministers of the Kings. The last of them, Sir James Sandilands, adopted the Protestant faith, and in 1564 Mary Queen of Scots granted him the estates of the Order as a lay barony. His descendants are still the Lords Torphichen.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth ceftturies the Order of St. John undertook an ambitious building programme at the Preceptory. By the end of the Middle Age s there stood a fine transepted church dominated by a magnificent tower over the crossing and, close by, a cloister around which were gathered the conventual buildings

NEWS f,.om SCOTLAND

BLACKBURN

Rather than disappoint l3 -y ea r-old John Verity , th e Mayor of Blackburn and the co mmitte e of th e Blackburn SJ AA w ent along to Blackburn Royal Infirmary recently to pr esent John wi t h his Essentials of First Aid Certificate.

John, who had been in hospital a fortnight, was to have been presented with his certificate along with 200 others at the annual general meeting held in the co uncil chambers that evening.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Torphichen is therefore the Scottish Clerkenwell - and incidentally we can boast of finer surviving remains of the medieval Preceptory than can London, for the transept of the church, now known locally as the Quare (Choir) and the beautiful tower still stand, while one can trace the foundations of the cloisters.

For some time, a group from the localit y together with members of the Edinburgh Association have been working hard to found a branch at this place with so many memories for us. The Rev. Thom as Crichton, the Minister of Torphich en, Capt. N.P. Brown, Treasurer of the new branch, and Mr. Henry, the headmaster of the local school, were joined by Capt. W.S. Dobson, acting Chairman of the Committee and President of the Branch. and by the Rev. R.G. Lawrie, Minister of Denny, another place with historical links with the Order: It belonged first to the Knights Templar. passing into the hands of the Knights of St. John after the suppression of its former owners in the fourteenth century.

The climax to all this work came this year, on the evening of March 12.

115 people gathered at Torphichen to take wine and a buffet supper, to hear a short lecture on the history of the Order and to see a film of the work of the Opthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem At the encl of tIDe evenmg Capt. D@bson and the Rev Thomas Crichton explained the aims of the committee which plans to foun d and run a home for teenagers, those who would normally be taken 'in

Torphichen - Head quarters of the Knights of St. John in Scotland during the Middle Ages (Photo: Min of Public Building and Works)

He was one of a class of 20 pupils from a lo ca l Grammar School who had just completed a course in first aid. John and his friends were taught by six members of th e staff who gave up their lunch hours to take the classes. Mr. Lund , sec retary of the Blackburn SJ AA, was their examiner.

KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES

For many years first aid examinations have been held at Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd 's Kingston and other plants under the general titl e of Industrial Civil Defen ce.

care' by the County - they have already reo cruited a band of enthusiastic youngste rs to the cause. During the evening, th ere came a most welcome surprise , fo r the new branch was presented with a cheque for £250, raised by the enthusiastic and generous members of the Association al Denny.

A t the end of the meeting, 46 ordinary members and 11 life memb ers were enrolled. But this is not the end of the drive for recruits . This summer the committee will organise a conducted tour of the Preceptory and a garden party II has made a magnificent start, and its drive and flair is an inspiration to us all.

This service ha s now been mothballed but the first aid portion h as b ee n re tained Classes are held weekly culminating in an examination under St. John Ambulance Association. The last one to b e held at Kingston was on December 10 1969

On February 25, Mr. B.P.C Fowler , Industrial Civil Defence Officer , in trod u ced Mr. John Mills, JP , OS tJ one time diving champion of Gt. Britain and coach for the Rome Olympics , and Stores Manag er at St. John Gate who presented the certificates

After this, Mr. Mills spoke of the VJork of St. John in general terms and then led up to his main theme , 'Drugs'. This}it will be appreciated, is a most difficult and involved subject, particularly for the layman, but at the same time it has more than a point of interest to first aiders. It would seem that what one h ears on radio and reads in papers on this subject is

nothing compared with the horrible results. The demoralising and character-destroying effects is too great to describe

Nevertheless , Mr. Mills gave certain pointers as to how to detect, whether as parents, relations or friends , possible victims of this present day scourge

NEWS FROM WALES

AT MEETINGS of Priory-Council and the Glasgow Committee, tributes were paid to Miss E.K. McFarlane , who is officiall y retiring A partner in a local law firm, Miss McFarlane became a member of th e Glasgow branch of the Association in 1961. She was a member of th e Committees for both the Association and the Order in Glasgow, Secretary of the Ladies' Committee and Hon Sec retary of the House Committee, being responsible for the paying of wages and the admission of residents to the Langside Home. Sh e was made a Serving Officer in 1965 and a Commander in 1969. At the Annual General Meeting of the Glasgow Branch of the Association on March 26 she wa s presented with a transistor radio in recognition of her service to the Order.

The Welsh premie r of the film Anne of the Thousand Days , was h eld at th e Plaza Cinema,Gabalfa, Cardiff,. in aid of th e St. John Ambulance East Glamorg 2n District. Among the guests were (left to right in the pictur e ): Cadet Marion Rees , Barry; Ald. E. Gwyn Davies, Chairman Glamorgan County Council; Mrs Frank Poole, Mr. Alan Withers , Mrs. Julian Hodge, Mr. Frank Poole , joint man Lging dnector of Rank Film Distribu tors Ltd Mrs. Withers , Lady P resi dent of the St: John Council for East Glamorg an DIstrict; Mr. T.G. Morris , deputy Chief Constable of the South Wales Constabulary and Commissioner, East (;[alililorgan District ; Mr. Julian Hodge, Pli(%ldent of the St. John Council for East Glamorgan District ; Cadet Barbara Rich, Barry. and Mrs. T.G. Morris (Photo : Western Mail and Echo)

Blackburn's Mayor and and SJAA Committee go to hospital to present first aid certificate (Photo: Regency Studio)

Annual Meeting Oldham SJAA, attended by Mayor and Mayoress (Photo: W. T Robbins)

OVERSEAS NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA

One of the most important and impressive ceremonies in the history of the Order of St. John in South Africa was the service held in the Cathedral Church of St. George in Cape Town on Saturday, February 7 1970, when Alpheus Gardner Williams KStJ was installed in the presem.ce of the Chapter as the .of the Priory for South Africa by the Bailiff of Egle, the Lord Wakehurst KC, KCMG, GestJ.

It was a typically warm Cape Town summer's day for the ceremony, and the

(above

TRINIDAD AND TOIBAGO

Thre€ new 'Transit' ambulances arrived from Britain in January. Due to the immediate requirement of the units by St. John Ambulance personnel to carry out extensive duties over the Carnival celebrations, no large scale presentation pM<lJdes of the new vehicles were held.

Informal but effective functions were held instead, first in San Fernando in early February when the President of the Rotary Club, Mr. J C. Rooks, presented Ofl€ ambulance to the Area Commissioner (South). On the followiflg €vening in Port-of-Spain, Dr. W.A. Wyke, President of the St. John Council and on behalf of the Council, presented two ambulances to the Commissioner SlA.B

Many people have assisted Council in procuring these ambulances, which were desparately needed

HONG KONG TO CANADA

Dr. 'Dickie' Wyile, well known for her energetic work in Hong Kong, primarily in charge of cadets, is now in North Canada where her husband has been appointed Medical Superintendent of Moose Bay Factory Hospital. We hope she will write an article for the Review.

18 - year-old DIAN E DAVIS tells us monthly about her life as a

large congregation, of some 800, which overflowed into the gallery and with members standing at the back of the church, included many hundreds of Brigade members, both white and non-white, senior cadets from the Cape of Good Hope District, and representatives of the Railways Brigade Als o present were members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, high-ranking Service Officers and other guests, prominent among whom were Lady Wakehurst and Marjorie, Countess of Brecknock DBE, DStJ the Superintendent-in-Chief

Chapter, Priory for South Africa

The Bailiff

(r) With glee, Lady Henley, Hon. Sec. SJA Jamaica North East, presents lay I ecturer certificate to cadet Mitchener Whyte

JAMAICA

MY FIRST EIGHT WEEKS as a traine e-nurse were over, the eight introductory we eks which consisted mostly of theor e tical work, rather like being back at sc hool. Now I was to move on to the more practical part of tra i ning , with six months on the wards : three months on surgical a nd three months on medical.

For this period of our 'se t' (as a new intake of trainees is ca lled) of 50 student nurse s were required to leave the main hospital of D C.H. for St. Pancras Hospital, which is half-a-mil e away but still part of D.C. H. So as to give trainees who had already formed new friendships a chance of staying together, we were asked to form ourselves into groups of six. Then three groups, totalling eighteen of us (of which I was one), were se nt to St. Pancras for the next six months.

For me , this meant losing that lovely room I'd first mov e d into (and been photographed in for a n ew nurs es' brochure) at the nurses home at D.C.H; but I suppose I'm not h ere for cosy comfort but to learn nursing, and the new room I'v e got at St. Pan cra s isn't too bad really. In fact, it's quieter and more compact than the other one. But what I do miss at this older nurses home are the persona] facilities (such as the kitchens for our us e on eac h floor and washing ma chines) that we had at D.C.H I prefer the dining arrangements at st. Pancras though , where everyo ne who work s at the hospital eats in the same self-service dining room. Very democrati c !

Rather than working from 9 to 5 with every weekend off, my 4 2 hour week now co nsist s a f 'straights', lates ' or 'splits', if that means anything to you. It certainly didn't to me on my first day at St. Pancr as; but it's quite simple really; the word s are self-explanatory - if you know the explanations! 'Straights are from 7.30am. to 4.30pm. ; ' lat es' are from 12.45pm. to 9.45pm.; and 'splits' are 7.30am. to 1pm and 5 pm. to 8 pm.hence tihe duty is split up_ Every five days

We get 48 hours free - which usually comes during the week , which I mu ch prefer to the weekends when everywhere is so crowded.

For my first three months at St Pancras I am working on a female geriatric ward, which is classified as medical.

That first morning 1 was due on at 7.30, So I got up at 6.15, to be absolutely

STUDENT NURSE

sure of being on time. (That won't last very long; getting up so early I mean!) In the lift going up to the ward were four other nurses who got out at the same floor as I did and soon I found that we five were on the same ward The night nurses were still serving breakfast when we arrived on the ward; someone showed me wh ere to hang my cape; and the next thing I knew I was handing out porridge to patien ts I had started. Soon the day staff had completely taken over and with breakfast finished I was told Sister wanted us for a 'report'. I hadn ' t a clue what that meant, so I just followed the other girls into the office.

And so I went through the routine of my first report Being the only ' new' girl , a diagnosis list was thrust into my hand while Sister started giving a report on the condition of each patient during the night. After the report , duties were allocated. I was paired with a first-year

FIRST AID ...

I n my first room at UCH getting ready to be photographed for Nurses' Brochure. trainee - Heather - who had been on the ward for only a few weeks. At last I was nursing. My first ward duties? Bed-making and taking elderly ladies to the 100.

Well, at least I'd started

By OllY

(lgelow) Mrs. Paul Davis presents Admiral Royer Dick's CI!JP for Home Nursing to Phyllis Levers

left)

of Egle at the Cape Town ceremony

News from

DORSET - Portland Nursing Division's Good Companions' CIl!lb (for over 60-yeali olds)

ce lebrated its 15th birthday Jecently, and among membe:J;s weJe a 97 a 90-year-old, and the President, celeb ntmg golden anniversary.

At Swanage, a new cadet division was formed under D/O Mrs. Field s, with 10 boys and 17 girls at the fust meeting. Other new divisions in the area Me Stapehill Combined Cadets , and Turnil Moor Ambulance Cadets , Hamworthy.

CO. DUBLIN - in the Review last year a description was given of a yo ung child's life being saved by prompt mouth to mouth resuscitation A member of Dun Laoghaue Division was fort una te enough to achieve the same su ccess rec e ntly.

Sgt. Mulcahy was at hom e when a neighbour arrived in great distress crying that her baby was dead Sgt. Mulcahy asked her husband to get out th e c ar and went to baby that lay white and stil , not breathmg, and to aU app e arances, dead. She started mouth to mouth at once, and in five minutes the baby began to breath e She then got into the back of th e car with the baby and with a help er beside h er to hold up the child 's legs. She then the baby's head in her lap in the requir e d po sltlOn. Breathing stopped thre e time s on the way 10 the hospital but each time was reviv ed. She gave resuscitation while going up the steps of the hospital,where the c hild was put into an o xygen tent. After a few anxiou s days, the baby wa s on the mend.

ESSEX - Dunmow Combined Cadet Divi sion h eld an Enrolment Ceremony rec ently for 2 ambulance and 6 nur sing ca dets, which was attended by Capt. and Mr s. Wenly. On the same evening , Mr s. Bush, wife of our Treasurer , lat e Mr. A B. Bush, presente d Capt. Wenly wlth Resusci Anna, bought with donations instead of flowers for her husband's funeral , for the Dunmow Division

ILFORD - In the area cadet co mpetition s Ilfo rd Nursing and Ambulance Cadets scored a double when both teams were runners-up in th ell sections. The Nursing Cadets, who were entering their first competition, al so won the Area Bedmaking. Ilford's name now appears on the runner s-up Trophy for the first time SInce It was presented in 1946.

LIVERPOOL - We're very proud of our cadet> in the Garston/ Allerton Division (No.5 S.W Lanc s) They have entered only two competitions but on their second effort theY won in a very close finish. They gamed 228 points over BootIe Nursing Cadet Div (22 ) points) and Cammell Lairds (2nd team) Amb Cadets (223 points).

Our 'Young Bloods now go into the D1Strlci Finals at Rochdai}e for the Area Cadet Tr0phY with the best wishes of the Adult Division.

NORTHANTS - Two member s of Finedon Nursing received on theU retirement aftier many years service. Mrs. M.Ei Walker, who has served for 35 years, 28 th em as Duv/Supt. was p[esented by Dr. ID. Be i divisional surgeoJil, with a clock and a pall .0 blankets from the ambulance and

the Divisions

NORTHANTS - continued division s, a plant from th e nursing cadet divi sio n and another plant from Wellingborough Corps. nursing division Cpl. Mrs. Elsie Elison, a member for 30 yea rs, received a tran s stor radio and a bouquet.

SCARBOROUGH - It wa s a double fu st at th e North Riding County Competitions held in MiddJ esborough re ce ntly when Scarborough Ambulance and Nursing Cadets both won their respective sections Although the two divi ion s are officially se par ate, th ere is every chance for joint activities as the two s uperintend en ts are Mr. and Mr s. Fowler, whose son and dau g hter are both m embe r s of the successful teams.

WORKINGTON - 15-y ear-old Cadet Philip Ro ssell ran to it when he heard hat his lo ca l divi sion was in n eed of funds. He announced he was to make a 21 mile run from Kesw ic k to Workingto n. Th e

Sgt. Jane Sweeting, 15, of London's Southall Division rece ives Grand Prior's badge from her uncle A/Supt. George Worth y (Photo Middlesex County Times)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.5 (70) Compiled by W A:Potter

ACROSS

1. Boil chart man has an allergic respiratory distre ss (9.6). 9. Medicines and drugs must always have one (5). 10. Eccentric Scot returning (3) 11. Failure leading to uraemia (5). 12. Clinic for those in gestation (9). 13. Restricted chance of diet (4). 15. They may be consulted in attempts to fortell the future (7). 18 Inflamed vesicles in mouths of sick children when oral hygiene is neglected (7). 20. Run true to form to care for and nourish (7). 22. Such an. award has been earned and deserved (7). 23. Explore painful nail for long bone (4). 25. Charter circulates before food for ones moral qualities (9) 29. Laxative salts for races in Surrey (5). 30. Bites most commonly treated in casualty departments (3). 31. Father and doctor with direction to chaplain (5). 32. Mathematics of gallstones (7 .8).

DOWN

1. Lebanon in turmoil about lad providing atropine (10) 2. Bones of skull forming satellite's course (5). 3. Mark of punctuation in part of alimentary tract (5) . 4. Stirs up protest (7). 5. Girl follows many in the morning for medicated disc with opthalmic drug (7) 6 Equipment for a short person unable to walk? (9). 7. The elbow joint , for example (5). 8. Seaman who can do it? (4).14. Sign indica ting site of injury (10).16. Hunger removed by transfusion of blood (3). 17. Blood di sease characterised by greatly increased :white: cell count (9). 19 Compress to localise infection (3).21. When one reports for daily dressings (4.3) 22. Muscular pain (7). 24. Cresolic disinfectant for utensils and floor (5). 26. Cap is taken for savoury dish of game and hard-boiled eggs (5). 27. Air passing in and out of lungs in normal breathing (5).28. Plant with medicinal properties (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.4 (70) ACROSS

1. V-ill-us;4. Max-ill-a; 9. Sized; 10. Red-handed; 11. M-o-bs; 12 Sc-alp ; 13. Mess; 16 T-antrum; 17 Albumin; 19. Rus sell; 21. Dentoid; 22. Ends; 24. Eusol (Edinburgh University Solution of Lime); 25. P-l-us; 28. Trapezius; 29. Tibia; 30. Eserine; 3l. C-hang-e. DOWN

1. Vasomotor centre; 2. Lazy-bones; 3. Urdu; 4. Medulla ; 5. X-tay; 6 . Lodge. 7. Addison's Disease; 8. Drachm; 14. Cruel; 15. E-bony ; 18. Myoglobin; 20. Leucine; 21. Dropsy; 23. Dr -ape; 26. Beri (beri-beri); 27. It-ch.

24

CADETSJET-TO-MALTA

COMPETITION

THE REV]EW'S CAIDET COMPETITION, announced la st month, with a week's holiday in Malta for the four lucky winners is open to St. John ambulance and nursing cadets , aged 12 to 16, in Britain.

The conditions of the competition are as follows: 1. Write an essay, including a title , of 500 to 700 words comparing the role and work of the Order of St. John (based on the Short History) during the first fifty years of their stay in Malta, that is from 1530 to 1580, and the role and work of t he Order and its Foundations in Britain today.

2. Entries must reach Headquarters by Jun e 15 1970 , addressed to : Review Cadet Competition, St. John Ambulance H/Q , 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S.W I. Each entry must include a competition form (see p age 23); these forms will be publish ed in the Jun e issue of the Review too. Note that t he form must be signed by an entrant's parent an d Divi sio nal Officer , certifying that the essay is the cadet's work.

3. To enter the competition cadets must b e 12 years old an d over, but under 16 years old on June 15 1970. The essays will be judged in four groups: (A) 12 to 13; (B) 13 to 14 years; (C) 14 to 15 years; (D) 15 to 16 years. The be st essay in the opinion of the editor from each group will be the winners. State which gro up you are in on the entry form, as well as d a te of birth. A cadet may enter only one essay.

4. The four prizes of a week's holid ay in Malta will be from August 19 to 27.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Flight bookings are BEA London Heathrow Airport, Wednesday, August 19 , depart 2105, arrive Malta 0100, Thursday, August 20; return London Heathrow Airport 06 25, Th ursda y, August 27.

The plan is for the winning cadets to report to St. John House Club, 50 Eaton Pl ace, London, S W.I. at 5pm on August 19 , where a meal will be arrange d for them. Those travelling alone to London will be met either at the rai lway or the coach station.

From St. John Hou se they will be escorted to London airport for departure. The maximum baggage for each cadet is 441bs After the non-stop flight they will be met at Malta airport by St John members in Malta, where arrangements are to be made for them to stay with St. John members ' families, in whose care they will be for the week. Cadets must bring their own spending money

For the return flight they will be put aboard the plane by Malta members and met at London airport to be taken to St. John House , from where they will be escorted to their resp ective trains or coaches fo r home. Parents may, of course, arrange to take cadets to London airport, and collect them there on re turn

This is a broad outline of the arrangements which will be discussed fully with parents of winning cadets.

NOW WE'RE WAITING FOR PLENTY OF ENTRIES

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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Agency commissio n: 10 %. 39/- per GROSS - PRINTED BALL POINT PENS 144 F ul·Length Conway Stewart Ball Pens die·stamped in gold with your Brigade or Charity fo r on ly 39/ -. 144 Print ed Royal Sovereign Pen c il s 39/·. Please print your s ogan (m ax im um 3 0 letters) and add 4/6 standard c arriage J E. Thomas & Son (Cuffley) Ltd 2A, Handsworth Road, L on don N.17. '/\(')\

S.J.A.B Badge Wall Shields, 38s. Od.; S.J.A.B. Gold Ca sed Crested Cuff Links , 68s Med al ribbons 1s. 6d. each ribbon on buck am for sewing on unifo rm, 2s. each ribbon mounted on pi n brooch; Regulation medals m o u nted 3s 6d per medal on brooch Miniatures quoted for -MONT AG U E JE F F ERY, Outf tter, St Giles Street, Northampton. (4)

VANS FOR HI R E Lincolnshire Coast Lu xu ry 6 Berth and 4 Berth at Skegness and I ngoldmells 5% discou nt for Members of St. John S.A.E. o A. J. Burton 4 lawford Lane Bilton, Warwickshire , T el: Rugby 3 780 (58)

ORGANISERS OF FETES AND FUNDS. We we come both personal buyers and mail orders for o ur extensive range of toys an d at who lesale prices, send for p ri ce li sts. ALSO pr e se lected parcels:- 144 6d Toys OR 72 1/· Toy s OR 381/11 T oys OR Selection Stationery. Each Parcel 54/· plus 4/6 postage Tw o or more pa ce s 6/ postage. J .E. Thomas &Son (Cuffley) Ltd. , 2A H andswort h Road, Lond on, N .1 7. (50)

CONWAY STEWART QUALITY BALL PENS, Die stamped with 33 Gold Le tte r s and Spaces. 30s. a gross. 6s. sta ndard cha rge post and packing any quantity. Three days delivery. Samples free. Sale or return. Full refund on pens returned.-ABBEY WHOLESALE, 77 L iverpoo R oa d, Stoke ST4 1AE. (36)

5T. JOHN

REVIEW

RAISING FUNDS?

Are We Ready for the 1970s ? by Yvonne J. Albon p 2

Mobile First Aid Unit pA

A Baby - by Phone p 7

Around and About , by the Editor p.8

The Teaching s of Florence Nightingale by M. M . Scott p.12

National Competition Results p.13

Films on First-Aid p.13

Reader s' View s p 14

News from Scotland p.16

Overseas News p.l7

Wales and News from the Divisions p 18

Student Nurse by Diane Davis p.20

Cadets J et-to-Malta Competition p . 21

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W. 8. (01 -603·8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS:T. G. Scott & Son Ltd 1 Clement's Inn, London, WC2A 2ED (01-242-6264 and 01-405-4743)

Price 1/6 (7)1, N P.) 23/- (£1.15p ) per annum, il'1cluding postage, from Treasurer, Order of St. John 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S.W.1. OOVER

Divisional mermbers who took reporter Len Doherty, injured protecting a girl when was thrown into a Munich airport bus, from London Airport to effleld (Photo: United Newspapers Ltd.)

Comment

INDIVIDUALITY

The other day I was very amused by a girl's an swer to a very modern question : 'What do you think of the permis sive society ? Her reply wa s: 'It' s a wonderful society It give s you p e rmi ss ion to say yes , but it also gives you permission to say no! I think thi s sum s up nearly everything that parents , teach e rs and youth workers are trying to put over to young people. In other words THINK FOR YOURSELF. It is wonderful being part of a crowd- we all have our our particular gang of friend s to lark about with. Very often there come s a time, though , when they want to do something that you know darned well is WRONG. Whichever way you look at it , and no matter how you try to convince yourself , you still know deep down that you should not do it.

Thi s i s th e t ime to THINK FOR YOURSELF Be strong ; if you mean NO don't be afraid to say so Your fr iend s will respect you for it. They ll know in future that you mean what you sayand may even follow your example. There is much more fun in being an individual , thinking and knowing what you re doing and where you re going , than there is in being a 'silly she ep ' who can't see further th a n the back of the 'silly sheep' in front.

Mrs. Mac

The above piece of good sen se comes from London Di strict ' s 1::.97 (B e xJey Heath) Cadet Division s bi-monthly news report' - a really p ositive , interesting publicati on ; I'm sure its editor won ' t mind me pinching it.

GHOST READERS VIEWS

I am afraid I have something unplea san t to say - so let's clear the air. When I took over the Review one of my stipulations was that our magazine should have readers' views pages in which people could say whatever they felt about our organisations in an orderly way I am and shall continue to defend this principle. But , although readers may write in these pages under a p e n-name, if they do not wish to publicly sign their views , every le tter for publication must include the writer's real name and address for MY INFORMATION ONLY.

An editor of a publication is responsible for what is printed , therefore he must know the source of material. I acknowledge all material sent to me , and of late my acknowledgements to a number of letters sent for publication have been returned by the Post Office as unknown. I am being fair to you ; you must have trust and b e fair to me.

Letters which I have without genuine names and addresses , or any others I receive , will not be published until t he wdters put this aright

People without faces do not exist. The Editor.

ARE WE READY FOR THE 1970s?

THE ROLE OF ST. JOHN AMBULANCE IN SOCIETY

THE PUBLICATION of the Youth ServiGe Development Council Report in October 1969, 'Youth and Community Work in the 1970's' (H.M.S.O. IS/-d ) gives a stimulus to consider the role of St. J oho Am bu1ance as a voluntary organisation in the 1970s. Other 1969 reports, 'Seebohm'* on partnership in the personal services, and 'Skeffington'* * on participation in planning, are relevant for our background thinking, but in particular the Aves Report, 'The Voluntary Worker in (he Social Services' (George Allen and Unwin Ltd. £ 1. 1. Od.), should also be read by St. lTohn members with special interest.

There the special contribution of the voluntary worker is recognised as representing commUl'lity participation and the importance is stressed of

preparation and training of volunteers and their need for a corporate identity.

We might say that St. John fulfils these model requirements, but are we fully alive to out involvement in the community? Are we, rather, pockets of 'dedicated' volunteers unaware of the role we might play in society?

The Y.S.D.C. report sets itself the task of looking at the whole of society in a way that calls for commitment, a society in which every member can be publicly active. The call is for an involvement of all in decision-making, stimulating groups to action , and to an expansion both of themselves and of their activities. This is the process of 'community development ', and one of the criteria of the success of existing institutions will be how far they contribute to this process in the future.

FINE TURN OUT OF YOUNG MEMBERS .....

Most of us would say we are involved in the community by reason of services rendered (first-aid on duty, nursing care) or received (money-raising), but this is often a one-way, once-and-for-all involvement , or at most an individual, face-to-face involvement over a certain period. The nearest we come to a wider commitment occurs during a course of instruction when, for perhaps ten weeks, we are passing on our skills to an interested public.

It is natural that we should regard these classes as a recruiting ground for new members , but the often minimal response on these occasions need not depress us. Is it not more i mportan t that a certain number of people have at least obtained a certificate? What we should be

by YVONNE J. ALBON, S.S.St.J. (Div Supt. 68(N) Westminster Nursing D iv. National Youth Officer, Y. w.e A. 0/ Great Br itain).

asking is what use people are going to make of their newly acquired first aid or n1J[sing certificate. If they become a pivot of help in times of need for their street, block of flats, factory, office or shop, are we not facilitating the process of community development ? Ideally , of course, we would like them to keep up-to-date by being members with us, but we have to realise that for many a commitment of the d egree demanded by Brigade membership is not acceptable. Our commi tment to the community might therefore be extended to includ e regular non-examination 're fresher' facilities for these people, whose names and addresses we could hold in our register. Obviously t h is would ne e d a great deal of follow-up' work, but we should then have readily availab le a

supplementary line of volunteers in any emergency.

The report with its origins in the Youth Service Development Council, obviously deal s primarily with the Youth Service an d young people. As a uniformed organisation with a fairly well-known basis (even if only i dentifie d with 'first aid' or 'so mething to do with nursing') we attract young people who, if they stay the course with 'us, are purposeful and committed to so m e form of service, and we would not concur with the difficulty expressed by other parts of the Youth Service in retaining the interest of girls With our juniors and younger cadets we have, too, a reason for welcoming the proposed elasticity in the official age range in the Youth and Community Service of the future, and our established policy of young adult members from the age of 16 demonstrat es our early awareness of their ability and responsibility and of the importance of a continuing membership.

To what extent, however , can we honestly say we are giving all our members (younger and older) the c hance to exercise their right to make decisions , to extend their own and their group's activities? Some may feel t hat 'Regulations' present a stumbling block! Obviou sly Regulations exist to bind us into one organisaion and without them we would be unlinked individuals , but

GOOD SERVICE RENDERED ... . BUT

within their framework there is exciting scope for development of interests and services to local n ee ds and circumstances. There is no reason why members should not develop personally and as a group within St. John Ambulance and beyond.

The report challenges us to exte nd and strengthen our relationships with schools and further education colleges, with industry and other services; the possibilities are enormous, but inevitably the plea for more leaders will be raised Increa sing ly we shall have to train our own young people, to equip them to be the catalysts in these situations. Too often we ,He 'too busy' to make these approaches ourselves (it could be a full-time operation, for examp le, to offer services and training facilities to all schools in a neighbourhood), but as a beginning interest-groups could gather around our members wherever they are with no immediate concern for the formation of a Div ision.

There is great potential, but dare we take these steps? Maybe in the 1970s we must!

* 'Report of the Committee on Loca l Authority and Allied Personal Services'. HMSO £1. 11. 0

** 'Report of the Committee on Public Part icipation in Planning'. HMSO IS/-d.

IT WAS DURING a duty at the Battle of Britain Air Display of 1966, at R.A.F Biggirl Hill, that the i dea of a mo bile first aid unit became, in our minds , a necessity rather than a desirable acquisition. We had been asked to examine a collapsed man who was on a stretcher inside a dark brown ridge tent. The doors of the tent had been dropped so that we had little light in which to examine the casualty, who at first sight could possibly have suffered a coronary thrombosis

We had at our disposal limited first aid equipment, and only the few drugs carried by any surgeon on duty

It was clear, therefore , that if we were to give expert attention to casualties on such large scale Public duties, then far better facilities than old and dark ridge tents were necessary.

The idea of a mobile first aid unit was tossed around between members of Area Staff in an informal way over the next few months , and then it was tentatively suggested under 'Any other business' at the 1967 May meeting of Area Staff.

To the surprise of most members the idea was considered worth investigating ; so in August 1967 the first committee was held to investigate the proposal - to see if such a unit would be an asset to the Area or whether it would end U]1> as a millstone around its neck.

By the time the first committee meeting took place, the Round Table of Greenwich had heard of the proposal and had promptly informed the Area that they were willing to purchase a second-hand vehicle which would be suitafu1e for simple and effective conversion.

This tmifl of events hurried things along considerably, for at this stage no money was available, there were no plans for the conversion, and no-one knew

MOBILE FIRST AID UNIT

HOW LONDON DISTR ICT'S

SOUTH EAST AREA MANAGED TO GET MOBILE - IN COMFORT

whether the Area could afford to run such a unit, let alone house the vehicle with garage space.

To the small committee such problems seemed minimal , once it was confirmed that Greenwich Round Table would provide the vehicle and garage it until the conversion began.

The vehicle obtained was a Bedf o rd petrol engined, 41 seater coach built in 1956, with double side and rear doors.

Two surveyors considered it in good condition Originally it had been used as an airport staff bus

After purchase , the main committee was enlarged to include twelve members from the four sections of the Brigade, with an Area staff officer as chairman.

The Area treasurer, area surgeons and nursing officers all being ex-officio members. From this committee small sub-committees were set up to cover finance, design and equipment, running , drivers and garaging.

It was estimated by the Finance Committee that a minimum of £1000 was required to cover the cost of conversion, equipping, and re-spraying in white.

In order to raise this amount of money quickly the committee suggested that all adult divisions should be asked to subscribe a minimum of £5. In fact, in the first fourteen months of the appeal, 40 divisions raised a total of £524.

Divisional presidents , surgeons and nursing officers were approached individ ually and between them, they subscribed a total of £ 114. Area staff, not to be outdone by the response of the divisions, ran their own sales and raffles, managing to raise a further £210. Th e remainder of the £ 1000 came from friends of members, and from various industries , etc, who were interested in the project.

During 1968 conversion and equipping took place according to the design worked out by the sub-committee and approved by t he main committee. For the conversion , we chose a coach building firm within easy reach of members of the design committee With ea sy access t o the vehicle during the conversion , man y problems that were unforseen during th e design stage were quickly ironed o ut , saving time and money

The total cost of conversion was £598 but a further £168 was used in purchasing basic equipment. Much of the medical and nursing equipment was donated by members and their friends, so helping to establish the unit more quickly than if we had waited for the money to be raised before starting. The completed unit was dedicated in the presence of the Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley on th e September 7 1968

Design and Equipment

The interior of the coach is divid ed into three sections by fixed pa rtitions and Marley doors. Usually the doors are kept open, but when req uired any section of the unit can be closed off to give privacy, Normal acc ess to th e unit is by the passenger door in the f ront sec tion - fo r casualties requmng minor treatme nt, relatives a nd staff.

The rear entran ce, to the stretcher u nit and examination couches , presented problems, because the height of the coach floor from the ground is approxima tely 3 feet V a rious complicated ideas and plan s were suggested for the loading of stretchers, but the simplest prov e d the most efficient. With one member in the unit, the stretcher is loaded directly on to the floor , and then side loaded on to runners on the couches. In this way , lifting is cut to a minimum. Under the rear of the coach, which previou sly served as a luggage boot, we have fitted a small set of wide, shallow steps which pull out and drop into position. This space is also used to store lightweight garden cha irs, and a selection of wODden splints. Spar e stretchers are stored under one of due examination couches i n the rear sec tion, and are accessable through a small trap door from the outside of the coach, without entering the unit.

The rear sect ion contains two examination couches , one on each side. Both are adapted to take stretc he rs In normal use they are covered with pale green towelling sheets, much easier for laundering than co nv entional blankets. The pillows a r e covered with blu e nylon pillowcases. Attractive blue and green curtain s screen each couch, and green ve netian blinds on the windows give complete privacy. Extra pillows blankets, hot water bottles, d isposable plastic sheeting, carrying canvas , b edpans and urinal s are stored in cupboards under the co uch es.

After much di scussion it was agreed that a lavatory was not necessary, and tIme has proved this to be correct. Th e unit is usually parked near toilet facilities. For a patient a bedp an is lined with a co lour ed polythene bag , and is later sealed and pla ce d in a special p la stic bin carrie d in a storage l ocker, which ca n be reached from the outside of the coasch Vomit is al so disposed of in this way.

Th e centra l section co ntains the kitchen and services. On one side there is a s.mall stee l sink-unit measuring 18m x 36m, and a two ring Ca lor gas hot-plate and grill which fonn a working area. Under this is stored the kitchen equipment , enough to supply en dles s cups of tea or coffee, and snacks. Underneath the coac h are two 40-aallon water tank s, which ca n b e filled the outside; one is for clean water, the other for waste from the sink. A sm all

INTERIOR OF THE MOBILE UNIT

foo t-pump supplies the water to the a p and also to a Calor gas water heater. The dispo sal of waste water is by a convenient drain. Also in the central section is a small table, under which a re two large Calor gas cylinders. Under the ben ch seat are sto red spare toilet rolls, p a per towels, polythene bags, etc A notice board di sp lay s 'duty' and 'case' sheets, and a r ecor d bo ok of casualties treated with a detailed accou nt of all treatment.

In the front section of the unit there are cupb oards for pre -pa cked dressings , bandages l otions, etc., and a useful work-top for t re atments. There are small bench-seats , with more useful storage under. Opposite is another examination co uch, and a small wardrobe for cleaning m aterials and memb e rs coats and bags

Dis c reetl y tucked away over this wardrobe is a lock ed cupboard for a limited supply of drugs. It was felt that a unit of this size should carry the basic emergency drugs, Adrenaline Coramine Tetanus Toxoid , Amin'ophylline

Megimide , Fortral (a useful analgesic not con t ro ll ed b y th e D a ngerous Drugs Act)

Pro cai ne , Ligno cain e , Mephine. A careful record is kept of all drugs used. We also have two locked drawers which contain a selection of syringes, needles and equipment suitable for doctors' use only. In square plastic bo xes, sealed and ca refully labelled , are the following :-

Diabetic Box : Syringes and needles medi-sw abs , insulin intravenous glucose:

clini test box.

Suture Box An assortment of pre-packed, s teril e needles and suturing materials, needle h o lder , toot hed forceps and scisso rs.

Unconscious Instruments Box mouth gag , tongue d epresso r and sponge holders.

Cut down Set : intravenous cannu la scalpel , forceps, artery and dissecting: su ture materials, sy rin ge s, specimen bottle for blood samples.

Other Equipment also carried includes an Ambu Recussitator and Safer airway

Oxygen is hou sed in the central section. It is equipped with M.C. a nd venti masks and t he tubing will reach to all sections of the unit

Plaster Bandages: for emergency contour splinting.

Obstretic Box

A Large Emergency Box tubes eq fo r i ntravenou s therapy : drammg bags and catheters. All these are pre-packed and sterile.

Stethoscope.

Sphygmomanometer

Two luminous Jackets.

Large Torches

Two Boiler Suits.

Inco-wipes and Inco-sheets.

Stationery: Labels , h ea d e d stationery for doctors letter s. Charts etc. Skin markers.

Emergency Dressing Boxes : Small tool boxes con ta i ning various dressings which can be taken out to an accident. dressings are placed in bags whIch are sealed and then pla ce d in a large plasti c bin for disposal at the end of the duty. The floor throughout is covered with light green Tapiflex (industrial quality) , which has lived up to all claims and expectations. It is non-slip, easy to clean and practically ifldestructible. The colour scheme throughout the unit is blue , green, and grey; the overall effect is restful and pleasant to work in. All working surfaces are covered with Formica , to provide a unit that is hard working and easy to clean

Much thought was given to the provisio n of efficient lighting , and again the simplest idea proved the most effective. The existing light bulbs were merely replaced by more powerful ones a nd for economy individual switches fitted. A small Honda generator E 300 is 5

MOBILE FIRST: AID UNIT

attached to the baltery and this powers the lighting system and recharges the battery when the vehicle is stationary. Each section of the unit, is also equipped with a Calor gas light, should the electrical system fail; these gas lights also give a little warmth if needed. On the electrical system is also a spotlight, at the rear of the coach for loading pmposes , a blue flasher, a two-tone klaxon and a small angle poise lamp in the treatment area This anglepoise lamp has proved its worth many times, for examination and treatment of eyes, throats, etc. Equipment to be added in the near future is inflatable splints and a small portable sucker.

Initially there were sixteen volunteer drivers for the unit. They were all tested on the vehicle by a fully qualified public vehicle licence holder, resulting in twelve drivers on which to call for duties. There is a drivers' representative on the committee, who is responsible for the allocation of drivers duties He is also responsible for bookings of the unit by Divisions, Areas and Districts. This arrangement has proved most successful. Any member of a division with suitable driving experience is always welcome to join the panel of drivers.

A t first great difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable garage for the unit. It had to be reasonably central for the Area, with good access and, of course, safe. After approaching various autherities the London Passenger Transport Board kindly offered the use of o lill e of their large garages which is of course excellent, with vehicle washing and cieaning facilities.

During its first year of operation the unit was on du ty 115 times with divisions and over 500 casualties were treated. Included in this are some duties at District level, and a small number at Area level.

The busiest duty was the Battle of Britain Air DispJay in September 1969 when 70 casualties were treated in one day, including five minor operations and suturings. Useful practical experience was gained by members on this day by watching doctors and nurses carrying out their proceedures. Whenever possible on these duties the doctor Qr nurse teaches the first-aider with the actual problem on hand - hardly possible in a dark brown tent , in which it is difficult to stand uprightl

On running costs, no yearly

clean and comfortable - for work and rest - with everyth i ng at hand: theat 's the interior of South East london area s Mobile Unit.

comparison can be made, as the unit ha s completed only one full year. But in that year pletrol cost was £50, insmance £28. Repairs, replacements an d modificatiJons to the vehicle were £128. This figure is high , du e mainly to problems discove:red only after the vehicle had been i n full u se.

What of the Unit's Future? The Finance Committee is continuing to raise mo ney fO f running the unit. It is and will a lways be the policy of the committ ee tha t NO Division will be asked to pay for the use of the unit for any duty for which t h ey have booked the vehicle. All fir st aid material is replaced and stocks kept up to date f rom stores acquired by t he committee. The Division does not even have to arrange for the unit to be d r ive n to the duty, as the appointed driver does t hi s, and stays with the vehicl e throughout the duty

Consequently a considerable income is required to maintain the unit At the sam e tim e it is realised that this vehicle probably has a life expectancy of only another seven ye a rs, and so a si nking fund has been star t ed for a replacement unit. So far we have £200 on deposi t, and each year we hope to raise a further £200 (at least) towards th e new unit. It is hop ed that the new unit will h ave a new e ngin e and chassis, a nd to work up from there to the committee's spec ifj cations

A Baby-

by Phone

(L)Midwife

(R) The G.P. re c eives the message of a

Two years ago the Dudley (Worcestershire) area's only medical radio link-up was between ambulance drivers and their base. The base contacted midwives and mental welfare officers in emergencies by telephone, often having to leave messages and to wait. Also midwives often had difficulties in finding a phone when on a case. Today Dudley's ambulances are now equipped with 20 VHF radios' midwives mental welfare officers and G P.s in scheme are equipped with pocket-phones Simply, midwives and mental welfare officers now carry a phone around with them and through ambulance control can immediately get in touch with anyone. So saving an awful lot of worry.

(above)

Heath

girl.

NIGERIA

Two young Australian nurs es left Britain for Nigeria in early May to join the SJA team working at St. Margaret's Hospital, Calabar, in the South-Eastern State of Nigeria

Madeline O Brien and Janet Meyer , both 22, come from Perth , Western Australia Both girls are qualified nurses and met during their training. They have been in Britain just over six months in the middle of a working trip round the world.

In Nigeria they will be members of a team consisting of four doctors, one nursing tutor and four registered nurses 2 St. John ambulance members a nd 2 St John nursing members. In Calabar the team will work with the S1. John Council for Nigeria in helping to carry out a programme of hospital rehabilitation approved by the Nigerian Government

The SJ A team will stay in Nigeria for approximately six months.

We wish them the best ofluck.

MALTA CADETS IN BRITAIN

Thirty-one Mosta (Malta) cadets and their officers had been on a two-week visit to Britain during March when on their way home in a coach to London Airport with some of their hosts from Cornwall they were delayed for an hour-and-a-q uarter on the road. They came across an accident in which four people h ad been injured Divisi onal Superintendent 1. Vella , of the Mosta Division, bandaged of the injured members of the Newquay Division gave first aid and directed traffic.

Strange to be given first aid by a St. John man from Malta in the depths of Cornwall?

The story began last year when Cornwall's St. Columb Minor nursing cadets visited Malta and were guests of the Mosta divisions This year Mosta cadets were invited to Cornwall. To cover the Malta cadets' expenses while in Britain St. Columb Minor's Divisional Superintendent , Mrs N. Turver started the Malta fund: £ 126 was raised by Newquay ambulance cadets under

AROUND and ABIUT

BY THE EDITOR

WHATS GOING ON - IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

Divisi ona l Sup erint e nd e nt A. Lawer with a sponsored walk; jumble sales , whist d r ives , coffee morning and evenings, and slide shows also helped

The Mosta party was collected by coach from London Airport on March 22 and taken to N ew quay, where they stayed at members' homes.

County Commissioner Re ar Admiral L. A. Boutwood County Commissioner (retired) Sir Rowland Jerram and the Chairman of Newquay Urban Di strict Council were at the ceremony of welcome, w hen gifts were exchanged.

During their stay the Malta members extensively toured Cornwall a nd met many divi sions; on their way home they spent a day in London , visiting St. John 's Gate , S1. John House, the Tower of London and Ealing (London) memb ers at their headquarters.

One slight dissappointment: at the Bloody Tower one Ma lta cadet asked: 'Where's the blood?'

LUCKY DIVISION

I hear that SJA west country members were trying to influence performers on the telly the other day. Why? Because every time a contestant in Westward Television' s quiz game Treasure Hunt pressed the bu tton that illuminat ed the words Bere Alston, Bere Alston Division got £5.

And this is going on for the n ext thirteen weeks! Not only for Bere Alston; but £5 for divisions throughout the four counties of the west co untry every time the division comes up on the m a p Good influencing, down in the west.

COME ON GIRLS!

At the SJA Coun ty competitions held at Shre wsbur y l ast month J hear that the individual home nursing trophy was won by a man - against 15 women!

It was Sargeant Frey Mooney RAOe who put the cat among the pidgeons when he scored 59 out of a possib Ie 60 to win the E. M. Down er cup.

Sargeant Mooney is a member of the Donnin gto n division team, which came second overa ll in the competitions.

We'll say no more

MEDICAL ARTISTS

The Medical Artists Association of Great Br itai n marked its 21 st Anniv e rsary with a two-day conference and exhibitio n held at the R oya l Co ll ege of Surgeons of England, Lincoln's Inn Fields London , W.C.2, on April 17 and 18.

The exhib iti on illustrated the scope of medical art the origins of which can be traced as far back as thc 15 th century when a long line 'beginning with Verro chio, including Mantegna and Signorelli , and culminating in the gian t forms of Leonardo da Vinci, Durer , Michaelangelo and Raphael, turned with enthusiasm to the detailed study of the human body'.

Delegates to the conference were told by their chairman Mr. Gabriel Donald, of the University of Glasgow Western Infirmary, when he traced the history of Medical Art: 'S trange as it might seem, it is true to say that the scientific approach to anatomy was due to two closely interrelated interests that of the physician and that of the artist. Leonardo

doubtl ess began his ana tomi cal disse ctio n s in pursuit of better pictorial representation, but his insatiable curiosity soon le d him into scientific investigation.'

In the short history of the Association formed in Oxford in April, 1949 - it ha s seen the medical artist emerge from comparative anatomy to take a rec ognised place in the whole field of scientific a nd medical education. Today the contribution the medi ca l artist is making in these fields is universa lly acknow ledg ed.

SJA MEDICAL CONFERENCE

The first St J o hn medical conference since the merging of the two Foundations, held at Nottingham University during April, was a great success. With Si r Hedl ey Atkins in the chair , it was attended by more than 2 00 doctor s and nurses from Bri tain, rep resen tatives from Australia, New Zealand and Malta, as well as from the services, the R oya l Co llege of Nursing, Ministries, and Ind ustr y.

Th er e was a fu]] weekend programme of le ct ures discussion groups, and medical films; London Di st ri ct's Mobil e First Aid unit (which is covered in a n article in t his issue) was on display, and there was also an exhibition of visual aids.

SJA Medical Conference (L to Rl Lt. Col W. James (Austral ial Lt Col von Bornhaupt (Germany), Major R. Clark (Australia) Mrs I. Aarons N Z .l Dr P Bush (A ustralia), and Dr I. Aarons (N.Z.)

HOSPITAL EXHIBITION

The acute shortage of hospital staff throughout the world makes this year's International Hospital Equipment and Medical Engineering and Service Exhibition on June 16-19 at Earls Court very important to t he National Health Servi ce and Hospital Managements universally.

Of particular interest to hospitals buyers and doctors will be the latest labour saving devices on show. Exhibits like the horrifically names 'Steel Nurse', which enables the most petite nurse to lift and mano e uvre the heaviest patient as if he were a new born babe - will attract a lot of attention.

WATER SAFETY

Learn to Swim ' has become the key slogan in RoSPA's National Water Safety Campaign, and the recent hot spell, resulting in seve ral drowning accidents, has underlined the continuing inporta n ce of the mes sage. Scottish schoolchildren have more reason to know the slogan than anybody because every year thousands of them enter a poster competition sponsored by K.B. Ltd.

Other exhibits will include remo te controlled weighing-bed, a Computerised Multiple blood analysis m ac hine called the Multiple Channel Automated Biochemical Analysis System, which is capable of analysing hundreds of blood samples at once and printing out the results; a new pain killing gas that can be harmlessly used by unqualified staff such as ambulance attendants; new labour saving floor polishing devices and catering equipment will' also- be "Seen for the first time at this exhibition.

Last year's winning poster was by a 16-year-old Elizabeth Robertson of Dundee H e r amusing and original entry is reproduced above.

Fosbery 's of Barking , the lifebouy manufacturers , liked her design so much that the y have decided to part-sponsor the poster to boost local L earn to Swim ' campaigns.

The poster costs 4s. for single copies , with progressive reductions for bulk orders. Youth clubs a nd schools will be able to obtain up to two posters at a

sent to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 52, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.I.

AMBULANCE SERVICE ENDS

The ambulance service run by SJAA Montgomeryshire for the last 22 years from Welshpool was taken over by the County Council on April 1. It is reported that the new services will cost £63,000 a year compared with about £34,000 for the SJAA's service.

My photograph, which I thought you would like to see, is of a British Red

Let's have a really bumper Review on what everyone is thinking and feeling. Are you with me? We'll open up the magazine by making a readers issue. When? Well we must give overseas members a chance to put their oar in. So shall we say the October issue? Which goes to press on September 1. So let's have all your letters as soon as possible, and any photographs or drawings to make your point.

By the way, if you don't want your name published use a pen-name: But you must supply me with your real name and

address. Fair enough'!

CORONATION 1911

Extract from the report of the St. John Arrzbulance Association for 1911:

During the Coronation Festivities the whole of the Metropolitan 'Prince of Wales's' Corps of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was placed at the disposal of the l"olice Authorities by the Order for day and night duty, and the number was increased by a large number of members being brought up from the Provinces without any expense whatever to police funds. It is often not recognised that the services of the members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade are entirely voluntary: not only are its members unpaid for their services on these occasions but they are often put to considerable expense in wear and tear of uniforms and in travelling expenses, to say nothing of the occasional loss of wages by reason of their employers being unwilling to pay them for the time during which they are absent. 2,142 members of the Brigade were on duty on June 2ind, the day of the Coronation, and so much were their services appreciated that the following order was issued by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis from New Scotland Yard:

Grand frior his appreciation of the services of the Brigade during the Coronation period, and sanctioned the issue of eleven special silver Coronation medals to leading Superior Officers of the Brigade in recognition of their valuable services on ambulance duty in the streets and elsewhere during the time of the Coronation festivities. It is understood that the other members of the Brigade who were on duty in London on that occasion will also receive the Coronation medal. The second day of the celebrations involved a much heavier call upon the members of the Brigade for duty, there being 123 stations formed along the route on that occasion, and the number of men and women required being nearly 3,000. On both days the members on duty were drawn from the Provinces, as well as from London, and included contingents from India, Malta, New Zealand and South Africa.

One of these Coronation medals of 1911, presented to the late Mr. W. Moffat BEM, of East Ham Ambulance Division, was recently presented to Headquarters.

HAPPY CAMPING

expedition to Greenland this summer (photo: Cambridge Evening News)

disappeared. Me -a sailor in Valletta at the end of the war who'd come to this place while on my way from the NAAFI across the road to the billet. What to do?

The baby still whimpered, without protest; but it whimpered.

5th

recently by the Hackney Rotary Club (photo: Welshpool's First World War ambulance. See AMBULANCE SERVICE ENDS Frank E. Chambers)

'On behalf of the Metropolitan Police who had special opportunities of seeing the work done by the St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Commissioner desires to be one of the first to acknowledge the invaluable help received from this splendid organisation during the Coronation period. His experience is, that the St. John Ambulance Brigade welcome any opportunity of placing their services and resources at the disposal of the public.'

His Majesty The King was also graciously pleased to express through the

EVERYONES VI EWS,

PLEASE

I had a wonderful suggestion from one of our up-country members the other day (by that I mean the NOFth of England, there's an awful lot of common sense), and the suggestion was that we should have one edition of the Review devoted entirely to readers' views. Crazy?

Yes, you may think so, as I did at the time. But wait a minute. Is it so crazy, after all?

Why not use the entire 24 pages (or 23 or 22, if please, we have more advertising) on things that people have to say about our magazine and organisation? Why not?

On reflection I think it's a jolly good idea. In fact it is a good idea.

10

Richard Farrell's series of articles on camping, published in the Review January, February and March, were very well received in New Zealand. In fact, Mr. Brosnan, the honarary secretary of the Wellington Ambulance Division, wrote to ask if he could reprint the series for distribution among his members. Of course by now many members in Britain will be 'under canvas'. As I write this, in early May, the weather is glorious. And I hope it will be so for all St. John campers this summer. Have a good time! And don't forget to let us see some of your pictures for the winter issues.

MYSTERY IN MALTA

A whimpering child. That vast, empty, delapidated hall with a hole in its roof. The woman - the mother? - in Arab-dress,

LAUGH WITH DI\ N IHE FIRST AID MAt-.!

'Hullo! - Where are you? - Hullo!' I found myself shouting to the far end of the hall. 'Hullo!' I tried again; but there was no answer. Nothing. Not even the swallows bickering under the eaves in the mid-afternoon heat now; only the baby whimpering.

I bent over to look at it in the feeding trough. It lay on its back, on an old coat, wearing a long, grey, sleeveless dress, toes showing below the hem. It was silent now, one fat, bent, small thumb in its mouth, enormous brown pupils set in china-white unblinkingly looking up at me. We looked at each other for some time; two strangers yet not strangers.

'Hullo,' I said at length, quietly over-mouthing the word. 'H-u-l-I-o .'

The child pulled one set of toes up under the hem of the dress and then kicked out with effort, smiling and tugging at its thumb with toothless gums. Then it gurgled happily.

'I better go and see if I can find your mum,' I said, starting to move away. But suddenly it let out a yell of protest, twisting its body.

'All right - all right.' turned back. 'Now take it easy. can't stay here all afternoon.

As I leant over it, the child gurgled happily again.

'Y ou just take it easy,' I playfully prodded its belly with a finger. 'Take it easy.'

For a time, of course, this was amusing; for me too, I mean. This universal understanding, which to the very young comes so naturally. Somehow so-called civilisation corrupts it. But I couldn't spend all afternoon amusing an uncorrupted 18-month-old; I had to go on watch at six that evening. And it might not be only for the afternoon. Was the woman its mother? And was she coming back? For all I knew she may have wandered into the place ten minutes before I had and found the baby lying there. She had been feeding it of course, but might not that have been her way of amusing it? Perhaps she'd been a prisoner of this little terror as I now was? In which case e\ ery action of hers since I'd arrived on the scene made sense. She'd seen me as a means to her own escape. Does that sound crazy? It might, now; but at the time, I can assure you, it made a great deal of sense to me. A great deal. Otherwise why did she just 'go' like that? Disappear - after drawing my attention to that wall-painting? She probably thought I was another English culture vulture - a means of distraction. Well, whatever was happening there I was. A 20-year-old sailor (without too much time on his hands) held prisoner by an l8-month-old boy or girl -I did 'nt know which.

\' CAN I HELP IT IF WE. \ R£ SHORT OF MEMBERS ?"

But from then on I was trapped. Every time I turned to go or moved more than three yards away, the little brute let out a blood-curdling yell. I could do anything - prod it, laugh at it, make faces at it, pretend to hide below the edge of the feeding trough, hide my face with my hat, stick my tongue out - anything - and it was fascinated; but if I tried to get away it yelled.

Edit: Two Laughs with Dan this month!

The Lord Prior, Lord Caccia (right), at the annual presentation at Oxford recently. Col. Alan Dower (centre) is President, SJA Oxfordshire (photo: Oxford Mail)'

(Below)

Hackney Division (London) were presented with an am b u lance

Cross/St John Ambulance ASSOClatiOn Welshpool ambulance during the First World War. A real 'bone-shaker'.

SJA Area Supervisor

Miss E. J. Piggott demonstrates the kiss of life to Cambridge stu dents who are going on an

IN A SERIES of articles such as this it is essential that one shtJuld be occasionally reminded of the ba ckground of the period with which we deal and the pathetic complacency of the public at large. In 1845 hospitals were nauseating, filthy and discusting with bare and sparse wards containing 50 or 60 beds spaced at less than 2 feet apart thereby rendering any attempt at decency impossible. Even fifteen years later F'ZtJrence Nightingale wrote as follows:-

'The floors were made of ordinary wood which, owing to lack of cleaning and lack of sanitary conveniences for the patients' use, had become saturated with organic matter, which when washed gave off the smell of something quite other than soap and water. Walls and ceilings were of common plaster also saturated with impurity. Heating was supplied by a single fire at the end of each ward, and in winter windows were kept dosed for warmth, sometimes for mO'Plths at a time.

1ft some hospitals half thg windows were boarded up in winter. After a time the smell became sickening , walls streamed with moisture, and a minute vegetation appeared The remedy for this was frequent lime washing with scraping, but the workmen engaged in the task frequently became seriously ill. The nurses did not as a gengral rule wash patients, they could never wash their feet _ and it was with and only in great haste that they could have a drop of water, just to dab their hands and faGe. The beds on which the patients lay were dirty. It was common practice to put a

The Teachings Florence of Nightingale

THE CONDITIONS OF SOME WARDS - AND NURSES

By M. M. SCOTT (Surgeon-in-Chief, SJA)

The last photograph taken of Miss Nightingale.

new patient into the same sheets used by the last occupant of the bed , and mattresses were generally of flock sodden and seldom if ever cleaned.'

Yet physically disgusting conditions were not the real obstacle to her scheme: the insuperable objection was the notorious immorality of hospital nurses. It was preferred,she wrote, 'that the nurses should be women who had lost their charactg.rs i.e., shouid have had one child. '

A friend of Miss Nightingale wrote ofa nurse who was seen by her (Florence Nightingale) who alternated nursing with prostitution in the following terms:

Florence Nightingale undressed the woman, who was half tipsy and kept saying 'You would not think it Ma'am but a week ago I was in silk and satins dancing at Woolwich Yes Ma'am for all I am so dirty I am draped in silk and satins sometimes. Real French silk and satins. This woman was a nurse earning her five guineas a week nursing ladies.'

Florence Nightingale had distinct and pertinant views on 'Petty Management' in which she also indicates her regard for the personal care and welfare of the nurse herself. 'The most devoted friend or nurse cannot always be there. Nor is it desirable that she should. And she may give up her health, all her other duties, and yet, for want of a 'little management be not one-haH so effici!ent as another w illw is Not ©ne-half so devoted, bu t who has this art of multiplying herself - that is to say, the patient of the first will not really be so well cared for as the patient of the second.'

She also feels strongly about surprising or bursting in on the patient : Why should you let your patient ever be surprised, except by thi eve s? I do not know. In England people do not come down the chimney or through th e window , unless they are thieves. They come in by the door and somebody must open the door to them. The 'so mebod y' charged with opening the door is one of two three or at most four persons. Why cannot these, at most , four persons be put in charge as to what is to be done when there is a ring at the door bell?

And for the curse who is reluctant to leave her patient. No such thing. You ought to go we will suppose. Health or duty requires it. Then say so to the patient openly If you go without his knowing it , and be finds it out, he will never feel secure again that the things which depend upon you will be don e when you are away, and in nine times out of ten he will be right. If you go out without telling him when you will be back , he can take no measures nor precautions as to the things which concern you both of which you do for him.

She takes a very dim view of all the military hospitals and of all other hospitals excluding those in London. 'Upon my own experience I stand, and I solemnly declare that I have seen or known of fatal accidents, such as in delirium tremens, bleeding to death , dying patients dragged out of bed by drunken Medical Staff Corps men , and

many otiher things less patent and striking, which would not have happened in L ondon civil hespitals nUli'sed by woman.'

And here is a lesson in organisation which is just as applicable today, not only in nursing bu t also in first aid. 'To be 'in charge' is certainly not only to carry out the proper measures yourself but to see that everyone else does so too; to see that no one either wilfully or ignorantly thwarts or prevents such measures. It is neither to do everything yourself nor to appoint a number of people to each duty to which he is appointed.' There is a strong moral here which should be brought to the attention of all those who aspire to leadership

NATIONAL FIRST AID COMPETITIONS

and

FILMS ON FIRST AID

SMOKING AND YOU (B/W llmins.)

Sponsor: Ministry of Health

Producer: Derrick Knight & Partners

This film inclicates the risks of smoking, factually represented wHh the object of discouraging the 11-16 age group from forming the hab i t. Effects of smoking on the throat and lungs are explained in diagrams and illustrated by the cases of two heavy smokers; research with a smoking machine shows the amount of chemicals inhaled ; an animated sequence shows the rise in smoking and the number of deaths from lung cancer since 1910.

The panel considered this film clearly achieves its object of showing the risk to health by smoking. Although some five years old and perhaps musically a little dated it still has validity. It is extremely convincing in its anti-smoking message and should be screened regularly to juvenile audiences

OUT OF SIGHT (Colour 22 mins,)

Sponsor: Saciety for the Visually Handicapped

Producer : Lion Pacesetter Films film indicates the special problems of partially sighted chlldren, how they are identified and educated and the various ways in which they can be helped at school, and in adjusting to the family and community, at all ages.

The Panel considers this an excellent film that gives a new understanding and sympathy for the visually handicapped. It mlght be consider e d a little lengthy but, nevertheless it is recommended for universal audiences. It is of specific in terest to engaged in child welfare; careers officers, voluntary serVIces, the m e dical profession and public health officials.

BRIDGE

TO TOMORROW (Colour 30mins).

Sponsor : Eli Lilly and Comllany. (United States of America)

Araducer: Eli Ully and Company. (United States of America)

How new products being developed by the pharmaceutical mdustry helped several young patients

The Panel was unanimous in its opinion that this film is of no

The St. John Ambulance Film Appraisal Panel which meets fortnightly at Headquarters, consists of doctors f irst aiders and visual aid experts who offer their services for this important aspect of visual aids It is intended to publish m0nthly reviews of those 16mm. film recommended by the panel.

value whatsoever to any audience within the U.K. and that the distributors should be invited to withdraw this production from circulation

DRUGS

AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (Colour 18 mins.)

Producer: Churchill Films, U.S.A.

This film indicates the effects of drugs on organs and bod y systems, using aspirin to illustrate how a common drug works on the nervous system to reduce pain and fever and the serious disruption of the nervous system caused by the abuse or misuse of certain drugs. Substances covered are model aeroplane glue, stimulants (amphetamines), depressants (barbiturates, opiates) hallicinogens (marijuana, LSD).

The Panel considered this mm moderately effective in its psychedelic approach but that a11-in-al1 it presented a powerful plea against drug addiction Manifestly it will be of value in health education providing it has an introduction and a post viewing discussion. The Panel considered that on the whole drug dependency films made outside of the U.K. tended to present an alien culture in non-recognisable surroundings.

FRAG I LE CARGO

(Colour 21mins)

National Dock Labour Board, Welfare Dept. 22 Albert Embankment , London S.E.1. Hire Charge 10/-.

This teaching . film illustrates a number of methods of removino casualties from awkward situations such as the cab of a crane, the lower hold of a ship and the insi de of an overturned motor car. The use of the Gloster and Neil Robertson stretchers is illustrated , as are also the conven tional net and board and other more specialised equipmen t. Although this film is intended primarily for people working in the dock industry, many of the methods of handling and transporting casualties illustrated can be applied elsewhere.

The first aiders taking part in the film are all volunteers employed at Southampton Docks the 'victims' being portra ye d by members of the Casualties Union.

REVIEW CADET COMPETITION NO.1

from Peter J. Armstrong, Divisional Officer

Thank you for April edition of the Review and the details of the above competition.

I can imagine that this will be a wonderful stimulus for sales of the Review, the Short History of the Order' and for recruitment.

All of my members have been sent a letter giving them details of the competition , and in addition I have asked the Parents' Association Secrytary to include this item in the next agenda, with the aim of asking the Association for a grant towards your scheme!

I Sincerely hope that this venture will prove its wo r th in all respects , and I hope that next time you hear from me a cheque will be enclosed!

Wembley , Middlese x

ARE WE BEING EFFICIENT?

from Arthur T. Meads, Divisional Officer

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations.

STill A JOHNNY from Wm. Schofield.

Peter J Armstrong

Our organisation is voluntary and a registered charity. Our funds are raised from the general public. So shouldn't we use them for the benefit of the public?

I believe our funds are being wasted in many ways. For instance , if in a town you have an ambulance division , a nursing division, an ambulance cadet division and a nursing cadet division there is only one source of income (the town's people), yet each unit has its own set of equipment, when only one set is required. Why do each of the units keep their own set of accounts ? Surely one set of accounts and one set of equipment - from one source of income - would save money?

Why not have one division for adults and one for cadets, but working as a single unit?

Now that the London boroughs are so large why is it there appears to be no liaison between the various divisions in these new boroughs? Most of them have many divisions , each lacking members and equipment. If they could only work together they would be short of neither, and would give the community a far better service. Which is what they are there for surely?

In a few years time we will be cele bra ting our cen tenary , so why can't we start reorganising ourselves to meet our future? We must start our second century with a modern force and equipment . Let's scrap our present antiquated image.

The first priority should be our cadets, since they represent 60% of our total strength and could form the basis of the next century.

Southall Middlesex. Arthur T. Meads

'lONG SERVICE MEDAL'

from N.R. Turnbull, Chairman, Hampshire SJA

I would like to join the ranks of those who approve of the new Review and wish it a long and happy life. However, in the bes t of things there is something to criticise, and I feel I must, very gently, H'!prove you for perpetuating an error which has appeared from time to time in the Review in all the years that I have known it! On page 11 of the April issue you refer to two members of the Partridge family qualifying for the 'long service medal'. There is no such medal. What these members have become eligible for, subject to confirmation by Chapter General, is the Service Medal of the Order of St. ]jo hn. The issue of this medal is not confined to Brigade/Association members but may be awarded to anyone who in the opinion of Chapter General, has rendered outstanding service to th e Order Basingstoke , Hants. NR. Turnbull

Just a line to say that I am very pleased with the new style Review. I joined the Brigade in 1920 and was introduced to a paper called First Aid, which I took until St John published their own, which I think was called 'Chivalry'. I have taken the Review since the name was changed.

I have now retired from the Brigade but am still interested , and as the o ld saying goes: On ce a J ohnny - always a Johnny. Altrincham, Cheshir e Wm. Schofield.

ON THE BEACH - AT EXMOUTH

from W E. Street, Divisional Officer

I was espeCially pleased when reading the article 'Emergency' in the April issue that the pic ture chosen to illustrate 'On the beach ' was of our divisional members

Our division at Exmouth is without a doubt one of the finest equipped St. John divisions in the south we st possibly in England and quite active in our area. personally see we do not lack publicity in this area and we have two large books of news cuttings to prove this but we seldom get into the Review.

Exmouth w.E.Street

Edit: Try us . NOW, as the TV ads say.

NEW ZEALAND CADETS

from J B. Marston, Divisional Superintendent

Cadet Division - just over a year-old

With the help of the Brigade Superintendent I started a Cadet Division here - the first in Otema ta ta - on April 2 1969. All the cadets are very keen, sone of them have not missed a parade , an d now eight of them are attending a Home NurSing course.

Unfortunately , as we live in a small community, we ca nn ot put in the hours of duty we would like to, but eleven cadets put in 54 hours public duties , and 134 hours i n other duties during this short t ime

We have not entered any competitions as yet, but hope to have a team entered next year.

Otematata, New Zealand. J.B Marston.

FOUNIi)

- FOUR lOST LADI ES

from Miss Dora Foot, Divisional Superintendent

I am writing on b ehalf of the 'Four Lost Ladies' LV you to send me the fo ur ph otogra ph s you have on se nt yo u

by Miss Mabel Strickland. This photograph was taken dur ing our visit to Malta for the Diamond Jubilee celebrat ions last year. Far from being lost , we are, si r, four mem b e rs of No.1 Jersey Nur sing Divisi on. On the le ft of Mi ss. Strickland in the photograph is Sergeant Mrs M. Smith, on her right is myself, then Divisiona l Superintendent (retired) Miss M. Fontaine and Divisiona l Officer Miss M Martret. We must thank you for your trouble; now we know there is one way of getting our picture in the Review!

St. Heli e r, C.I. D ora Foot.

Edit: Miss Strickland - are you part of this plot?

NEW REVIEW

from Mrs J. Finney

I write to express my appreciation of the new Rev ie w and in particular of the more mature sty le an d presentation. I wish you every success.

I have been prompted to write by your publication of 'Is Your Dignity Really Necessary?' by Watkin W. Williams This article should be compulsory reading for everyone in t h e Brigade and is one of the be st articles the Review has ever carried.

I wish we had a few more people with similar views to those of Mr. Williams

London, N20 J. Finney.

ST. JOHN FLAG DAY from H. Downey, Cpl

When I am o ut selling flags I encounter many people in fur, suede or leather jackets or coats. Usually I ask them to pin their own flags in. Sticking in of flags is a d elicate operation on any kind of material an d there is always some ham-fisted operator, even among f h st ai de rs. Which leads one to the question - why pins? Pins have been useful all these years doubtle ss they have a goo d stock i n But now in 1970, they are a nuisance and an expensive nuisance. I and a few more of our division would like to know if the idea of stick-ons, has be en discu ssed at a much higher level than mine , and if they inten d acting upon it. They are much more eco nomic and handy, and would be a bl eSSing to us all.

Bradford.

COMPETITIONS

from A. Competitor

H. Downey

Teams t hroughou t Great Britain will soon participate in the ehminatin g heats culminating in the Brig ade Finals held in London.

Alth ou gh the technique of competition \York has improved immensely over the years, the competitor is sbll unfortun ately face d in Regional Competitions with various factors, which for many years has been t he cause of much unpublicis ed adver se criticism from competitors.

l. The d raw position of 'A' is almo st invariably regar d e d by most competitors as the death knell of any team. The team in t hi s position is all too frequently confromtecl by patients both ill-brie fe d and badly positioned, with a shortage of materials , etc; factors which are then realised by judges and rectified for teams Who follow. Would it therefore be possible for all tests of Regional standard to be provided with a tria1 team? Then all unforseen incidents co uld be rectified and the 'joke', and often t ragedy of b eing the first team would be e bminat ed.

2. The team is often faced with a situation in which it is good fiIs t ai d to move the patient, e.g. moving a p atient from a source danger.. falli ng rocks. Although in competition such a 'move' involves time care, and a certain disruption of routine ; an efficient team wi!l1 undert ake it as elementary an d good first aid. One finds however , that rarely are more than 2 or 4 marks

awarded for suc h a major decisjon, and that by 'staying put' a)1d carrying on with routine team work of diagnosis , sending messages , etc, one can n ot only save time but eventually gain more point s, even though, if it were an actual incident , both team, and patient may be sub seq uently killed or injured. One feels that a bonus of 10 marks should be given, as standard procedure for any such move , thus not only enco uraging good first aid but giving the efficient team a realistic award.

3. Test sheets used in the Brigade Finals conform to a defini te pattern and involve pure first aid as taught in the First Aid Manual. In all other competitions, teams are confronted with test she et s which very often not only contain pet aversions of the judge but often forms of treatment that do not appear in the Manual.

The setting of marking sheets also varies conSiderably and in no way resembles those used in the Brigade Finals , on whose pattern and high standard many teams train. Here again an efficient team can be i nadvertantly penalised when asking the patien t leading questions etc, in diagnosing. So often these question s which appear in the signs and symptoms of a particular injury or condition are not included in the marking sheets.

Thus the less efficient team, who might not have sufficient knowledge t o even ask the questions or note th e signs , loses nothing, and is immedi ate ly placed on the same level as other teams who have carried out a thorough diagnosi s.

Could not all tests of Regional standard conform to the pattern of those used in the Brigade F inals? If tests were vetted or set by a central panel it might also prevent the repetition of such incidents as that which occurred recently when a nursing team received the same team test in both County and Regional competitions!

Such incidents as these arise annually and perhaps unfortunately never go beyond discussion by teams in the 'waiting rooms' prior to competitions.

In view of the many hours of practice involved , it seems a great shame that teams should tod ay be able to win or'lose competitions by circumstances , rather tha n lack of knowledge of first aid.

United Kingdom

COR - OllY!

from E. J. Baker, Class Secretary

April Is sue, eagerly a waited, came this morning. Dismayed to see, vide OLLY Page 22, that I have been wearing my white bag on the wrong hip all these years - and no one ever picked me up, not even at Annual Inspections! !

Bath. E.J.Bak e r P S. Ta for T.

Cor!

Edit : Mr Baker was the only reader who pi c ked up this point. Incidentallyfrom his drawing (right) - I think he could produce some good cartoons fo r us!

New Zealand's Oternatata

Competitor

ON THE AFTERNOON of Monday April

27 a large congregation gathered in St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, to witness an event which occurs only rarely: the installation of a new Prior. The great medieval church of St. Giles, which dominates the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace to the Castle was a perfect setting, its walls and pillars, sometimes grey, sometimes golden according to the light, providing an impressive background to the solemn ceremonial gestures of the participants, and setting gff the bright colours rounq the thrones and the altar at its east end: the standard of the Priory of Scotland and the banners of the Lord Prior of St. John and the Bailiff of Egle; the rich tabards of the Heralds of the Lyon Court, stiff with gglden embroidery; uniforms, swords , stars and medals shrouded in the black cloaks of Knights and Commanders ; and the restrained splendour of the divines in their academic robes of black , purple, scarlet and white.

The ceremony began with the entry of the clergy, the m em bers and executive officers of the Priory of Scotland and the welcome figure of Sir Hannibal Scicluna, the doyen of the historians of the Order, the first man to be a knight both of Malta and the Vene Fable Order, and a life-long friend of Scotland - he was educated at Edinburgh University. A second procession supported the Prior-designate, the Earl of Haddo, and the Chancellor, Sir Andrew Murray. Once these were in their places , a third procession ushered in the Lord Prior of St John, Lard Caccia, bearing from H.R H. the grand Prior the mandate empowering him, in the name of Her Maj esty the Queen, to install Lord Haddo. He was accompanied by Lord Wakehurst , a past Lord Prior of St. John and now Bailiff of Egle , whose support 16

NEWS from SCOTLAND

for and inte res t in Scotland is warmly remembered here

After formal greetings had been exchanged and the mandat e had been read, Lord Haddo was enthron ed as Prior. Then, holding aloft the Sword of Temporal Juristiction , h e tendered his homage to the Grand Prior. The Lord Lyon, also Genealogist of the O r der , stepped forward, proclaiming to the assembly that Lord Haddo was indeed now Prior of Scot land , and St. Giles rang with a brazen fanfare from the Queen 's Trumpeters A short service followed which included a moving address by the Prelate of the Order in Scotland, the V ery Reverend Dr. Nevile Davidson, who dwelt

ASSOCIATION NEWS

on the immutability of the Order and its humanitarian purpose. Then we filed out into the bright but co ld light of an April afternoon, sym boli ca lly from romance to the har sh realities of the fight against sickness, poverty and despair.

The evening before at the Caledonian Hotel , E d inb urgh , there had been held a dinner , presided over by Sir Andrew Murray, at which executive officers an d members of the Order had the opportunity of meeting Lord Caccia, wh o had already spent a few da ys see"ing th e work of the Priory i n the north-east of Scotland

At their first attempt ICI Fibres, Gloucester team WOfl the City Gf Gloucester first aid cOl'lilpetition. They received the Leslie Boyce Challenge Shield from Maybery, Lady Boyce, Presiden of St. John Ambulance Association, Glouc.ester. The Mayor and Mayoress of Glouces ter and Lt. Colonel H .G. Beard County Director, attended the c®mpetition.

ICI Fibres team with the 1foJi,hy. Seated Sister Wal ker an€! Ja c;: k Gi bert. Standing from left: Brian Hamblett, Bob Adams Brian Lewis Douglas Clucas and Alwyne Bevan.

OVERSEAS NEWS

The New Prior of Scotland Lord Haddo (right) witb Sir Andrew Murray (Photo: E€linburgh Evening News).

NEWS FROM WALES

On Sunday afternoon, April 4th, seven teen members of the Killay, Swansea St. John Cadet Division , accompanied by their officers, Mr. G. E. Timpson and Mrs. H. Arnold, visited the Headquarters of the Priory for Wales, where they were shown the Priory museum, and given a brief resume of the history of their headquarters . They were then taken by superintendent M Flynne, with some of the Llandaff Cadet Division, on a tour of St. Fagans Castle near Cardiff; on returning to Priory House, they were entertained to tea by Mr. J. Lee Davies and Miss Anne Bowyer (Stores Department), and Mrs. Davies. Mrs. J. Smith Chief Officer of Cadets for Wales , gave ; short address and welcomed each cadet from Killay. A memorable bay was concluded by both Divisions attending the evening Service at Llandaff Cathedral.

The Killay Cadets look forward to a visit from the Llandaff Cadets in the near future 18

News fpom

STANTON Divisions (Nottingham) held their annual dinner recently, pFesided over by the new President, D.!.Atkins. The chief guest was Dr. R .M. Archibald, who IS assIstant to th e Surgeon-in-Ch iJe f. First aid certificates were b'y. Dr . Archibald to members of the Ambulance and Nursmg DlvlslOns, also t h e Buckley Slrl!ieM to the best junior cadet of the yeali, Cadet Carl Whiteley, and the Cornelious Award for the best senior cadet to twins Cadet Sargealilt N. Palmer and Steven Palmer.

Ambulance Member Sidney Shaw, who has just completed 50 years with St. John as a member of Bolsover, Ilkeston, Stapleford and Stanton divisions, received his re-examination certificate; he hopes t he Chief Commander will grant him a further exte nsi on in 1971.

RESCUE TEAM

In North Wales ' Snowdonia is Britain's youngest mountain rescue team - eleven 14 to 24-year-olds, all members of St. John Ambulance. With a minimum of rescue equipment and paying subscriptions of 6d a week, this team has been practising mounta in rescue at their ce ntre at Llandudno for the past 12 months. The youngest members are Chris Dale and Larry J ones, both are 14 and still at school. Susan Headley teaches at a local school for disturbed children' while her husband Dav e the team's chief instructor.

The outlook? They are ready should they be wanted. Meanwhile, they continue training.

the Divisions

Mr. Atkin spoke of the work the Stanton Divisions had done fOF the company and how mu ch this had been apprecia ted; bu t, he said, it was important to have new and young members to replace those who had resigned because of age or having left the company.

Service medallions were gained by Ambulance Members G.Bridges, J.L. Higton, P A. Williams, D. Walters, and Ambulance Officer A.J. C01lington.

Dr. Archibald said we must attract more people. Let us look at the question of recruitment and see what can be done ; see where we are missing out; and why people are not attrac ted to St. John and fir s t aid. He al so said we must get away from traditional ideas - doing something because it h a d been done for many years.

YORKSH IRE (N. Riding) - IS-year-old Cadet Leader Christine Fowler , of Scarborough Nursing Cadet Division, not only captained the cadet team which won all the trophies in their section of the county competitions at Middlesborough this year but she was also presented with the Grand Prior badge. A member of the nursing cadets since sh e was eight , Christine has gained two Special Service shields for Public Duty and also holds the bronze award in the Duke of Edi nburgh 's award scheme.

The picture on this page shows ChristitTe being presented wit h her Grand Prior badge by County Commi ssioner for North Riding , Brigadier C.C. Fairweather.

OBITUARIES

Mrs. S. Gordon, County Vice President Nursing Cadets, Yorkshir e (E Riding)

A.J. Lucas, Corps Superintendent, Smethwick and West Br om wich Corps.

Alfred Edward Sweeney, Superint e ndent, Hertford Division

(Above) Mayor of Barnstable presents a silver salver to Mr. F. George, retiring Barnstable SJAA. Mrs George

President of the Nursing Cadet Division.

Cadet Guard of Honour at the wedding of Division a Officer Gail Pascoe and Ambulance

(Above, right Stanton Divisions.

Best cadets receive awards from Dr R .M. Archibald (see report)

(Above) Ip swich Nursing Cadets received eight Grand Prior badges re cent ly from L ady Blanche Cobbold.

(Below) Dedication of Sheffield No. 1 NurSing and Ambulance Cadet Divi s ion' s new flag.

(R) Yorkshire (N Riding) Scarborough's Christine Fowler

REVI EW CROSSWORD No.6 (70) Compiled bV W. A. Potter

ACROSS

1. Supperative complication of inhaled foreign body (4.7). 9. Carries hereditary characteristics of large neck (4). 10. Lining of uterus could be immune to red (11) 11. Breathe with diffi culty from a little spirit taken after general anaesthesia (4) 14. Little brother dies with abscess of bone (7). 17 Its weird that to the Irish their country is in a muddle with the east (5). 18 Take a little poultice with hesitation to provide food (5) 19.5pirit a trap for aboriginal woman (3). 21. Not a memorable sign of concussion (7). 22. His muscle co-ordination must be far above average (7). 23. Indigestible if bolted? (3). 24. Imply finer variety (5). 25. Viennese psychiatrist who developed theory of inferiority complexes (5). 26. Corning back I object to mass of food about to be swallowed blocking artery (7). 30. Undergarment is French after five (4). 33. Fossa containing Brachial artery, median nerve and tendon of biceps (11) 34. Metal in haemoglobin (4). 35. Able Arab can upset source of physostigmine (7.4)

DOWN

2. Runs amock for vases (4). 3. Plea sant fee ling of warmth following exercise (4). 4. How one may play when there is no score (2.3) 5. Successfully treated by a crude manipulation (5). 6. Hot fomentation put back in London District (5). 7. Real blue nut forming functional unit of kidney (5.6). 8. Can be taken orally or rectally (11). 12. Carries blood from liver to inferior vena cava (7.4). 13. Urgent requirement when there is severe lo ss of blood (11). 14. Decubitus Ulcer (7). 15. Functional unit of the body (5). 16. Take car in health resorts to find anatomical triangle (7). 20. Concerning birth concealed by woman at a lecture (5). 27. Main disturbance preceding a ment a l illne ss (5) 28. Nothing precedes soft period for dramatic presentation (5). 29. Process of soft palate (5). 31. Not a part of the head and trunk displayed by one doctor under fifty (4).32. Entertainment requiring combination of general and local anaesthesia (4)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.5 (70)

ACROSS

1. Bronchial Asthma: 9 Label: 10 Cam : 11. Renal: 12. Antenatal: 13. Tied: 15. Oracles: 1 8. Aphthae: 20. Nurture : 22. Merited : 23. Ul-na: 25. Char-ac-ter: 29. Epsom: 30. Dog: 31. Pa-dr-e: 32. Biliary Calculus DOWN

1. Bel-lad-onna: 2. Orbit: 3. Colon : 4. Incites : 5. L-am-ella: 6. Stretcher: 7. Hinge: 8. Able: 14 Tenderness: 16. Air: 17. Leukaemia: 19. Hot: 21. Each Day: 22. Myalgia: 24. Lysol : 26. Aspic: 27 Tidal : 28. Herb

18-year-old DIANE DAVIS tells us monthly about her liite as a

STUDENT NURSE

I'VE BEEN NURSING now for four months , one-tenth of the three years I have to complete as a student. How do J feel about the li fe? I am now very much part of hospital routine ; the st udying I find absor bingly interesting, so to me it comes qu i te easi y although of course it takes up a lot of time, naturally; and I still find it a novelty, when asked by strangers what I do to say I'm a student nurse -a rep ly which make s me feel rather (no, I'm always being told not to use the word 'nice') so, to grow up I'll say it makes me feel pleased, proud.

So to sum up, I'm a happy four -m onth student nur se. Bu t what interests me most at the moment is that I go on holiday to Majorca at the end of May for two weeks of my four we eks annual leave This will be my t hird trip abroad; last year I went to Belgium, and the year before to Paris on a schoo l t rip.

How can I afford two weeks in Majorca on a nurs e's p ay even after our recent rise ? I have no private money. I saved up for the holiday over the four months bdween leaving school and joinin g U.C.H., when I worked as a waitre ss in a hotel. My savi ng s - £56.

When I return from this holiday my savings will be all go newhich I shan't regret, but how well can a student nur se survive on her pay? My salary averages £5. lOs a week after aU deduction s.

Pocket money , in other words. (My brother -i n-law, the R evi ew ectitor, says that's more pocket money than he gets! Ha-ha )

Being at a hospital in the centre of London's West End - we re only 5 minutes from all those love ly sho ps in O xford Street· there are many temptations for us to very quickly get rid of that £5. lOs. So one has to b e careful. But , of course, as nurses we have many amenities at reduced prices, or free. Perks.

For insta nce we can use the Students Union, which is attached to the hospital. This is a club, to which all the medical and dent al st udent s go with T.V. rooms, ta ble-tennis, dances , film shows, bar, etc ; all at very low prices. We have the free use of a swimming pool and squash courts in the medical school. There's a gymnaSium, tennis courts, and a flat roof for sun-bathing, when there's any sun! Every day on a tab le in matron' s office are to be found the outside invitations for us nurses . These can include cheap entrance fees to clubs (rare), free theatre tickets (which I love, as they're u s ually for the b est play s in London), and free tickets for cinema matinees

If one joins the Student Nurses Association, which is part of the National Students Union and costs £1. lOs for three years , there are many facilities available including cheap rail and air fares, insuran ce, and even reduced prices at our l oca l chemist 'S shop.

We can also claim by the way agai nst income tax for a shoe and stocking allow ance (about £12 a year). I

So all i n all that £5. l?s pocket goes a little further than it would if, say, we edIted magazme s ! No, I'm just going to enjoy my holid ay. I'll be O.K when I ge t back.

CADETSJET-TO-MALTA COMPETITION

THE REVIEW'S CADET COMPETITION announced in April, with a week 's holiday in Malta for the four lucky winners is open to Stjohn am bulance and nursing cadets, aged 12 to 16, in Britain

The conditions of the competition are as follows: 1. Write an essay, including a title, of 500 to 700 words comparing the role and work of the Order of St. John (based on the Short History) during the first fifty years of their stay in Malta, tha t is from 1530 to 1580, and the role and work of the Order and its Foundations in Britain today.

2. Entries must reach Headquarters by June 15 1970, addressed to : Review Cadet Competition, St. John Ambulance H/Q, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S.W.!. Each entry must include a competition form. Note that the fo rm must be signed by an entrant's parent and Divisional Officer, certifying that the essay is the cadet's work.

3. To enter the competition cadets must be 12 years old and over, but under 16 years old on June 15 1970. The essays will be judged in four groups: (A) 12 to 13 ; (B) 13 to 14 years ; (C) 14 to 15 years ; (D) 15 to 16 years. The best essay in the opinion of the editor from each group will be the winners. State which group you are in on the entry form as well as date of birth. A cadet may enter only one essay

4. The four prizes of a week 's holiday in Malta will be from August 19 to 2 7

TRA VEL ARRANGEMENTS: Flight bookings are BEA London Heathrow Airport , Wednesday, August 19, depart 2105 , arrive Malta 0100 , Thursday, August 2 0 ; return London Heathrow Airport 0625 , Thursday, August 27.

The plan is for the winning cadets to report to St. John House Club, 50 Eaton Place, London, S.W:!. at 5pm on August 19, where a meal will be arranged for them. Those travelling alone to London will be met either at the railway or the coach station.

From St. John House they will be escorted to London airport for departure The maximum baggage for each cadet is 44lbs After the non-stop flight they will be met at Malta airport by St. John members in Malta , where arrangements are to be made for them to stay with St. John members families , in whose care they will be for the week. Cadets must bring their own spending money, For the return flight they will be put aboard the plane by Malta members , and met at London airport to be taken to St. John House from where they will be escorted to their respective trains or coaches for home. Parents may , of course, arrange to take cadets to London airport, and collect them there on return.

This is a broad outline of the arrangements which will be discussed fully with parents of winning cadets.

HURRY!

.. ... THERE'S NOT MUCH TIME LEFT

REVIEW COMPETITIONS FUND

Don't think much of your support for the inheritors of the SJAB - Our cadets. After five weeks my appeal for a Competitions Fund - to encourage cadets (which everyone seems to bet talking about) - now stands at £9 15s. So I have to find a further £

for the first competition. Help!

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

ADVERTISING

DEPARTMENT

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Wanted miniture medal Coronation George V 1911. St. John Ambulance Bri gade. D eta il s u rg ently p l ease to:11 0, East F err y Road, L ON D ON E. 14. (67)

CENTRAL NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON E C 1. Ophthalmic Student Nurses

Ca n d dates accepte d at the age of 17 to commence an 18 months course of t aining as Ophtha mic Stude nts, Moorfie ds Medal and Certifi ca te awarded to successfu I ca n d dates. We l equ ipped School of Nu rsing Successfu can di dates, o n completion may enter the General T raining School of the ir cho ce. C om ortable Nurses' Home in Kensington within easy reac h of the Alber Hal V ic o r ia and A bert Museum and T heatres, T ennis Court. Ac ti ve Social Clu b A p p l icat i o n s n wr ti n g t o the Ma ron

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON , E.C 1 (81 Vacanc es exist fo State Enrolled Nurses

NIGHT MESSENGER

30 plus, required for West End Film Laboratory.

Duties to include the movement of material between 2 buildings and acting as messenger to the night manager. It is imperative that applicants hold current first aid qualifications and be able to assist in the first aid function of the laboratory

Commencing salary £25.3 3 rising to £30. 1.7. when fully competan( 5 day week, Hours 11 p.m. - 8 a.m. Please phone for application form to : -

The personnel Department, George Humphries Company Ltd., 71 - 81 Whitfield Street, LONDON W.l.

Telephone: 01 - 636 - 3636

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE TRAINING 18 - 45 YEA R S 0 F A G E (C a d e t s 16 - 17 yea rs )

/ /0" LEVELS NOT ESSENTIAL

Residence Provided if Necessary ( 65)

Further details from : The Principal Nursing Officer, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. (63)

Nursing is a really worthwhile career in a service vital to the community. It is satisfying work, open to both men and women with good training allowances, excellent promotion prospects and splendid opportunities for travel.

Which of the following training systems suit you?

Integrated Cou rses

Four years training schemes combining State Registration with a degree or a qualification in preventive nursing. Minimum educational requirements: Four passes in GCE at '0' level and one at 'A' level.

State Enrolment (S.E.N.)

A two year training i n practical nursing. No formal educational qualifications necessary.

State Registration (S. R. NJ

A three year training in theory and practice. Minimum educational requirements. Two passes in GCE at 'a' level or equivalent.

If you would like to put a smile in your work , please write for further information to:

The Nursing Officer, Birmingham Regional Hospital Board, House,t: 0 Birmingham 16

Queen Alexandra's ROYAL NAVAL

NURSING SERVICE

NURSING SISTERS

A Direct Entry for S.R.N.'s with one year's postgraduate experience. Preference given to Nurses with an extra qualification.

NAVAL NURSES

S.E.N.'s-There is now a Direct Entry for qualified S.E.N.'s under the age of28.

Training-Girls accepted from 18-28 S R.N candidates mu st have obtained 4 G C.E. '0' level passes in academic subjects

S.E.N. candidates require no G.C.E. This is the ideal course for the girl who wants to be a practical nurse.

For further details write to:-

Matron-in-Chief, Q.A.R.N.N.S., Department (4), Empress State Building, London S.W.6. 62)

II UJonde'·ful place to cOJJle nursing! EDINBURGH, BERWICK, EAST LOTHIAN, FIFE, MIDLOTHIAN, PEEBLES, ROXBURGH, SELKIRK, WEST LOTHIAN.

WORK WITH PEOPLE FOR PEOPLEI

As a member of a nursing team, you would give a valuable and worthwhile service receive a first class training, and have excellent prospects of promotion.

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Nigeria , by R. H Percival p 2

Marjorie , Countess of Brecknock , DBE, retires pA

New Superintendent-in-Chief: Lady Moyra Browne , OBE p.5

Ambulance Work , by R. J. Martin p.6

Around and About , by the Editor p.8

The Teachings of Florence Nightingale by M. M. Scott p . l2

Readers'Views p. 14

No News from Scotland p.17

News from Wales and Overseas p.18

Questions and Answers p 19

News fron the Divisions p.20

New Books p_22

Films p.23

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens London, W. 8 (01-603-8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS T. G. Scott & Son Ltd 1 Clement's nn, London, WC2A 2ED (01-242 -6264 and 01-405-4743) Price

Labrador is a regular for Westcott (Surrey) SJA cadets. StecJently Cindy, wearin§ her new grey coat emblazoned with the M' ohn emblem made a house-to-house collection with her owner rs Mee and fellow cadets (Photo:

No news is NOT good news

THIS MONTH our Scottish correspondent has entitled his article NO NEWS FROM SCOTLAND. This is not a trick headline but the announcement of a disturbing fact which apparently prevails in S t. John in Scotland and has caused our correspondent to speak out. He begins by saying 'No news is NOT good news.' Which by inference is 'No news is the beginning of bad news.' This is the pOint I gently made in my first leader in the Review (January Issue) about the sermon at London District's anniversary service at Westminster Abbey in December. For this disturbing factthat St. John and the majority of its members are too complacent about the importance of pUblicity - applies not only to Scotland but to the whole of the organisation.

A charitable organisation which is dependent on public or private financial support for its very existence has a duty to keep everyone informed of its activities. This is not showmanship, boastfulness aggrandisement, or immodesty ; it is a duty which should stem from an over-riding enthusiasm for what the organisation is doing and trying to do.

Fair enough, you may say. But how exactly do we keep the public at large informed of our activities?

I am well aware that St. John people are not all press-trained or publicists ; but where they do exist help them to further their idea.s. News and stories about St. John activities are rarely obvlOus ; much that makes news ever is. It has to be 'made'. Now please don't jump down my throat and say 'that's a distortion of truth', because it isn't. When I say news has to be 'made' I mean that an interesting facet of an otherwise uninteresting event is used to make the event newsworthy.

Here's an imaginary example. Four St. John members are to do public duty at a fete ; which is routine , not news. What is happening at the fete? Among the activities is a donkey race. Right. On a sheet of writing-paper print a large sign : DONKEYS FIRST AID BOX. At the fete lightly cello-tape the sign on your first-aid box, get hold of the local photographer and stand alongside one of the donkeys with the box. St. John is there to look after everyone.

I. know that example may sound stupid, but it will probably get mto the local newspaper i f nothing really untoward happens at the fete. Of course St. John personnel are not at the fete to give first aid to donkeys, but if a donkey were injured they would probably do as much and probably more for poor as the next man. While such a ppotograph shows they are there, that they're aware of what else is there , and why people go to a feteto amuse themselves. They've entered into the spirit of the occasion , as well as giving a service. Which is public relations. An awareness.

It is not that St. John does not get publicity in the local press; It does. I go through the press cuttings from allover the country every week and the coverage is reasonably good. The best I try to get in to the Review But it is the tone of the local coverage that concerns me. In general, it is too formal, sterotyped and old fashioned. It needs to be more vital and appealing_ It needs ideas.

The Editor.

FOLLOWING the reconnaissance tour (reported in the Review for May) it was decidgd th a t St. John mgmbers, under the aegis of the Nigerian St. John Council, should work in the South Eastern State, within the framework of the S.E State Medical Services.

One member of the reconnaissance team therefore remained in Nigeria and on April 1 went to Calabar, working as a one-man band until after two or three weeks, two more flew out, and the numbers have grown so that at the time of writing there are ten members in the team They are : Patrick Bonner , John He"be r 1 Janet Meyer, Anne Mills Madel@ine O'Brien, Gwen Owen , Graham Primmer, John West, Ruth Wise, and the writer. Idris Williams is in Lagos at present , and is the contact with London H@adguarters. He is due shortly on one of his visits.

We are a team in the sense that we live and eat in the same house, but we are often widely split up in our daily tasks.

St. Margaret's Hospital, Calabar, is the centre of activity, and here the Brigade doctors are working as surgeon and anaesthetist. The latter works for all the surgeons of the hospital, including one sent :From t h e U.S.S.R. Some nurses ' lectures are given by the medical members; the Nurse-Tutor is engaged on the comprehensive task of rehabilitating the Nurses Training School , which is inundated with girls whose training has been interrupted by the war. The latter is a vivid memory here, and a continuing cause of economic and other difficulties.

A Nursing Officer an d an Ofncer (N) roelp the Nurse-Tutor with ward teaching and much needed secretarial assistance.

Two SRN's are helping in the wards, like the doctors working alongside 2

NIGERIA

ST JOHN MEDICAL TEAM AT WORK IN THE SOUTH EAST STATE BY R.

H.

Percival (Count y Surg e on f o r K en t)

Nigerians. Th e Nursing Memb er not only acts as houseke ep er to the team; sh e al so helps in the motherless babies' ward at the Maternity Hospital. In a co untr y where substitutes for breast milk are hard to get , and where artificial f eeding in not well understood, her help and c ar e may be life-saving, and is greatly appre cia t e d

Calabar has apparently changed littl e since Mary Slessor s day; during th e civil war its population shrank gre atly , but since its end the town has becom e v ery overcrowded. Accommodation for the members has been a constant pr o bl em ; we have had to rustle up furniture , mosquito nets , etc ., from governm e nt departm ents The present t emporary residence of the team is at Pamol Rubb er Plantation , 11 miles from Calabar , wher e we have been accommodated o n very generous terms by th e manag er.

The Ambulance Member s of th e t e am have looked after transport and the finding of furniture and equipment , a nd have also be en deployed in sp ec ial du ties for the State Ministry of H e alth.

It is difficult to go far from C alabar without cro ssing water ; although it is not an island, it might just as w ell b e, and they speak of the land to the west as 'the Mainland' The Elder Dempster ferry meanders through the isl ands almo st to the sea to reach Oron ; twenty mile s up the road from Oron is Ituk Mbang, and another ten, Anua. The former is a Methodist Mission Hospital, where the Nurse-Tutor spends one day a week; the latter a Roman Catholic one, wher e they seem to collect an variety of mnesses fOF the doctors' weekly v!isit. It has just been 'occupied' by a Norwegian team, but at the same time is reopening its second half, which really had been

occupied b y tr oo p s, and whi ch n ee d ed a lot of pu t ti ng in ord er. Th e No rw egians are p r im arily aim ing at Ch i ld Car e, and it see m s th at w e sh all co n t inu e to be ne e ded ; rel a tio ns ar e v ery co rdi al.

Anoth er h os pit al, in th e h ear t of t he bu sh at I k o t E n e, w hi ch is too sm all to b e sh o wn exce pt o n th e l argest -scal e map s, is St . J ose p h's . It is reac h e d by a f erry call ed The P o n t oon. Sca r.cely E ld er D emp ste r , t h e p o n o o n con sis t s of a plank pl a t for m supp o rte d b y f our d ug-ou t ca no es, and p owe r ed, int ermi t t entl y, by a n outbo ar d m ot or.

Th er e ar e n o r es id ent d octors wh a t ev er; so f ar w e sen d a d oc t or o n ce a wee k , to do a clinic and a ward r o und. An i nfo rmal cours e of f ir st aid ins tructi o n for th e un t rain e d st aff ha s bee n start e d N o body is abl e to sti ck very stri ctl y to his o wn job ; th e surg eon doe s an ante-natal clini c and th e ana es the ti st pu ts in the odd hour a t out-pat ie nts Mu ch of t he ho spit al wor k is very sad - an aemic pati ents waitin g f o ur day s b efo r e seek in g t re a t men t for str a ngul at ed h erni a; patient s with malignant tu mours presenting th em selv es with th e noW all-too-familiar pa t t ern of lit t l e sc ars fr om the ju-ju man ; childr e n with p o t b ell ies and stick-like arms. On e man with a hernia said 'I do not think I can tr el< to t he ho spi t al' H e had a h ae mogl obin of 20 % of normal , and was admi t t e d t o the medical wa rd Children ar e ofte n o n the edge of m a lnutrition from diet e ti c erro rs and from worm infestation Mos of the patients have a strong sens e of humour and it can be a little shocking t o fi nd something funny ev e n in t.he presence of death A docto r was treati n: g a dying [i)il an trying to unblock a gastric t ub e, and someone brought a t i ny ga1lipot of water whi ch he us ed to rinse out th e syringe.

Do ctor I am trying to baptise him ,' protestea the nurse. A boy of a bou t 13, in the early days of the wort , was undergoing a fairly m ajor operation under local anaesth e sia , a nd the assistant doctor, hearing him murmuring, asked what he was saying. 'J was not speaking to you , Madame', he replied gently . We listened more carefully after th a t. 'J esus' , he kept saying , 'Lord J esus'.

Most of the young doctors and all of the young nurs es are very keen to learn , and the teaching side of our work is the most rewarding.

Mention has been made of informal First Aid l ess ons in the hospital at Ikot Ene. first Aid , however, is being brought to the publi c at large with the launching of St. John Ambul a nce in the S.E State.

A cours e of lectures has just started , pretty chaotically , with some 2 00 pupils

The logistics of doing this , wh e n classrooms are mostly small, and where

the walls do not reach the roof and iron chairs grate on con crete floors may be imagined. Most of the enthusiasm seems to be genuine although one man looked at an application form and asked 'Do I win anything?' The value of a first aider can scarcely be over-es t imated This is an area where there are two ambulances. which have to double as doctors' taxis and where ten miles may take half hour driving rough with healthy passengers

This is a very bald account of our work, and may possibly fail to convey anything like a true picture. The state of affair s is of a medical service run down through economic and manpower difficulties , rather that anything like disaster ; indeed it is hard to find anyone , even amongst expatriate English long resident here , who will defend th e more sensation al news r eports which graced the U K press earlier in the year.

The greatest need expressed is for doctors and teachers ; whatever the need for our ambulance and nursing members, it has to be laid alongSIde the very serious unemployment problem and severe shortage of houses.

The author at work in Calabar

Citizens of the Calabar District

ATL-ANTIC

Ca abar in the 'corner' of Africa (above), is (left) on one of a maze of rivers that flow into the Bight of Biafra

The retired Sur;>erintendent-in-Chief, Lady Brecknock

BRIGADE MEMBERS all over the world will be sad to learn that Lady Brecknock, Superintendent-in-Chief of the St. John Ambulance Brigade since 1960, retired on June 27 after 24 years of service.

But retirement is not likely to be interpreted by Marjorie Brecknock as most of us understand the word ; we all hope - nay , we know - that her remarkable abilities and personality will not be completely lost to the Brigade.

Her first contacts with St. John were before World War 11 , when she was Lady-in-Waiting to the Duchess of Kent.

In 1938 she joined the FANY's (later to be embodied in the ATS), and during the war she served first with motor companies, then with the anti-aircraft artillery, and at the end of the war she was the senior British woman officer at SHAEF in France.

Those of us who have marvelled at the ease and competance with which she drives hundreds of miles at night and alone, to return home after St. John inspections and conferences, may not have realised that her efficiency at the wheel also applies if anything goes wrong under the bonnet. A past Commissioner-in-Chief considers her the best woman driver he knows, while from her ATS days the following story rings very true of Marjorie:

A major could see only the behind of a female corporal who was working under the bonnet of his Brigadier's staff car outside H/Q. The gallant major apPfQached, then diffidently asked if he could help. Marjorie's oil-bespattered face turned to him: 'I'm perfectly capable of coping with the engine but you could post this letter for me.' The letter, it seems, was posted.

In 1946 Lady Brecknock joined St. John Headquarters as Staff Officer to the Superintendent-in-Chief, the late Lady Mountbatten, who was her cousin.

In 1950 she became Assistant-Superintenden t -in-Chief (Overseas), a titled later changed to Controller of the Overseas

MARJORIE, COUNTESS OF BRECKNOCK, D.B.E., RETIRES

Department . She held this position un.til April 1 1960, when she became Superintendent-in-Chief m succession to Lad y Mountbatten , whose death took place in Sabah while on a St. John tour in February 1960. One s admiration for anyone who took over from a personality such as Lady Mountbatten and in those circumstances must be great ; but for someone who at the same time was suffering the tragic lo ss of a clo se relativ e with whom she had been brought up , ones admiration for th is remarkably courageous woman becomes even great e r.

During her 10 years as Superintendent-in-Chief L ady Brecknock visited St John units throughout the Commonwealth and it is safe to say that with trips to India , Ceylon , Malaysia, Singapore , Hong Kong , Australia , New Zealand, Sabah the West Indies, East and West Africa, Mauritius , Malta and Cyprus she knows more than anyone about the Brigad e overseas The ground she covered and the amount she achieved on thes e extended tours has made many a strong man pale just to read about them!

Naturally a person such as Lady Brecknock has many other commitments , in London and in her home county of Hampshire, in addition to her St John work.

It is in Hampshire , where she runs a farm with the same energy and know-how as she has applied to the Nursing Corps and Divisions, that a stirring sight meets one at time when she takes her turn driving the enormous combine harvester. To thiS part-time work, part-rec reation can be added her real hobbies of gardening, fishing and music She is also an extremely good shot and must have been one of the first women to take up thiS 'manly' pursuit.

It takes a lot, then, to deter this indominable woman , as can be seen by the two following events.

During the war Lady Mountbatten was visiting ho s pitals and other units in Europe for the Joint War Organisations of the Red Cross and St John and asked Lady Brecknock, who was se rving in France but was on leave , to acc ompany h e r. They were flying in a small aircraft to Nijmegen in Holland , and having to pa ss over the German lines they were fired at. When they arrived at th elI destination the aircraft was found to be damaged in several places from the attack and it occurred to Lady Mountbatten , if not to her cousin, that if they had been shot down in enemy territory

Lady Brecknock would not have been covered by the Geneva Convention and would have undoubtedly become a prisoner-of-war.

On her most recent overs eas tour in March this year she arnved in Cambodia for a sight-seeing visit to Angkor the day before the coup d' etat. On her return to London her only comment.on being caught in a revolution was the inconvenience of not belng able to leave the country as planned (she was delayed two days ), and the disappointment of not having seen anything exciting!

Lady Bredmock was made a Dame of the Order in 1959 alilda Dame of the British Empire in 1967.

As with the Brigadier's car, being shot at over enemy territorY , coups in Cambodia - retirement we are sure will be ju.st another stepping-stone for Lady B.

NEW

SU PERI NTEN DENT IN CHIEF: LADY MOYRA BROWNE, O.B.E.

LADY MOYRA BROWNE , who succeeded Marjorie , Countess of Breckno ck as Superintendent-in-Chief, st. John Ambulance Brigade on June 27, is well known to most members of the Brigade.

Her St. John ca reer began in 1938 when, as Lady Moyra Pon so nby , she joined the Craigs Court Nur si ng Division In 1940 she transferred to Su ssex and took up full time nursing in the Civil Nursing Reserve at the Royal West Sussex Hospital. During this time , she was also County Cadet O ffic e r (N) for Sussex In 1943 she returned to L o ndon and went as Student Nurse to the Westmin ster Hospital , but later went ba ck to the Royal We st Sus sex Hospital and , as Senior Nursing Auxiliary, was made 'Lady Ambulanc e Officer

When the war ended she returned to London and to Brigade Headquarters as Staff Officer to the Chief Officer Nursing Cadets until she resigned owing to family co mmitments. In 1945, she married Sir Denis Browne , the distinguished paediatric surgeon, and until his death in 1967 she accompanied him on many tours allover the world, acting as his secretary and nursing assistant. She ha s a so n and a daughter.

Lady Moyra comes of a 'St. John minded' family. Her father, the late Earl of Bessborough, as Governer-General of Canada was t he first Commander of the Commandery of Canada, which was formed in 1934 He was a Knight of the Order and a member of Chapter General. Her mother, a Dame Grand Cross of the Order, was County President in Sussex throughout the war, Chairman of St. John Council for Sussex, and one of the two County representatives on the Order Council in London until 1966

During the time Lady

awarded the

She returned to Headquarters in 1964 as Staff Officer to the Superintendent-in-Chief and a few months later was appointed Deputy She is a State Enrolled Nurse and her wide medical and nursing experience added to her extensive knowledge of Brigade matters make her the ideal choice for Superintendent-in-Chief. We wish her a long, successful and happy term of office.

Lady Moyra Browne has been Deputy Superintendent - in -Chief for six years.

Moyra was away from St John she worked for the Victoria League, became its Vice Chairman , and was

O.B E.

A painting of L'ldy Moyra Browne in St. John nursing uniform during the war

Lady Brecknock out for the day in Hampshire

HAVING A TITLE like 'St. John Ambulance', it is not surprising that more and more divisions in our organisation are owning ambulances of their own and that members are becoming increasingly more involved in ambulance work. Owning a vehicle with St. John insignia on its sides does however bring with it a responsibility to ourselves, the puiblic and the white cross even more demanding that the responsibility of wearing our uniform. Despite this, the onus for training crews in ambulance techniques rests only on the division owning the ambulance, with no direct guidance from professionals whatever.

The sight of an ambulance crew uncertain as to their duties or what to do at an accident very rapidly destroys public confidence and the St. John image. Crew members therefore must feel an obligation to prepare and train themselves for any circumstance which may arise.

The types of duty our ambulances have to undertake are probably more vwied than regular am.bulance service vehicles. The marn Giuties are:

1. Providing the community with an emergency ambulance service, in the -absense of the National Health Servioe providing this, or acting under the 6

AMBULANCE

WORK

WITH MORE DIVISIONS OWNING AMBULANCES, CREW TRAINING IS IMPORTANT by

R. J. MARTIN (London District)

SJA members are becoming incre a sngly involved in ambulance work (Photo : W.R Hawes Brighton)

auspices of the N.H.S.

2 Supplementing or repla cing the ambulance service during a shortage ; carrying out transport and/or emergency work

3. Standing by at public functions as an emergency vehicle thereby reducing the loads on the am bulance service

4. Acting as an invalid taxi service providing a special, personal service to the disabled.

5. Transporting the sick or infirm under circumstances outside th e sc ope o f the N.H.S.

To perform the se duties' crews must firstly be fully acquainted with the ambulance and its equipment. Drivers must be familiar with handling the vehicle, the position of the accessory switches, its size, weight, stability and so on. A useful experience is for drivers 'to be the patient' and travel 'in the back' for some distance so they can realise the many discomforts a patient may experience when lying or sitting for long journeys or when hurrying to hospital.

Wh ile o m the stretcher, if he iimagrnes he is weak, distressed a n d in pain he will no doubt soon realise that taking bends or bumpy roads too fast does little to improve the patient's condition! Similarly

the sen sitive dr iver k now s t h at hi s sire n or bell , whil st indi ca ting urg e n cy t o oth er drivers also se t s the p atien t w o rry in g about the seriou sn ess o f t hi s ow n injuri es.

When th e p ati ent i s not an ur gen t case you have ampl e tim e t o d evo t e t o the pati ent 's w e lfar e. Att e ntion t o small details is very import ant in r eass u ri ng th e patient th a t the crew ar e w ell able to t ake care of him.

Let us suppo se that an a mbul ance crew have agr ee d to und ert ak e m o vi ng an invalid patient from home t o a convale sce n t ce nt re , f o llowin g a n illn ess. Th e duty should be re corded in the ambulance diary , t o prevent d ouble booking, and the crew should obt ain as much information about the duty as possible . A u seful idea i s to have a form on to which the details of the request are recorded noting t h e e x a c t address for collection and th e pr ec ise d e stination , th e desi r ed time of collection and arriv al , th e patient's name , age , sex , and condition, the amount of luggage and the numb er of accompanying passengers A large remarks column should b e allowed for medical notes, doctor's comment s, whether incontinent, able to walk and so on. If a charge is being made against th e cost of the journey, it is as well to knoW in advance exactly who is to receive the invoice! Confirmation of the duty detail s should then be m a de to the patient and responsible parties at either end of the journey.

When the day of the duty arrives the crew should a!1low ample time to reach the patient and for the journey. The vehicle should be prepared for a iong drive the previous day if possible,

checking in a routine manner petrol oil rad !i. ator , tyres battery, lights, bFakes and so on. Any special equip ment brought fo r the duty such as a wheelchair or medical comforts should be put into the back and secured. Nothing should ever be left unfixed in an ambulance Before leaVing the vehicle log should b e made out and the back of the vehicl e made comfortably warm , a nd well air ed On arrival at the patient's a ddress the vehicle should be parked as close as possible to the building Remember to be cheerful and meet the patien t with a smile. Five minutes spent now chatting about the weather will break the ice between pati ent and the escort , who has to stay with the patient at all times and must therefore be understanding and confident. During these few minutes the crew must ob se rve all the circumstances of the case and enquire about any unknown details. Just how able i s the patient? How does the patient like to be lifted and moved? Which is the easiest way to move the patient to the ambulanc e? Will spe cial protection from the weather be necessary during the move? These question s must be answered. When all the facts are known start loading and securing the patient's belongings in the ambulance. Position the vehicle exactly wher e wanted and take to the patient everything which you will require such as blanket s mackinto sh carry-chair, air-ring , straps etc K e ep ambul an ce doors shut as much as possible if it is a cold day. Before moving the patient check that you have not forgotten any of his effec ts. Enquire if he wants to use the toil et b efore leaving. Ask if you ought to t ell anyone he is going.

. Tell the p atient how you prop ose to hft him and have th e se a t , stretcher or canva s re a dy t o re ce ive him. Ch ec k that the pati ent is comfortabl e and se cur e load him into t h e ambulan ce, fIrm and su r e in your mov ements T ak e plenty o f time One slip may not cause the pati ent to fall , but his confiden ce in the cr ew cert ainly will ; and a f right en ed patient who hold s on to everything is very diffi cult to handle Insid e th e ve hicl e shut th e d o ors to keep the warmth in and curio us eye s out. Arrange the p a ti ent as he wish es, ra ising the h ead and shoulders and supported on pillows unless thi s caus es discomfort or a of Insecurity. A small roll under the knees and sand b ags at the pa ti ent 's sid es will often rea ssur e him and make the ride more comfortable. If provided , it is wi se gently strap th e p atient in. Rem ember, If the pati ent is fully dres se d too many blank e ts can be worse th a n non e When t h e escort is satisfied that the is ready he should signal the ?TlVer to start Whether to break the or not is a decision depending on dUrat i on and the patient's wish es. A fIve minute stop always seems to t ake

twenty minutes so watch your time

On route the patient may talk, sle e p , read or, as sometimes happens, complain about his condition or circumstances The escort mu st be a tactful, sympathetic listener at all times Patients very often pass on to their escort s personal stories which the es cort is obliged to keep to himself.

Should t be n e cessary for the patient's position to be adjusted, or for a bedpan, bottle or vomit bowl to be administered it is essential to stop the vehicle. Never attemp to st and up while the vehicle is moving as its heavy springing will soon up-end you (and the bedpan)

At the patient's destination the loading procedure is reversed; get the ambulan c e clo se to the building, find out exactly where the patient is to go, and then unload him in one move to his new a ccommodation. Some convalescent centres and similar establishments are well equipped for moving different types of patients, so liaison with the centre personnel may well be wise ,

Before returning , the ambulance will certainly want amng, tidying arid preparing for any emergency en route. The crew know how they like the vehicle kept for emergency work, and they should therefore work together refolding

the stretcher blankets, removing used linen and emptying vomit bowl s, bedpan s and d i sp osal sacks before leaving.

Generally St. John ambulance s will not leave their poles and canva s behind , but if they do the centre will certainly have an exchange canvas for use until their own canvas can be returned.

Ambulances may c ome acro ss road accidents at any time It is always wis e to contact the police and lo cal ambulance service before removing patients to hospital. The police will know the nearest casualty department. They will also warn the hospital, and escort you there should you not know the area. The local ambulance service may not wish you to move the p a tients unless medical aid is needed very urgently, and St. John crews are obliged to abide with these local arrangements whatever the ruling in their own areas

Finally a word on money. After transport duty, the request form can be completed with the total mileage and the account sent to the persons paying the bill. Very often crews are put in the embarrassing situation of being offerred gratuities for their services. Better than to refuse and possibly offend the patient or relatives, why not carry a collection tin on your ambulance?

Concern for the patient (Photo: w R Hawes; Brighton)

NIGERIA

Mrs. Percival , whose husband went to NigeIiia with the St. J ohm medical team in March and sent ms the report on conditions there which is published in this issue, has sent us her reflections on being a surgeon's 'grass widow'.

'When my husband went with the St. John party to Nigeria in March , I was very tempted to visit Canadian relations. But with no patients coming for consultation, this seemed the opportunity to have alterations done for a long-awaited streamlined kitchen Had I had any thoughts of late mornings in bed, these would have been squashed by my Rottweiler puppy. She was always eager to greet each new day at 6.30 a.m., and to prevent her knocking down the doors , I am forced to share her entlhusiasm

'Havi!J1g graduated as the wife of a man who was House Surgeon, Surgical Registrar , R .N. V.R., before becoming Consultant Surgeon, one has had much experience of being left at home. Doctors' wives soon learn that medicine and surgery take priority over family life.

The family whole-heartedly supported my husband in accepting the opportunity to work in Nigeria for a period We think it is a wonderful way of showing gratitude to the many Nigerian doctors

ARDHND anll ABOUT

WHAT'S GOll\lli ON

IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

BY TH E EDITOR

WHAT'S IUNCLE' LOUIS SAID?

and nurses working in England. Surely without the young men and women from overseas we should have a very thin Health Service. Recently an English nurse told me of a Nigerian Surgical Registrar who stayed up all night with a very ill patient , when the nurse was working single handed fOLmost of the time on her ward. This devoted surgeon train e d and worked for ten years in this country, and in all that time was invited only twice to stay in English homes. The world really needs more 'give' with the 'take'.

'It is difficult not to feel somewhat envious of those who hav e gone and will

go to Nigeria. We cannot all go, and I grandfathers are considered more agile than grandmothers! But we all share the pride in b elonging when we see St. John in a c tion , whenever and wherever it may be.

'For years my husband has pressed me to go with h im to the Nottingham Conference, and I was never free to do so until this year. Then, as things turned out, I had to go with another man!'

FIRST AID MANUAL

It is not the intention of the Conjoin t Societies to issue a new First Aid Manual in the year 1970.

The Medical Branch of the S t. John Ambulance Association , together with all concerned in the writing of the manual always have before them proposal s relating to new te chniques in first aid and new equipment which may be suitable fo r first aid purposes, a n d. it invariably follows that the medical advisers seek a very wide range of views throughout the world on any proposals which could concern revisions in the First Aid Manual. From time to time therefore , people concerned mention these new techniques in lectures and dis cussions and this gives rise to rumours that a new manual is imminent.

I can state that no new First Aid Manual is imminent and that the second edition will conti nue to be used as the conjoint book of the three Societies fOf some considerable time.

Any announcement concerning a new First Aid Manual will be made by the St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew's Ambulance Association and Br itis h Red Cross Socle ty; such announcement be ing made to the Press on an agreed date.

INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION

A t a meeting of qualified lay inst ructors held recently a t Brigade He adquarters Leicester, it was decided to form a Lay

a collection of phGtographs recently sent to Headquarters Royal Review Windsor Park, June 1912. I wonder if any 0 our readers were there ?

Instructors Association for Leicestershire. The objects of the Association are t o provide facilities for instructors to meet and discuss methods and problems of instruction; to maintain a high standard of instruction; to establish an instructors register; an d to assume responsibility for training equipmen t.

At the inaugral meeting the following officers were elected: Chairman - G .K. Shaw ; Vice Chairman R. Crewe; Secretary - Mrs. A. Toone; Librarian and responsible for equipment W. Champion

A visual aids sub-committee was appointed to examine present visual aids, to bring them up to date, and to make recommendations

Active steps are to be taken to establish a library for members and medical officers to help in instruction

Close liaison will be maintained between the Association and the County Secretary so that instructors can be obtained from this central source.

At pre se nt members will meet three times a year.

This new Lay Instructors Association asks: are we the first in the Brigade ? If

At the opening of the new SJA H eadq uarters at Windsor, Cadet Janice Hastings is relaxed by Earl Mountbatten of Burma as he takes the key for the officia opening ceremony (photo: Wi ndsor E x press).

there are any such associations, clubs , or what-have-you they would be pleased to hear from them, and to learn from their experiences

AWARDS TO HOSPITAL PORTERS

The Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct has been awarded to two porters, at St. George's Hospital , Tooting, London, for rescuing a disturbed patient from a rooftop at the hospital on January 25.

They are Mr Frederick Edward Lloyd, aged 50, of London S.WA , who is head porter at St. George's, and Mr Cornelius Walsh, aged 50, of London S W.18 , a porter at the hospital.

Not many finishers in t his race at SJAB s Donkey Derby run at Gravesend, Kent , recently photo: Gravesend Reporter)

In the mid-morning of January 25, Mr Lloyd was told that a man who had been admitted to St. George's Hospital after taking an overdose of drugs had climbed out of a window and on to the roof of Keate Ward, about 50 ft from ground level. Although the steeply-pitched slate roof was wet and slippery, Mr Lloyd and Mr Walsh climbed a fire escape and then a ladder to reach the roof ridge where the patient was sitting.

While Mr Lloyd was talking to him the patient stood up, slipped , and fell down the roof until he became wedged behind a chimney stack. Both porters edged their way along the ridge and then slid down the tiles to the chimney stack where the patient, after struggling for a short time, lay quietly wi th them un til firemen arrived to take them down to the ground. The citation says that Mr Lloyd and Mr Walsh showed great courage in putting the patient's welfare before their own safety.

APPOINTMENTS

Headquarters : Col. Ollerenshaw as Surgeon-in-Chief in sucession to Dr. Scott on or about 1st August.

Staffordshire: Major Harvey (formerly Deputy County Dire cto r and Member of St. John Council, Cheshire) appointed Vice Chairman, St. John Council for Staffordshire

Birmingham: Mr. A. C. Ford appointed Commissioner, Central Area.

Dr. Cashmore appointed Commissioner. Mrs W atso n appointed County Superintendent eN)

Dr. Lloyd appointed County Surgeon.

Northumberland: Mr. J. C. Smith appointed Dep. Commissioner.

Surrey: Captain Cartwright relinquished appointment of Commissioner, but remains as C. St. J. A. Mr. Robinson appointed Commissioner.

BRITISH RED CROSS

The following new appointments at the British Red Cross Society's National Headquarters have been annQunced from July 1 1970:

Director-General: Mr A. Brian Hodgson, CMG, at present Deputy Director-General (Overseas).

Depu ty Director-GeneraL Miss Maude Jones, at present Deputy Director-General (Branch Affairs).

Secretary: Mr. Derek Barson, FCIS, at present Administrative Secretary. Mr. F. H. D. Pritchard, CBE, Secretary-General, retired on June 30 1970.

The following changes in appointments are also announced: Medical Adviser: Dr. C. A. Boucher, OBE MD, has succeeded Maj or General F. C. Hilton-Sergeant,CB ,CBE ,MB ,DPH. Chief Nursing Officer: Miss Muriel Skeet, SRN, will succeed Miss Ceris Jones,

SRN,RNT, Dip. Nursing (Univ. London) on August 10th 1970. Mrs lretile Cathcart, Director Achvities, will succeed Miss C. M. Wyatt, OBE, om November 1st, 1970.

LABOUR OF LOVE

My picture shows a real labour of love. It is 26 panels, totalling 45 feet in length, 3ft 3ins high, of the history of the Order engraved in brass , copper and aluminium by Ambulance Member C. M. Brush of Redruth Division, Cornwall.

Mr. Brush, 49, and now Secretary of the Redruth Division, took seven years to complete these engravings and they were first put on display at the Division's 75th anniversary dinner in 1968.

The engravings, which are painted in colour, show all the main events of the Order since 1113. This fine collection of work is at present at Mr. Brush's home.

A GOOD IDEA

Yorkshire's West Riding District Ossett Ambulance and Cadet Divisions are stimulating interest in St John work by supplying regular articles on first aid to the local newspaper. Mr. Oldroyd , senior, Superintendent of the ambulance division, writes the articles while his son, who is divisional officer of the Cadet Division, supplies cadets for the photographs to illustrate the articles.

These articles have been published for the last four years. The lads of Ossett, it seems, have been really attracted by the idea. Since the articles started, new members for the cadet division have doubled.

RECRUITING

NURSING ADVISER

University College Hospital, at whIch our montfu.ly columnist on learning-to-be-a -nurse Diane Davis is a student, recently appointed its first Nursing Careers Adviser, I hear.

Many hospitals in Britain are now realising that they cannot, unfortunately, Just get on wIth their important work and expect new recruits to nursing to flow in. Something has to be done to tell people about the life and profession of nursing.

This will be Mrs Susan Powell's new job at where, appropriately, she herself tramed and qualified as a State Registered Nurse only two years ago In her advisory job, giving talks and film shows at schools, taking parties around the and nurses training school, answenng questions and helping anyone who is considering taking up nursing Mrs Powell will speak from her own training experiences so she should well understand what youngsters want to know.

We wish her the best of luck.

WELFARE FILM

London's Lewisham Council has made a film of its Welfare Se.rvice in action called 'A Day's Journey', which is now available for hiring

The film covers a day in the life of the Deputy Chief Welfare Officer on his trip round many of the Old People's Homes in the Borough, but the real spirit and life of the film comes from the 'actors' themselves, including 104-year-old Mrs Caroline Allen of Ladywell Lodge.

The purpose of the 37 minute, l6mm colour film is to show that the old workhouses have gone forever and that Lewisham's homes are places of dignity

where people are not required to surrender their individuality or independence.

Among scenes viewers will see will be a handicapped lady painting by holdmg the brush in her mouth with other disabled and elderly people attending handicraft classes.

The film is available from the Chief We If a re Officer, St. Paul's House Deptford High St. London, S.E.8, charge £2. 2s.

GIBBY RETI RES

SJA B Berkshire's County Secretary, Miss Dons. Kathleen Gibbins (Gibby to her aSSOCIates), who retired in June, was given

FIFTY YEARS SERVICE

a special farewell party during May at the County's Superintendents' meeting to celebrate her 50 years of service to St. John. Gibby cut an enormous home-made cake (see picture), received many congra tul a tlOns and complimentary remarks, and was handed a nice cheque, donated by her associates. Gibbons joined Reading Nursing m 1921, became Superintendent m 1935, Corps Superintendent in 1943 and County Staff Officer in 1945. became County Secretary in 1951 , and Secretary of the St. John Council for Berkshire on its formation in 1954 Before and during the war she was a member of the V.A.D., being the A.ssistant Commandant of the A.R.P. FIrst Aid post at Caversham. She was admitted to the Order as a Sister in 1941, was made an OffIcer (Sister) in 1951, and a Commander of the Order in 1960 Fifty years service with the Brigade wIl! be completed this year, and although as County Secretary she will contmue as a County Staff Officer till the end of 1970.

So Gibby is still very much with us.

MYSTERY IN MALTA (cont.)

Reading Chronicle)

Well anyway there I was -a 20-year-old sailor without too much time on my hands held prisoner by the antics of an 18-week-old (not 18-month-old as my ty p ewriter insisted on writing last month) You may remember my captive had as yet only the suggestion of teeth and couldn't say a word apart from such expressive terms as 'Ooowww! Urgh! Grrr! and a deep-throated 'Ha-ha-ha It s enormous eyes and small , fat fingers 11

Engravings of the history of the Order. See LABOUR OF LOVE.

Ossett, Yorkshire West Riding, juniors pose for pUbl icity. See

carried on the rest of our conversation.

But what tG do? It was now nearly half-past-four and I had to be on watch at the C-in-C's signal office, which was half-a-mile away, by six 0' clock. And 1 hoped to get some tea first at the billet. Plenty of time, you may say. But was there? You're not faced, as I was then, by that implacable expression of timelessness -a baby. And imagine the possible outCGme if its determination kept me there indefinitely? At that time - 1946ships large and small of the Royal Navy were ranged throughout the Mediterranean - among the Greek islands, to Turkey and Alexandria in the east, to the bastion of Gibraltar in the west - and the signals from this vast fleet and land bases all passed through the C-in-C's signal office overlooking Grand Harbour in Malta.

Imagine for a moment that this highly complex network of communications faltered and stopped that day at 6.10 because - because - no, I can't say it. I daren't. The duty signals officer, the flag lieutenant, the admiral himself just wouldn't believe it. Not that I am saying my absence (the smallest cog in that vast machinery) could have brought about such an appalling situation; but imagine for a moment that it had! As an ex-sailor I can't in truth imagine it myself; my mind boggles at the repercussions. (What would they have done to me, for instance? I'd already been thrown out of officers school, so perhaps I would have been thrown out altogether. Into the glasshouse, more likely) But those who are not ex-sailors, try to imagine it. The whole, vast machinery coming to a stop because an 18-week-old Maltese baby didn't want to be left alone Impossible.

That's what I decided at the time. Just impossible. So I had to find that woman who had somehow spirited herself away in that enormoU!s building with a hole in its roof down by the ramparts at the northen (md of Valletta. But how was I to find her if every time I moved further than a couple of yards away, that lDaby yelled enough to bring down the rest of that enormous roof? It was like an intelligence test.

Now, think. What did the baby want? Me to stay there. Me? Well it wanted what it saw as me to stay there. The presence of another human being; which is matural enough in fear. So somehow 1 had to create another me in the baby's mind so that 1 could slip away to look for its mother. But how? I wondered how I had got through those pre-OCTU intelligence tests Think, man, think. It sees me as someone in uniform. Of cause, that's it! If 1 could leave my uniform and then slip away Bu t how could I do that? Sailors don't wear much uniform in summer in the Med; I'd be arrested. No, that was no good I must think - hard. The Fleet mustn't be disrupted.

The Teachings of Florence Nightingale

NOISE AND ENVIRONMENT

By M. M. seo TT (Su rgeo n -in-chief, SJA)

THE A WARENESS of the general public regarding noise and its effects is becoming increasingly intensified in these days of the internal combustion engines and the Condorde. One's reaction to noise is to a great extent dependent upon ones individual threshold and this varies appreciably. This reaction is markedly increased in the sick and debilitated patient; and since sleep is essentialwhether one is ill or not - the noise factor may prove to be of considerable importance in the rate and degree of the patients recovery. Florence Nightingale was only too aware of this menace a hundred years ago, as evinced by her own words: 'Unnecessary noise, or noise that creates an expectation in the mind, is that which hurts a patient. It is rarely the loudness of the noise, the effect upon the organ of the ear itself, which appears to affect the sick. How well a patient will generally bear, e.g., the putting up of a scaffolding close to the house, when he cannot bear the talking, still less the whispering, especially if it be of a familiar voice outside his door.

'There are certain patients, no doubt, especially where there is slight concussio'l1l or other disturbances of the brain, who are affected by mere noise. But intermittent noise, or sudden and sharp noise, in these as in all other cases, affec t s far more than continuous noise - noise with jar far more than noise without. Of one thing you may be ce'Fta rin, that anything which wakes 3J patient suddenly

out of his sleep will invariably put him into a state of greater excitement, do him more serious, aye and lasting misch ief , than any continuous noise however loud 'Never to allow a patient to be waked, intentionally or accidently, is a sine quo non of all good nursing. If he is rous ed out of his first sleep, he is almost cert ain to have no more sleep. It is a curious but quite intelligible fact that if a patient is waked after a few hours' instead of a few minutes' sleep, he is much more likely to sleep again. Because pain, like irritability of brain, perpetuates and intensifies itself. If you have gained a respite of either in sleep you have gained more than the mere respite. Both the probability of recurrence and of the same intensity will be diminished; whereas both will be terribly increased by want of sleep. This is the reason why sleep is so all-important. This is the reason why a patient waked in the early part of his sleep loses not only his sleep but his power to sleep. A healthy person who allows himself to sleep during the day will lose his sleep at night. But it is exactly the reverse with the sick generally ; the more they sleep the better they wi1l be able to sleep.

On the other hand deliberate lack of 'normal' noise such as in 'whispering' may well be equally disturbing.

If it is a whispered conversation in the same room, then it is absolutely cruel; fOf it is impossible that the atteNtiON should not be involuntarily tliained to hear. Walking on tip-toe, doing

anything in the room very slowly, are injurious for exactly the same reasons. A firm light quick step, a steady quick hand are the disiderata; not the slow lingering shuffling foot, the timid uncertain touch. Slowness is not gentleness, though it is mistaken for such; quickness, 11gh tn ess and gentleness are quite compatible.

Noise is often associated with the dress and attir e of nurses. Modern nursing uniforms tend to be light, functional and as far as possible reasonably elegant. Yet even today some nurses uniforms are often archaic and lend themselves to quite unnecessary complications.

'A nurse who rustles (1 am speaking of nurses professional and unprofessional) is the horror of a patient, though perhaps he does not know why. The fidget of silk and crinoline, the rattling of keys, the of stays and of shoes , will do a pattent more harm than all the medicines in the world will do him good. The noiseless step of woman, th e noiseless drapery of woman are mere figures of speech in this day Her skirts (if they do throw down some piece of furniture) will at least brush against every article in the room as she moves.'

The following 'asid e ' reads deligh tfully In these permissive days and in a few Words reflect the gross alteration in th e social customs ofa time:

'I wish to that people who wear cnnoline could see the indecency of their OWn dress, as other people see it. A

nervous frame really suffers as much from this as the digestive organs from long monotony of diet as e.g. the soldier from his twenty one years 'boiled beef'. The effect in sickness of beautiful objects or variety of objects and especially of brilliancy of colour is hardly at all appreciated. Such cravings are usually called the 'fancies' of patients. And often doubtless patients have 'fancies' as e.g., when they desire two contradications. But much more often, their (so called) 'fancies' are the most valuable indications of what is necessary for their recovery. And it would be well if nurses would watch these 'fancies' closely.

'Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by colour, and light, we do know this, that they have an actual physical effect. Variety of form and brilliancy of colour in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery. But it must be slow variety e.g., if you show a patient ten or twelve engravings successively, ten-to-one that he does becomes cold and faint, or feverish, or even sick; but hang one up opposite him, one on each successive day, or week, or month, and he will revel in the varie ty.

respectable elderly woman stooping forward, invested in crinoline, exposes quite as much of her own person to the patient lying in the room as any opera dancer does on stage. But no one will ever tell her this unpleasan t truth.'

Variety is the spice of

The modern tendency is to build and rebuild hospitals in a bright and cheerful manner and gradually the old workhouse atmosphere offormer days is disappearing. Enough has already been written of the old hospital wards to indicate not only their filth but also their dreariness and drabness. Florence Nigh tingale appreciated the importance of the surroundings upon the patients recov e ry.

'Variety to any but an old nurse , or an old patient would be quite inconceivable to which the nerves of the sick suffer from seeing the same walls, the same ceiling , the same surroundings during a long confinement to one or two rooms

The superior cheerfulness of persons suffering severe paroxyms of pain over that of persons suffering from nervous debility has often been remarked upon and attributed to the enjoyment of the former of their intervals of respite. I incline to think that the majority of cheerful cases is to be found amongst those patients who are not confined to one room, whatever their suffering , and that the majority of depressed cases will be seen among those subjected to a long monotony of objects about them The

'Volumes are now written and spoken about the effect of the mind upon the body. Much of it is true. But I wish a little more was thought of the effect of the body on the mind. You who believe yourselves overwhelmed with anxieties but are able every day to walk up Regent Street, or out in the country, to take your meals with others in other rooms etc, you little know how intensified the; become to those who can have no change , how the very walls of their sick rooms seem hung with their cares; how the ghosts of their troubles haunt their beds how impossible it is for them to from a pursuing thought without some help from variety.'

And a plea for occupational therap y which is now an accepted part of medical treatment If rationally applied.

'A little needle-work , a little writing, a little cleaning, would be the greatest relief the sick could have, if they could do it; these are the greatest relief to you, though you do not know it. Reading, though it is often the only thing the sick can do, is not this relief. Bearing this in mind, bearing in mind that you have all these varieties of employment which the sick cannot have bear also in mind to obtain for them all the varietes which they can enjoy. I need hardly say that I am well aware that excess in needlework, in writing, in any other continuous employment will produce the same irri ta bility that defect in manual employment (as one cause) produces in the sick.'

This is the fourth of six articles by Dr. Scott based on Florence Nightingale's book 'Notes on Nursing', to celebrate her birth in 1820 - 150 years ago.

Florence at work in the Crimea - as seen by Victoriana (After a contemporary drawing)

IS YOUR DIGNITY

from H. Watkins

The message of Mr. Watkin Williams in the March issl!l!e of the St. John Review reflects the integrity of the man appointed to the office of Commander. His sincerity inspires confidence; members of Ambulance and Nursing divisions can render -assistance to those in need, only in the Spirit of Humility. Dignity is merely reflected through Courtesy, Honesty and Charity, it can never be developed as something with form or substance. May we ever rejoice in the opportunity to serve by Faith Cleethorpes, Lines. H. Watkins.

AS OTHERS SEE US ....

from Miss D. A. G. Watts

I think perhaps the following anecdote illustrates rather nicely both Mr. Watkin Williams' and Mrs. Lafferty's articles:

As an Area Staff Officer for Cadets, I was examining a very nervous Cadet for her N.C.O's exam. I asked her who the Commissioner-in-Chief was: no reply. I asked her who the Superintendent-in-Chief was: no reply. In desperation I wondered whQ else to try and hit em an easy one (I thought) 'Who is the Area Staff Officer for Cadets?' Her face lit up; success at last. 'Oh, she's the one who comes round to all the Divisions finding fault with them.' A strained silence and I enquired rather stiffly: 'What makes you think that?' 'Our Officer always says so,' replied the hopeful N C.O.

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations Although readers may sign published letters with a pen-name, writers must supply their name and address to the editor.

CHIEF COMMANDER or C in C?

fwm J.S. Stout , Divisional Superintendent Not hing riles me more than somebody who gets peoples' rank, or a ddre ss w m ng. I am, of co urse, referring to you Mr. EdItor.

I may b e wrong (edit: !), but I always thought Lt. General Sir WIlh am Pike, KCB, CBE, DSO was the Commissioner-in-Chief and not the ChIef Comma nder as you quote in the May Review pages 5 and 22.

I.f as you say h e is the Chief Commander, then r do not recall havmg seen any notice in Brigade Orders to this effect. Ple.ase do not get me wrong ; T think the Review in its present IS very good. I h a ve been taking it, on a nd off, for 20 years I w as a cadet) and over this period have seen many mlstak es.

I am not criticising you, becau.se believe you do not y et fully understand workmg of the Bngade, and for this reason we a ll , feel sure, WllJ make allowances. I always feel it is better to tell the truth about these things, don't you?

I did not to your invitation in the March issue on the headlme concernmg Mr. William s, but I fully agree with your tItle.

UP THE CADETS!

from Mi ss A Cooper , Pro Central (B'ham) Area

St. J ohn is steeped in antiquity but it is an ever forward l ooking movement, and readers of the Review must have been moved at the brilliant genius of its Editor for organising a Cadet Competition based on a knowledge of the Order of St. J ohn. For eVery member of St. John is rightly proud of our historical backg.round, and not only are our members encouraged to know ltS hlStOry but 1t IS mdeeed a requirement in the training CUrriculum for promotion in the St. John Ambulance.

When therefore we in the Central Birm i ngham Area r ead of the Cadet Competition now being organised we lmmedlately brought the project to the attention of all the members attending our Higher First Aid Course. It was unammously agree d that we should take a voluntary col lection donating the proceeds towa rd s the appeal for the Competition Pnze.

We congratulate you on running such a competition and feel su.re that all co mpetitors mus t benefit from participation, a nd we WIsh the wmners a happy and su ccessful visit to Malta.

Birmingham A Cooper

Edit: I hope we have some genius entries

'in the field' as well as the 'Official View'. Well done. Now for my Camp Warrant!

London

A. Camper

Edit: I don't think I'll comment. You see, I'm not really a camper.

D.A.G. Watts

Moral: 0 would someone the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us London, S. W.15

CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS

from Barry L. Bay ton

I would raise the following points from your May Readers Views

In 'Good Camping' Miss Watts raised the point about antiseptic's being kinder to hands rather than disinfectant. This may be so to some extent, but Miss Watts - may I either point out or at least remind you that an antiseptic does not kill bacteria (where as disinfectant will), an antiseptic solution will only preserve an article sterile wh ich has been previously sterilized. Therefore Mr. Farrell (or whoever i t was) was quite right to wash their hands in disinfectant - presuming the reason was to remove 'bacteria'

I enjoyed Mr. Farrell's articles on Camping and I do trust he laid on tea or coffee for Miss Watts though for myself I enjoy a glass of 'pop: Fizzy pop' should overcome Miss Watts worries with regards to 'first time' cadets becoming constipated.

CAMPING FIREWORKS

from A. Camper

I was surprised to read the letter from District Staff Officer Miss Watts (May Review) about the Good Camping articles; surprised that she should write such a letter; surprised you printed it. If Miss Watts has so many points to make, it seems a pity she did not offer to write the articles in the first place. There's still time I would think - it must be quite different running a small camp from the military operation of orgainsing a large camp such as the one at Totland Bay.

Personally I find the (lighthearted?) threat to the Cadet in the photograph, "look out for the Field Officer" in extremely bad taste. I wonder if there will be a shortage of cadets at the London District Camp this year? (Did someone mention Dignity?)

Miss W. should think herself lucky the letter was not published before Easter - if those cadets are anything like the omes I know, she would be lucky to have lunch, let alone a drink. It's surprising the things that get in teapots at camp

I hope Mr Farrell has not been discouraged from further contributions. It's interesting to hear of the experiences of others 14

1. Edwards pointed out in his letter 'New Uniform' the dispair of a policeman when he wa s suddenly aware of a oncoming officer , but found it to be a S.J .A.B. O fficer. Dear me - what was our policeman doing to be so worried anyway?

As for a S J .A. officer not being seen on television - so what?

Has Mr. Edwards forgotten how wonderful his 'black and white uniform will stand out on colour T V?

And almost lastly : Here at work (hospital) I circulated one or two of W. A. Potter's crossword puzzles with the result that many nurses (and doctors) made the remark - 'Just how many SJ.A members complete the puzzle each month? We ll, do you complete it? (It must take some compiling each month, what does Mr./Mrs. Potter do for a living?)

Earlier you stated that you hoped to devote a page or two of the 'Review' to cadets This is an excellent idea, why not invite cadets to supp-Iy ideas for 'their' page?

I would like to add my thanks for the Revised 'Review' and trust it will continue to go from 'Strength to Streng t h'. Barnet, Herts Barry L. Bay ton Edit: A photograph and potted biog'faphy of Mr. Potter - that's a good one! - appeared in the February 1970 Review; plenty of copies are available at 1/6 each plus 4d postage.)

London, E.11. 1 S. Stout Edit: I am always delighted to hear of mistakes in the Review in Brigade matters. But - Lt. Gen Sir William Pike i; Chief SJA (the Foundation) as well as of the Brigade These are two separate posts, the senior bemg Chief Commander i.e. in charge of aU (Association, Brigate , Medical Publicity, the etc.) of the Foundation. The title was changed from to Chief Commander in January 1970, and all DistrIcts were mformed in General Memorandum No 6 Januar 1970. Y

CAPS AWRY

from A Devon N C. Supt.

I am frequently at the angles of caps as worn by nursing cadets m photograph s ill your publication.

Granted, when members of a team have undertaken a test and are snapped with the cup at presentation time their uniforms may be a httle awry but is Devon the only county where co unty staff offlcers and, ill turn , divisional officers check these matters and correct where necessary? A D evon N. C. Supt.

JUNIORS UNIFORM - DRAB?

from S . G Douglas King

Why is it to provide the St John Juniors wit h such drab and drea ry umforms?

We cl aim that we have a national youth organisation and it therefore .follows that we are competing with other simi lar bodies fo r recrUlts - recruits from whom the ad ult memb e rs of the future must come if St. John is to survive. Yet we do not start on an equal footmg

Chi ldr en in the 8 - 11 year age grou p love to dress-up but mstead of allowing them to do so, we expressl y for b id it.

The Brownies and Cubs have bright , gay uniforms and can wear badge s for passing various tests. Their leaders appea r to realIse this is a,n important aspect of keeping the ir young members illterest. It s about t me we did the sa me'

The Juniors uniforms are completely out of keeping with these m.o d e m tin:es. Headquarters should give urgent conslderatlOn to thelT complete re-styling preferably with a of co lour. Added to this , Headquarters should allow JUlll ors to wear badges to denote subjects passed. And before some?ne starts the old cry of, we can't afford to have them made, let me say I hav e checked with a local Browni e Pack and they buy their badges from their HQ for 8d eac h This , surely is not too much to pay?

As a parent, I can say. that my daughter enjoys putting on her BrowllJe umform. She will shortly be enrolled in the Juniors and her uniform home a few days ago. there is absolutely no companson!

Hitchin, H erts S. C Douglas King.

NEW UNIFORM from A. A. Linstead, Ambulance Member

Haveing read with interest, the c omments on the New Uniform by Sgt. Jas. Edwards in the May 'Review' I feel that he should have added a further criticism

Miss Watts keeping an eye on the editor if he strays near the Needles, Totland Bay.

Scarbor h o I s answer to Supt. E Tort e ll's letter n ong hair and mini-skirts.

With the new innovation of the stitched-to-the-back type belt, the white shoulder-bag first-aid kit becomes almost immovable when a member arrives on a duty fully buttoned and belted lip. Should he be required to drop on to his knees to attend to a potential casualty, the bag either catches the ground and almost upside down, or swings to the front and interferes with the work of the first-aider.

Even in a standing position with the bag clamped to the side, under the new fixed belts, it's almost impossible to both assist a casualty and obtain an item from the bag without firstly undoing the belt and pulling the bag to the front.

I feel that a hand-carried case type of first aid kit holder should now be officially considered for all members.

If there remains a sentimental attachment to the St. John shoulder bag, at least let it be modified so that the bag can be quickly unclipped from the strap in an emergency.

Ley ton, London A. A. Linstead

IDENTIFICATION PROBLEMS

from Wm. C. Fry, Divisional Superintendent

Since the introduction of the Lay Instructors Certificate, the Higher First Aid CertifiGate and the Certificate of Advanced Knowledge in First Aid I have been waiting hopefully for appropriate badges to be issued for Brigade uniform. - -

The instructors badge at present authOFised to be worn is for Civil Defence instructors. Would it not be more appIopriate if this badge were now used to indicate the holding of the Lay Instructors Certificate of St. John?

More than twenty Ambulance Members in my Division hold both the Lay Instructors certificate and the Higher First Aid certificate and frequently, when on Public Duty with other Divisions, find themselves detailed to work with 'a more experienced First Aider' whose only qualification to the title is one service chevrem.

The display of suitable badges would enable an officer, placed in charge of a squad with whom he was not familiar, to detail the members more efficiently.

London, E.11. Wm. C. Fry

PROFICIENCY BADGES

from J. E. Smith, Area Staff Officer

The suggestion of having separate badges for Proficiency subjects instead of one badge and numerals has been discussed in many quarters for years. We know they have an armful of badges in South Africa, but the general reaction from past discussions is not to cover our uniforms with badges.

The reaS0n for the badge suggestion is not to make the cadet a show-piece but to find ways of encouraging members to aim for the Grand Prior badge, as a scout would talk about the Queen's award. One of the reasons is that many officers are just first-aiders and do not seem to kn0w how to set about the badge subjects. It is easy to grind away at first aid when you know the subject, and have a few vislaal aids, but it requires extra research and effort to put over Proficiency subjects.

I think perhaps bur subjects take too long to get through, and with sehool work and the fact that many schools 'plug' the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, this results in many cadets falling by the wayside.

If the subjects could be divided up a little, with tests and a certifiGate available after each section, this may help, as the cadet would then have some tangible sign that he was progressing. The badge and numeral could still be given after completion.

Betchworth, Surrey J. E. Smith

from M. P. Sellar, Divisional Superintendent

On the subject of cadet badges raised loy Divisional Officer Soper I asked my cadets for their views. None of them liked the idea much, and one said he didn't want to be mistaken for a scout (l don't know what he has against that fine body). Another comment was one after my own heart: It would cost too muchuniforms are expensive enough already.

Crewe, Cheshire M. Sellar

NEW REVIEW

from R. J. Martin, Ambulance Member

The new Review was met by me at first with shght disgust as its new shape spoiled my shelf of back numbers! However, the contents are even more interesting than previously and mu ch more like a news Review. In particular I appreciate your personal articles, interesting reports and a return to including first aid tips. I feel very strongly that St. John in the 1970's will be much more concerned with ambulance work and that the publicity of operating an ambulance is a powerful means of recruiting.

Thank you for the new Review.

!lford, Essex R. J Martin

from Mrs. V. Marriott, Divisional Secretary

Following your comment in the March issue of the St. John Review, I took the opportunity at our Division's recent Annual General Meeting to gather comments from our members as all place a regular order for this publication. I now attempt to give briefly their views.

1. All members preferred the format, style and contents of the old Review

2. We object to your heading 'New Boss for Bucks'. Also to the phrase on page 12 'two fellas and two gals' under heading Unisex in Southend?

3. The St. John Review is described as The Journal of St. John and we cannot understand why you should want to try and get on the 'popular press bandwagon'. The Review is for a specific and limited readership and, as such, should be constructive and informative. As an example I would like to mention the article 'First Aid for a Happening' regarding the Pop Festival on the Isle of Wight. Perhaps in this I am prejudiced because for some years I was happily associated with this County. But I fail to see the relevance of the three photographs and could we not have had more information about how Brigade members carried out the three day operation? This would have been of some constructive help to any other County having to arrange first aid cover for a similar event.

Daventry, Northants V Marriott

Edit: I wrote to Mrs. Marriott asking how many members were at the AGM referred to, but she has not replied. I think it rather unfair to make such a generalisation without producing the facts . 'All members' (present, I assume she means) could be anything from three to one hundred. It seems that ALL members of Daventry Nursing Division do not like the new Review. Would individual members of this division care to speak up?

On the Isle of Wight article, of course I should have preferred it to have contained more details of the first aid cover. But I was not concerned with the Review when the event took place and so far as I know no such material was supplied to the Review. I have great difficulty in obtaining articles on St. John activities and being the sole, part-time member of its staff I cannot travel the country to report on events. My job is to produce the magazine in London.

QUESTION OF STORES

from H. Downey, Corporal

May I compliment you on the new lay-out of the St. John Review.

As a storekeeper, I would like to suggest regional stores, so that people in the provinces could make personal calls. If we in Yorkshire had a branch at Leeds, I am sure it would be well patronised. With postage and packing being so expens ive nowadays, there may be many divisions who make their purchases locally, apart from the uniform equipment which they have to order at Headquarters Stores. If they could make a personal call (everybody cannot get down to London), I am sure St. John sales would benefit enormously.

Bradford H. Down ey

No News is NOT Good News

IF I HAD TO RELY only on my informants I be sure that nothing was happenmg m the Priory of Scotland' and this state of affairs is not The News from Scotland column has now been running for several months but with some stalwart exceptions, Sdottish correspondents have been reluctant to provi de it with news. If I was to rely upon the silence of some of the committees and individual members of the Order, the hospitals could have been shut down, the association committees never meeting, the mountains bare of rescuers, the poor, the elderly and the sick un cared for. Of course this is not the case. The impression fo sleepy lassitude is false. The work of the Order goes on quietly and the absence of news is merely a sign tha t it progresses satisfactorily. Most of my readers will approve of this: they are naturally humble ; they do not boastfu lness or bra shnes s; they feel , WIthout bell1g able to express it that there is something immoral U; the advertising of good works, partly because it is immode st and partly because their experience tells them that it reflects complacency. They are also frightened _ yes, frightened - by pUblicity They want nothing better than to carry out their work in pea ce, out of the public eye. In Victorian days they would have been called blushing violets - and they might

NO NEWS f"om SCOTLAND

treat this term as a complimentary one. In my view they are deeply wrong and realising it , they are positivel; harmmg the cause for which they work so hard.

In the first place there is nothing manly about false modesty. To be properly humble a man is not required to underplay his achievements, provided tha t he does not claim to be successful when he is not. And those serving the community must recogni se the need for reality in their approach to problems that arise. Realism itself entails a just estimate of Succcess as well as failure - otherwise any analysis of the effects of ones work would be false. A refusal to recognise the

CADETS HAVE THE LAST WORD ON DIGNITY

good as well as the mediocre in the work of the Order is therefore unreal.

A proper recognition of the position is not of Course the same thing as it. Many will argue that they are realistIC, but they see no need for as it were shouting their achievements from the rooftops. I would remind them however , that any charitable depends on the generosity of the public for funds and without that financial support would not be able to continue its work. Now suppose that I - as an ordinary member of the public suddlmly came into a large fortune and wanted to dispose of a proportion of it to worthy causes. If I was sensible I would take steps to find out what causes there were to which I could contribute and _ as important - those causes th;t were worthy of my support. And suppose that there is a charitable body, worthier than, or as worthy as , the rest , which lurks in the safe and peaceful haven of anonymity and secrecy, and neglects or despises to publiGise the work it does. I may not hear of it or, if I do , I may not realise what a force for good it is. In either case my money would go elsewhere and that institution would lose a valuable benefaction.

'I didn t catch the word, Charlie - but it certainly was NOT pompous or dignified.

Regrettable and unpleasent as it may be , we have a duty to let the public know what we do ; and that means first of all le tti ng ourselves know, so that each one of us is informed of the work of other And this will mean changing our attItude to publicity , which is not something to aVOid, but something to make use of for our benefit. Naturally when we publicise our achievements must avoid getting swollen heads ourselves. But we must realise that no news is NOT good news , that reluctance to give our achievements their due or even to describe the humdrum happenings of daily service is false modesty, and that false modesty, in terms of the work of our Order, frustrates the best of intentions and deprives us of public support.

NEWS FROM WALES

NEW ZEALAND

Open competitions held n ear Wellington recently. (top left) Wellin gton Division's team in the transport test at a last-war observation post. (top rig ht) Auckland Waterfront Division's team on improv isation test at night. (below) At the get-together afterwards, and (rig ht) Auckland Waterfront team relax, looking fit and contented.

OVERSEAS NEWS

..John Enejo receives the 'Lonsdale-White' cup for best all-round individual performance.

The Force Headquarters' (Police College) team leader presented with the 'Fountain' cup by Mr. Le Clair, District Staff Officer and Commissioner of Police. T

NIGERIA

On his recent visit to Nigeria the Chief Commander Sir William Pike chaired the Inter District First Aid Competition held on February 28 at the Police Field Obalende , Lagos.

The Nigerian Police team won t he competition and the ce l ebrated Majekodunmi's Trophy was presented by Sir William Pike. Other teams taking part i n the event, which was watched by a n enthusiastic crowd, were the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Railways, and the Federal Fire Services.

The i nter- state annual First Aid Competition of the Nigerian police Di stric t was held at the Poli ce College on March 20. Nine teams from the twelve states of Nigeria competed. The competition was based on team and individual performances. The Force Headquarters' team (Police College) came first with 308 points. This team won the D. S. Fountain Cup which was presented by District Staff Officer C.D.M. Le ClaH to the team leader. The C'up for the best individual performance went to John Enejo, le a der of the Kana team with 65 points.

Questions and Answers

BANDAGES, from F. G. Isaac, Swanley

Q: Kindly clarify whether the application of two figure of eight bandages as described in 'Essentials of First Aid' serves a useful purpose as opposed to single application in your manual ?

A: The two methods of supporting fractures of the fe mur as given is 'Essentials of First Aid' and the co mbined manual differ in that in the former two outside spli nts are recommended whereas in the latter only one sp lint is recommended; therefore with the application of two splints it is essential to immobilise the ankle joint just before applying additional padding and the sp lint s on either side of the legs and thighs. Where only external splint has to be immobilise d one figure of eight bandage suffices.

WRONG? from H. Merron, Dagenham

Q: Why are not Sal Volatile and Smelling Salts not mentioned in the Manual - is it wrong to use them?

A: The elimination of Sal Volatile and Smelling Salts raises a question which is always bound to cause discussion, particularly among older members of the Movement. In my opinion the use of Jilasal stimulatory agents is ve r y limited and is probably a relic of a ratro.er earlier approach to first aid than that operating at the present time. Like everything else, various measures in first aid have their phases of popularity and at the moment Smelling Salts and Sal Volatile are less popular than they were.

ALSO:

Q: Also why are we told to place the hand to the point of the opposite shoulder in a fractured co llar bone but only to the opposite armpit in the case of a fractured humerus? What difference can this possibly make? Also in each case where should the padding be applied?

A : To my mind as long as the arm is raised above the right angle and pointing in the direction of the shoulder there is little difference between the instructions, i.e. that the arm should point towards the collar bone or the armpit because the two structures are virtually adjacent. The most important point to make is that the arm should be raised well above the right angle otherwise the weight drags and the patient gets no comfort at all from the support.

EYES, from R. G. Wilson, Stoke-an-Trent

Q: If during the course of a game of golf or cricket, or through any other cause, a man's eye is knocked out of its socket, what is the correct first aid treatment?

A: I can hardly imagine an accident such as you describe occurring to produce the result you indicate but in that very unlikely event the treatment would be to cover and bandage lightly in place. What would probably be equally as important are the general and constitutional effects which might accompany this injuryespecially skull and brain damage.

Questions on First Aid from our readers are welcome for th s regular feature. They will be answered by The Chief Medical Officer, Professor H. C Stewart, DL MA, MD PhD FRCP, FFA RCS and the Surgeon -in- Chief Dr. M. M. Scott MRCS LRCP.

Grand Prior badges for H erts cadets Rochelle Meredith, Joanna Coxall, Robert Birch and Susan Savage. 15-year-old Robert is first of tile county's cadets to complete 1000 hou rs of public duty.

News from

the Divisions

DORCHESTER-On a dark and cold eve n ing early in the year, Mr. A. Hambleton, the Commander St. 10hn Dorset , was trav elling on a lonley country road when h e arrived at the scene of an acc ident that had just o ccurred Among the injured was a lady who had suffered a double fractur e of pelvis and several broken rib s There was no telephone available and the nearest town w as 9 miles away. Ambulance and the police were summoned b y a passing bu s driver who telephoned from th e n eares publi c hou se. TIle ambulance arrived to take away the injured some 20 minutes aft er the arrival

Casualty's eye view of the winning King team (see Hertfordshire) (L to R) Philip Day, Stephen Baker, William Smith and Norman Tucker

Middlesbrough Central Nursing Division's Mrs O. Atkinson (right) and Mrs L. Bairstow presented with Order of Serving Sister by Brig. C. C. Fairweather, North Riding Commissioner (photo : Evening Gazette, Teesside)

HAMPSHIRE-Bournemouth

competitions held recently with 16 teams competing. The winning teams were: Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary, Bournemouth Ambulance Division North Bournemouth Nursing Division ; East Howe A/N Cadet Division ; and Mayrick Nursing Cadet Division.

HERTFORDSHIRE - Geo W. King Ltd SlA Division won th e Tub e Investment s challenge trophy at the first aid competitions in Birmingham again s 13 teams, so qualifying for the Daily Express National comp e tition in September.

WARWICKS-D es pit e app alling weather, more tharr 350 memb er s attended th e NCB Corps SJA annual c hur ch parade held during April at Dordon. The NCB Corp s consists of ambulanc e and nursing divi s ions formed at coal mines in the coun ty and despite the rec e nt closur e of

HAVE A GO

Enthusiasm at the newly-formed SJA division at Alford, Lines, who combined forces with the Red Cross for a series of lectures on first aid (photo: J. B. Bedford) mines, such as Ansley, Arley, Griff, Haunchwood , Kingsbury and North Warwick, these St. 10hn divisions still function alongside those of the remaining mines at Baddesley, Birch Coppice Coventry Daw Mill and Newdigate.

BIRMINGHAM-the results of the No. 9 Region cadet competitions held during May were: 1. Worcestershire (Dudley), 2. Warwickshire (Holbrooks) , s. Birmingham (Shirley), 4. Staffordshire (Tamworth), 5. Shropshire (Meole Bra ce), 6. Herefordshire (Ross-on-Wye). Cadet Martin Kearns, Holbrooks Division, Coventry, won the trophy for highest individual score.

To those who have never entered a first aid competition, do not be afraId to have a go. The two Birmingham teams shown below Solihull Transport Division (all ex-cadets and Grand Prior holders) and their cadet team, Shirley Ambulance Cadets, between them have collected seven trophies in the past few weeks Solihull won : (Area round) Edgar Beech shield and the BSA cup , (County round) the cup for the highest individual marks. Shirl e y, cadet s won : (Area round) Ambulance Cadet cup, (County round) the Ballard cup, the Alfred Morris trophy , and a cup for the highest individual marks.

The teams are left to right , Back row, Solihull : John Pook, Flower Ron Franks, Dave Hall. Front row, c a dets: Clive BaIley, John Bel ton, Andrew Parkin , Kirk Free.

The results of the Region' s adult co mpetitions were (Ambulance) : 1. Birmingham (Sheldon and Elmdon) , 2. Worcestershire (Halesowen), 3. Staffordshire (Cannock), 4. Herefordshire (City Ambulance), 5 Shropshire (Oswestry), 6. Warwickshire (Leamington Spa). Nursing: 1. Birmingham (Moseley) , 2. Worcestershire (Netherton), 3. Shropshire (Shrewsbury), 4.

2 Nursing), 5.

,

OBITUARY

Miss

after 53 years of service.

SUBSCRIBE

the Jersey police team (photO Moignan's, Jersey)

or £1.15,

tum out of cadets at am enrolment service at St. Paul's Church, B rnmingham, rece,ntlY (photo: John' H. Lines, S'ham)

Herefordshire (No.

Warwickshire (Foleshill and Longford)

6. Staffordshire (Wolverhampton).

Lillian Stafford aged 82, London No. 18 (Whitehall) Nursing Division,

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.7 (70)compiled by W. A. Potter

ACROSS

1. Sweet stool characteristic of intussuseeption (10.5) 9. Stupe aias formation of muscle of middle ear. (9). 1Q. Hebrew and the Spanish precious stone (5). 11. Dissect 3 down for material for repair of 20 down (6). 12. After 40 days I go for a freckle (7). 14

Period for one orbit of the sun. (4).15. Sting of barbiturates (4). 17. Just rewards (5). 18. Paediatrician's patient (5). 21 Sore back for god of love (4). 22. Three involved in riot (4). 25. Vitamin d e ficiency disease pmdm:ing skeletal deformities (7). 27. Cancellous tissue between outer and inner surfaces of the skull bones (6). 29. Lower lateral regions of the abdomen (5). 30. Turbulence of lactic air produces fever decreasing by lysis (9). 31. Physiological changes in eye on coming from dim to bright illumination (5.10).

DOWN

1. Essential part ef treatment of inflammed organ or tissue (4). 2. Bram stoker's count (7). 3. Muscular pelvic organ (6).4. Repeat many times (9).5. Notch of the frontal bone (5).6. Second part of the small intestine (7). 7. Acrobatic feat in a disreputable joint? (3.4). 8. Pusture where retina is most sensitive? (6.4). 1-3. Infarction of coronary thrombosis (10). 16 Supportive treatment likely to be given in hosp tal when it was seen at the accident (5.4). 19. It begins skin irritation involving ehin (7). 20. Wound in which damage to tendons, muscles and n e rves is probable (4.3). 23. Blood factor on Greek letter heard on auscultation of the chest (7). 24. One of the lesions of thrush (6). 26. Injury of lad confused after a little science (5). 28. Dash to the printer (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.6 (70) ACROSS

1. Lung Abscess: 9. Ge-ne: 10. Endometrium: 11. Ga-sp: 14. Bro-dies : 17. Eeri-e: 1 8. Cat-er: 19. Gin: 21. Amnesia: 22. Acrobat : 23. Nut: 24. Infer : 25. Adler: 26. Ern-bolus: 30. V-est: 33 Antecubital: 34. Iron: 35. Calabar Bean.

DOWN

2. Urns: 3. Glow: 4. By Ear: 5. Cured: 6. S -tup -e: 7. Renal

Tubule : 8. Temperature: 12 Hepatic Vein: 13 Transfusion: 14 Bedsore : 15. Organ: 16. S-car-pas: 20. N-at-a-l: 27. Mani-a: 28. O-p-era: 29. Uvula : 31. L-i-mb: 32. G -a-I-a.

NEW BOOKS

LIVING ANATOMY

B y Professor R. D Lockhart, M.D., McH. Faber, paper covered edition 15s.

This book is described as 'A photographic Atlas of Muscles in Action an d Surface Contours', and faithfully and artistically fulfils its own terms of reference. It consists of about 215 photographs of the human body in which the muscles as seen from the surface are clearly portrayed during their various movements an d functions. The living models a r e all students, who have cooperated with the author in the ca use of medical science. although primarily intended for medical students, it h as extensive appeal to a much wider public as artists , physiotherapists and those interested in ergonomics It has special interest for the St. John instructor ( m edica l and lay) not only as muscular injuries are so common - and many of them are easily prevented - but because for le cturing and mass class in terest purposes it is so valu a ble and easy to read and understand.

Any St. John division or Association group forming a library would even find this book to be a valuable and popular acquisition. As stated in the Pre face 'a little picture is worth a million words.

NURSING CARE OF THE UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT

By Pam ela Mountjoy and Barbara Wythe Bailliere, Tindall and Cassell, paper back 15s.

The aim of this book, as stated in the introduction, is to illustrate simply the causes of unconsciousness, disc uss nursing care, treatment and rehabilitation, and to stimulate interest in this important subject.

This aim has been extremely well f ulfilled and the book will be of value to all nurses and to members of St. John Ambulance Brigade who have to deal with unconscious patients

The diagrams are simple and easy to follow and the neurologi cal assessment chart is an excellent guide to be stu died It will at least provoke discussion.

The two last chapters on rehabilitation and nurse-relative support are extremely useful for trained and untrained personnel.

TAIL PIECE

asked our student-nurse columnist Diane Davis who went on holiday to Majorca last month to bring back a report on the life of Spanish nurses But its eems her hotel furniture hadn't arrived when she got there, so the company concerned gave her a few more days in a n other hotel as a sweetener. So far there's no sign of her or her column; just this whotogra ph. If this is the w ay she's commg home, UCH will be upse t. 'Nay,' she'd probably say if she read this ; oh no, that's a horse .

FILMS

The St John Ambulance Film Appraisal Panel whi c h meets fortnightly at Headquarters, consists of doctors first aiders and visual aid exper ts who offer their services for this important aspect of visual aids. It is intended to publish monthly reviews of those 16mm films recommended by the panel.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE (C%ur 28 mins.)

Distributed by: The British Red Cross Society Film Library

Producer: Antony Barrier Productions Ltd.

This film details some aspects of the work of the British Red CrosS Society in Britain and overseas.

The panel consi d ered this film an imaginative presentation of the sterling work of the British Red Cross Society; the in trodu ction might be consi d ered a litt le lengthy and Social Services so numerous that, perforce they are presented in dividually as snippets; nonetheless, an exce llent piece of film-craft. It should be shown universally.

A CRUEL KINDNESS (C%ur 17 mins.)

Producer: Verity Films

The prob em of over-weight in children and how the co-operation of the mother and the rest of the family is needed if ch ildren are to slim successfully.

Those members of the panel who are over -w eight were shaken by this splendid film. It make s its point very well and is a salutary lesson to those lik e the viewers, ov e r addicted to carbo -h ydrat e s, etc , Within self-imposed limits it is a first-class film. Should be screened to young parents, schoolchildren , etc.

PLANNING YOUR FAMI L Y (Colour 26 mins.)

Produced by: Samaritan Films

Shot i n Gh a na for the Planned Parenthood Association o f Ghana - a story of three village moth ers visiting their village clinic for family planning and then going to the town clinic to see the doctor. Intended primarily to inform African audiences.

This is indeed a difficult film for a European panel to con sid e r.

To sophisticated viewers it takes a long time to convey little information; nonetheless, to African audiences it well could be the exact tempo. Good film for specialized audiences. Suitable only for African and such a udi en ces.

Do you come to London occasionally?

ST. JOHN CLUB

When you come to town why not stay in your own residential club in the West End? For an annual SUbscription of o nl y £2 you ca n get bed and breakfast for £2 lOs a night, lunch for 4/6d and dinner for 10/6d. And only five minutes walk from Hyde Park Corner! Bar , TV, comfort. You won't get b elow those prices anyw h ere in central London.

The address of YOUR club is:

50 Eaton Place, London, S.W.l. 01-235 2732

Write to the Warden NOW - and join.

DEPARTMENT T G. Scott & Son Ltd , 1, Clement's Inn, London, WC2A 2ED (01-242

CONWAY STEWART QUALITY BALL PENS,Die-stamped w ith 33 Gold Letters and Spaces. 35s. a gross. Post paid Three days delivery Samples free Sale or return. Full refund on pens returned.-ABBEY WHOLESALE, 77 Liverpool Road, Stoke ST4 lAE (35)

BAZAARS, GARDEN FETE£, SPORTS EVENTS etc. Send for our catalogue. TROPHY CUPS' PLAQUES SHIELDS, MEDALS, FUND RAISERS BALLOON RACES, PERFUME CARDS, FANCY GOODS, TOYS CARNIVAL HATS, NOVELTIES etc Also now available LOUNGE, DINING & BEDROOM SUITES, CARPETS all types of LIGHT FITTINGS & SHADES etc ALL AT WHOLESALE TRADE PRICES,llargestsupplierstotheclubs in the country.

Swinnertons Ltd., Dept. RO.Union St., Walsall, SW1 2HH. (59)

GOOD FUND RAISERS from Airedale Press Ltd. Have the S.J.A. Emblem displayed on Penci s and Ball Point Pens , printed with 2/3 lined <:>f Brigade details on British -made Rowney Pencils and Conway Stewart Pens. Write for Price Booklet and samples to Dept. F., P.O. Box. 50, Mosscar Street, Bradford 3:Yorkshire. (54)

BALL-PENS, Diaries, Note Pads, Keys Fobs, Penc ils etc Gold-stamped Brigac:le name or Personal names ra ise funds quick ly-easil y. Det a ils-Northern Nove ies, Bradford, 2 (22 )

CENTRAL NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON, E.C.1.

Ophthalmic Student Nurses

Candidates accepted at the age of 17 to c ommence an 18 months c ourse of trail1ing as Ophthalmic Students, Moorfield s Meda l and Ce rt ifi c ate a w a rded to suecessfu I candidat€!s Well equ ipped Sc hool of Nu rsing Su c cessfu candidates , on comple t o n may enter the General Training Sc ho o l of their ch©ice. Comfortable Nurses Home in Kensin@ton within ea sy reach of the Albert Hall , Victoria al1m Albert Museum and Theatres Tennis Court, Active Social Club

Applications in writing to the Matron.

MOOR FIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON, E.C.l. (8)

Va €ancies exist for State Enrolled Nurses to enter for the Post Enrolled traiAil1g in Ophthalmic Nursing Twelve months' course of which two months are spent in the Sch<:>ol of Moorfields Certificate ef Proficiency and Medal awarded to successful candidates who are a lso prepared for the Profi c iency Certif icates of the Ophthalmic Nursing Board Opportunities for promo t ion and practical responsibility in the spec ialist field of nursing

to Miss M B. MacKellar, Matron (25)

COME TO THE MIDLANDS for a Rewarding Career

OPPORTUNITIES for Trained Nurses to acquire Specialist Qualifications Mana gernent Training Schemes well established.

Full-time ana Part-time Posts availalrle.

LOCATION Birmingham City and the Counties of He Feford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Wor eestershire.

INFO RMATION from the Nursing Officer, Birmingham Regional Hospital Board, Arthur Thomson House, 146-150 Hagley Road, Birmingham 16 Tel. 021-454-4828. (59)

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE TRAINING 18 - 45 YEARS OF AGE (Cadets 16 - 17 years)

nON LEVELS NOT ESSENTIAL

Residence Provided if Necessary

Further details from: The Principal Nursing Officer, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent.

KINGSTON HOSPITAL Wolveton Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Thames Surrey_ ( 6 3)

This Hospital is recognised by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales as a complete training school for STUDENT NURSES

The period of training is thre e y ea rs. Introdu c tory courses commence in January , May and August e ach y ear. Candidates must be 18 years of age and well educat ed. The Hospital is situated in

Trai

Train to be a Nurse at Orpinton Hospital

ST. JOHN REVIEW

CADET COMPETITION

A VERY DISAPPOINTING number of entries for the Cadet Competition: 29. However, not to worry; the majority of our 60 ,000 cadets in Britain have probably never heard of the Review, never mind read it. But they will - they wilL From now on the Review will run regular cadet competitions with prizes, thanks to our competitions fund, which now stands at just under £50. Thank you , all who have donated For those who haven't I'd like to point out that this fund is permanent, and it will need jacking-up occasionally as cadet competition prizes eat into it. For the time being prizes will be on a more modest scale, but as soon as competitions draw big entries (I want to see a thousand or more), back to Malta holidays we ll go.

Although there were only 29 entries for this competition the standard of the essays was good. Some were well-illustrated and presented, but of course as much as I enjoyed looking at these I couldn't allow this to influence my judgment of the essays. With such a small response I could not of course present four prizes of a week's holiday in Malta at a cost of £200. I envisaged a minimum of about 600 entries for such prizes. So I offered one week's-holiday-in- Malta prize to the best entry , which was written by l3-year-old Denise Sisley , a corporal of eN 37 Bexley Division , London

Her essay , together with others that receive a recommendation will be published next month. But unfortunately although her Divisional Officer Mrs. A. Sheehan kindly offered to accompany her to Malta for the week mainly at her own expense , Denise's parents felt they could only allow her to go with three other cadets (the original plan), so instead I shall present her with a collection of reference books (dictionary thesaurus, etc) which will last a lifetime and should be invaluable for her future writing. For, to me, one thing is certain; Denise should write, write and write. She wants to be a nurse. She will be a nurse and a writer.

The next competition will be announced in the September issue. And it won't mean writing all those words this time. Something short and sweet. But still it 'll need really thinking about.

Good luck

The Editor.

ST. JOHN'S DAY

EIGHT HUNDRED uniformed St. John members made a fine sight as th e y marched through the city's stre e ts of London on Saturday June 27 to celebr a te St John s D ay (June 24).

The day began with early morning servi ce in the cryp t of the Grand Priory Church at Clerkenwell. Then the Annual General Assembly of the Order was held in the Mansion HQuse, when heads of the Foundations reported on the past year's a c tivities , and the Lord Prior , Lord Caccia , address e d the assembly

Aft e r lunch th e great parade began from West Smithfield, via Farringdon Street Ludgate Circus and Ludgate Hill to St Paul's Cathedral for the annual Commemoration and -Rededication Servi ce, a t which the Rev. J S.D. Mansel, MA, was the preacher. The Lord Mayor of London attended in state

This year saw the ceremony of the Removal of the Banner of the late Bailiff Harry Pirie Gordon

FOUNDATION PRESENTATIONS

Guernsey Nursing Cadets first attempt at finals

BRIGADE FINAL RESULTS,

NURSING

I Spalding (Lincs), 298 Perrott Shield ; 2. Horley & Gatwick (Surrey), 293 Corbet-Fletcher C up , Mountb atten C up , E llis Cup (tied) ; 3. Eston (N.R. Yorks), 284 Stewart Cup ; 4. Fleetwood (Lancs), 278 , Mountgarret Cup ; 4 Westgate (W.R. Yorks) 278 ; 6. Windsor (Berks), 277 , E llis Cup (tied) ; 7. Moseley (Bl1am), 274, Ellis Cup (tied); 7. Royston (Herts), 274, Marguerette Golding Trophy, Chalmers Shield , E llis Cup (tied); 9. Glynneath. (Wales), 262 ; 10. Dungannon (comb Div) N Ireland 261 ; 11. Warlingham ( L ondon), 258 ; 12 Cheltenham (Central) , 230, Grosvenor Cup

AMBULANCE

1. Cefn Cribbwr (Wales) , 308 Dewar Shield ; 2. Markham Main (W.R. Yorks), 307 % , Symons E ccles Cup, Trimble Shield, E llis Cup ; 3 Wokingham (Comb. Div) (Berks) , 299 '12, Hong Kong Shield Hingston Rose Bowl ;

4. Betteshanger ColI. (Kent) 282; 5. Donisthorpe ColI. (Leics) , 267

6. Newton Abbot (£, S & N Devon), 263%

7 Dean and Chapter (Durham), 254

8. Sheldon and Elmdon (B'ham), 251 '12 Copland Griffiths Cup.

9. Nat. Dock Lab B (London) 231 '12; 10 Norwich Lads Club (Norfolk), 222; 11. Winsford (Cheshire) , 206 %; 12. Dungannon (Comb. DiY) (N Ireland) 205 Eston Nursing team tackle the 'Fairground Shooting Range' Test Scarbor o ugh Nursing Cadet team,

NURSING CADET

1. Guernsey, 285 Dunbar Nasmith White Knox, Tweedale Bedmaking Cunard Cups ; 2. Royston (Herts) , 263 '12 Mountbatten Cup Emdon Cup ; 3. Chadwell Heath (London) , 239 Pownall C up 4. Leyland (Lanc s ) 234 5. Ifracombe (E.S.N. Devon), 217 ; 6. Aberpergwm (Wales),

A first aid class which began in November 1968 \ GOl1lsisting mainly of prison officers from Bhmdeston together with their wives and a few people from the nearby village, resulted in the formation of the Blundeston St John Ambulance Division.

The Prison Governer, Mr. Mark Winston, a very keen supporter, became our first President.

One of the first letters I received as superintendent of this new division from (;lur Commissioner, was a lie quest for 'one or two men' to assist with a holiday which was being organised by Mrs. Alice Wiseman , the Suffolk branch officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Having arranged for these 'one or two men', I presented myself to Mrs. Wiseman for instructions.

I arrived at Gunton Hall to find a beautiful coumtry mansiol1l set in the Suffolk countryside close enough to the coast to give easy access to the beach, yet far enough away from the noise and bustle to give solitude. I was feeling very apprehensive: what the devil was Multiple Sclerosis? Who was Alice Wiseman?

I sat waiting in the reception, feeling very insecure, and then it happened. A happy, smiling lady, the image of everyone's favourite aUI'lt - came from the dining room and I immediately felt at ease. Her first words were: 'Thank God you're here; how many helpers have you?'

That was the signal to start; and start we did. My wife, who is our divisional secretary did a house-to-house collection with a difference. Now sh€ was collecting people, housewives, farm workers, and the prison governer. They all came for a 'couple of hours' and found themselves securely caught in the web.

But still we hadn't enough helpers, so another trip was made to the Governor's office to request the assistance of some prisoners. The machinery of the prison moved into top gear and in thirty minutes five inmates were on their way to Gunton They worked like trains from 6 am. to 10 pm daily - on duty, eating and, when time allowed socialising with prison staff, police officers, etc., and becoming the favourites of every patient on the camp.

Long before the end of the week's holiday, when Capt. R. Wiseman , the Suffolk branch chairman, and Mrs Alice Wiseman had bacome Ron and Alice, and the Divisional Superintendent and Secretary had become Derek and Jean, we were sitting together one evening during a quiet period, when Alice put on her look that cannot be denied and said: 'Of course my real problem is the need for people in the field. I have no-one in North Suffolk to do hOJil'le visits, to help to arrange social gatherimgs, etc.' 'f nat was it; we were hooked. The next issue of the Suffolk Magazine showed under Representatives, Lowestoft & District Mr. & Mrs. Holliday.

HELPERS Al WORK

SUFFOLK DIVISION THROWS EVERYTHING INTO A HOLIDAY FOR THE DISABLED

by D. C. Holliday (Superintendent, Blundestone Division)

Now came the crunch: Where did we stop being St. Joh n and st art being the Multiple Sclerosis Society? But dirl i t matter? Of course it didn 't ! Our division works as a team. On occasions we put on small parties, etc., for our patients, when St. John m e mbers use their cars for transport, help with teas, etc., and nobody really cares if they are MIS or not. We are here to provide a service. 1970 saw another Gunton Holiday. This time with 280 p atients Would we be able to cope? Could we get enough help? And then it started. Our door knocker didn't stop, and the poor postman ca ll e d every day. Typical of l etters received was from a housewif e who wrote: ' I work from 9 am to 3 pm, but can I help from 6 am to 8.30 am and then orne back after work?' Pe op le from all walks of life offered their services - scouts, youth clubs, prison staff, housewives, Rotary etc. At least two ministers of religion could be regularly seen in sweaters and slacks, pushing, lifting, ba thing and toileting patients with the rest of us

The Home Office smiled upon our efforts and loaned us six 'inmates' this year , who seemed determined to outdo the efforts of their predecessors.

Usually two helpers look after about six patients who're incline d at times to become rather possessive of this help. For instan ce, one lady insis ted on waiting four hours for toileting by 'her nurse ', who had taken another patient to Lowest oft hospital for catheter replacement.

Laughs? Oh yes , there've been many On one occasion a r a ther stout lad y of some 20 stones was being pulled in

her c ha ir up a grassy bank by four men . One of them pulled backwards at the handles of the chair, while the others pushed at the front. All was going well when suddenly a foot slipped, control was lost, and a burly prison hospital officer found hi mself wedged between the wheels of the c hair - with the 2 0 stone patient on top of him. Gunton rang with laughte r.

Such is the spirit then at Gunton Hall. What more is there to say? To ot h er divisions consi d eri ng such help my advice

CH RISTMAS CARDS 1970

IN THE SUNSHINE of an April afternoon a small elderly gentleman walked slowly along the battlements of he fort in Valletta. He paused, glanced at a letter and having made up his mind, quickened his pace and walked down the street to the great doors of the Co-Cathedral of St. John. On the back of his head, in a position which seemingly it had occupied for years, sat a grey trilby hat. With a casua brush of his hand the hat was brought forward His shou lder s squared, he marched forward from the bright sunshine of the pavement into the shadows of the great church. Turning to the left, he passed over the gravestones of the knights who laid down their lives in the Sieg e of Malta, through the door and into the sanctuary where, in his native Maltese tongue he greeted an old friend. He had come on a mission. He was charged with the task of photographing the famou s painting by Francesco PeRni of the 'Madonna with a Child blessing the

Infant St. John the Baptist'. This painting hangs in the chapel of St. Paul of the Langue of France , and with many other great works of art has been recently featured in the XIII Exhibition of the Council of Europe in Malta.

Our Maltese friend, known to the many visitors who enjoy the hospitality extended by the people of Malta and to visit the Headquarters of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem is , of course, Mr. Sahba. How well he succee ded in arranging the photographic reproduction of that magnificent painting can be seen from the official Christmas car d of the Order of St. John fo r 1970 which will be issued later this year. The painting which depicts the 'Madonna with the Child Jesus blessing the Infant St. John the Baptist' is in the great t radition of the Italian School. The colours are deli cate' the scene is of grea t beauty. '

This card, chosen by the Lord Prior ,

is: have a go. I'm sure you'll be as fortunate as we have been

Our members duty hours at Gunton this year were 495. Not bad for a very small village division , and we haven't really started yet! For that's how we feel about helping on holidays.

Next year's holiday will be on April 30 and if you would care to join us you'll be more than welcome. Write to Mrs Wiseman or myself -D .C. Holliday, 60 Lakeside Rise, Blundeston , Lowestoft, Suffolk - for details

will take the message of Christmas to p eople throughout the world. Our thoughts will travel to the Holy Places in Jerusalem a nd Bethlehem where the eternal message of Peace on EarthGoodwill to all men is needed today more than ever.

The other Christmas cards available to divisions for resale to the public are chosen from a wide range of subjects, and for their attractiveness generally. Six in number , the prices have been fixed to suit all pockets. An illustrated leaflet of them is available from Webb Ivory Ltd, P.O. Box 47, Burton-on-Trent , Staffordshire The leaflet will be distributed to all divisions later in the year.

Take part in this year's Chtistmas card campaign! Draw the public's attention to the voluntary work done by yourselves of the Ambulance, Nursing and Cadet Divisions. Yes , all in the cause of humanity. PRO FIDE - PRO UTILITATE HOMINUM.

of laughs at Gunton Hall •

Some of the helpers , Mrs Wiseman (centre) and Mr and Mrs Holl day (extreme right )

Gunton Hall -a beautiful country mansion

Three Minute EMERGENCY

CARDIAC ARREST IN HOSPITAL

By Tom Hope, SRN

CARDIAC ARREST can occur at anytime and anywhere; hospital is no exception.

The nature of the work undertaken in hospital necessitates a well-planned emergency scheme in the event of a caFdiac arrest occurring. The aim of the scheme is to enable a well-drilled and specially trained team to arrive at the scene of the incident in the shortest possible time. The existence of such a scheme does not rule out the need for first aid training of nurses to cope with respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

If a patient is to survive this crisis, staff must react at once; Remember, only three minutes to spare! Most hospitals have a special alarm system to alert the team. This may be a bell which is connected directly to the hospital exchange. The telephonist at once alerts the duty doctor and the team.

Ambu Resuscitator (photo: B.O.C.)

Not so long ago it was considered undignified for a nurse to run except in the case of a fire or haemorrhage. We now include cardiac arrest. Remember, only three minutes!

Some special equipment is used by the team and can be grouped roughly as follows:

1. The emergency or crash box

2. The emergency trolley

3. The defibrillator

The emergency box contains such equipment as will assist in maintaining life;

1 Ambu resuscitator (see photograph)

1 Laryngoscope (a tongue depressor with a light. Fig 1)

1 Mouth Gag

1 Tongue forceps

Drugs to deal with varying conditions.

A variety of endothacheal tubes (Fig. 2).

One of these will be passed into the trachea, and when attached to an oxyge n ventillator will provide a perfect airway.

The emergency trolley is a mobil e trolley which carries various neces sary equipment such as:

Oxygen cylinders

Mechanical ventillator

Vidiograph (or cardiac monitor) This machine makes a visible trace on a fluorescent screen at each movement of the heart muscle. (Fig. 3)

Transfusion Set and intravenous Bicarbonate of Soda

An angle poise lamp, for extra illumination.

A multiplug socket and an extra long cable to provide extra power points

A suction machine to aspirate mucus from the throat.

The defibrillator: (in the event of ventricular fibrillation occurring after cardiac arrest this machine is used to shock the heart into a more regular rhythm.)

The emergency procedure adopted will vary to some degree from hospital to hospital but basically the proceedure is as follows:

The nurse present at the time will base her diagnosis of cardiac arrest on the following:

A suddenly unconscious patient.

Absence of breathing

Absence of a pulse at the carotid artery Dilated pupils

She at once raises the alarm. If the patient is in bed he is lifted on to the floor (a firm surface) Mouth to mouth arhfical respiration begins a t once. If there is no response, a combination of external cardiac massage and direct artificial respiration is performed. REMEMBER ONLY THREE MINUTES TO SPARE.

The duty doctor runs to the ward and takes charge. The emergency box is brought to the ward by an anaesthetist or possibly a theatre technician. The beds next to the patient will be moved to provide maximum space. The doctor will pass an entrotracheal tube into the patient's trachea. The tube will be attached to a ventillator such as the Ambu (see photo) . Compression of the bag provides artificial respiration and oxygen is usually added by mean s of a tube from a cylinder to the respi rat.ion. A second member of the team should arrive at about thi s time with the emergency trolley. This will provide extra oxygen, suction, a m ec h a ni ca l ventrillator cardiac monitor (Fig. 3) and addition al drugs.

Whil e one nurse draws up drugs as request e d yet another will fix eJectrodes to each a rm , legs and chest for monitoring.

Th e doctor will put up an intrav enous drip which will inc lud e sodium

C A2blCttL

(photos:

ventricular asystole the treatment is usually intravenous or intracardiac inj ections of calcium chloride or adrenaline.

If the heart is in ventricular fibrillation it must be defribrillated by controlled direct current electric shocks from the d efibrilla tor to the chest wall. A fibrillating heart produces an irregular, rapid and inefficient circulation and must be rectified as soon as possible. Several shocks may be necessary to restore normal rhythm.

With a return of a good heart beat and contracted pupils the patient may be carefully lifted back to bed. His heart will be continually monitored and his breathing may need to be assisted by a mechanical respirator. Full medical and nursing intensive care is maintained until danger of a relapse is over.

bi-carbonate to rectify the acidosis which occurs following prolonged lack of oxygen' or interference to the circulation of the blood.

The doctor will assess the condition of the patient's heart by examination and by the vidiograph trace: this will guide him to the necessary course of action.

Th e h ea rt may still be in arrest so cardiac massage is maintained. The heart may h a ve resumed a spontaneous beat.

Ven tricu lar asystole or ventr ic ular fibrillation may be evident. If in

SJA LONDON/STUTTGART SHARE PUBLIC DUTY

ST. JOHN history was made in Jun e at the International Air Fair a t Biggin Hill, Kent.

At the invitation of London (Prince of Wales's) District 12 lnembers of the 10ha nni ter Unfal! Hilfe flew in to Biggin Hill from Stu t tgart a nd joined their London co ll eagues on this major public duty.

On arriv al at the airfield they were met by Baron Gerhard von Ledebur , the Assistant Naval Attache at the German Embassy in London, who is a m e mber of t he J.V H. and a Knight of the Johanniter-Orden, and London District 's Deputy Co mmis sione r De rek R. F e nton

An inform al party was held l ater at St. John Hou se, where many London members h ad in teresting conversations with their German colleagues. The President of Paddington Divi sion Major James Collins was also present. His DiVision provided many of the men who were th e liaison link at t he German YMCA and dr ivers of the two mini-buses lent for the weekend by Volkswagen

Throughout the Saturday and the Sunday the J.U.H. members were actively engaged helping to treat the 356 casualbes at Biggin Hill, most of which were due to the very hot weather. This figUre , wnen related to the attendance figure of hundreds of thousands at this large st air show in Europe, was very low.

Lon don District, aware of the magnitUde of this duty , had 200 personnel on duty over the weekend , under the a ble leadership of District Staff Officer E.B. Hamley and assisted by Corps Supt E. Dunn, Distri c t Staff Officer A. Bareham and Divisional Supt. W. Allen. On this duty were 10 ambulances, three mobile units and five tents , all linked by Brigade radio. Link s between the co ntrol centre, the London Ambulance Service , the Metropolitan Poli ce and the airport control tower were maintained during the flying di sp lays. A Fleet Air Arm helicopter supplemented J U H Stuttgart and London members with Janet Griffiths from South Africa. Baron von Ledebur (in civvies); Derek F ento n (5th from right)

The work done by the highly trained doctors and nurses and their complicated equipment is of great value but their efforts would be in vain had not the person on the spot at the time of the cardiac arrest made a rapid diagnosis, raised the alarm, commenced artificial respiration and cardiac massage within those valuable 180 seconds.

ONLY YOU CAN SAVE LIFE; SO LEARN RESUSCITATION

THOROUGHLY, STEP BY STEP , THEN PRACTISE PRACTISE , PRACTISE.

by Sf. John and J.U.H. members, was also on alert

It is hoped tha t this join t duty , initiated by London District , will be the forerunner of many both here and in Germany.

The standard of equipment available on the mobile units was such that a number of injured people who required sutures were treated by Brigade doctors on the spo t and did not require to be sent to ho spital.

Also on duty was Miss Janet Griffiths from SJ A Sou th Africa.

Fig. 1. Laryngoscope

Fig. 2. Endotracheal tube Note balloon end which is inflated in the trachea to make an airtight fit.

Holborn Surgical Instruments Co.)

tJ\ONI1De

Fig.3

S.E. LONDON'S NEW CHIEF

The five south east London boroughs have a new Area Comissioner SJ A, Mr. Arthur Bone, who for the past eight years has been the training officer for the London (Prince of Wales's) District

He will now be responsible for 21 adult ambulance divisions, 12 adult nursing divisions, 8 combined divisions , and 39 cadet divisions.

AROUID and ABOUT

WHAT'S GOING ON

IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

CONGRATULATIONS

C.B.E.

Thoma s Lawrence Somerscales , general secretary, joint co mmittee of the Order of St. John and the British R e d Cross Society.

M.B.E.

Anthony Joseph Mascari, Area Commissioner, City of Nottingham Area, St. John Ambulance.

B.E.M.

A.W. Hollow ay, Assistant Commissioner for Carmarthenshire, St. John Ambulance J ames Pettigrew divisional officer: SJ A Belfast.

Life Saving Medal in Bronze Ambulance member R G. Piggott , for work in the early riots in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Arthur Bone

Arthur Bone is not unfamiliar with the very large membership of SE London as he has arranged and taken part in many training courses, for first aid instructors, air attendents, casualty simulation and administration. 49 years old, he is well versed in the voluntary activities of St. John Ambulance, having started as a Cadet in 1933. Apart from wartime service in the RAF, which took him to Africa, Italy and Yugoslavia, gaining the Air Efficiency Award his service with St. John has been continuous. He is an Officer Brother of the Order.

The new Area Commissioner says he has one great aim: 'To encourage young people to join this great organisation.'

COMMENDATION.

A letter from the Comissioner-in-Chief to Nursing Cadet Tina Tadier, St. Martin's Division, Jersey reads

'Your Comissioner has reported to me that on the evening of April 23 1970 you went :to the help of a man and his mother, the driver and passenger in a car, which had been in collision with a bus outside your home. The passenger aged 82 was "till in the car having sustained fractures of the skull and of both legs; the driver was suffering from shock and slight cuts.

'Having placed the driver in the care of a bystander you entered the car, took the pulse of the old lady, which was very feeble, cleared her airway and diagnosed a fracture of the skull. She was unconscious. Since she was in an

awkward position you waited until the ambulance arrived before moving her.

You then accompanied the patients to hospital rendering first aid to the driver en route. Unfortunately the old lady di ed shortly before reaching hospitat

'I have much pleasure in sending you this Letter of Commendation for the prompt and very efficient way in which you rendered first aid to both cas ualties. You kept your head under circumstan ces which must have been most unnerving. Your action accords with the highest traditions of the Brigade in which we are all proud to serve and reflects the greatest credit not only to yourself but also on those who taught you.' WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

B.E M. being presented to Mr. A.W. Holloway Assistant Commissioner for Carmarthensh ire, by Lt. Col. C. W. Nevill, OBE, JP County President

TROOPING THE COLOUR

Mobile Units and token co nting ents from the Home Counties and Warwick wer e invited by London (P rince of Wales's ) District to participa te with nearly 500 London m,embers a t thi s year's Ceremony of Trooping the Colour.

A total of 257 casualties were tr eated , 14 'of which were sent to hospital.

An interesting feature ot thlS dUTY wa s the co -oper ation with the Army. In return for the help given by the Brigade in looking after any casualties occurring among the Guards lining the route, the Army provided a working party to erec t the 14 tents a nd marque es.

A moment of ndeeisioA and €lncern amon@ entries at a reeent competition at Cheltenham (Photo: Cheltenham Newspaper Co. Ltd.)

WHO'S SAYING WHAT?

BY THE EDITOR

TRAIN TRAINING

The Northern Area of the West Riding District staged a training exercise for cadets on June 13 at Oxenhope Station, on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

A rea Staff Officer (Training) J. McManus thought a tou c h of realism would make the exercise more enjoyable as well as giving cadets an insight into the problems of a major incident such as a train crash. The management of this privately-run steam railway, which has a five-m ile line from Keighley to Oxenhope, gave the exclusive use of Oxenhope station yard and sidings, together with about half-a-dozen carriages.

Preliminary treatment of 'casu alties' wa s carried out i n the carriages; they were then lifted out and trea tment was completed at ground level. Disposal was by the Ambulance of the Keighley Division. One problem was the impossibility of stretchering in a railway compartment; so the casualties were lifted out on carrying sheets. The floor level of the carriages was surprisi n gly high, and ingenuity had to be used to safe ly low er the patient s.

The exercise was devised and dir ected by A.S.O. McManus assisted by A.S.O.

(N u rs ing Cadets) Mrs. I. AspinalJ. Divisions from Keighley, Earby, Skipton and Cowling took part, and among those observing were Deputy County Commander Capt. M. C. Hutchin son and Area Commissioner T. Broughton.. D.S.O.

Ben Jarman gave comments on the treatments.

The cadets finished the day with a ride on a steam train and voted overwhelmingly for another train training exercise - soon.

SOUVENIR ENVELOPES

For the first se rvi ce of the Order of St. John to be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday, October 10 1970, which will be attended by Prince ss Marga ret, the Knights and High Officers of th e Order and members of the St. John Ambulance the P ost Office has agreed a special postmark incorporating the insignia of the Order to celebra te this mem6rable occasion

A souvenir envelop e 9Y! ins x 4 % in s bearing a picture of the Cathedral superimposed on the cross of St. John

and containing a brief history of both the Cathedral and the Order in Lincolnshire will be available

All envelopes will carry British architecture (cathedral) stamps and will be priced as follows: Envelopes addressed and posted with one 5d. sta mp (U.K. only) 2s. 6d. addressed and posted with four different 5d. stamps 3s 6d. Orders for these souvenir envelopes with cheque, money or postal order should be sent to : The Honorary Secretary, St. John Council , Cardinal's Hat , 268 High Street, Lincoln. Pleas e help bring this to the notice of your members , local philatelic societies, and your loc al press.

THANKS

While St. John Ambulance loses the services of Dr. Scott after four years as

When Princess Margaret visited Oldham recently she chatted (7) with local nursing cadets

(Photo: Oldham Evening Chronicle)

Surgeon-in-Chief (he is going on to the Reserve after 40 years in Brigade), the Review Cadet Competition Fund, which I started recently, benefits by a donation sent in acknowledgement of Dr. Scott's service Which, knowing the interest Dr. Scott has taken in the new Review, will gladden his heart, I'm sure.

Thank you, Donor

APPOINTMENTS

H.Q.: Dr. Binning to Dep CoM.O. Dr. Molloy and Dr. Hughes to Asst . C.M.O.'s Lt.-Col. James to Asst tt) C.M.O.

Leics.: Dr. Nicol resigned as County Director and a Brigade County Staff Officer.

Notts.: Dr. Baker to C01mty Surgeon, vice Dr. Johnstone.

Berkshire: Miss Gibbons is retiring as County Secretary and her work is being taken over by Mrs Thomas, who is also Association Secretary. (In future the County Office will be manned only in the mt)rnings.)

Gloucestershire: Col. Beard has resigned as County Director and Commissioner, Forest of Dean Area. He was succeeded a s Area Commissioner by Mr. F.B. Wallis who was formerly on the Reserve.

Lancashire: Ma i or W.H. Walker will be suceeding (ol. Ollerenshaw as Comissioner abclut August 1.

Oxford: Mr. R.A.K. Trioder resigned as Northern Are a Cornissioner Aprill 7 a nd has 'been su c ceeded by Mr. D.W. Franklin.

Sussex: Mr. Nunn has resigned as County Secretary for health reasons and is being succeeded by Major Hayes

W. R. of Yorkshire: Dr. Prentice resigned

Gosport and Fareham (H ants) inshore rescue service, run by the Royal Lifesaving Society and SJAB launched its new hi g h speed rescue boat recently. Chief - Inspector Rot;)inson, of the county police, spilled the champagne

as District Surgeon on St. John' s Da y. No successor yet appointed.

Jersey: Major-General N.G. Hind CSI , Me, resigned for health reasons as Chairman of the St. John Council for Jersey and is succeeded by Mr. N .A. Allport, who is a Commander of the Order and Chairman of the British Red Cross Society in Jersey. THE BIG RIDE

Wantage (Berkshire) Division, I hear, are bringing in hackers to help with fund raising. How exactly are horses going to help? Being in 'horsey' country , Wantage members have organised a 30-mile sponsored ride over the downs on

SAILORS

WE

For the third ye a running , Wallasey Nursing Cadets and one Ambulan c e Cadet) visited Birkenhead dock s recently with their superintenden , Susan Vick

Sunday , Sept e mber 6. Entries will be in two clas ses: over 132 hands , and 13 2 hands and under. So check your m o unt s And the ride will be in two 15 mile loop s. Riders will b e spon s ored , and there will be prizes.

Closing date for 'the Big Rid e' is August 29 Full details from Mrs. G Stewart, 5 Fettipl a ce , Wantage (pho ne 2703), Berks.

NOT FORGOTTEN

The editor of the Bark ing and Dagenham (Essex) Advertise r, I hear , re ce n t ly wrot e that too few people who work for th e good of humanity are honoured, either

DEATH SPIN

A single-seat, light p a ne of Redhill (Surrey) Tiger Club s P I!I n 600 ft to crash, killing the pilot, at Slnropshire Aero Club's flying show recently. (Photo: Shropshire Star)

locally o r nationally. So he invited his readers to nominate local people who in their op nion deserved to r eceive such recognition. Of the many nominations received, a panel consisting of leading towns-folk awarded, one of the first certificates to Miss D Kindon, who runs CN65 (B arking) Nursing Cadet Division.

Miss Kindon joined the Brigade in 1924 and served he r division so well that in 1936 she was promoted t o Lady Ambulance Officer. Between 1936 and 1942 she was on district recruiting, and'eventually formed Barking Cadet division.

The early meetings of the division were held in an Anderson shelter in her garden But with increasing membership they moved to their present meeting place at Manor School Barking, where Miss Kindon continued teaching the girls until her retirement in 1969.

Miss Kindon, a serving sister of the Order , completed 10,000 hours duty during the war.

When making the presentation the editor said : 'too few people realise how much work is done for others without a desire for reward or favour and we should take every opportunity of thanking folk who spend hour after hour in the interest of others.'

Miss Kindon, one of those folk , has now been honoured THE MEDAL MAN

Alfred Brookes is lucky to be alive - for his name app e ars on a Roll of Honour for L. and N.W. Railwaymen who lost their lives in the First World War

According to the roll he was awarded the Serbia Cross of Humanity by King Peter I of Serbia-now part of Yugoslavia - for his devotion to the sick and wounded at a Forces hospital in Macedonia.

His life's love has been first aid and his bedroom is full of medals, certificates and honours awarded for his work.

That started in 1896, when he was WIth Crewe Boys' Brigade and qualified to render first aid.

Mr Brookes , now aged 88, of Crewe , was a founder-member of the Crewe Ambulance Class in 1902 and was Brigade Corps Superintendent from 1939 to 1946.

He holds a L. and N.W. 12 silver medal , L.M. and S. long servic e gold medal A with six bars and gained 35 re-examination medallions between 1905 and 1946. .

A lecturer and examiner in first aid he became a serving brother in 1927 an officer brother in 1937 , and life of St. John in 1957

He received a silver badge for studying warfare and helped to transportSIck and wounded troops at Crewe Station That led to his most valued certificate one signed by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth for 'devoted service to the cause of humanity during the Second World War.'

just finished building their first float in time to JOin the first Lord Mayor's procession held in the c ty. Floats were restricted to a height of 15 feet, hence St. John galleon's stunted mast. (Photo l. Brookes)

"

Miss Klndon (centre) receives certificate (See NOT FORGOTTEN:)

BRITISH/GERMAN SJA LINK

Mrs. M. Waldhart, administrative officer of the Further Education Department for St. John in Germany, has groups of St. John men and women, as well as nursing sisters, in the following towns who would like to develop pen-friend clubs among British members with a view to reciprocal visits. The German groups are in Cologne, BOGhum, Essen, Bonn and Ratingen.

S u c h a liaison was successfully developed recently between st. John members in Corby and Velbert. Anyone interested should write direct to Mrs. Waldhart, 5, KOLN-91 (Bruck), Thomas-Dehler-Weg 3, West Germany.

LAKELAND HOLIDAY

The Y.W.C.A. lakeland holiday and conference centre, lveing Cottage, Old Lake Road, Ambleside, Westmorland is open to visitors all the year round. Ideally situated for walking, climbing and other outdoor holidays in the Lake District, prices are moderate: £.7-10-0d. each per week for double or single rooms, £6-1 O-Od. for dormltory accommodation, including breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. Bookings are accepted at all seasons from parties for holidays or confeFences, (maximum accommodation 50), from families and individuals.

THE ORDER IN ESSEX

MYSTERY IN MALTA (cont.)

I stood there, thinking. The baby, lying in the trough, its eyes so wide open that

I had unravelled the short le1ilgth of rope, and now had a strand about six feet long. to one end of this I tied a piece of wood aDout eight inches long so that, as near as possible, it was balanced. Holding the strand at arm's length, the pieee of wood turned to and fro for some time Right. Searching around I found another piece of wood about two feet long and attached the other end of the strand to it, as though it were a fishing rod; I then lashed this rod to an upright at the back of the feeding-trough so that the short piece of wood dangled about two feet above where the baby lay. During these preparations the baby had been quiet, but watched my every move. I suppose it was quite a good baby really; providing you stayed nearby he/she let you get on with things.

Phone for an Ambulance!

IS IT SO SI MPLE?

they were almost circular, looked up at me as though it were thinking too. I'had to delude it; delude it in to believing I was still there when in fact I wasn't. Not such an easy task with those all-seeing eyesclapped on one. As though reading my thoughts the baby raised a tiny hand and gurgled; in protest?

'All right, old cock,' I assured it, dilating my eyes in mimicry. 'Don't worry. You'll be all right.' The little blighter just twisted its face and grinned back as if to say 'You'll be all right'! On r e fl ection I'm beginning to doubt whether it was only about eighteen weeks old after all, so well did it seem to understand my every thought.

'You are staying here,' I said with finality. 'To wait for your mum. O K.?

He seemed contented with that, so I began setting about my plan. I had noticed some odd short lengths of old rope by the far wall at the end of the trough. I picked up a piece of this and started to unravel one of its strands. It was a rich-brown tarred hemp, I remember, probably a bit of old navy rope. In the musty atmosphere of that derelict, dust-laden building it smelled clean and fresh, as things of the sea and boats usually do in an alien environment. Today, in my London flat, I have a dust-laden attic where I store bits and pieces from my boat; old lengths of rope, a spare dinghy anchor, a pair of old oalS - junk really - but it is not easy to throw away such things; the same fresh, clean smell pervades our dusty attic now, and to go up there and to turn over the rope or oars somehow can be a balm to Clty nerves.

With the piece of wood securely dangling in its eye-line, I set it in motion to judge reaction. At first the baby watched it in tently, and then gurgJed pleasurably. Seems O.K., I de c ided , giving it a another tap. The baby gurgJed again then stretched out a hand towards it . .. . Oh no, I thought ; it' s going to yell for that now But it didn't. As the motion of the piece of wood slowed down so the baby's expression became calmer and more transfixed. Ah - tha t's i t; not too much movement that s the answe r. And as a fini s hing touch I placed my hat where the stick was lashed t o th e upright. Perfect. The baby was se t tling ni cely now. I looked at my wat c h: five o clo ck. An hour to get on watch ; plen t y of tim e. I started b ac king slowly t oward s th e door I had entered by , some tw e nty ya rds away. The back o f the baby 's h ea d was towards me , motionl ess as it fa ced th e improvis e d to y whi c h w as s till s lo wl y gyrating I kept my ey es on t h e ba ck of that small head a s I w e nt car efully , step by step tow a rd s fr ee dom. Ke e p moving , J tried to will that piec e of wood. Keep moving until I get outsid e . Then s uddenl y I backed into somethmg; som e thing thal was n stone, or ro c k , or wood Something lAUGH WITH bAN, THE FIRST AIO HAN

ONE WOULD THINK that phoning for an ambulance was one of the simplest jobs a first aider or a member of the public had to do in the event of an emergency, but Oh dear what headaches Ambulance Controls have! Eight out of every ten 999 calls received by Ambulance Controls, the caller either gives the wrong house number, says 'Road when he means 'Drive' or gives a completely wrong address. Sane people who phone for an ambulance are unable to speak when connected to the ambulance service, and when they do they talk so fast that it sounds as though they are giving a commentary at a horse race meeting (panic). Others have to have the information required dragged out of them.

So some hints on what may be a life or death phone call should be useful.

MONEY-RAISING

LITERALLY. That's just what happens at this time of the year for the Cheddar SJA Division Money h a s to be craned out of the wishing well!

This money-raising all started when a £3 ,000 app e al fund was launched in 1968 to r e pla ce the Cheddar Division's ambulan ce , which was swept away and badly damaged in the flood s of that year.

Trad e rs of Cheddar Gorge , i n appreciation of the Division ' s flood work, got togeth e r and built a wishing well of St. John in the forecourt of the Eidelweiss Rest a ur a nt.

Cheddar is now flooded with goodwill. For the flow of money into the St. John we ll is so gr e at during the holiday season that loc a gar a ge proprietor Mr. Tom Nic holson has to bring his mobile c rane to help Mr. Colin Jay , proprietor of the Eidelweis s, and Mr. D. Gough , prime mGlvers in the wishing w e ll project, to haUl out as much a s one and a half hundredweight of coins' On one occasion the bottom pannier of the well had overflowed with money so the well had to be pumped dry to retrieve it.

Over £ 180 was banked for the new ambulance fund in the well s first year, and a small percentage goes to the Cheddar Scouts and Guides who worked so hard during the disaster.

So - good wishing if you ' re in Cheddar.

What Information is required?

1. The correct address with a location i.e. near the new shops or outside the Red Lion ; names of shops, churches, public houses, post offices are all good locations and shouid be used.

2 The type of incident; road accident, home accident, etc.

3. Number of casualties. This applies mostly with road accidents. There is nothing more frustrating and time wasting than sending one ambulance to a road accident or an incident where more than one ambulance is required. If told in the first place how many casualties there are, or maybe, the ambulance service can send the appropriate number of ambulances.

4. Your name and the telephone number from which you are speaking This will be the number you passed to the operator. If the ambulance control

wishes to contact you with reference to the incident, it is quicker to phone you direct than have the GPO find the number.

What if you are a stranger to the area?

If you are a stranger to the area it is time wasting and of no benefit to the Ambulance Control to try and describe where the incident is · and how to get there. It is far better to inform them of the type of inc;,:ident, etc, tell them you are a stranger to the area, and if they will send the ambulance to the telephone box you will direct it to the incident. In all telephone boxes is a small card telling you where the phone box is. Remember, when phoning for an ambulance: stop, think what you are going to say, why you need an ambulance. How many people are hurt. In this way you will be saving time, which is all-important in an

At the annual service of the Order of St. John in Essex, held at Little Maplestead Church during Ju ne and attended by the Lord Prior,

(photo: Holdaway)

By the well , a group of voluntary workers hand of thanks to Mrs. Colin Jay (photo Norman Heal)

ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION

The chances of a successfUl life-sustaining organ graft are inversely related to the number and stre n gth of incompatible antigens. Prior assessment by tissue matching of the incompatibility between donor and recipient are therefore desirable.

REPORT OF A LECTURE GIVEN BY PROFESSOR R. CALNE AT THE SJA MEDICAL CONFERENCE 1970

A STAGE has been reached in kidney transplantation where kidneys can be provided for people who would otherwise die. However, the excessive publicity given to early organ transplantations, with its unwarranted and extravagant optimism, has been followed by bitter criticism and an undermining of public confidence in the medical profession. There is widespread ignorance among the public and the medical profession of the background, achievements and future potential of organ grafting. The knowledge and the facilities to treat far more people exists, if the co-operation and goodwill of the public can be achieved. Professor Calne estimates that there are 2,000 to 3,000 people between 5 and 55 years of age (200 of them under 20 years old) dying annually for want of treatment of kidney disease in England and Wales. In his experience patients thought it well worthwhile to go through the operation for a six months respite, and most achieved at least two years' survival.

To cure disease by restoring the function of a diseased organ by a biological graft was an ancient concept illustrated in this lecture by a slide of a reproduction of a 15th-century painting of Saints Cosmas and Damiam transplanting a leg from a dead Moorish donor to a patient afflicted with a leg tumour. The idea of organ transplantation remained a miraculous legemd, because of the problem of immunological rejection, until the middle of the present century when Dr. Joseph Murray and his colleagues in Boston successfully transplanted a kidney from a healthy individual to its identical twin, who was dying from incurable kidney disease. Identical twins arise from the same egg cell, they are biologically the same person, and are therefore unable to reject each other's grafts. Successful surgery cures the sick twin provided the kidney disease does not recur in the graft.

The idea of manufacturing an artificial organ goes back to the legend of Daedalus and Icarus in Greek mythology, 14

wheFe they constructed prosthetic wings to escape imprisonment on an island, illustrated by a reproduction of a Roman frieze at the Villa Albanie in Rome. The artificial leg, in its modern form one of the most well known and usefull prostheses, is functionally far superior to a leg graft because of the poor nerve regeneration in a living transplant. Bone grafts, corneal grafts, mechanical hearts, substitutes of the lung, and dialysis equipment for kidney function·have been prepared but since the liver could not be replaced by a mechanical device, bio.1ogical replacement is the only possibility.

The main problem of organ transplantation is in the tendency of the body to reject foreign tissue by immune response. In the grafted kidney there is intense infiltration of the kidney tissue with lymphoid cells and a second kidney graft from the same donor would be destroyed because of the immunity reaction probably due to protein antibodies in the blood.

The goal of transplantation research is to provide permanent acceptance of the grafted organ with no other unpleasant side effects.

Three main immunosuppressive regimens are used: azothioprine, adrenal steroids and antilymphocyte serum, but these are still far from ideal.

An organ deprived of its blood supply undergoes rapid deterioration and individ ual organs differ in their susceptibility to ischaemic damage. With a living kidney donor, the kidney can be transplanted without cooling, but it is usually preferable to chill the organ. With cadaver donors, the kidneys are removed as soon as possible after death, infused with cool solutions and kept cold at 4°C, and could be kept for 8 - 12 hours and moved long distances in a thermos flask. Coo ling is 0 bliga tory in liver transplantation procedures.

The danger period after kidney transplantation is in the first four months. The commonest complications being rejection of the graft and infection. Frequent monitoring of kidney function and the bone marrow is necessary so that the correct dosage of immunosuppressive agents can be given to each individual. Patients with kidney grafts can do a full day's work and women can bear normal children.

If unnecessary deaths from kidney disease are to be avoided more people would have to volunteer to will their organs for transplantation after death. Coroners had been helpful at first, but in the past four months they had refused tissue transplantation. Tissue typing should be carried out, and a good match means that graft rejection could be prevented with small safe doses of immunosuppressive agents. In fact quite recently a kidney had beeen flown from Switzerland to be used for a patient in England, having been selected by computer as a suitable match Professor CaIne hoped that the misunderstandings and unfounded fears caused by the glare of pUblicity would be removed by better understanding of the real issues involved, and above all that a more helpful and charitable approach to organ donation would be achieved.

HANDS - dedicated to all nurses - by S. M. Lemon (Belfast)

The nurse whose warm and tender hands

Are always soft and white

She likes to keep them nice and clean at all times day and night

These tender hands have much to do for patients who are ill

With skill they change their dressings

And do it with a will

Her hands are never idle

Though at times she's very tired

She knows she has a job to do

Which takes her many hours.

The Order Investiture

May 14 1970

With her little tray of medicines

She asks us yes or no

Our temperature and heart beats check

She's always on the go

When at last she is off duty

Burdened with a heart of care

Soon she kneels down be her dedside

With her hands now clasped in p rayer

Heavenly Father pray forgive us

If we've failed in thy great plan

But we just desire to thank you

F or the blessing of these hands.

AS COMMANDER (BROTHER) Selby Wilkins Tuff. William John Bagg.

Frederick Charles Wilford. John George Chapman. William John Robinson, SRN. Dennis Stanley Hall.

Anthony Bull , CBE. Stanley Arthur Wright.

Colin Rees Jenkins. Eric George Holden Taylor. Leonard William Dale.

Claude Tristam Newnham, MRCS, LRCP, DOMS. Thomas Oliphant McKane MB, BS, Victor Henley Buscall.

Lieut.-General Sir Norman Graham Guy MRCS, LRCP. Colonel Gordon Higgs, ERD. Eric Sidney Smith. Talbot , KBE , TD, QHS, FRCOG. George H. Bourdon.

Roger St. John Buxton, PhD, MB, BS, James Ralph Word Goulborn

DCH. John Henry Jones. AS SERVING SISTER.

Charles Randolph Whately . Cyril Ayto. Margery Dovaston, Miss. Briggs.

Sir John Richardson, Bt. Joseph Owen. Ursula Joan, Miss Haslam. Joseph Hughes. Walter William Lewis Hammond. Barbara Lilian, Mrs. Pritchett, SEN. William Edwin Nicholas Searle Walter Baldwin. Ann, Mrs. Cartwright.

AS OFFICER (BROTHER)

Harold Ed win Dickins.

William Edward Scott.

Robert Gardiner Priest.

James McNeil Anderson, SEN. William Lamb.

AJ. English.

John Francis Edward Bent.

Ahmed Shaheen, MRCS, LRCP, LRSP. LRSS,

Colonel Richard Leonard Marks, OBE, MB, QHP , MB.

Dennis Orlik.

Eric Dawson Lindsay, MB, BCh, DAO, MRCGP.

Peter William Cato.

The Hon. W. St. Clair Daniel.

AS OFFICER (SISTER)

Alice Lalage Veronica Mary, Miss Saxby , MVO.

John Thomas Dring. Susannah, Mrs. Walker.

Stanley Charles Mallalieu, SEN. Florence Jane, Mrs. Brown.

James Henry Brown MIOM, AMBIM. Dorothy, Mrs. Eaves. Thomas Cecil Hyde. Minnie, Miss Garner, SRN, INC. Wilfred Cassin. Doris, Mrs. Wright.

Arthur Wynne Jean Barbara Miller, Miss, Loudon. Harvey Rothwell. Miss. Rose Clarke.

George Desmond Thompson, Lt. Col. TD, Miss M.G. Owen. MB, ChB, LM. Mary, Mrs. Jones.

John Light. Mary, Miss Wilding. Arthur Webster. Tamsey, Miss Marsh. Kenneth Eaves. Mona, Mrs. Savage. Frank Hay. Ida, Mrs. Smith.

James Sawdon. Constance Miriam Mrs. Hart. Cyril Vincent Newbold. Anna May, Mrs. Leslie.

Leonard James Bird. Dorothy Mary Mona, Miss Ruddock. Henry Bentley. Caroline Agnes Florence, Miss Cole. Eric Harold Whitelark. Lilian Edith Mary Mrs. Mardlin. Cyril Nottingham. Marjorie, Mrs. Arnold.

James Henry Mumby. Adelaide Mabel, Miss Ward.

Cyril King J essie Irene, Miss Drumm ond. Edward Arthur Fisher. Selina Winifred, Miss Eth€rton , SRN AS SERVING BROTHER

Jeffrey Hepworth.

Andrew Niven Tildesley Aikman, BSc MB, ChB,

James Edward Dean.

John Hilary Taaffe, LRCSI, LRCPI.

James Henry Goff. John Thomas Smith.

Barry Staniforth.

Oliver John Holmes.

Ronald Cyril Jackson.

Stanley Arthur Dawes. Frederick Harry King. George Hadley.

Sqdrn Ldr. Gordon Frank Henrico. SCM, NNEB.

John William Fallows. Muriel Gwendoline, Mrs. Goddard , SRN

Harold Nash HV.

Alfred Harry Marty. Florence May , Mrs. Pryer. Alfred Alexander Wilkins. Dorothy Pauline, Miss Penny.

Harold Leonard Knott. Doris Ada, Mrs Giles. Thomas Henry Clayton. Lily Grace, Mrs. Wheble. Walter Simpson. Gladys May , Mrs. Manning. William Foster-Curtis. Hilda Violet Mrs. Parnell. Vincent Ellis Ambrose Coventry. Maureen Rose , Mrs. Hawes. Michael William Young. Colonel A. V.G. Dower TD , DL

Frederick Albert Bonfield. introduced to the Lord Prior his Personal

Charles John Cartwright. Esquire : Edward George Lawrence. 15

Professor Caine, professor of surgery at Cambridge University, recently wrote a book entitled 'A Gift of Life' which is published by the Medical and Technical Publishing Co., at 35s. Extracts from this book were serialised in the Sunday Times during May.

The Lord Prior invests the Hon. W. St. Clair Daniel, from St. Lucia, West I ndies, as an Officer (Brother)

YES, DIGNITY AND HUMILITY

from Mrs E.B.W. Dane, President 107 Shirley Nursing Division

At the Annual Open First Aid Competition @)f the Croydon Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association last year, the first two rows of spectators were warned that they might be called upon to assist, as bystanders.

Sitting in the front row was the President and his wife, the Mayor and Mayoress of Croydon.

When help was called for the Mayoress went forward with her Chain of Office dangling from her neck as she knelt over her "patient" obeying instruGtions from the team.

I have been connected with the Brigade for fifty years, and this to me typifies the attitude of all grades of St. John personnel.

Having read the article by the gentleman who is now known as the "Boss for Bucks". entitled "Is your Dignity really necessary" , I felt both mystified and indignant and wondered if his article was really necessary.

It seemed to call for a reply, and A/S /0 Mrs. Lafferty found the right one as usual together with her wonderful sense of humour.

1 believe that those whtD wear St. John uniform wear it with dignity and humility but never pomposity as Mrs. Lafferty confirms.

So let us keep the 'Georgette' pat c hes, 'pips' and Crowns for id(mtification and carryon the tradition of the Brigade, and not follow the Scout Movement; the 'modernisation' of which has lead to bitter divisions within that fine organisation.

Croydon, Surrey E.B. W. Dane

DIVISIONAL EFFICIENCY

from J. Oakes

I was particularly interested in two letters published in the June issue.

Mr. Mead's letter points out the use of one set of equipment for use by A, N, AC & NC divisions who train at the same location. He also asks why each division in similar circumstances keeps their own separate accounts. A good point, but why not ask Brigade HQ on adviGe on the formation of a 'q uadrilateral' division, where not only stores and accounts can be centralised, but one smgeon and one nursing officer would suffice for the unit, thus reducing the overall number of technical officers now With one overall div. Supt, div officers would control the A, N, AC & NC 'Sections' of the quadrilateral division One ser.retary and one treasurer (or even a Secretary/Treasurer) would /11S0 suffice

With regard to Cpl. Downey's letter on the question of flag day emblems , with the 'nappie' size pins, we in Northern Ireland use adhesive paper discs, one inch in diameter , which are more convenient to all concerned. Storage space is reduced by 90%. A supply of 200,000 badges is cheaper than the pin type. Co. Antrim J. Oakes

PRIORITY OF TREATMENT

from Dr. E. Lewis Butler

In the April St. John Review, Cadet Sgt. He any of Ilford asked whether a newl y delivered, non-br eathing baby or its mother with severe uterine bleeding should have priority of t reatm ent. The reply .was that whichever seemed to have the b est chance of survival and tha t the moral issue might have to be co nside red too.

As one who has had many a battle i n a lifetime of domicillary midwifery, I think he might not only save both lives but he could avoid a most difficult differential prognosis and the wretched conflict of the moral issue too.

Stand on tht · right of the recumbent mother, quickly separate the cord - it y., ill have stopped pulsating - hold the baby by the a nkles and empty the mouth of secretions , cradle th e baby over the right forearm with the neck between the first and second fingers so that the neck is fully extended and proceed with expired air ventilation.

Put the left hand on the mother's abdomen, find the top of the uteru s and massage it down to the size of a cricket ball as on p. 201 of the Manual' (but the top of the uteru s will be found much higher than the below the nav el' o f t h e b o ok).

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations Although readers may sign published letters with a pen-name, writers must supply their name and address to the editor

St. John people have a delightful way of thinking up the most complicated problems, usu ally needing an operating theatre full of doctors nurse s and staff, and I trust that such a case will not be his baptism into midwifery, particularly shoul d he find himself without another pair of experienced hands.

All the same, it is surpris ing how good basic training eads the St. John m em ber to do the right thing at the right moment even in the difficult case with which he or she has never previously had to deal.

Warwick E. Lewis Butler

VISUAL AIDS from L.S. Walker, Divisional Superintendent I wish to take advantage of your invitation in the March edition of the 'Review' and send my ideas of effective and positive teaching, which I pass on to instructors who are not 'Visual Aiders'.

A BLANK TELEPHONE DIAL - For students to find the dig i ts for emergency calls (in the dark).

A SECTION OF TYRE - Suitably chalked, and run over a leg· gives a good example of 'signs'.

A RABBIT OR CHICKEN THIGH BONE - Broken a nd rejoined offset ( with Bostick) shows a definite fracture and two types of joint.

DRESSINGS ( ACTUAL ) - Adhesive and pre-packed, with particular emphasis on the correct application of the finger dressing s.

TREATMENT CARDS - Diabetic steroid , anticoagulant and epi lepti c cards are available from G .P s , Hospitals, the Di a beti c Association , the Heart Foundation etc. , also plastic cube sugar containers, and neck discs.

Medic Alert will supply bracelets and literature.

DRUGS, PILLS, PHIALS, AND SYRINGES - G.Ps or division al surgeons may help with these.

Better the student sees these aids in the classroom, than on the casualty for the first time.

Just a word of advice to the instructor: Ta k e car e how and where you carry th e 'Gear' -lest y ou b ec om e a cas ualty and arriv e in hospital, the greatest histori cal puzzle known to medical science!

London, S.E.9

FLAG DAYS

from John Webb, General Manager, Stores Dept.

L. S. Walker

In the Jun e is su e of the R eview, Corporal H. Down e y write s concerning the emblems used on St. John Fl ag Days.

Summarised, he said, 'lets' s c hange from the emblems with pins to em blems using stickers.'

Some three years ago, we were influenced by the fact that one or two of the major charities appeared to be changing towa r ds the adhesive type collecting emblem. From the Stores Department , we sent to Brig ade Headquarters samples of this adhe sive type sticker with comm ents c oncernin g it s u se a nd an e stimation of its benefit s This was co n si d e r ed , a nd i t w as d e cid ed th at, un t il a r esearch op era ti on ha d b e en ca rri e d o ut n o ac ti on wo uld be

taken on changing from the pin emblem to the adhesive sticker.

JFl certain local areas, therefore , we invited the co-operation of nits of the Brigade ; from their observations we have now reached very firm and definite conclusions. These observations are in keeping with reports which we have had from the tWG larg est suppliers of charity collecting emblems. To summarise:

l) The number of adhesive stickers supplied is very sma ll as compared with the pinned emblems .

2) The price of the adhesive sticker is o nly marginally le ss than the more conventional pinned emb l em.

3) The larger charities who have flag days have unanimously de cided to retain the pinned type of emblem.

4) On account of them being packed in larg er units (rolls of 1 ,000) instead of envelopes ( 100- 200) more em blem s have proved ultimately to be necessary by individual collectors, and, therefore more are left over.

5) The difficulty in distributing the adhesive type sticker to the co lle ctors has been found embarrassing

6) Many co lle ctors found that they required to have stocks of bo th the pinned and adhesive ty pe available as many objected to stickers being placed on their clothes.

7) The adhesive emb lems which do not demand a co ll ecting tray create no display, therefore, publicity is minimised, and, in the main co lle ctions tend to be les s.

Considerable thoug ht has been given to the whole question of collecting materials , and recently we submitted to Brigade Headquarters, also to County Conferences, a totally new conception of the co lle cti ng tray and emblem.

In the pas-t the collectio n of money has been a one day effort. The new co ll ecti ng tray affords the opportunity, firstly, for a Division to make u se of i t as a co ll ecting tray on the flag day proper, an d second ly, subseq u e n t ly as a money box for collecting on counters, etc The appeal to the public can be carried out on 36S days of the year and not just on one isolated occasion.

Finally, may r emphasise h a t the collection of money depend s a great deal on the attitude adopted by divi sions to the question of public relations. Flag d ays don 't just happen, they have to be planned, and the local press and everyone concerned s hould be brought into the operation as one totally co-ordinated effort. Whether you adopt a pin or a sticker makes little or no difference; it's the enthusiasm with which you approach the task which will determine whether your flag day has been a success. No last minute ordering from stored will ever do a n ything to create a favourab l e picture.

St. fohn's Gate, E.C.1. John Webb

ONCE A JOHNNY . from F. T. Riste

May I also echo 'Once a Johnn y, etc', as myoid Cheshire Branch border friend Bill Schofield and I too have continued from 1922 to date. I am compelled to mention, however that this periodical was followed by the take over GAZETTE, subseq uentl y being called the Review. All good wishes from another J ohnny for your new style effort and bash on p lease Manchester 22 F. T. Riste

CRI DE JERSEY

from Peter Monamy, Cadet Leader

Everybody appears to be congratulating you on the new' Revi e w , so I would like to add my best wishes to you for a long and successfu l editorship. (May your pen never run dry or your ink pot spill over.) What with articles like: Camping, Student Nurse, Florence Nightingale, etc. , you stand the risk of being shanghaid by the Fleet Street Newspaper men. Rue the day!

The Review is certainly 'with it', a part from the occasional printing error. One little thing that did catch my eye was the advertisement to 'Suscri be to the new St. John Review The price for the Review is s tat e d as 23/- or 1.1Sp. This should of co urse be I.1s or l.ISp, not a combination of the two. I don t wish to pick hOles in the R evie w, but I do think this type of error seen by a new subscriber would be noted and a curt grunt let out.

InCid ently, I don 't see many le tters in the Review from the Channel Islands (apart from (Mrs.) Dora Foot's June edition,

Readers Views).

Have all the pens run dry , or have you, Mr. Editor, some grudge against us!?

COME ON JERSEY!!

Jersey Peter Monamy (Edit: Adore islands , the sun and anything French; mais il y a toujours silence des vos camarades.)

LOSE ONE, GAIN ..... from Wm Herring, Divisional Officer.

When my R eview subscri ption expires I sha ll not be renewing it No cause for despondancy; you are not losing a reader but gaining five. I brought up at our last drill night your plan for direct selling to divisions and it was agreed to order six copies (SO% of our membership unfortun ate ly).

Hoping our decision is one of very many other units. S. W.Durham Wm. H erring

TROOPING THE COLOUR

from Mrs. M. Nichols, Nursing Member

This year it has been my good fortune to be on duty during rehearsals for Trooping the Colour and to observe at close range the highly efficient organisation undertaken by our SJA officials. This appears to be regarded with an air of nonchalance by seasoned members, for such mammoth planning and team work is evidently commonplace on these occasions.

0830 hrs: ambulances and personnel already at strategic points around the vast Horse Guards Parade Ground, all along The Mall and encircling the Victoria Memorial in the viinity of Buckingham Palace. 0840 hrs: walkie-taikie apparatus tested and reported ready for action; water supplies checked, stretchers blanketed dressings unp acked, nurses caps straightened and at 084S ready for the first casualties

As one American visitor was heard to remark: " They've got the red, white and blue out today - a rmy, ambulance and police. Guess I'll be O.K around here!'

The effect of red coated guardsmen and blue uniformed police lining the route was ce rtainly enhanced by the smart SJA cont ribution.

London, N. W. 8 M. Nichols

THE BRIGADE IN SOUTH AFRICA from Douglas A. Sawkins

In the May issue of the Review you published a report on St. John in S. Africa. I am wondering how they get on with their work being conscious of the race laws of the country. What happens if a white member of st. John has to get a non-white African to a hospital to save his life; and the nearest one is for white's only? How are Brigades run if non-whites can not mix with whites? If separate brigades exist then regulation 2 is broken which says the work of the Order is carried out without distinction 0 f race, class or creed.'

Since S. Africa is coming under constant attack, might we do some good if we could add our weight to the moral issue? Never-the-Iess I would be grateful if someone could answer these questions.

Colchester, Essex Douglas A. Sawkins

SWOLLEN HEADED? from T Hope

I know from long and painful experience how uncomfortable St. John Ambulance peaked be. Re cently, because I cou ldn 't stand the thought of any further sufferi ng , I ordered a new hat a size bigger. To my dismay I found this too was not so much a head vice as a forehead clamp. On the point of returning it with a bitter note of complaint I mentioned this to a fema l e nurse colleague who said: 'Why don't you have it stretched an d shaped!' She was kind enough to take my hat along to a uniform tailors who sai d they would be delight ed to do this simple thing. They left it in the stretcher for a week and now after almost 45 years of uncomfortable head gear I have a hat that actually fits! Now , fellow sufferers don't go to the head shrink er if your hat hurts; go to the hat stretcher.

Co. Durham. T. Hope 17

LORD HADDO presided over his first General Assembly and Investiture as Prior on June 24, St. John 's Day itself, in his home city of Aberdeen. Sir Hannibal and Lady Scicluna joined other members of the Order in the fifteenth century

cat h edral of S t. Machar with its magnificent painted oak ceiling, one of the last works of the medieval Scottish church. There the day began with the annual commemoration service. In the afternoon, at a General Assembly in the Town and County Hall, the following were invested

As a Dame:

EDITH JOAN, MRS. HENDERSON (from Commander)

As a Commander (Brother):

JAMES ALEXANDER HARRIS, CA. (from Officer)

As a Commander (Sister): BANNIE, MISS MACKIE , SRN. (from Officer)

As Officers (Brothers):

MAJOR IVAN BALLANTYNE TAIT, MB., ChB., FRCSE., FRSC ., (from Serving Brother)

THOMAS PETER JOHNSTON

NICOLSON (from Serving Brother)

LAWSON DOUGLAS DAVIDSON, MB, ChB, FFARCS., DA.

HUGH COWAN STENHOUSE , OBE., TD.

LIEUT-COL. CHARLES JOHN HOWELL

MANN, TD. MB. BS., DPH.

18

NEWS fl'om SCOTLAND

The Procession into the Cathedral of St. Machar

(Photos by News & F m Service, Aberdeen)

The nves iture in Aberdeen Coun ty Hall

As Officers (Sisters): GRACE BLACK, MRS KINNIBURGH (from Serving Sister)

DOROTHY MARY MRS BARR BEM (from Serving Sister)

JEAN GRAHAM, MISS LUMSDEN (from Serving Sist er)

As Serving Brothers: SYDNEY GORDEN DAVIDSON , MA MB, FRCS

WILLIAM ARCHIBALD PARK JACK FRIBA, FRIAS.

JOHN ADDIE FORREST, E.ENG., MI MECH E.

GEORGE BOTHWELL CLARK

ROBIN MICHAEL GREEN, BA, PhD., FRAS

WILLIAM ALEXANDER PYPER MILNE, MBE ., M.INST.R , BS c

NORMAN GRAY MARR, ARIBA, ARIAS.

As Serving Sisters:

KARIN BRIONY , MISS MILLAR, AIMSW.

ISABELLA, MISS PARK

IRENE MARY JOAN DAVIS , MRS. COOKE

CHRISTIAN, MRS SIM

As Perrsonal Esquire to COLONEL

GEORGE WILLIAM BRUCE , KStJ, TD., DL., CAPTAIN ROBERT GEORGE DAVID BRUCE

scotland, was packed, and i t was gratifying to see so many enthusiastic young people present: Torphichen has a flourishing youth membership organised by the Minister, the Rev eren d Thomas Crichton, and the Headmast er of the Local School, Mr. W. Hendrie. Music for the service was provided by the musicians and choir of Armadale Academy - and the Prior entered to a fine fanfare from the school trumpeters. After the service tea was taken in the grounds of the school and there was yet another and even more striking example of the contribution being made by Association members at Denny to the new branch, for Mr. Russel of Denny presented Capt. W.S. Dobson with a cheque for £510. In the last few months, therefore, members at Denny have raised nearly £800. This is a tribute not only to them, but also to their minister , the Reverend R.G. Lawrie, an enthusiastic supporter of the Order, who for twenty years has been one of its chief propagandists in the area.

NEWS from WALES

The investing of Mrs. Hend erson as D ame gave parti c ular pleasur e to the Assembly bec a use fro m the beginning she h as be e n a lea d er of those working for the Order in Aberde en, to which she ha s now given many years of untiring and selfless service.

Following the Assembly two small but moving ceremonies were performed. The newly renovate d hospi ce in Albyn Pla ce was rededicated by the Prelate , the Very Reverend D l". Nevile Davidson, in the presence of the Prior and Chapter, who then proceeded to 9 Rubi slaw Terrace, the home of Mr. Andr e w Fowl e r, where was held the first private investiture in the history of the Priory of Scotland. Mr. Fowler had b een made an O St.1. in 1965, but since then had never been able to attend a General Assembly , because of ill-health. So the Prior and Chapter noW ca me to him. The day ended with a reception and dinner i n the Treetops Hotel.

On Sunday Jun e 28 the Prior , the Executive Officers and members of Chapter proceeded to the Quare of the Preceptory of Torphichen in which was held an inaugural service for the neW Torphichen Bra!l1ch of the St. John Association. Readers of News from Scotland will remember my description of i t in the May issue of the St. John Revi e w. The old building, a survivor of the original headquarter s of the Order in

A NEW LINK formed between the Royal Regiment of Wa les and the Priory for Wales is the first of its kind involving the Army.

'We can take pride in the fact that Welsh initiative has blazed the trail ,' the Prior Lord A berdare told the Order's General assembly in Cardiff on June 20.

H e said it was a praiseworthy achievement that a new d ivisio n had been formed within the Royal Regiment of Wales at present stationed in Osnabruck as part of the British Army of the Rhine. The n ew division would form part of the Priory of Wales. This is the first time that such a link has existed between the Army an d the brigade.

Lord Aberdare went on to Congratulate Wales on gaining most of the trophies at the 1969 brigad e finals in London, and also that Llandaff Ambulance and Nursing Cadet Division had won, the first time for Wales , the Sir Edwin King Shield.

A new development in the brigade in Wales was the formation of joint, quadrilateral divisions containing men, women, boys and girls The tra ditionally separate divisions had often resulted in unnecessary splintering of brig ade strength in places and sometimes led to dUplication of effort.

The Prior of Scot land, the Earl of Raddo, who attended the assembly, said

General Assembly and Investiture at Cardiff (left to right)

Major - General Lewis Pugh, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Wales; H.G. Lewis, Aeglstrar; The Earl of Haddo, CBE., The Prior of Scotland; The Prior, The Lord Aberdare The At. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, ,o ld. T.E. Merrells; the Acting Town Clerk, W.G. Hopkins.

The Prior Lord Aberdare, invests Mrs. Ann Pennant Assistant Chief Superintendent for Wales as Commander (Sister) in the Order of St. John.

of the

Members

Carmarthen SJA Cadets planning their 'Help 1970' campaign. The aim is to help the needy of Carmarthen. (Photo: E.A Phillips, Carmarthenl.

NEWS FROM WALES (cont.)

there were many links between Scotland and Wales; and he was encouraged to see a splendid mixture of the young and the not-so-young attending the assembly - all with the same object and ideals

New kn igh ts congratulated by Lord Aberdare, on promotion from commander were: Arnold David Griffith, county surgeem Chi ef Commissi(;mer's Inspectorate; Thomas James Myles Gregg , chief surgeon for Wales ; Major-Gen Lewis Pugh, deputy chief commissioner for Wales and Brig. .Hugh Salisbury Kynaston Mainwaring, Lord-Lieutenant, president,Flint.

The 195 members invested included: Dame: Lady Ffrangcon Williams, lady president North Glamorgan ; Mrs Elizabeth Mary 'Boyd Crawshay, depu ty-chief superintendent for Wales Commander (Brother): Thomas George Daniel former deputy c ommissioner " Breconshire; John Douglas Smith, district vice-president, East Glamorgal'1; Bernard secretary , St. John Coun cil for MonmouthshlIe ; Gilbert Hoyles Collier district surgeon, Flint Edward Warren Sanky, priory solicitor ; Charles William Hall, assistant cQmmissioner, South Monmouth shire.

Robert George Purser vice-president , Mid G I a m 0 r g an; Hug h Ll 0 y d ass i s ta n t commissioner, Rhondda and Pontypndd: Thomas Gwilyrn Morris, G@mmissioner, East Glamorgan; Lewis Edward Richards, deputy commissioner, South Monmouthshire Commander (Sister): Miss Liliane Mane Catherine Clop e t, assistant distric surgeon, South Monmouthshire; Mrs Al'1n Pennant, assistant chief superintendent for Wales; Mrs Beatrice Myfanwy Phillips assistant district superintemient, North Monmouthshire.

OVERSEAS NEWS

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

There were some recent changes in the Cabinet of the Government and Mr. John C. Daniels, Superintendent of Corps 9 , Tobago, has been appointed to the Senate and to the post of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Congratulations, Mr. Daniels.

NEW AMBULANCE

As reported earlier two new ambul.ances were delivered from Britain, one gomg to Port-of-Spain, and the other, donated by the Rotary Club of St. Fernando, was presented to SJA St. Fernando recently. In this presentation picture are (left to right) Mrs B A. Cricklow,. Superintendent (N), Mr. F. M1SlI, QC, Administrative Adviser, Rotary International, Mr. K. Raymond, Area Commissioner SJAB, Mr. J. C. Rookes, President Rotary Club and Area President SJ AB and Mr. K. Gill, Deputy CommiSSioner SJAB. (Photo: Winston Mayer, San Fernando)

Mrs. Sylvia Ena Fran cis, coun y staf f officer, nursing cadets , Pembrokeshire; Mrs. Paulin e Smith, chief officer of cadets for Wales; Miss Marj 0 rie Hilda Sykes, assistant district superintendent , West GlaJililorgan; Mrs. Rosa Dickens-Jenkins , cO\!lnty staff officer, Carmarth e nshire.

Officer (Brother): William Allen , former divisional superintendent Crynant Ambulance Division, Mid-Glamorgan Samuel Butler, district staff officer, Flitlt ; J ames Clark, district staff officer, East Glamorgan; John Dart, divisional superintendent , Trethomas Ambulance Division ; Benjamin Davies , county staff officer , ambulance cadets, Breconshire ; Frederick Daniel Dav ies divisional superintendent, Gorseinon group of works Ambulance Division, West Glamorgan

Kenneth John Evans district staff officer ambulance cadets, East Glamorgan ; William Arthur Fowler district staff 0fficer, Rhondda and Pontypridd; William Thomas Harvie-Harris, former Western Mail photographer; Benjamin Fran cis Harris , district staff officer North Monmouthshire

Haidane Torrey Harris, divisional superintendent, Ris ca Ambulance Divis ion John Vaughan Lewis , county staff officer, Denbighshire ; Michael Rowland Godfrey Llewellyn, chairman West Glamorgan; Richard James Lloyd, divisional superintend e nt Flint and Courtaulds Ambulance and Nursing Division ; Thomas John Long, assistant commissioner , North Glamorgan; Col. George Jenkin Morgan pre s ident, Carmarth en Ambulan ce and Nursing Division ; Idri s Ivor Parfitt, district staff officer ambulan oe cadets , North Monmouthshir e. Robert Hadfield Park e r , pre sident , Ea st Moor s Works Ambulanc e Division, East Glamorgan ; Thomas Owen Parry, county staff officer, Caernarvonshire ; Earn est Kendrick Rogers, county staff officer, Denbighshire ; Clifford Tucker, divisional sup erintendent,

Pontllanfraith Ambulance and Nur sing Divisio n; William Henry Vowles, divisional superintenden t , Tredegar Ambulance Division; Len Williams, county secretary, Angles ey; William William s, district secretary Rhondda and Pontypridd Fred erick Wyatt divi sional superinte nd e nt, Taibach and Port Talb ot Ambulanc e mvision

Officer (Sister) : Mrs Virginia Elizabeth Cooper, assistant district superintend e nt South Monmou thshire; Mi ss Jean Christina Evan s, distri c t nursing officer, East Glamorgan; Miss Olive May Jones, distri c t staff. officer, nursing cadets South Monmouthshire ; Mrs. Gladys May Tho m'as, assistant district su perin tendent North Monmouthshire; Mrs. Martha Thomas district staff officer, cadets Mid Glamorgan

Mrs. Margaret Williams, district staff officer, Mid Glamorgan; Mrs Margaret Vale rie Wilmo t , district superintendent , North Monmouth shire ; Mrs. Jean Barclay Pu gh , vice-pre sident , nursing , Mid Glamorgan ; Mrs Edith Elizab e th Thomas, divisional superintend e nt, Tredegar nursing division.

Retires after 29 years

On Wednesday June 17 Mi ss Abig ale Luker of Appletree Dinas Rhondd a. Glam, was presented with an e ngr aved plaque on her retiremen t after 29 y rs. faithful service with the St. John Ambulan ce Brigade She had rea ched the rank of Divisional Superintendent. Th e plaque was pres e nted by Mrs S.A Powell (Secretary) & a bouquet of fl o wer s by Mrs D Kainey (Treasurer) on behalf of th e Offi c ers and Nurses of th e Cy mmer Nursing Division Als o present was Mr s. J Williams Asst. Su p t ( N ) r e prese n t ing t he Rhondda & Pon t ypridd Distri c t st. John Ambulan ce Brig ade who e xpre ss ed her best wishes for a happy retirement. Miss Luker expr e sse d h e r t han k s an d appreciation.

18-year-old Diane Davis tells us monthly about her life as a

STUDENT NURSE

BACK FROM HOLIDAY. Back to nursing in London, where it is as hot as it wa s in Majorca. I was staying in a very small town on that island and my enquiries for the local hospital , to see how Spanish nur ses fare , proved fruitless. The hospital s on the island must be in the capital , Palm a, where I went for only a few hours. So as a fore ign c orrespondent I'm afraid I'm hopeless; at least that's what the editor said.

Back to the home front then I'm now in the seventh month of my first year at UCH and on returning from holiday (in plenty of time , by the way) I went on to a male surgical ward, where I' ll be for the next months. Th is ward can take 30 patients ; the staff comprises sister , two staff nurses , and on average twelve nurse s. We' re a very young st aff , and although I h a ven't asked sister her age I'd say w e 're all under 30.

Th e geriatri c w ard , wher e I was for thr ee months , entailed very basi c training , looking after elderly people , which is a fundamental of nursing. This training still applies to our patients in the surgical ward ( as it does of c ourse to all pati e nts) but now I have b e come more involved in treatment; putting into practice what we were taught in school during the introductory courses. The pattern of the training is now becoming clear to me.

The ages of our patients range from 18 to 70 years. Most of them are British , but we also have a Greek and an American. The American who is about 2 7 , naturally is inclined to call all of us nurses by our Christian names, as are the younger British patients come to that , but this just isn't done. At their request , we are soon addre ssing the younger patients by their Christian names, but all pati e nts must call us Nurse Davis etc. I ' m sure there must be Some very good reasons for such one-sided formality; but I would have thought a less formal nurse/patient relationship, which would soon find its own level , depending on the individuals concerned , c ould be nothing but beneficial to patients One reason for this formality is that "nurse" can give help unacceptable from "Mary "

'Our patients range from total hip replacement , via slip discs , to removal of a foreign body from the elbow. But they all need the same degree of nursing care. For instance, every quarter-hour for the first four hours after the operation we take blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration Patients who are completely immobilised have to be turned (to avoid discomfort and to p reven t pressure sores) , hel p-w ashed, blanket -b a thed daily , mouth-cared ; anything , in fad , to make them comfortable during this post-operative period, for we are their second selves. Early Surgical ward experience makes one realise how essenti a l nursing is to post-operative patients if they are to quickly recover from Surgery.

Of course one soon gets over this feeling of being so essential to immobilised patients (one just has to, as a nurse's job is essentially practical rather than sentimental), but I must say, after being so strict about treatment, it's nice to hear them call you, quietly, by your Christian name and smile. It's as thouglu they are talking to their other self.

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.8 (70) Comp i led by W.A.Potter ACROSS:

1. Secretion completing digestion of food (6 ,9); 9. More than fifty by a Northern African State. (5); 10. Amputate both ends of femur for a bird. (3) ; 11. Bone articulating with the malleoli. (5) 12 Mud in ears upset girl caring for small children (9) 13. Hip of crew member with a following. (4) 15. Quite as much as one can manage. (7) 18. As leper has worsening of condition during convalescence. (7) 20. Severe in London district after ten. (7) 22. Man trod in substance used in dyeing, causing a smarting pain. (7) 23 Have sufficient stamina to last out. (4) 25. Development after severing the close attachment to mother. (9) 29. Go after vehicle for marine freight (5) 30. Means of propulsion on water. (3) 31. After light blow he appears in fibrous tissue at junction of two muscles (5) 32 M.B learning to use adaption for under the chin. (9 ,6)

DOWN:

1. Concern e d with the viscera. (9) 2. Tossed in Scotland. (5) 3. F inally consumed sodium salt forming 27 Down (5) 4. Globe in orbit. (7) 5. How one is struck when astounded (7) 6. Tissue forming framework of mucous membranes and many viscera. (9) 7. A small beginning of a ureter. (5 ) 8. Ornamental part of uniform. (4) 14. Haemorrhoids result from this vessel becoming varicost} (6 ,4) 16. Lousy egg in the hair. (3) 17 But a blow here is painful , and no laughing matter. (5,4) 19. In short, vascular l a yer investing brain and spinal cord. (3) 21. Take advantage of a great achievement. (7) 22. Cold wind from the Alps beginning with mist (7) 24. Pain of inflammed part intensifying with each heart beat. (5) 26. Bundle ofaxons in inner vessel. (5) 27. Gouty deposits to precede dislocated hip. (5) 28. Roman needle (4).

Solution To Crossword No.7 (70)

Across

1. Redcurrant Jelly : 9. Stapedius: 10 Jew.el: 11. Suture : 12 Lent.i go : 14. Year: 15. Barb: 17 Meeds : 18. Child: 21. Eros : 22 Trio : 25. Rickets : 27 Diploe : 29 Iliac : 30 Acritical: 31 Light Adaption

Down

1. Rest: 2. Dracula: 3. Uterus: 4. Reiterate : 5 Nasal: 6 Jejunum: 7 . Low-Dive: 8. Yellow S'pot: 13 Myo c ardial : 16 . Blood Drip: 19. It-chin-g : 20. Deep Cut : 23 Rh.on.chi : 24. Aphtha: 26 Sc.ald: 28. Elan

Lady Brecknock at Hampshire C0unty inspecti0n. See HAMPSHIRE. (photo:

Hampshire Chronicle)

News from the Divisions

BI RMINGHAM- a 'Major Catastrophe Incident' was staged in HIe goods yard of British Railways at Tyseley recently. The alert was given at 9-30 am, and in company with Police, the Fire and Ambulance Service , Civil Aid, Red Cross , W.V S and teams from the major hospitals, we made our respective dashes across the city. As many of us were in the 'know' due to being organisers pa t ients, and make-up we had some idea of the pro cee dings. arrival at the yard, we checked with control and proc ee ded to the scene Petrol wagons off the line had collided with a pass enger train involving some 200 casualties. Apart from the IS corpses (dummies), there were numerous fractures, shock, hysteria , wounds, burns, etc. These were efficiently dealt with and quickly removed to hospital. The 'stand-down' was at 12-00, and by then 'only the wreckage and debris remained. We learned a lot - and if ever a true catastrophe occurred, we in St. John would, I feel, be ready.

EXETER-Nursing Cadet Division has just enrolled Sam , its newest recruit.

Sam is a small plastic skelton and has been bought with the money won by the cadets in the Lord Mayor of London 's Venture Award Scheme.

British Showjumper

Andrew Fielder, vice-president of the Harrogate Nursing Cadet Division, presented the first G rand Prior' Badges gained in Harrogate for 10 years to Cadet Leader Derek Baines and Sergeant Denise Rogerson of Harrogate cadet divisions at their an nual awards night. (photo; Actorill, Harrogate)

Workington's first G rand Prior badge is presented to Anthea Stagg, now an adult member and full-time childrens' murse, by County Staff Officer Mrs Mary You ng, and watched by her mother (p h oto; Cumberland Star Ltd.)

Exeter cadets and Divisional Officer Miss Eileen Greenslade meet 'Sam' See EXETER (photo; Western Morning News) •

Preston Cater receives 308 Bermondsey Combined D vis ion's first Grafld Prior badge from RearAdmiral R. S. Wellby, Deputy Co m miss ioner-inChief

Object of the scheme was to give youth groups throughout the country an opportunity of proving they were doing something worthwhile to serve the community in which they lived.

Miss Hilary Webb, the Divisional Superintendent , submitted a report explaining how the nursin g cadets, whose ages vary from 11 to 16 years worked through the school holidays , including Christmas Day, helping the W.R.V.S. to serve Meals on Wheels, something they have been doing now for two years.

The cadets and their younger colleagues have also knitted blanke t squares making them into knee rugs for old folks and prepared scrap books for the children's wards of local hospitals.

HAMPSHIRE-a thousand SJA members paraded at Winchester recen tly to be inspected by Lady Brecknock; Hampshire

is her home county, so fittingly her last inspection before retirement as Superintendent-in-Chief was here. Accompanied by Lady Power County Superintendent, Commander A. E. Morrison RN (retd.), Hampshire 's Commander SJ A and Capt. M. P. R. Boyle , County Commissioner, Lady Brecknoc k took an hour to inspect this fine tUTTI out, for there wer e many members she just had to stop and talk to. Lady Brecknock who will continue as County Vice President, was given three resounding cheers b efo re taking the sal ute at the mar ch-p ast for the last tim e as Superin tendent-in-Chief.

ANDOVER-the Nursing Cadets' team beat seven senior teams re ce ntly to become the holders of the Eli Lilly first aid trophy.

The cadets, competing at Park Prewitt Hospital, Ba singst o ke, did extraordinarily well against some strong opposition. The Farnborough Ambulance Division were second and the Basingstok e Ambulance Division third _ The task set the various teams evolved around two brother working outside their cottage i n the New Forest. One of them was using a revolving saw to slice up logs cuts his left a rm badly and as he falls also fractures his knee cap. Then his brother has a cerebral haemorrhage and he , in fa lling , fractures a femur.

The teams were given 15 minutes to diagnose and treat the casualties. The Andover team was the only one to g e t it all right.

The winning side was led by Cadet Supt. Mrs. S. Wicks with Sgt. Lesley Waite, Cadet Leader Jackie Harp and Cpl.

Darlington Nursing Division celebrated its Golden Jubilee recently (photo; North of England New s-p ape r s Ltd.)

Sergeant Mrs. Peggy Hamilton receives librarian's certificate from County Nursing Officer Mrs. A. E. Purkis. See SOUTHAMPTON (photo ; N. Hughes, Woolston)

Sone of the Lincolnshire (South) members on duty at the National Caravan Rally. See LINCOLNSHIRE

Andover Nursing Cadet's successful first aid team. See ANDOVER (photo ; Andover Advertiser). And Blackpool's newly-formed ambulance cadet band. See BLACKPOOL (photo ; B lack pool Gazette and Herald)

Susan Spackman. Christine Turner was the reserve.

In the anmual competitioN to find the most eff icie m. t cadet division in Hampshire, th€ Andover Nursing Cadets came second losing the cup by three marks.

LINCOLNSHIRE (SOUTI;'O- the Association and Bliigade supplied first aid coverage for the National Caravan Rally, at which there were 2,600 caravans and 10,000 people, held during May. Members duty hours were 765, first aid was rendered to 132 people, 9 being taken to hospital, and 27 were seen by the M.O. Casualties included fractures, cuts, burns, scalds, sore throats , coughs, conjunctivits, allergies, d0g bites, coronaries, <duodenal pains, and most surprisingly of all, a request for the 'pill'.

A letter of appreciation was received from the National Caravan Club organising secretary, Major Cartmel MC, and personal thanks from the Caravan Club members. As always, our Command€r, Capt. P H. E. Welby-Everard RN, app€ared; th.ese app€arances mean a lot. Thank you sir.

SOUTHAMPTON-and Calmore Nursing Divisions held their joint annual inspection at St. John headquarters, Southampton, recently. Mrs Peggy Hamilton divisional sergeant, was presented with her hospitals librarian certifi cate and badge after attending a 4-day special course followed by an examination in London. She is the first Hampshire member to gain this certificate.

County Nursing Officer Mrs A. E. Purkis expressed delight at seeing so many young members in the division, and thanked all members for their loyalty and hard work. Congratulations were also expressed on incr€asing memb€rship.

Mrs. R. R. Carr, Superintendent SouthamRton Nursing Division, reported that during 1969 members completed 1,449 public duty hours and 57 escort duties.

BLACKPOOL-the SJA, ambulance cadet band has been in existence for only a few weeks. The adult division gave them a small financial starter and th€ officers went round 'scrounging' various items of equipment, with the result that they have already made their first public appearance iIi procession with a local church Rose Queen.

An interesting fact is that all the bandsmen must hold a first aid certificate befor€ playing in public, a regulation which Major J D. Cameron MBE (No 6 Area Commissioner) insists upon.

In the picture, on the left is Mr. R. Lawrence (bandmaster), an officer in the Blackpool Ambulance Service, and on the right DjO D. Lowis, also of the Blackpool Ambulance Service. Centreback is Cadet Leader J. Gardner. Not in the picture is Cadet Superintendent A. Taylor. If anyone has any E Flat trumpets lying idle the cadets can put them to good use. (Tel. Blackpool 25820. Mr. Lowis.).

Blackpool ambulance members attended, with the mobile first aid post on the lower walk of the Norbreck Promenade, the Longton and District motor club car sprint trials. Also the Nursing membelis PHt in 160 hours of public duty at the Blackpool Division of the Girl Guides camping rally which was held at Stanley Park, Blackpool - some 50 casualties were treated. Other menbers were on duty at local entertainments, whic h are n@w in full swing. Some Blackpool members have been on holiday , so our resources have been stretched.

The ink wasn't dry on the first aid certificate of 10 year old John Watson, of Blackpool, before he presented himself in uniform at the Blackpool Ambulance Service Depot for a tour of duty. The duty officer, Mr. T. Waterhouse, also a SJA member, allowed him to see the radio and t elephone procedures and not wishing, to dampen his spirits promoted John to commander-in-chief first aid post; although not treating any casualties, John went ho ,me tha t n ight well pleased with hims€lf with a fine story to impress his brothers and sisters.

OBITUARIES

Miss Dorothy Constance Morter, aged 77-, of Moseley, Officer (sister) of the Order.

Lady Virginia Sykes, President, Driffield (Y mks) Nursing Division for 26 years.

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NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD LONDON , E C Ophthalmic Student Nurses Candida es accepte d at the age of 1 7 to com mence an 8 months co ur se o training as Ophthalm c Students. Moorfields Medal and Certificate awarded o successfu I can dida tes Well equ ipped School of Nurs ng. Successfu I candidates, o n comp leti on may enter th e General Tra ning Schoo of t hei r chO ce. Comfortable N urses' H ome in Kensingto n with n easy reach o f he Alber t H all. Victoria and Albert Museum and Th eatres, Tenn s Court Ac ti ve So c al Club

Applicat ons in writing t o the Matron. (8)

MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD, LONDON E C 1 Vacancies exist fo r State Enrolled Nurses to 'f o the Post-Enrolled tra ini ng In Oph halmic Nursing T welve months' course, o which wo months are spent In the School of NursinQ Moorfi e lds Cer tif icate of Pr of ic iency and Meda awarde d to su ccessfu ida tes who a e a so prepared for the ProfiCiency Certificates of th e Ophthalmic Nl,Irsin g Board Opportun es for promotion an d practi ca re sp o n sibility in he specia li st fi eld of nursing

Apply t o Miss M B M acKe ll ar Matron (26)

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE TRAINING 18 - 45 YEARS OF AGE (C a dets 16 - 17 years)

nO" LEVELS NOT ESSENTIAL

Residence Provided if Necessary

Further details from: The Principal Nursing Officer, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. (63 )

HOSPITAL CAREER

TOURS

First Aid Training Is Essential

The

RAISING FUNDS?

ST. JOHN REVIEW

Comment

Cadet

Accident Release Kit, by Ben R. Jarman p.7 Around and About, by the Editor p.8

The Teachings of Florence Nightingale by M. M. Scott p.l2

Readers' Views p.14

Cadets, Our Source of Survival by David Dubut p.16

The Order Investiture p .17

Films p.l8

New Books p.l9

News from Scotland p.20

Overs eas News p.21

News from Wales p. 22

News from the Divisions p.22

Student Nurse, by Diane Dayjs p.24

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W 8. (01 603-8512)

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'LOoking-glass, tell me .' say these cadets from Murton, preparing for the Durham County competition finals (Photo: The Northern Echo)

MERGER

MERGER of the Association and the Brig a d e is the most important - an d so the most controversial - single factor in the policy of St John Ambulance today. Once again it was the main topic on the agenda of the 1970 Annual Conference and brought forth the most varied - an d heated - views.

Let us try to recap on the reasons why merger of the two Foundations was mooted in the first place. The national headquarters of any organisation exists to look at the organisation as a whole. It must ensure that the organisation and its image successfully fit into the current pattern of the country. The Association and the Brigade , as two parts of the Order of St John, were an unwieldly structure bo th in terms of efficiency and public image. So jt was decided to have one Foundation, which makes sense.

But what then? Is this one organisation to have people called members, some uniformed and others not? Does every member have to hold a first aid certificate? Are funds of the two previous branches to be pooled or kept separate? Does the constitution have to be reviewed and possibly changed? Does the para-military structure of the Brigade continue?

The se are just some of the questions about merger which are still unanswered; questions which could be dynamite so far as some of the doyens of the organisation are concerned. But questions which must be answered, none the less.

So merger , if it is to be carried out nationally, and not be just a new word bandied about, means a complete re-shaping or re-styling of the St John Ambulance Association and Brigade. Is that necessary? Is the organisation as it stands out of date? Not out of date for this year, or next, but for the next fifty years? That is the question we must very objectively ask ourselves. Is it, in fact, falling behind ?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then surely merger is a golden opportunity which should be grasped with both hands?

Also on the agenda of the last two annual conferences was concern for decreases in both certificates issued and Brigade strength. Is this a coincidence?

In ten years time these decreaSing figures may prove conclusively that the Foundation's activities have been on the wane, and then everyone will wish that merger came earlier, that Districts and Counties had combined and co-operated with National Headquarters to make pl ans for a soun d , working structure; plans which could be prepared now at Headqu arters by a committee made up of Distric t and County representatives. Of course there may be rebels. If they can't abide by decisions on national policy formulated in this way there would be but one alternative.

The Editor.

Cadet Essay Competition

BEST ENTRY

AN INTERNATIONAL FAMILY

by Denise Sisley, aged 13, of Welling, Kent

I HAVE CHOSEN for the main theme of my comparison that, as in the years of Malta, St John is an international family practising and demonstrating a service to our fellow men

In the first fifty years in Malta men from Provence, Auvenge, Fr ance, Italy, Aragon, Germany and Engl a nd fought side by side to defend the island of Malta and the Christian states of Europe

And now members from the four corners of the earth unite in helping the rest of mankind This is illustrated in the international aid given to the starving men, women and children in the defeated state of Biafra An example of this was shown in the May edition of the Review when volunteers were asked to join St . John Ambulance medical teams which w€re needed in Nigeria.

During the Knights of Malta's continuous fights with the heathen Turks, the eyes of Europe were on the battles

For if Malta had been conquered, or the Moly Land and Rhodes, it would have left Europe open to attacks from the Turks.

The knights of the Order were greatly admired by the heads of states of Europe, and also by their enemies. Even in England where Queen Elizabeth the first had confiscated the Order's land and other possessions, prayers were said for 'the defenders of Christendom'.

It's ironic that so many gave their lives for the defence of Christian kingdoms to be later conquered by a 'ChFistian' (?) leader, Napoleon.

The leaders of Europe showed their appreciation of the Order's defence of Christendom by gifts of land and money.

Today the appreciation of thousands of Feople is shown by their generosity on flag days and by their patronage of Brigad.e and other fUNctiONs.

One 0 u t s tanding display of appFeciatiJon was show!iIJ last year at t he R.ememberance Day service at the Royal Albert Hall ; during rehearsals the Iepresentatives of the armed forces 2

KENT PRODUCES BEST ENTRY: CHESTERFIELD COMMENDED MOST and since then we have been devoted to works of charity.

In 1926 the first division in the Commonwealth was formed in Durban , South Africa. Since then divisions have be en formed throughout the Commonwealth. Which proves that, as in Malta in the 16th century, today we ar e an international family where discriminati on of race, colour and c reed has no place.

An international family to which I am proud to belong!

MOST COMMENDED

THE MOST VENERABLE ORDER

by Robert Ian Merrick, aged 14 , of New Whittington , Chesterfi eld

they escaped by swimming across the harbo u r to safe ty. In the siege of St Elmo one hundred and thirty knights were killed and eight t h ousand of the best Turkish fighting men lost their lives. The Turks persisted against Senglea and Fort St. Michael, but by September 7 a relief force routed them. Prosperity returned to the island and once more great achievements wer e born at great cost.

We in St. John Ambulance usually operate in a more peacefu l environment to precede expert help. In this St John today diffe r s from that of four hundred years ago, but it still serves man regardless of class or creed, as did the Knights of Malta.

Today the role of the Brigade is universal. Our work stretches over a wide field, from duty at football matches to manning motorway patrols. Such perils as the speed of the urban motorways cause drastic and often fatal results. I have been at two of these accidents; in such cases most injuries are curable but often only because of someone's knowledge of first aid.

In many areas men give their spare time to shape youngsters not simply into ambu l ance c adets but also into useful citizens who might otherwise join the large number of often criti cised louts.

CADET

applauded when representatives of the Brigade and various other voluntary organisations entered.

Many of my friends are of the opinion that the work of our ancestral Order of St John has no connection with the work of our present three-fold organisation: the Order, the Association and the Brigade the last two h avi ng recently merged.

In f act the original Order had three types of workers: the knights who did the actual fighting and protection of Christian proper ty and ideals, the chaplains who served in the chur ch and the serving brothers who cared for the poor and the sick.

It is the serving broth ers and the chapl ai ns who the present day Brigad e takes after, for we are on duty at every public occasion to help the sick and the injured We also do voluntary service in ve Fious capacities, such as in hospHals and nursing homes.

Isn't it odd that in the twentieth century we are stin doing escort duty, as did the knights in the Holy Land?

The militaristic duties of the Order ceased when Napoleon took over Malta

The Most Venerable Order of Saint Joh n, seven words which ring loud l y in th e h earts of thousands of young peopl e throughout this country. Words w h ich have meant l abour , death, and destruction for centuries. Although for many years dedicated men fought and were killed , the Order did not die. The first members of the Order , th e Honour ab le Knights, encountered many dange rs.

After the fall of Rhodes the Hospitaller s' hom e was not a set tl ed one They wondered around the Med iterranean until in 1530 Charles V granted them the island of Malta, whic h was to be their home until l7 98.

After the fertile lands of Rhodes Malta was a great cha ll enge, but the hospitaller s quickly set about t o fortify their new home. The Grand Master organised the building which went on until the first siege in 1565. During the fortification programme the ho spitalle rs also soug ht to protect trad ers and the Barbery coast of North Africa from raiders.

Th e hospitallers were also great engineers. Their flagship, the Santa Anna, was a mech anica l wonder. H had six d ec ks carried fifty la rge ca nnon and was the first armour plated ship in h isto ry.

In 1565 the siege of St Elmo began. The battle last ed nearly a month and it ended with all but five soldiers dying, and

In add i ti on to a knowledge of first aid many other things are learned by St John members such as self discipline , smartness, good manners, and the practical subjects of signalling , road usage, language interpretation , assistance to others in need (e g. paraplegics).

Some members stand by during school activities, some assist in the o ld peoples' homes and some are an essential part of our hospital service.

We learn, too , of things beyond the more easily curable injuries to the body; the effect on the mind must not be ignored, and much is now being taught about this very important subject of physio-therapy.

All this knowledge is developed and expanded as the cadet transfers to the adult section and his presence in industry becomes a tremendous asset in times of emergency - in fire services, factories and mines where we find the nucleus of so many ambulance divisions. In our part of the co un try, as in many others, we are fortunate in having real practical help and Support from the National Coa l Board, which realises only too well the importance of our organisation to the safe ty of its men

Shining at the head of our flag and appearing on all things appertaining to the Order of St John is that always-to-be-remem b ered emblem, following the design of the Maltese Cross, its points indicating the four beatitudes and Our code of honour, which I could commend to all young people in the Words: 'If there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.'

What you have to do:

A GOOD PHOTOGRAPH, like the o ne a bove, tells a visual story. Who ever l ooks at the picture imagines their own particular version of the story. The caption writer's j ob is to say something that will help the imagination to get the most enjoyment or interest out of the picture. This time YOU are the caption writer.

With the above picture are supplied the following facts: 'At the H arrow Nursing Cadet Division's annual open evening, l5 -year-ol d Jennie Smith (we'll call our girl) demonstrates 'Care of Animals' wit h h er own cat, which she brought along for the eveni ng. 'Ca re of animals' is one of the m any subjects taught to the 60,000 St John Ambulance ca de ts in Britain .'

Now your job is to write a caption of

not more than 20 words, which can, if you wish, include a short headline, such as TIDDLES HELPS CADETS, followed by the caption - in this case up to seventeen words.

Entries must be on a competition form (page 23), which will also be published in the O ctober and November issues, and sent to the Review Competition, St John Ambulance H/Q, I Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.I. by December I 1970.

The best three cadet entries (in the editor's opinion) will receive book prizes.

Adult members (no prizes this time, I'm afraid) are welcome to submit their captions and then we'll be able to compare the best three of each section. I'll write one too, by the way, and I only hop e you'll all put me to shame.

The Editor

Essay Competition winner: 13-year-old Denise Sisley, a member of London District's CN37 Bexley Division since she was 9 years old (PMoto: Kentish Times)

Photo Harrow Observer

Community Cape

too are excellent. The St. John Class is no longe r just to teach washing and bandaging bu t is concerned with the total care of the patient.

A TALK ON A HIGHLY TOPICAL SUBJECT FOR SJA MEMBERS GIVEN AT THE MEDICAL CONFERENCE 1970

BY MRS. M. F. SEARS SRN SCM ON

WHEN WE THINK of the modern district nurse, no longer -do we imagine her as a Sarah Gamp figure trudging round the streets in maxi clothes, into which was sometimes tucked a bottle of ginsustenance for the nurse, not the patient!

The district nurse of today is a highly skilled, bedside nurse, a health educator, who has a wide knowledge of the social services. She has been described as a 'Travelling Citizens' Advice Bureau'.

One of the most striking developments in recent years in the National Health Service is the increased emphasis being placed upon the care in the community. If the full benefits of recent advances in medical science are to be available to all who need them it is essential that the patients should be in hospital only so long as they need specialist services which the hospitals alone can provide. This requires a highly sophisticated domiciliary nursing service employing nurses and auxiliaries of various skills, and making use of the most modern techniques, not only in nursing procedures, but also in organisation, management and communication

Many district nurses now work as members of a health team giving community care. The team usually consists of the following:

1. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS usually several working together in a group in a health centre or a large surgery.

2. HEALTH VISITORS, SRN, SCM, HVthe long term visitor, from the cradle to the grave, who knows the family under all circumstances.

3. DISTRICT MIDWIVES, SRN, SCM QN - caring for the mother and baby, during pregnancy, labour and the puerperium, early discharges from hospital, until the baby is 10-28 days old. Some district m idwives deliveli in lwspital as well as on the district , thus giving continuity of patient care together with the GP in the safety of the hospital.

4. DISTRICT NURSES , SRN, SCM, QNcaring for the patient under the direction of the GP. Many of the district nurses have special training, to enable them to give total patient care. Frequently the trained district nurse will assess the needs of the patient and lay on the social needs , e.g. meals on wheels.

5. S.E N. - If good bedside nursing is then required she will probably delegate the nursing to the SEN, who is often a member of the team.

6. NURSING AUXILIARY - If however the patient is mainly in need of a weekly bath , this duty might well be allocated to a nursing auxiliary or a member of St. John. The district nurse will then supervise this case very carefully and should the patient's condition change take the case back, and care for her herself.

In certain cases it is essential for this team to have close liaison with hospital doctors, nurses, medical social workers and sometimes medical auxiliaries, such as physiotherapists.

More often perhaps it is necessary for them to work closely with the staff of a local health and welfare authorityincluding the home help organiser, social workers, particularly those with responsibilities for the handicapped , where aids are required.

Last but no means least there are the voluntary organisations who provide meals on wheels, loan depots, nursing aids, good neighbours, night sitters-in, day clubs and many other valuable services. Another feature that has been developed is the use of the case conference - frequently for two or three members of the team concerned with a particular case, or the whole team sometimes with staff of the Local Authority and other statutory bodies and the voluntary organisations where this is felt to bejushfied and where there is a real problem.

EQUIPMENT

No longer do the district nurses have different equ ipm ent from their colleagues in hospital. As far as possible disposables are used. Dressings are supp li ed on an EC 10 , or in some areas where the li aison with the hospitals is good and their CSSD is large enough to deal with demands from the district , the nurses draw their dressings from th e local CSSD.

Most local authorities supply patients with incontinence pads , and some have a laundry service. Sheep skins, ripple bed s and hoists are also available for those who need them.

Walking aids , bath aids etc can al so be obtained when requested by the di strict nurse or social worker, and adaptions to homes for the benefit of the handicapped.

THE PLACE OF ST JOHN IN COMMUNITY CARE

In the recent government paper on the future structure of the National Health Service, particular mention is made of the part to be played by voluntary workers. It states that there is undoubtedly a much greater potential for the participation of voluntary workers in the health service than has been re-alised in the past, and a much wider ro le for t he work of voluntary organisations. There are many needs of the sick and handicapped which are better met by voluntary werkers than by paid sta ff.

This, surely, is a call to St John, and with this in mind we sho u.Jd look at our teaching In this respect the publication of the new nursing manual is most opportune. It was written with the acceptance that St. John will need a different type of training to enable them to play their part to the full in community care. Miss Markham whO prepared the new manual h as done a wonderful job. It is clear, easy to read and to understand, and gives plenty of scope to the instructor. The illustrations

Many members have been giving valuable help to the housebound and to the nursing staff in the good neighbour scheme and the nursing aid scheme. They have however been taught little about the wider aspects of community care.

The total care of the patient and her family almost inveriably requires a great deal of help from several people.

Sometimes the family has to be supported if the patient has to be removed from the home. If the bread winner is ill then perhaps Social Security may so lve that problem, but finance is not always the answer. Usually several rna tters have to be considered. If a patient has to go t o hospital he will need visiting; mother may not have anyone she can call upon to do her work in the family while she is away, so arrangements have to be made for someone else to take on the respon sibil i ties. It may be purely

PRINCE PHILIP VISITS SJA KENT

domestic - fetching the children from school and giving them their tea, or sitting with an elderly rel ative. These very valuable duties may well be undertaken by older members of the Brigade who n; longer feel able to carry out public duties; these duties of course come under the good neighbour scheme.

Help is sometimes required where the daughter has to go to work as the bread winner, leaving an elderly relative alone all day. These old er people get very lo nely, the statu tory service visits are usually of short duration and the patient is often left alone for a long time: this gap could well be filled by our Brigade members; they might take the case over entirely , thus relieving the overworked home help service, and bring a great comfort to both the patient and the all too often ex h austed relative. So many patien ts only require a listening ear , so the Brigade member will have to be trained to listen not always as easy as it may seem. Nurses often find it difficult to just sit and listen.

Members can be of great help with night sitting in, in a terminal illness where the relatives wish to nurse then: folks at home, not realising the st rain of disturbed nights and hard days. Here again these duties may well be undertaken by the older m embers

The young mother with many children may wish to have family planning advice, but finds it difficult to attend the clinic because of the children; the Brigade can help by looking after the children. Sometimes the mother is really exhausted and a little help is worth a lot of pitysomeone to pop in and feed the baby or help with the children generally. The cadets shoul d not be forgotten; on occasions they could accompany a m ember, and perhaps play with the children or take them for a walk. Very often a little help or a listening ear will do far more good than drugs. Most of the visits paid by the Health Team are of short duration, once or twi ce a day or even a week in some cases. The remainder of the day the patient has to

Earnest conversation with 'H ubbard's Hussars', members of the Kent Youth Unit, SJA (Photo: Chatham Standard)

Jo hn Fisher (RC) School Combined Division Buckmoor Park Ph oto: Evening Post, Chatham)

(Below Right) Also atSt. John Fisher School D ivision, P rince Philip examines Robin Stear's first aid certificate (Photo: Evening Post, Chath a m )

be cared for by the relatives if there are any. In our modem society families are generally small and people go out to work from necessity, so home helps are often requested, but as there are many demands on these valuable members of the team they have to visit several Gases eaGh day , so once again we find these homeb ound folks very much alone. They have to be put back to bed quite early because the district nurse cannot really travel several miles late at night just for that short visit but it could easily be undertaken by a Brigade member living nearby, perhaps a male member. Not only are these members doing a special service but it does mean the patient is seeing another face and interesting themselves in another family.

Some local authorities employ male district nurses, but usually there are too many men requiring assistance with bathing that they can deal with; this kind of visit might very well be undertaken by a member. Some of our patients get worried about their gardens, especially those who have been keen gardeners : The care of the garden CQuid well be undertaken by the cadets. All these non-nursing duties help to keep the patient happy, worry being the cause of so many of our troubles today. Members must be taught that they are all helping with the treatment in their various ways.

'BEST-BUY' HOSPITALS

Next year sees the opening of the 'BestBuy' hospitals at Bury St. Edmunds and Frimley. These hospitals are based on community care, i.e. a small number of

intensive care beds and rather fewer post-operative beds in relation to the population which is served. This policy was adopted after a study on treatment in hospitals, the results of which showed that many of the patients had hotel sel'Vice after a few days following their operation It is with this in mind that these hospitals are being opened. This will mean that more patients will be cared for in the community. Bearing in mind that these patients were receiving hotel cover in the hospital , more demand s will be made of St. John for the kind of help which they are trained to give.

The following care will be needed:

1. Daily visit from the district nurse who will report back to the doctor.

2. The good neighbour , who will care for the home , see that the patient gets th e right diet, rest, and any instructions by the doctor are carried out rehabilitation , etc. Toilet and general supervision can be carried out by st. John members. As they are taught to observe patients carefully they should know when to send for medical aid, and re ass ure the patient and relatives in time of crisis. Later the patient might return to hospital for further treatment and return home again in need of rehabilitation. The member will then be able to help with walking exercises, etc.

In order to teach these new ideas I think it will be more necessary for us to call on our colleagues in fields other than our own to conduct group discussion s on their · own speciality , and where possible to arrange visits for those members who

TINY TIM,9,VISITS A HOSPITAL

(Junior Timothy Taylor, who joined Upminster and Hornchurch Ambulance Cadets last January, writes about a recent visit he made with Divisional Officer Farrell and fellow cadets to the London Hospital.)

When we arrived at the hospital a lady (1) was there to meet us and show us around the hospital. First we went into the Dental Department and saw people having fillings and bars. We also watched some students make false teeth of all kinds. Then we went into a small room (2) where x-rays were being developed. Most of the x-rays were of teeth because it was in the dental part. The next haUhour was spent looking at other things (3) in the dental department. Then we went outside the builC!i ing and into another (4). This other building was the museum. Here were skulls of monkeys, camels and others. There was a skeleton of a monkey, and a man 7 ft 2ins high (5). In one case was a bat. Then 6

show a particular interest in their type of nu rsing. Patients must not be subjected to streams of vis itors staring at them like animals at the zoo . Spe cial visits could be made to day clubs, occupational therapy centres. Where it is not possible to pay a visit to the place itself, the lo ca l authority health education officer should be asked to supply films, projectors and if necessary a speaker.

I should like to make on i mportant plea. Having trained your members please ensure as far as possible that their services are used It is most d isheartening for members who have freely offered their services and given up many hours of their spare time in order to be tr ained to be left doing nothing. They want to practise what they have been taught - so please use them.

I referred earlier to the emphasis that is being placed upon care i n the community. There is no doub t that this development in the national health service is far from comp let e an d ever-increasing demands will be made on voluntary workers. The government green paper clearly indicates the importance of the role that voluntary organisations and workers are expected to pl ay in the reorganised health service, whatever form it may finally take. Obviously the Secretary of State for Social Services had faith in voluntary help. I have had faith in St. John since I joined the Brigade as a cadet nearly 40 years ago, and I have no doubt that members will once again rise to the occasion and meet the new challenge.

ACCIDENT RELEASE KIT

By Ben R. Jarman (DSO Cadets (A) West Riding)

Author (extreme right) 9-year-old 'Tiny Tim', because of his curly hair, with Divisional Officer and other cadets about to leave for London Hospital. (Photo: Hornchurch and Upminster Echo)

we walked over to a case with some worms that gave you disease in it. The worms I remember are hooked worms and round worms (6.) Then I had a quick glimF>se of some babies that had not been born properly, and the different stages of babies Next we went to have a look at the elephant man's bones and to hear the story of him. Then we saw some hearts, lungs, kidneys and liveiFs. After that we

watched a film (7) about nursillg, and then we had something to eat and drink

I Mrs. Stiles, Nursing Careers Adviser.

2. Dark -Room.

3. Watching dental treatment; students giving treatment to children; students in earlier stages treating dummy head.

4. The London Hospital Museum.

5. The previous curator of the museum.

6. Ring-worm , etc.

7. 'Not so much a Training'- c are ers film made at London Hospital.

SO GREAT has been the response to the arti cle entitled 'Being Prepared for Acciden t Release' , published in the Review of April '69, that further details in the form of line drawings, dimensions and other information should be of value to readers.

Letters requesting further details are arriving weekly from all parts of the country and, the other week, from New Zealand.

Those in terested include several county surgeons, staff officers, divisional superintendents of adult and cadet units, a county ambulance superin tenden t, fire brigades and police forces. In one county , a corps has already commenced this form of training with the co-operation of the local police and fire brigade.

The writer is most anxious to hear from readers who are interested in the 'kit' and in the special training required and would welcome especially news of progres s in their locality and reports of the use of the equipment at any incident.

GENERAL

It is stressed that the 'rescue kit' has been designed solely for the use of those trained in first aid and with adequate knowledge of methods of rescue from crashed vehicles. In the wrong hands , the equipment could do more harm than good. Used skilfully, the kit could be the mean s for saving lives. But DO NOT hinder the work of the emergency services when they arrive with their profeSSional release gear. Remember , that a casualty has to be reached before an accurate diagnosis may be made a nd the minimum first ai d treatment given. In some circumstances , the casualty may have to be released without delay in order that his life may be saved. Special injuries, medical conditions and the presence of fire, water or fumes will indicate the urgent need for immedia te release Aft e r 'breaking into' the vehicle exercise maximum ca re in any treatmen t of the casualty, or any movement , or any attempt to release him by sawing or bending metal components, machinery or other materials. If a petrol engine, switch off the ignition. Send another for the emergency se rvices. Exercise the greatest care fo r the safety of your casualty and yourself on all motorways.

WARNING

Don 't carry this special kit in your vehicle until you have received the necessary training with the fullest co-operation of your divisional superintendent, the fire brigade, the county ambulance service and the police. In the training , the services of a fully qualified motor mechanic a re of great value by way of a talk on the construction of vehicles, including the ir 'weak poin ts' as ideal part s for forCing a n entry for rescue purpose s in an emergency

DETAILS OF UNIT

Container constructed of wood of 5/8in minimum thickness

Both lids open outwards and 'sna p' into the closed position wi th the use of 'gripper catches' (Fig 3). The larger lid is kept in the 'open' position by a length of nylon cord attached to the inside of the lid and to the side at the rear of the carrying handle (Fig 1). In oFder tha t the top of the container may be completely flat and free from knobs etc, finger grooves have been cut out Underneath the lids and both lids are opened simply by lifting at the points indicated in Fig 2 marked 'lid opens here'. The Container is made to lie either flat on the floor on its large base ,

in the boot of a ca r , or at the luggage e nd of an estate-car; OR on its side (opposite si de to the handle) Rubber feet are fitted on the corners of the large base and on the side opposite the carrying handle, to protect the case and the contents from wet roads.

NOTE:

This article sh ould be read in conjunction with the original article on the same subject published in

the Review April '69. Ben R. Jarman , The Manse , Cowling, NT. Keighley , Yorkshire.

THE PROFESSIONALS

Not a TV programme so relax

Picture an am bu lancc service contro l room _ staff answering telephones from the radio receiver information coming in from a distant ambulance crew. The chief ambulance officer surveys the scene - all is well.

Now change the scene to another room about a mile away 011 another evening. What do we fi nd' ) The same group of people doing simi lar work but in different unifo rms! In fact they are now off duty from their place of work. These people are what in Lancashire they call 'the professionals', people who bring their professional skills and experience into the lo cal S]A organisations

At Blackpo ol's Hornby Road S] A Headquarters, where the cadets meet every Thursday eveni ng , they recently installed their first president, Mr. F. Dixon who is the town's ch ief ambulance officer.

After Area Commissicner Major]. D. Cameron MBE had presented the new president with his certificate and badge of office, Mr. Dixon was escorted on the inspe c tion by one of his own staff, Divisional Officer D. Lowis , who works in Blackpool's Ambulance Control. When the inspecting party reached the newly-formed cadet band, what did Mr. Dixcn find? The bandmaster was another of his staff from Ambulance Control, Mr. H. Lawren ce Everyone then settled down a di s play by the first aid t eam, and Mr. Dixon was undoubtedly feeling very much at home by now. But , another surprise; the first aid team was direct e d by Mr. A. Young , yet another of his staff at Ambulance Control! Mr. Dixon must have been mentally checking his duty rosta by now. But no , the next ' professional' he met at th is S] A headquarters was a S ta te Registered Nurse, Mr. P. Wilkinson, who instru c ts the cadets in home nursing and first aid.

This co-operation between SJA Blackpool and the town 's Ambulance Control room goes beyond the human element too. The SJ A mobile first-aid post has a radio link with Control, and so can quickly direct ambulances to outdoor functions attended by the mobile post.

There are many other 'professionals' assisting Blackpool members: Miss K Heyes, who is matron of Blackpool's Victoria Hospital, is a regular lectur e r ; hospital consultants and teaching staff frequently help out; there are three divisional surgeons and three SRN's regularly lecturing ; and the Area Nursing Officer and District Training Offi ce r, with more than 400 divisions in Lancashire 1!0 give talks.

Blackpool's five divisi0ns are indeed fortunate in having its 'professionals'.

OR A FOOT?

S pare-part surgery seems to be popular in 8

ARoUID and ABOUT

WHAT'S GOING ON

IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

NORTHUMBERLAND (above) Dr James F isher, Home Off ice pathologist for Northumberland and Durham, and previousl y divisional surgeon in Northern reland has been appointed Area Commiss io ner No 1. (Right) New County Commisioner J C Smith, 00 St J ex-RAF World War II pilot, now well-known archite c t

APPOINTMENTS

Jersey: D r. W. D Taylor, MB, ChB, - Deputy County Director

Lanes .: Captain T. N. Catlow, OBE , RN. (Ret.) Deputy Cou nt y Director. Col. Long to Dep. Com. Aug. 1. Lt .-Col. Milner to Com. No. 7 Area Aug.I. Somerset : Mrs. Best to Cty. Supt. (N). Vic e: Mrs Bru ce-Stee r. Singapore: Dr S. R S ayampa n athan, MB, BS, DPH appoin ted Commissioner.

Tunbridge Wells. S] A there proclaims : 'We help the injured. Join u s - give a h a nd.

1912 AND ALL THAT I was d e light e d to re a d the story from ]0 e Wren, K St J a former Commissiomer now on the Reserv e in response to the photographs publ.ished of the Royal Review 1912. His account is just as [ always imagine life in Br itain befor e World War One.

{ was very pJeased to s ee the tw o photograp hs of the Royal Review at Wi nd sor Park , June 19 1 2 [ WAS THERE 'Our Division entrained Jate in the evening before the Review and we wer e taken to a railway siding about fifty miles from OLlr home town near Chipping Sod bury , ([ think I have got the right name but there is a little doubt). Here we remained for eight h ours to 'rest What a rest it was! As soon as the train stopped everyo n e to a man got out and roamed the co unt rysi d e until daylight 1 I can well remember dancing in the middle of the village fa llin g down and tearing the knee of my trousers. I was n ow not in a fIt state to attend the R oyal R eview, but knocking a good lady up in the morning repairs were soon comp l ete d. Iii b et that village was glad when our traIn mov ed on ' Wh at impressed me mo st at the Royal Rev iew 19 12 was seei ng the R evieWing Officer , Hi s Majesty King George V, on horseback and al so a good many senIor officers of our Brigade following the KJDg on horseback. I have nev er seen so St. John men and women on parade In my life. It was a wonderful sigh t. One note of dep ressio n (at the time) - the queues on the parade ground for packed meals were a mile l ong and by the time w e got our meat pies t h ey were green inside and uneatable.

BY THE EDITOR

'On arrival at Windsor ntilway station for our return journey we found one of our members (who had a weakness for strong 'pop') was missing, so his brother (a teetotaller) was asked to remain behind to find and bring him safely home. When we reached Newport we found our missing member waiting on the platform! Feeling not very well, he had gone to Windsor station and got on the first train home.

'There were so many St. John Ambulance members from South Wales who went to this Royal Review that we had several Special Trains laid on.

ORDER IN SWEDEN

The Swedish Order of St. John celebrated on the May 27 the 50th Anniversary of its constitution as an independent Order. Before the Reformation it had been part of the Grand Priory of Dacia and was subsequently one of the national associations of the J ohanniterorden of Germany.

Rep resentatives of the European Orders of St. John were invited to participate in the celebrations, among

DOWN TO THE SEA.

them the Lord Wakehurst (Baliff of Egle) sent me the following report: and Mr. C T. Evans (Registrar) as L a te June all available members of the delegates of the Venerable Order. Brigade in Essex met at the D ebden Gala The photograph shows t h e a wonderful event organised jointly b; representatives with Baron Hamilton the RAF, RAFA and SJAB , the proceeds Kommendator of the Swedish Order of which are shared by the two civilian the ante- room of the Ridderhusset a fine It is a wonderful day, full 17th century building which was once the of eXCItement. The air display by the Swedish equivalent of o u r House of RAF is absolutely out of this world from Lords, before attending the annual a Spitfire to the R ed Arrows ' General Assembly and In vestiture which aerobatics. In addi t ion to first- aid duties formed part of the ce l ebrations. the Brigade provide a great number of

DEBBIE, DEAR

Essex County Staff Officer T. M. Lytham side shows, organise a most elaborate draw and sell thousands of programmes. We are told by the police that some 10,000 cars were at the airfield this year. It can be imagined from the foregoing that our first-aid posts were kept busy thr?ughout the day, with cuts , stings , brulses, sprall1s, lost children and so on. In the midst of the hurly -bu rly of bands playing, the rat-a-tat-tat of machine guns from the display in the arena by the R oyal Tank Regiment, and the movement thousands of people, emerged two llttle boys carefully carrying a young leveret towards one of our first -aid posts. This new casualty was received and it appeared to have been badly hurt by the grass-cutting equipment used on the aerodrome the day before. At this particular time a mother-to-be who had fainted , and was in some distress, was occupying the attention of the adult nurses and therefore the duty nursing cadets were givien charge of the baby The County Surgeon, after dealing wlth the patient and dispatching her home turned his attention to the little bundle of fur , by now bedded down in a shoe box carefully padded with soft paper tissues , pillow and over sheet all carefully arranged. He instructed tha't it be fed with warm milk once an hour. The cadets christened the hare "Debbie " 9

Throughout that long, hot day, as cad€t nurse relieved cadet nurse, their charge was tenderly handed over and the instructions meticulously carried out by m€ans of an eye dropper filled with warm milk and patiently, drop by drop, fed into the little hare's mouth. At one time its eyes glazed and closed. 'What shall we do?' said the girls. 'Talk to it quietly and stroke it gently' said their officer, and after a while ]ts eyes opened and it took a little more nourishment.

At 6.30 p.m. the County Surgeon made his final rounds and the nursing cadets anxiously awaited the outcome of his examination. 'I think my wife will tak€ care of Debby now' said Dr. Weller and off our lever€t went to become an inmate of the little wild animal infirmary of Mrs. Weller's, wheTe the children of the locality take wild animals they fin d in their excursions in to the countryside.

This true story does not have a happy ending, I'm afraid, for despite all the care and attention lavished on this tiny animal, it survived for only four days. Nevertheless, our nursing cadets showed, through their devotion in nursing this tiny animal, that the true spirit of a St. John nurse is in sucGouring the sick, and this extends equally to all of God's creatures.

NURSES - FOR YOU

.A revised edition of a register describing 12.2. self-instructional programmes suitabl€ for nurses has been published. The programmes cover many subject areas within basic and post registration training, e.g: anatomy and physiology , basic sciences, first aid, nursing administration and practice. Some of the programmes described will be useful to other workers within the Health Service.

The register also contains a resume of the developments of programmed instruction, a further reading list, a list of institutions offering courses in

programmed instruction, and a guide for tutors wishing to introduce programmed instruction into a training course.

The register is available, price l2/6d, plus postage, from: The Secretary, Sheffield Area Nurse Training Committee, Old Fulwood Road Sheffield, S I 0 3TH.

WE ARE HONOURED Browsing through the Ministry of Defence brochure 'The Army Medical Services' came across an interesting item in the chapter dealing with Victoria Crosses:

'The only 'medical' Victoria Cross of the Second World War was won by Lance Cpl. Eric Harden. He started as a butcher 's boy at the age of ten, later taking over his brother-in-Iaw's business. In civil life, ambulance work was one of his greatest interests. He was a Sergeant in the St. John Ambulance Brigad e, a training which stood him in good stead in

the early months of the war when he worked tirelessly through the London blitzes . Later as a Lance Cpl. in the Royal Army Medi cal Corps he was attached to 43 RM Commando.

'O n January 23 194 5, a sub-unit of the Commando coming under intense machine gun fire had to take cover and three other ranks were left l ying wounded in the open. Under heavy fire from guns , mortars, machine guns and rifles - many sited between only 150 and 300 yards away - Lance Cpt. Harden went out and ca lmly a dmini stered first -aid , arresting haemorrhage and giving morphia where needed.

'He carried the first case back to shelter, was wounded in the process and returned with his battledress torn by bull ets. He was ordered not to go forward again and an attempt was made to reach the remaining casualties in the open , firstly in a tank and later under smoke screen. These attempts brought down a fierce intensity of fire and both were unsuccessful.

' In the me a ntime, Lance Cpl. Harden went forward again with two of his comrades a nd a stretcher and brought in a second wounded m an. He repeated this remarkable act of gallantry three or four more times but tragic1y on the last occasion h e fell mortally wounded by sniper fire.

THE ANT AND THE SPIDER

Written by He adquarter's staff officer

Lady Rosula Glyn's 7 -year-old daughter

Ma ry, who ' s ready to join the junio rs as soon as she's eight, this poem seems to have some relevance on the big question facing SJA at present. No prize for anyone who guesses correctly.

The Ant and the Spider wanted to make themselves wider

So the Ant said to the Spider

To make ourselves wider

We will have to join

But they argued all day

To think what to say

The Ant said to the Spider

We'll call ourselves Ant

But the Spider disagreed

Le t's call ourself Spider

To make ourse lves wider

But the Ant said no

So they are no wider

Because if you put an Ant with nothing

He'll be no wider

But if you put a Spider with nothing

You ll have just the same

Because an Ant is no wider than a Spider.

DAD'S ARMY - WITH SJA

I hear that members in Thetford Norfolk, are tak i ng up the acting lar k. A BBC film unit working in the area asked them if t hey could be St. John personnel of the 1939-45 period for an afternoon for sequences to be filmed for an episode of the TV serie Dad's Army.

Nine nurSing and two ambulance m em b ers from Thetford and an ambulance member from ne arby Mundford division, reported to the Bell Hotel, Thetford, for the filming. Having been 'made-up ', the SJA cast together with members of other local organisations who were also to be filmed set off by coach to the location

In contrast to the sweltering heat that Norfolk had been experiencing over the previous two week s, f ilm ing day was

DADS AND SONS

is ded icated, and handed over by the Marquess of Willingdon, Area Presiden East Berks (Photo: Windsor Express)

'Lance Cpl. Harden's gallantry was referred to in the Hous e of Commons by the Se cre tary of State in the following terms - in the newspapers the other day there was, as the House will remember, an account of the heroic action which won the Victoria Cross, unfortun ate ly posthumously for a Lance Cpl. of the Royal Army Medical CC!lfps. I d o not remember reading a nything more heroiC.'

The St. John Review is honoured to refer again to Lance Corporal Harden'S gallantry.

s tr ied a different approach to recru iting at home. The division now has three pairs of fathers and sons serving. Can any division match that? asks Harborne

overcast and cool; the men, who wore heavy suits buttoned to the neck in Sec 0 n d W 0 rId War sty 1e , were comfortable, but n ot so the nursing members , who fo u nd it quite chilly standing around waiting for the filming.

On the location our members were shown their positions and given some i dea of the story of this episode, and the cameras ro lled . B e tween shots they met severa l regu lar members of the cast, who proved to be quite an amiable crowd.

After tea the final shots for which they were needed were filmed and SJA 's cast returned home at about 7.30.

It had been an enjoyable if rather chilly afternoon, wit h thanks from the produ ce r for entering into the spirit of the story.

Thetford members hope everyone -a six million audience, is it? and particularly SJ A members enjoy this show when it is shown on TV later this year. The episode is en titled The Big P arade - so watch out for it.

MYSTERY IN MALTA (cont.)

The baby's attention was focused on the slowly turning, sma ll piece of wood s u spe nd ed in its eye line as I backed away

T.V.

from where it lay in the feeding trough towards the door and freedom. Then suddenly I backed into something; something soft and warm. I spun round. A small, shaggy donkey stood there, its head no higher than my waist.

'Wha t on --!' Then I la ughed The sad-looking donkey, without halt e r , its long coat matted and unkempt, just stood there as though in a field The door I had entered by was sti ll shut. That enormous hall with a jagged hole in its roof was silent. The baby seemed to be watching the impr ovise d toy, although its movement had ceased. A baby - and now a donkey. This was absurd. Perhaps the donkey had more right in this place than the baby, I thought. But I wasn't going to argue; I hadn 't the time; I had to get on watch. One of them - the baby or the donkey - had to go out with me; that was certain. I cou ldn 't leave them together; no matter how much I was not associated with e ither of them. One had to go with me.

Bu t which? Would it be ess incongruous for a young sailor to appear on the streets of Valletta, in the late afternoon when people were astir, carrying a baby or leading a sma ll donkey ? That was a poser. At least I reflected, t h e donkey probably wouldn't cry and so draw a ttention to my predicament. But without a halter how was I to get it outside? I remembered the remains of that piece of rope over by the feeding trough but the thought of disturbing the baby ruled that out. So I tried to push the donkey, by first turning its head towards the door, for an exit. But it wouldn't budge.

in the TV series Dad's Army

I looked around he lplessly Then - ah, my belt. I got my trouser belt and fastened it securely around his neck and pulled. He came reluctantly. I got him to the door lifted the enormous latch, swung back the heavy door , and then started dragging him out into the bright sun light , hoping against hope that no one was about - and that my trousers would stay up

Ascot combined Division's new a mbulance

Thetford (Norfolk) SJA members appear

(Photo: Studio Khyber)

The Teachings of Florence Nightingale

GREAT STRESS LAID ON WHAT SHE

DESCRIBED AS 'TAKING FOOD'

by M. M. Scott (Retired Surgeon-in-Chief)

both in itself and in enabling the patient to ea t more bre a d. Flour, oats, groats, barley, and their kind, are as we have already sa id , preferable in all their preparations to a ll the preparations of arrowroot, sago, tapioca and their kind. Cream, in m a ny long chronic diseases , is quite irreplaceable by any other article whatever. It seems to act i n the same manner as beef tea, and to most it is much easier of digestion than milk. In fact it seldom disagrees. Cheese is not u sually digestibl e by t he sick , but it is pure nourishment for repai ring wa ste ; and I have seen sick, and not a few either, whose c r a ving for cheese showed how mu ch it was needed by them.'

A nd all this wa s before the days of the trained dietitian' A nd finally a word about beds, which when read in the context of the abominable beds of her tim e mak e pungent - if a little optimisticreading.

ITHE TRADITIONAL STANDARD requirements of general nursing could be summarised in Rest, Diet and attention to Toilet and nowadays, although the methods have become more sophisticated, those requirements remain the basis of standard procedure. Florence Nightingale laid great stress upon what she described as 'Taking Food' and her approach showed great insight and understanding 'Every careful observer of the sick will have to agree in this that thousands of patients are annually starved in the midst of plenty, from want of attention to the ways which alone make it possible for them to take food. This want of attention is as in those who urge upon the sick to do what is quite impossible to them as in the sick themselves who will not the effort to do what is perfectly possible for them. If we did but know the consequences which may e nsue, in very weak patients , from ten minutes fasting to repletion, (I call it repletion when they are obliged to let too small an iFltel1Vai elapse between taking food and some other exertion, owing to the nurse's unpunctuality), we should be more careful never to let this occur. In very weak patients there is often a nervous difficulty of swallowing, which is so much increased by any other call upon their strength, that unless they have their food punctually at the minute, which minute again must be arranged so as to fall in with no other minute's occupation, they can take nothing till the next respite occurs - so that an unpunctuality or delay of ten minutes may very well turn out to be one of two or three hours. And why is it flot so easy to be punctual to a minute?

Life literally hangs upon these minutes. A patient should, if possible, not see or smell either the food of others , or a greater amount of food than he himself can consume at one time, or even hear food talked about or see it in the raw state. I know of no exception to the above rule. The breaking of it always induces a greater or less incapacity of taking food.

'A nurse should never put before a patient milk that is sour , meat or soup that is turned, an egg that is bad, or vegetables underdone. Yet often I have seen these things brought into the sick in a state perfectly perceptible to every nose or eye except the nurse's. It is here that the clever nurse appears; she will not bring in the peccant article, but, not to disappoint the patient she will whip up something else in a few minutes.

Remember that sick cookery should half do the work of your poor patient's weak digestion But if you further impair H with your bad articles, I know not what is to become of him or of it.'

Her views on food and food values are so remarkably accurate, even by today's standard, that they are worthy of quoting in detail

'I will mention one or two of the most common errors among women in c harge of sick respecting sick diet One is the belief that beef tea is the most nutritive of all artic1es. N ow, just try and boH d@wn a pound of beef into beef tea, evaporate your beef tea, a nd see what is left of your beef. You will that there is barely a teaspoonful of solid nourishmen t to half a pin t of water in

beef tea; nev e rtheless there is a certain reparative quality in it , we do not know what as there is in tea - but it may safely be given in almost any inflammatory disease, and is as little to be depended upon with the healthy or convalescent where much nourishment is required. Again, it is an ever ready saw that an egg is equivalent to a pound of meat, wherea s it is not at all so. Also it is seldom noticed with how many patients, particularly of nervous or bilious temperament, eggs disagree. All puddings made with eggs are distasteful to them in consequence. An egg whipped up with wine, is often th.e only form in which they can take thiS kind of nourishment. Again, if the patient has attained to eating meat it is supposed tha t to give him mea t is the only thing needful for his recovery; whereas scorbutic sores have been actually known to appear among sick persons living in the midst of plenty in England, which could be traced to no other source than thiS , viz: that the nurse , depending on m eat alone, had allowed the patient to be wi.thout vegetables for a considerable time these latter being so badly cooked that' he always left them untouched. Arrowroot is another grand dependence of the nurse. As a vehicle for wine, and as a restorative quickly prepared, it is all very well. But it is nothing but starch and water. Flour is both more nutritive and less liable to ferment, and is preferable wherever it can be used.

'Again milk and the preparations from milk are a most important article of food for t'he sick. Butter is the lightestki!l1d of animal fat, and though it wants the su?af and some of the other elements whlch there are in milk, yet it is most valuable

cannot be done at all - many more where only an approach to it can be made I am indicating the ideal of nursing, and what I have actually had done. But about the kind of bedstead there ca n be no doubt , whether there be one or two provided.

One word about pillows. Every weak patient, be hi s illnes s what it may , suffers more or le ss from difficulty in breathing.

To t a ke the weight of the body off the poor chest, which is hardly up to its work as it is, ought therefore to be the object of the nurse in arranging his pillows. Now what does she do and what are the consequences? She piles the pillows one a-top of the other like a wall of brick s.

The head is thrown upon the chest. And the shoulders are pu she d forward, so as not to allow the lungs room to ex pand.

'T he only way of really nursing a real patient is to h a ve an iron b e d stead, with rheocline spri ng s , which are p ermeab le by the air up to the very mattre ss (no vall a n ce of ca use) the mattress to b e a thin one; the bed to be not above 3Y2 feet wide. If the p a t ie n t is en tirely confined to his bed, there shou ld be two such bedsteads; each bed to be 'made' with mattress, sheets, blankets e t c., complete - the patient to pass twelve hours in each bed; on no account to carry h is sheets with him. The whole of the bedding to be hung up to air for each intermediate twelve hours. Of course there are many cases where this

FILMSTRIPS ON SAFETY

SAFE OR SORRY (Safety in Industries Series, 250/1 and 250/2)

The filmstrips show a series of well chosen pictures , firstly of an injury and secondly, how the injury cou ld be preven ted or avoided by safe working or appropriate protective equipment.

The wounds are generally well chosen, although the illustrations of wire sticking in a man's eye is indistinct ; there are some horrific illustrations of amputated fingers, toe injury and an eye injury.

Various protective measures are shown, such as hard hats , industria l gloves , steel-capped shoes and stee so le inserts, the use of a stick for sawing, safety spectacles, visor and overalls.

The two filmstrips give a very good review of the main hazards in ind ustry and the protective measures to be employed against them

NOISE AND HEARING (Safety in Industry Series 263/1 and 263/2)

These filmstrips are for the education of employees on the effects of noise and how to conserve hearing exposed to noise, and in this purpose they succeed admirably.

The text is up to date and

Scott, based on Florence Nigh tingale's book 'Notes on Nursing', to celebrate her birth in 1820 - 150 years ago.

NOTES ON NURSING, REPUBLISHED

Th e pillows in fact, le a n upon the patient , not the patient upon the pillows. It is impossible to give a rule for this, because it must vary with the figure of the pati e nt. And tall patients suffer much more than short ones, because of the drag on the long limbs upon the waist. But the object is to support, with the pillows, the back below the breathing apparatus , to allow the shoulders room to fall back, and to support the head , without throwing it forward. The suffering of dying patients is immensely increased by neglect of these points. And many an invalid. too weak to drag abou this pillows himself, slips his book or anything at hand behind the lower part of his back to support it'.

There will be one more article by Dr.

Published by Gerald Duckworth, 21s. I was particularly glad to be invited to comment on the recent pUblication 'N otes on Nursing' by Florence Nightingale as I am in the treasured posse ssion of an original edition of this work published 111 1859. This new publication, with very minor exceptions, closely follow s the presentation as originally set out and will form fascinating and interesting reading to those who care to wade through the erudite verbosity of Miss Nightingale. It should be read not so much as a presentation of factual information but as a social and historical study of the mid-nineteenth century I have been intrigued by this book for many years not only because of its content but also because of my great interest in the contemporary social structure of that time. If read in this context, as one might read a Dickensian novel, one would obtain great pleasure from it over and above its original intention. It avoids entirely the image of 'The Lady with the Lamp' but demonstrates a woman of great knowledge , ability as well as compassion. F or those who are in terested in the social background of nursing and the status of the present day nurse this book is a 'must'.

authoritative; a very difficult subject discussed in as simple a way as the comp lexity of the subject matter allows.

The first loop defines sound and soundwaves, and gives exa mpl es; the construction of the ea r , it s adaption to hearing, and the way the hearing mechanism is damaged; and the measurement of noise level and methods of reduction of the level.

In Part 2 the different methods of examining the ear and assessing hearing acuity are described, the different methods of ear protection such as ear muffs, ear plugs and glass-down are illustrated and the setting up of noise h azardous areas in which ear protection is needed is suggested.

These well-illustrated loops can be h eartily recommended as giving a good insight into the problems of hearing loss and hearing conservation in industry.

As usual a handbook of useful notes is issued with the filmstrip.

INJURIES IN THE HOME

(258)

There are thirty-four frames of accidents which have actually happened in the home , supervised by Dr. A.Ward Gardner.

A child's view of a table is shown, a scald from tea, fires caused by children

striking rna tches , danger from an electric iron, an electric fire, fireworkS , and esca la tors in stores are exemplified. The attraction of pills from a child 's point of view is well shown as are the risks of playing with arrows and darts. Prevention is emphasised throughout and protection is suggested: keeping teapots , matches and pan handles out of harm's way, switching off electric points , banning bar electric fires where there are little children, supervision of fireworks, avoiding pu tting hands near working parts of machinery , not al lowing small children to travel on escalators alone, locking away medicines pills, lotions and household corrosives, and the use of seat car belts.

The knowledge of first aid is stressed throughout and as might be expected from the author of a textbook on First Aid , his own book is recommended and not the authorised combined manual. This is a very well thought out filmstrip and should be seen by first aid women's and welfare organisations throughout the country.

( The filmstrips reviewed are available from Camera Talks Ltd, 31 North Road, London WIR 2EN)

CANADIAN VIEWS

from B K. Wallace

We enjoy reading the St. Joh n Revi ew in Bri tish especially the educationa l articles which we shamelessly pu.t m our monthly mimeographed ' St John Bu l]eti n' for the benefit of our Branch es and lay instructors .

The n ew format is lighter and airier than the previous one, so to speak, and the change is attractive w itho ut being ps>-:chedelic (Canadian spelling). Also, it is refreshing to find an edItor who takes the trouble to keep his articles all in one piece instead of making th e reader tum t6 the back pages for what may be the punch lin es Congratulations and pleasant e diting!

Incidently , 'boss' is such common parlance in Canada that It IS accepted without question.

Vancouver, B. C. B K. Wallace,

Provi ncial Secretary

ANTISEPTICS/DISINFECTANTS

from H. M. Underwood

In his letter in the July issue of the Rev iew, Mr. B. L. Bay ton compares t he relative merits of antiseptics and disinfectants As a bacteriologist, I must disagree with his statement th.at an antiseptic does not kill bacteria , but m e rely acts as a ba ctenostat, and state quite categorically that both antiseptics and disinfectants are bacteriocidal. The difference in n a me comes more from the use to which they are put, the antiseptic combats infection in a wound, or kills the bacteria on skin near a wound, the disinfe ctant disinfect s or kills bacteria on equipment utensils, and on surroundings. Ma ny of each are capable of playing a dual rol€, e.g. Savlon , a quaternary ammonium co mpound , bas e d on which is used for disinfe ction of dairy equipme nt

Some are 'only used for one or the other purpose, e g. J eyes fluid for toilets , and surgical spirit for certain skin cleansing operations

The terminology is relatively unimport ant; what is important is that the right one is used for the work to b e done, and that the makers instructions faithfully carried out. On e other important rule is that physical removal of dirt should be out first, and the antiseptic (disinfectant) sho uld be apphed at the right strength at the right temperature , and should be allowed sufficien t contact time to do its work.

Reading H. M Underwood

THAT LABRADOR'S DIVISION

from Mrs Joan Farris, SRN, Divisional Superintendent. Very many thanks for putting the photograph of one of my cadets, (13-year-old Martin Slad e) on the cover of the J uly Review. It was a very pleasant surprise. I thought that you mIght like to know something of the division , as we have only been formed for just over three years.

We have on an average 8 cadets and 4 juniors We consider this to be quite good for a village division. It is a combined division, but at the moment, we have only two boy cadets (one of them. in the photograph). We are lucky in h avi ng a very keen and active President and we have had several quite profitable fund raising ev@uts in' the village. We try to get as much publicity as possible, and keep a scrap-book of all our press cuttings. Unfortunately, th @re is not much opportunity to do public duty in the village, and as our bus service only every hour we cannot get out much, unless transport is a FT anged. However we still manage to do quite a few hours between us.

I asked my cadets what they thought of having an of badges', and this once again brought up the whole to pIC of uniform.

They all agreed that we should have badges for each subject , being small, sq uare and colourful.

'They then said that they all felt St John umform dull , uninteresting, and old fashioned, so I ask ed them for then Ideas for a new one.

They said:-

a) They would like brown shoes and stockings (black stockings are now hard to find and expensive. Mo st nurses now wear brown.)

VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations. Although readers may sign published letters with a pen·name, writers must supply their name and address to the editor.

b) Dark emerald green uniforms (They are at present designing one. I will send it on if you are interest e d)

c) A regulation lengt h of at least 2 inches above the knee. (The regulation length s h ou ld be enforced, as they have notIced how untidy it looks on parade when they are six inches apart !)

d) Green Caps; simi l a r in sty le to the Guides.

e) The boys would like to be able to wear white (or even black) shirts. They would of course keep all of the exist ing b adg es , as something of tradition must remain.

I realise that t his is only a minority opinion, bu t it is the cadets own ; I would be interested to know if any other ca det s feel the same. They all realise that it wo uld be a great at vast expense , but feel that S t. John needs a new impa c image.

I personally feel that we have to make the p'ublic more a ware of what we are doing (both cadets and adults), and we must try to keep up with the times, even if it means sac rif icin g a littl e bIt of tradition

Westrott Comb. Cadet Division J oa n Farris

REVIEW CROSSWORD

from Miss K. D. Wilson.

On behalf of many members (and owing to our publicity man y more of our division are taking the Review) I appeal to you to ask Mr. Potter to alter his crossword and make it more suitable for fir st-aid ers. So many of the clues are purely medical. I'm an SRN and I can't do them, so I don't suppose many other readers can. I have heard this op inion voiced many times. Perhaps this is the reason why the crosswor d competition tried last year failed and the prize crossword idea was discontinued Too difficult.Wh a t do others feel?

Workington

from Mrs. M. E. Fleming

Kathlyn D. Wils oll

Does anyone ever complete the crossword in the R eview? I wrestle with it and never get it half-completed. I enjoy crosswords usually , but find the Review's very obscure, Emsworth, Hants M. E. Fleming SRN

I CAN DO IT . from Mrs A. M. Walker

I was amused by Mr Bay ton's comments on the reaction of nurses and doctors at his hospital to the Rev ie w crossword. It m.ay surprise them to know that at lea st one of us (me) manages, WIth

the he i p of a medical diction ary and 32 years in the Brigade, to solve the puzzle completely most months. I am a rabid crossword fa !lil. and look forward t o our monthly teaser with keen pleasuFe. Long may they continue. Thank you.

Iliord A. M. Walker

I WAS THERE ... from Fredk. G. Hartland

I was very interested in the photograph in the July issue of the review at Windsor Great Park in June 1912. I was present as a member of the Stonehouse, Glos, Div ision I had also been to London in 1911 at the Coronation a nd hold the King's Medal for that occasion. I do not think this division was reformed after the 1914-18 war. I w as moved to Banbury , Oxon, in my work in 1913 and became a foundation member of that division in 1928 and retired as its divisional superintendent on reaching the age limit in 195 1. Stroud, Glos.

KNOTTY PROBLEM from Edward Tortell

Fredk. G. Hartland

As a matter of interest to St. John personnel (mainly Ambulan ce) I wish to point out that in view of the fact of improvisa t ion being constantly recommended in our handbook s, I suggest that the teaching of knots and a limited knowledge of rope work be included in the first ai d curriculum. Apart from the reef-knot, and clove-hitch, if one goes through the tests for the Cadets' Fire-fighting b a dge you will see that no les s than another five knots are included for the t est, the sh eet -b e nd and bowlin e being amongst them (page 18 of the pamphlet). Also if one has to ma ke an impro vised stretcher with two poles and sheets, or other materials, you may also h a ve to lash two spars to the ends of the poles to prevent them from sagging and crushing the patient, hence a n elementary knowledge of lashing may also come in handy You may also have to carry a patient face down on a stretcher, with a jaw injury , instead of tying a bandage across the handles to rest his forehead, one may use a padded spar lashed to the handles ; this would definitely be more secure and will not allow the head to get too low thus increasing haemorrhage.

I hop e this will satisfy the re aders of the Review but in case any further information is required I shall be only too pleased to supply it. Members of the Civil Defence Corps and the Boy Scouts Association may also help.

REIGATE; SMALL BUT.

from John A Aldersom

A' E.N.£> e srAN!;IN4 'PARr: 'c' 'A'R,. S S,fI/'ij)I"I" 9.qR.TS Co &. n 1<0""" 1'/ (, Eo N.ll S

My d escription of a rope str etcher published in the April issue of the R eview has cause d queries from so me readers an d consequentl y I would like to explain the contraption in a cle a rer way. First of all I assume that any member of St J ohn undert aking expeditions where this kind of inprovised stretcher is lik ely to be use d, must be famili a r with ropes and knots , but for those who wish to know mor e on this subject I will try to explain in clearer terms , the knots and rope I recommend. The first query put to m e was, why have we got to use a 1112" rope? Apparently the questioner is not aware of th e f act that the thickness of the rope is measur e d by its circum f e rence and not by diameter, consequently a I Ih " rope would be Ih" in diameter which is 1/3 of the circumference Th e man-harness knot (ill u strated) is used for making an adjustable loop in a rope with which you may want to haul a heavy object and you may put you r sh oulder through the loop and add your weight to the pull , care being taken to pull on the proper side (as shown in Fig 3 sketch) of the loo p otherwise it may get loos e. However this danger is not present when the strain of the loop is at right angles to the rope, hence it is most suitab le for the rope-stretcher, in preference to an overhan d knot in a bight of the rope which can not be adjusted and m ay also weaken the rope when it is taught. The sheet-bend is a knot primarily intended to tie together two ropes of different thicknesses , but it is ideal for the rope-stretcher because you can thread the rope in the loops formed by the man-harness knot a nd secure the m with a single t urn; th !i.s knot is also adjustable (see illustration) For the man -harn ess knot you need not touch any end of the rope Ibeca us e by a proper manipul a tion the knot is easily formed as may be seen in sketch ; for the sheet -b end yo u have to thread the running-end of the rope through the loops of the other knots I hope this explanation is clear.

The new Review is wonderful; you are doing a great job! As a mem ber of the Reigate Divi sion, I know we are very small but we do keep the name St John going I read the Review inch by inch but never saw any mention of u s until you took over.

I wa s on duty at the Reigate H orse Show and took this photograph of our Division al Superintendents by our ambulance: Reigat e R eady for Action,

Reigate John A. Aldersom

ST. JOHN Review?

from Miss E. M. Hoad

Would it not be an improvement if the title of the R eview could be ST. JOHN R eview not St. John REVIEW ; emphasis on ST JOHN , the nam e we old has beens' have willingly given hours of our liv es to uphold and work under?

Portslade

OBITUARY

from Miss E. M. Stonehouse

E.M. Hoad

SSOStJ (35 years service)

I am no longer an active member of the Briga de but still take the R eview and keep up to d ate with St. John.

I lik e the 'new look of the R eview on the whole but there is one thing I would like to mention and that is the Obituary' notices These now seem to be poked in anywhere (this month among the Cadet news) and I feel that a more prominent and definite place should be given to them. Often all these people for the mo st part h ave given a life time of service to the Brigade and sho uld b e given a better position in the Review. I might al s o say that this point has been mentioned to me by severa l other St. John people. Perhaps yo u will consider doing something about this.

Hull

E. M. Ston e house

Slienna Malta Edward Tortell.

CADETS

OUR SOURCE OF SURVIVAL

by David Dubut (County Staff Officer)

THE NECESSITY of survival as a uniformed movement which provides a vital service should, I feel, be paramount in minds of all members of St. John.

As an organisation the question of presents serious problems throughout the country, since the public nowadays are less inclined to give their sparg time so freely as they were in the past. To my mind there is one essential source of survival for St. John, and that is through the cadets. But to achieve this we must be able to offer youth of today membership of an organisation which gives adventure, excitement and opportunities. I with others, such a task at local with C39 (Borough of Harrow) Ambulance Cadet Division of London District.

Firstly, as a former but nevertheless recent superintetldent cadets , it was obvious when I tock over the division that the first task was to ensure a progressively increasing membership; the second was to keep members busy; and the third to ensure promotion to the adult division.

Surprisingly the first task presented little trouble as recruits continued, possibly due to help from local publicity and by offering incentives to the cadets who produced the most recruits in any year. Having increased membership, the second task became operative.

To keep interest, and so not lose members, there must be a team of leaders. I realise, of course, that this is said than done, since le a ders are difficult to come by, and they should be found in the local adult division. While it is not always possible to find suitable people to offer complete and adequate training although some excellent divisions are run by one or tw 0 officersone should try to recruit a full complement of officers. We did at Harrow but then we · were probably lucky.

First we had to find a president. We knew a Member of Parliament (who was also a Minister of the Crown) who lived locally With cap in hand and rather 16

Taking a good, hard IOQk at our cadets.

nervously, my senior divisional officer approached him. I knew he was interested in youth since he was my wife's former geography master, so the approach had my blessing. The response was immediate.

Not 'I'll think about it' or I'll let you know' , but a firm acceptance with a categoric: Let me know if I'm not pulling my weight.' And so in Mr. Merlyn Rees MP Under Secretary of State at the Home Office, we had a first class pre si dent.

Next we had to find a divisi onal surgeon. Luckily we had an ex-Harrow cadet who was a medical student about to qualify. He accepted the appointment and later became our surgeon. He was not just our surgeon in name, for 11e put in a tremendous amount of work forming and training a competition team which became one of the finest in London District This success gained us publicity, which helped recruiting. And where previously there had been no interest in competitions among the ca dets now there was a waiting lis t. This exce ll ent tra ining continues, having now been taken over by the officer-in-charge, who is young, experienced in competition work, a nd full of enthusiasm. So competition success continues at Harrow.

The nursing officer is an ex-Harrow nursing cadet, and the very necessary courses on Home Nursing, Hygiene, etc, illustrated with films, were arranged with no trouble. Incidentally, we could have recruited two other nursing officers.

1 much r espect, on the ge ner a l policy of St. John, at a recent youth leadership co u rse I attended rat heu s urp rise d m e. He said that St. John is one movement and that we are not prepared to a separate youth movement to the public. This 1 disagr ee with. I fee l the ne ed to proje c t a youth mov e ment of St. John is essentiaJ and in our interest, particularly in this day and age when young people have interests in so many other field s For instanc e 1 fee a tIlLst funcl should be created by H ea dquart ers to supp ly cadet divisions with camp ing equipment and the like. CadeL division s shou Jd not h ave to go s h ort of nec essa ry eq uipment through lack of funds if we are to prese nt to youth an active organisation: wh ere we have to compete with other organisations a nd in te rests; when we want Lo retain

cadets for ultimate promotion.

On e ot h er point made at th e leadership course was that at 16 ye a rs of age cadets MUST b e promoted to adult division s, to avoid private armies of teenag e cadets being created. 1 agree one shou ld try to achieve thi s, but I sometimes wonder if those who are so adamant on this point have ever practised it. In a n attempt to follow this policy. 1 have seen boy s transferr e d at J 6 who are quite unprepared for the change of environment, d espite previous co-operation and visits to the adult divi sion. When such boys are tr a n sferre d , they usually leave he Brigade within six to twelve months I would rather see such boys kept in the cadet division for another year or so, when th e ir attitudes may be quite different. My feeling is that

superintendents or officers-in-charge shou ld be encouraged o m a ke this a ll important decision themselve s, s in ce they alone know when a cadet is re Ll dy for pr o mo tion.

Milit a ry organisations have youth sectio n s for a dual purpose. Fir st ly, as a youth movement , with as a rule finc;ncial assistance; seco ndly , as a source of recruitment for the future; but n ot necessarily in that order of importance. I t may be that this is the policy of St. J ohn. If it is, then it has never been made clear o me. But, most important , let us see some financial arrangements in trust for cadets being set up. L et us put ourselves over to youth and so attract them. If we can do tha t , strong, health y adult divisions will be guaranteed for the future.

THE ORDER INVESTITURE· JULY 23 1970

AS CHAPLAIN

The R ev. J a m es Mi c ha e Bradl ey Roberts.

AS DAME

Ell e n Winifr ed Mary Mr s. Shaw, MRCS LRCP.

AS COMMANDER (BROTHER)

Major Thomas Edward Spencer, MBE, TD.

Jame s Ander son Sw a nwick.

Pe a rson Arm s trong

Squadron L eade r William Harold Scor e r.

Finally, a young, prominent and enthusiastic Harrow councillor became our new vice-president; he is so keen that he has his own uniform.

With this team a nd two excellent divisional officers our numbers increased and there were many successes, including winning the Mayor of H arrow's Youth of the Year Group award for achievement in the competition field. We presented th e cadets with a wide field of training and interest, and are now promoting them to the adult division. None of our officers are experienced campers so with valu a bl e guidance from the nursing cadet division , whose structure perhaps we copied to a certain extent, we hold joint camps each year.

One event organised annually is a joint Open Evening, when two or thr ee hundred peop l e come to see a pageant. Depicted so far have been the History of the Order, The History of Harrow, Medicine through the Ages, and other displays. This eve nt attracts local civic dig nitories, MPs and parents as well as the general public, resulting in plenty of valu a ble publicity. Jointly with the nursing cadets we had a full page of photographs published in the H arroW Observer on various aspects of cadet life' this also produced results in recruiting.

The Borough of Harrow has two very livyly and active SJA division s in whi ch the interest of youth can be captured and re t ained; there is no doubt about that.

A statement by a senior officer, whom

AS OFFICER (BROTHER)

Squadron Leader J o hn William Rollin s.

David O sbo rne Hu g he s. MD, DPH.

Su rgeo n Lt.-Cdr Peter Jam es Roylance , R.D., MB., C hB ., R N R

George Plummer.

Richard Eric Perring.

The Rev. George Owen Charles Duxbury MA.

Derek Gardner Bee, FCA

Frank Edon.

Harry Loma s.

Ali ter Cromme lin Mackay MB ., BCh ntH.

Harold Les li e Sparrow, MA., MRCS., LRCP ., J.P.

Lesl e Arthur Webber.

Henry Cec il Williamson, MB., BCh., DPH.

Col. Henry J ohn Darlington OBE ., DL.

The Lord Abinger , DL.

Maj. G e n. Norman Charles Rogers MB, FRCS.

Brigadier Alan · Fra ncis Heb er K eat ing e, Me., MB., DPH.

Brigadier John Brebner Morrison Milne, OBE., MB.,

Col. Sidney Jame s Gittings , MBE. , QHDS., LOS.

Lt. Col. Gordon William Norbury

Walter James Cavi lle Winterson.

The Hon. R a lph Geoffrey Knyv et Mansfield

Frank Stanley Gale.

John Henry Huby Oliver R .D., MRCS, LRCP.

John Rodger Sutherlan, MB. Ch B.

Frank We b s t er Wiggl eswort h MB., C hB

John Kno x.

Ronald J ack Lawrence.

Denni s Habgood.

Cyril Charles Sam ue l Darby.

Sta nley FFederick Por cher.

W. J ac ks o n.

AS OFFICER (SISTER)

Jane Miss Hughes.

Edith Amy Mr s. Linnington.

Joan Mr s. Young MB. BS.

AS SERVING BROTHER

John Ri c hard son.

George E d win Knight.

Willi am Kelsall.

John Eric Jenkinson.

Frederick David Holmes.

William Middleton.

Maurice Elliot Mavir.

Trevor Rimmer.

Charles Earnest Ri ch.

William Stephen Renwick.

AHo n Las celles Reid.

Ronald Ormerod.

Herbert Henry Ogl e.

William Newton.

Charles Alfred Tourlamain

Edwin Brough Sheader Swann.

Harold Stowell-Smith.

Willi a m Walter Jaggard.

Col. David Jon L es lie Beath CBE., TD.

F r ank Stacey.

Major Michael Fredric Parla t t.

Colin Hugh Thomson, MB., ChB.

John Brown.

Frederick H e nry P arlatt.

George Sanderson , SRN.

George William Glasby.

Will Davie s

Ralph Augustus Arthur Rustom Lawrence, MB., ChB.

Henry George We bb er.

Bernard H enry Ernest Lilley.

Edward John Baker, BEM.

William Joseph Burton.

Cecil John Scott.

Ph ilip P ercival Thomas.

John Geoffrey Fitton.

R egina ld Arthur Thomas J ay.

WiJfr ed Anthony John Davey , SEN.

Walt er Ludlow.

Jam es E dward Nicholson.

Al f r ed Robert Latham.

E dgar PlLJrlk e tt.

John Walsh

Raymond Henshaw.

Be njamin Crowther.

Albert Arthur.

Frank Aubrey Eastwood.

Thomas Churchman.

Walt er Chapman. Frank Edwards.

Sydney Richard Smith. Vivian John Moorfoot.

Stanley Earnest Coe. Ian MacGregor Clark Kirkwood. Roy Victor Ellis. Leonard Barker.

Leonard George Grabham. Ilarold Ernest Castle.

D avi d Henderson Johnston. Kenn eth J ames Stenner. Stanley John Conner. Albert George Piercy. John B asil Hodkin son Jame s Marcel Ros ewa ll. Albert Smith.

Walter Edward Thomas Eames. Jame s Edward Dean. Anders Sipo Qunta , MB., DCI-!. Irvine Stott Bro wn. Donald Joseph K elly. Cyril Nottingham. G eoffrey Ratcliffe Bu ckle y. AS SERVING SISTER

Elizabeth Aileen, Miss Bergin Greta, Miss Whittaker

Winifr e d Edith , Miss Pain e Winifred Sophia Mrs. Sparrow

Ellen Mary, Mrs. Beaufoy SEN. Clara May Mi ss Brittan rrances Emma Mrs. D ean

Winifr e d Elsie, Mrs. Biggs

Freda, Mrs. Shakespeare Violet, Mr s. Smith

Winifr e d Mary Mrs. Hiscosks. Edna Laura Mrs. Crago

Dorothy J ane, Mrs. Henderson SRN Doreen Sheila , Mrs. Andrews

Margaret Annie, Mrs. Baker Oliv e Marjorie, Mrs. Taylor

Eunice Mary Miss Prick ett, SRN SCM., QIDNS. , HV. Ivy June , Mrs. Sheppard

Joan Marion Mr s. Rimingt o n MBE. Frances Mary, Mrs. Whit e. MB., ChB., DR COG. Dorothy Mary, Mrs Yarker

Oliv e Alice, Mrs. Le Conte

Iren e Gwendoline Cameron , Mr s Amos

Margar e t , Mr s. Skinner

FILMS

REGIONAL

TRANSFUSION CENTRE (Colour 10 mins.)

Sponsor: Central Office of Information & Ministry of Health

Producer: Helen Wiggins Films

1'his film portrays the work of the Birmingham Regio nal Centre of the National Blood Trans f usion Service.

The Panel considered that the film was made as a propaganda vehicle for the Transfusion Service and that, within its limits it succeeds in its main pmpose i.e. to encourage blood donors It is considered to be an up-to-date fUm, factual and well presented. It is re (;;o mmended for universal exhibition for interest purposes.

THREE

FOR SOCIETY (Black & White 28 minutes.)

Sponsor: Spastics Society

Producer: Samaritan Films

This film gives a detailed picture of three spastics - they are seen in home surroundings, at work, and with friends. Each of the three discusses problems and their relations with society.

The Panel Gonsidered this production , from the point of view of film craft only very poor ; it is too long, at times illogical and difficult to follow and, on the copy provided , has poor sound and picture quality.

On the other hand, the pictur e succeeds triumphantly in portraying spastics as normal human beings not all being mentally retarded and conveys very well the fact indeed that spastics have emotional requirements not less than other more fortunate members of society.

The Panel considered this fulm should be screened to the nursing profeSSion, particularly public health nurses, welfare workers and particularly to welfare officers who could amplify social or employment prospects for these unfortunate people NORMAL LABOUR (Colour 15 mins.)

Producer: Toronto General t-/ospital (Canada)

This film gives an aoceunt of the process and management of a normal labour using animated diagrams, models and direct film sequences showing the progress of the second and third stages of labour in an actual patient

The Panel considered this film very well produced ; it is clear, succinct and up-to-date ; it did consider it a little too short, however, and were it a little longer it might not present such a stark aspect.

The Panel's medical experts were of the opinion that diagrams of the first and second stages of labour were not en tirely accurate and the fact that the cord is cut renders the fIlm not entirely suitable for first-aiders.

It was considered that the film could be scre ened to a medical audience, nurses students, midwives and ante-natal clinics but that for advanced first-aiders a suitable medical introduction is desirable.

DRESSING

FOR WOUNDS, ABRASIONS AND BURNS WITH STERILE NON-ADHERING GAUZE (Colour 10 mins.)

Sponsor: Medical SUPf'ly Asseciation Ltd.

This film, made in America for commercial purposes, gives a demonstration of packs of non-adhering gauze; it is a Vaseline production.

The Panel considered this film presen ts the facts about Vaseline-impregnated dressings with darity and force. Technic ally it is well made and its running time ideal for its subject matter. The only adverse criticism of the Panel was that handling of wounds appeared to be very rough Incidently, some wounds and burns shown in the film are of a horrific nature.

18

The St. John Ambulance Film Appraisal Panel which meets fortnightly at Headquarters, consists of doctors, fi 'rst aiders and visual aid experts who offer their services for this important aspeet visual aids. It is intended to publish monthly reviews of those 16mm film s recommended by t r.i e panel.

This film may be screene d to the medical profession, nurses and st uden ts under medical training.

FIGHTING BACK (Black & White 20 mins.)

Sponsor: Roche Products

Producer: Verity Films in Association with the Film Producers Guild.

The film examines in d etail the day-t o-d ay problems facing the chronic bronchitic. It then d emonstrates the way in which patients can be taught to cope with their diffi c ulties an d describ es a tactical physiotherapeutic approach used at the Brompton Hospital to ease the strain on the patient and increase his mobility. The se techniques can also be life saving.

The Panel considered this film technically speaking not of top quality; the photography is not first-rate , the sub je ct rna tter somewhat repetitive and the film a shade too long. However, the film is certainly convincing in portraying physiotherapy as an ai d to chronic bronchitis

The Panel considered this film should be screene d to all medical personnel connected with chronic br onchitis, physiotherapists nurses and indeed to any fami ly with chronic respiratory failure in the household providing a suitable in troduction be given.

ARMING ME FROM FEAR (Black & White 25 mins.)

Sponsor: Milton Pharmaceuticals

Producer: Milton Films.

This film shows the methods of sterilising feeding bottles in hospitals , etc. It also shows part of an operation usin g their products.

The Panel took into consideration that the prime purpose of this film is to displ ay the efficacy of Milton ; nonethele ss this is an excellent film dealing with gastroenteritis in b abie s an d the importance of sterilising feeding b ottles with great clarity an d force.

The Panel considered this film has a universal app li cation to pre-natal clinics, Health Visitors , expectant mothers , trainee nurses and midwives, and all St John Ambulance personnel.

A CRUTCH FOR ALL SEASONS {Colour 15 mins.}

Sponsor: International Temperance Society.

This film portrays three American addicts an d shows how they became dep en den t on alcohol, marihuana an d heroin respectively

This film is from a technical view-point first-class; photography, sound and treatment are all entirely profeSSional.

The three case historie s portrayed are entirely lu ci d an d believ able and our audience were quite engrossed.

The Panel considered this the best film viewed so far d ea ling with drug problems and recommends universal screening ; the film endeavours to portray positive thinking towards d epen d ency an d for that reason would be very good material for exhibition to youth clubs, parents meetings and all concerned with this problem

A DEAF CHILD IN THE FAMILY (Black & White 41 mins.)

Distributor: Royal New Zealand Film Library

How dea f children can bes t be helped by the family at home , especially betwe en and five years old.

The P ane l considered this mm repetitive and far tOG longdra stic editing would improve it. Nonetheless its presentation of facts and techniques me dic ally sound

Medical nursing, speech therapists an d parents of deaf children.

NEW BOOKS

TEACHING FIRST AID

Edited by Stanley Miles and Peter J. Roylance.

Bailliere, Tindall & Cassell, 18s

THIS IS A refreShing book. It is clear, simple, direct and, therefore, ea sy to understand. This is what one hopes for but seldom gets in a teaching manual.

The first part of the book is devoted to what to teach. There are some excellent chapter headings announcing, as in a good lecture, what the subject matter is about.

For instance: 'Cha pter 6 Burns and Scalds, Life Saving Action :

Immediate first treatment - wash with cold water; apply sterile dressings ; give reassuran ce; repeated sips of water and ea rly transfer to hospita1.

Even some of the newe r, unorthodox first aid book s are encumbered with unnecess a ry detail. This book takes us a step n earer reality. The emphasis in dealing with the unconscious patient is rightly put on maintaining an airway and keeping the p atie nt alive. The differential diagnosis of unconsciousness as attempted in the traditiona l first ai d books, is abandoned.

There is never a mention of stretcher drill, whic h one suspects is retained only as a ceremonial ritual for the uniformed organisa tions.

There are some apt, concise concepts like the 'wet-cold' patient suffering from hypothermia , or the transition in unconsciousness from the 'white' fully conscious patient through various shades of grey to the 'black' deeply unconscious patient.

There is yet another attempt to exp lain shock in Gimple language. This has not quit e succeeded.

This part of the book forms an excellent basis for the teaching of theoretical aspects of first aid. First aid is, however, essentially a practical subject and the guidance here, while useful, is less precise. This is probably because it is not possible to describe practical procedures a few simple words without pictures. It IS mUch easier to show than to describe them.

The second part of the book is a brave attempt to describe how to teach in just Over 20 pages. Few people could improve on this without expanding the book well beYond its slim covers. The truth is that no text book can replace a difficult period of apprenticeship and training When it comes to practical teaching. A few are born teachers; most have to aquire a competence which is better than their natural ability. There are however 1 tho " n IS book a great number of useful tips and ideas.

The teacher who is anxious to improve his teaching techniques will find it a very valuable book indeed. He must read it with a receptive mind and without prejudice.

This, of cause, is the trouble. Many tea chers of first aid are so complacently confident that they are blind to their own ineptitude.

It will be the good teacher who will buy this book, agreeing with most of it, re-thinking so me aspects of first aid, and picking up some useful practical teaching hints.

For the bad teacher, even if a long sufferi ng first aid class should have a whip round and buy him a copy, he is unlikely to read it.

First aiders who have masterd the adult course and are seeking more knowledge or a new look, will also find this book helpful. At eighteen shillings it is not too expensive, especially if it is sha red between a few members of a class or if it is added to the class library. '

It is therefore , strongly recommended no only for the teaching doctor, or first aid instructor , but also for the thinking firs t aid er.

G.O.H.

NEW

ADVANCED

FIRST AID

by A. Ward Gardner and Peter 1. Rowlance Butterworth, paper back 18s.

This is the sequel to New E ssential First Aid published in 1967 by Pan. Publication of these two books has been welcomed and commended by the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention.

The stated aim of New Advanced First Aid, is 'to provide information about first aid in greater depth and over a wider field' on the assumption 'that the reader has a good grasp of essential first aid,' and that 'skilled medical help is but a few hours away.'

In this aim Advanced First Aid has succeeded admirably, and the book gives a good account of the reasoning behind the selected treatments. The chapter on injuries is a valuable one, and the section on eye injuries is particularly useful for fir s t aiders in industry . There are many useful practical hints including the positioning of the casualty in different conditions, an assessment report on a casualty, the extraction of trapped casualties, and a selection of different types of first aid and rescue equipment. The authors are able to give more explanations than the authorised First Aid Manual as they have allowed themselves in the two books nearly twice the space for much the same field. Unfortunately this book is very much more expensive than the authorised manual and is just too big to fit comfortably into the jacket pocket.

The clear, simple ordered style of the first book has not been recaptured and although the text is alwa ys re adable and supported by sound common sense and clear instructions, it is in parts muddled and perhaps too repetitive.

The authors recommend that first aid should be taught to student nurses and medical students and this book in conjunction with its is eminently suitable for a text book It is likely that advanced first aiders even members of over five years stand'ing of first aid societies, ambulance drivers and attendants will find some of the more sophisticated concepts used in this book beyond their comprehension.

C C.M.

Princess Margaret visited Shropshire recently and met many SJA members (Photo: Shropshire Star & Journal)

NORTHAMPTON'S NEW H/Q

NEWS from SCOTLAND

AFTER 60 YEARS at their old headquarters

Northampton Corps moved into their new £24,000 headquarters building at 33 Billing Road at the end of June , when it was opened by Deputy Commissioner-in-Chief Rear

Admiral R_ S. Welby_

The Corps 10 divisions with more th a n 250 members will use the building every night of the week' and facilities include a social room, a hospital for nursing class es, corps office, cadets room, stores for nursing, ambulance and the Casualties Union A new main hall for larger functions is being built on to the back of the building with a special ramp so that vehicles can be driven in for simu lated crashes and aCCidents for first aid classes and test s

It is interesting to learn that of the fund-raising sche m es for th e new headquart ers, apart from some very generous donations from Foundation s and Trusts, a hou se -to-hou se collection (£454) and a charity walk (£395) were the most successful events which brought i n a total of £4,500.

Photographs by Northampton Chronicle and Echo

REGULAR READERS will remember that in April I mentioned that Allison Buchan , a lecturer in Economic History at Strathclyde University, had finished a resear ch thesis on the Fortific ations of Malta , 1530-1798. She has now been awarded a doct o rate at St. Andrews University for her long and d etailed study in which case she has rightl y concentrated on the walls and redoubt s of Valletta and its suburb Floriana: had she attempted to include all the military work s in the isl ands, her research would have taken years o f ex tr a work.

The fortifications of Valletta and Fl oriana are among the fin es t surviving examples of R e naissance and B a r o que military ar c hitecture , Valletta itse lf being one of th e few planned cities of t he s i x teenth century built und er the di rection of the great architect L a p arelli, who h ad helped Michel ang el o with the Dome of St. P e t e r 's in Rom e. The walls improved and extended right up to the time wh e n N apo lean drove the Knight s of St. John f ro m Malta in 1798, altho ugh the Order was always so shor t of money that it w as never able to b ette r the def e nces in th e wa y it would have lik ed.

The massiv e walls an d sali e nt s, raveli ns, lunettes and cou nt e rgu ar d s sti ll stand, even after bomb ar dment from the air during the la st war, an d today visitors can w alk ba ck in to the eighteenth centu ry and stro ll round what were th e finest and most up-t o- d a e fortifications in the Mediterr a n ean area

Allison Buchan's task was formida bl e. Sh e h ad to estab li sh the dates at which building' projects were undertaken, a job mu ch more difficult than it sounds be ca u se the documentary material is not only in Malt a but ove r the centuri es has been scattered throughout Europe, while each n e w committment by the Order seems to have b een undertaken on ly after month s, sometimes years, of n ego tia t ions, diplomatic mano e uvre s, to urs of inspections , ar chitectural blu e p rin ts and bi ckering among the Knights over the

competence of the architects and the methods to be used for the financing of the works. The historian has to find a way through what must at first seem to be complete confusion before the actual dat i ng of a stretch of the fo rt ifications can b e established. It is the great value of Allison Bu chan's study that she ha s done this and can now tell us definitely what architects worked on the walls and when their plans were pu t into effect. She also ha s much to say a bout the often tortuous ways to whi ch the Knights resort ed in order to raise money for the i r works and she has found and included in the thesis several unknown dra ft plans pre se nted to the Ord er for consid e ration by the variou s military engineer s an d architects employed.

Now that her re se arch wo rk is finished , she intends to turn h e r thesis into a book , the publication of which will m ark an important step towards our und e rstan ding of th e later history of the Order of St J o hn and of the Island of Malta

On Jul y 5 the Aberdeen Mountai n Rescue Team was called out by t h e police to the scene of a fatal accident on t he Shelter S tone Crag a t L oc h A von At six in the e veni ng eleven m em b er s of the team left Ab e rdeen and at eleven o'clock met up with the po li ce and other rescue parties from Br aemar on the moun ta in.

OVERSEAS NEWS

INDIA

The Calcutta Distri ct Centre SJA was born Janu ary 13 1921 with H_E Lord Ronald shay GrCIE as its President, Sir Alexander Murray as Chairman , and Mr. W. R Gourlay as Secretary.

The Cen t re celebrated its Gold e n Jubile e June 6-7 1970, when Mr Chief Justice P. B. Mukherjee inauguated the function and Mr. Justice N. C Talukdar presided : Dr. A. K. Basu MS , FRCS, FACS , was the c hief speaker. Major-General S S. Maitra Secretary-Gen e ral of the As soc iation, spoke of th e voluntary services of the Calcutta Distri ct Centre over the p as t fifty years, when squards of train e d first aiders had been drafted to areas affected by flood , famine, fire and other disasters. He expressed satisfaction that the Centre had trained 50 ,000 men and women in first aid and home nursing. The Secretary General, on behalf of the National He adquarters , presented an Association flag and a cup to commemorate the Golden Jubil ee. Mr. Satyabr a ta Sanyal , District S ecret ary, was awarded a silver cup in recognition of his meritorious services to the centre.

The Jub i lee programme included th e distribution of proficiency certificates and awards, first aid competitions, a demonst rati on of fire -figh ting, rescue. and casualty cl ea rance.

The body had to be lowered some 700 feet through difficult terrain to Loch Etchachan and it was not until two o'clock the next morning that the KENYA

In Nairobi on June 21 the Acting Mayor of Nairobi , Councillor Miss M. W. Kenyatta, inspected a parade of members of th e St. John Ambulance Brigad e, Nairobi area. (Photo below)

Contingents on parade were from the Police, E. A. Railways, the City Fire Brigade, and members of the City and Airport Corps, as well as cadet divisions

Landrovers parke<!

were

down at 5 am. after a harrowing and difficult night. from various schools.

Miss Kenyatta was accompanied on her inspection by Sir Charles Markham, Commissioner , SJAB for Kenya , and by Mr. B N. Hinga, Kenya Police, and Dr. E. N. Gakuo, E. A. Railways.

On completion of the inspection Miss Kenyatta presented long service medals of the Order of St. John to 16 mem bers of the Brigade.

Chapter process ng to Torphichen Quare June 28 (Photo Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette)

in upper Glen Derry

reached. The team was finally stood

(Photo: East African Newspapers)

News from

the Divisions

Bess ie and S tan of Blackpool. See LANCS (Photo: Blackpool

Cheshir e, Eastern Area, SJA say 'Thank you' as (left) Area Commissioner Lt. Col. I Cross Pedley makes presentations to A S D J E Marsden and Area Supt. retiring, and Area Nursing Officer Mrs. B. McFarl a nd , movi ng to Bristol (Photo: Stockp ort Express)

CUM B E R L AND For this year's Cumberland Group shield co mpetition held in Workington on July 18 there wer e only thr ee entries - two from Beck er met Iron Ore Mines, one from Work i ngton Iron and Steel Works. Workington Work s, the holders, won again with a total of 315 marks against 304V2 for Beckermet's A team, and 302 their B team.

BR ISTOL - At the annual St John parade to Bristo l Cathedral on June 28 the Duk e of Beaufor t, County Pre s ident accompanied by the Duches s, and the Commissioner Lt. Col. A. W. Thompson, took the salute. The service was conducted by Rev. Canon E.M. Pilkington, and the sermon was preached by Assist. Commissioner G. J. Creachthe first sermon by a servi ng lay member of the Brigade in Bristol Cathedral.

LANCS - Corner stones of Blackpool's SJA are Staff Sergeant Stanley Hall and his sister, Divisional Officer Miss Bessie

Nor hum b e - Hall ; between th e m they have 92 years land's retiring service with the town's division.

Commi ssioner Stanley , a Serving Brother , who is a

Lt. R. E W. master plumber and also verger at his Johnson (left) at farewell dinner local church, has been treasurer of the with Col. G. H/Q managem e nt committee for ten Angus, County years, and is its se nior member.

Presid ent, and Bessie, an Officer of the Order , and newly appointed Commissioner J. who runs a flsh-and-chlp shop wlth her C Smith (Photo: sister, has led several nursing competition John Williams) teams to the London finals. Good luck Bessie and Stan.

NEWS FROM WALES

P.

Presentation to mark the retirement of Mr. D Cecil Williams K.St.J., J.P. after many years service as Commissioner of CarfT'larthenshire. (left) Commissioner J. R. Jenes, Chief Constable; (ri§ht) Lt. Col.

C. W Nevill, Lord Lieutenant. "

LONDON - During July, No. 9 Kensington Nursing Division celebrated 70 years of service marked by a sherry party at Chelsea 01d Town HaJ] in June, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kensington and Chelsea, the Countess of Portsmouth, President, together with many guests and former members.

This division numbers several well known SJAB personalities among their old and ex-members - the Late Lady Louis Mountbatten, Lady Honeywood , Mis s Maud H a rrison, and Miss Rose Thomson.

The division carries out duties in the ambulance room for every occasion at the Royal Albert ,Hall , when they are joined by other SJA members from London and elsewhere ; an important first aid post where they meet many friends.

Eastern Area: On May 3 J five ambulance crew teams met at Newbury Park , Essex, to compete for a new cup. The competition was in three part s: 1) inspection of the ambulance , 2)casualty collection, 3) a test drive.

The winning team, trained by John Lowe, was No.4 (Ley ton and Leytonstone) Division, Sgt (T) Alan Saunder so n and DIO John Newman with 156 points out of a possible 180.

NORTHUMBERLAND - 25 ac res of Newcastle Town Moor are invaded on the l ast week of June by 300 showmen and their famil1es for the Tynesider's annual 'Hoppings', originally a temperance entertainment for miners, but now the biggest , noisiest travelling fair in Europe , visited by at least a million people.

This is one of No. 1 Area (Southern) SJA's regular public duties , when the moor becomes a to wn within a town with it s own waLer s upply , lighting , SCllool , and medical care prOVided by a local doctor. The police man a station 24 hours a day and lost children are looked after in a special caravan.

SJA 's first aid caravan at the fair is staffed by No 1 Area's nursing members while the ambulance men patrol in pairs. With a lOam to midnight duty , many of the ambu l ance members take a week of their annua l holiday to be on duty every day. Area Staff Officer T. S. Woodhouse , public duties officer, plans SJA's arrangements at the fair with the City Council and members of the Showmen's Guild many months before the week.

Many strange cases are brought to our first aid po st for treatment , and St John personnel come back to give service year after year. Average number of members on duty is 160 , duty hours 900, cases treated 187, and cases referred to hospital 26.

WI LTSH IRE - ]79 adult SJA personnel provided first aid cover for spectators at the World Aerobatic display at Hullavington for approximately 12 hours daily for a fortnight recently , wi th the BRC sharing the second week's duty. Many members did this duty during their own holiday, and cadets also took part. 33 cases were treated.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Granby and Ilkeston Centre is well known for its work at schools , and it is pleasing to note that Gladstone Secondary Boys' School celebrated the passing of 1 ,000 boys in Essentials of First Aid at their annual Prize Day held on July 15. The Headmaster and Vice President of the Centre , Mr. John Lally , made references to the work of St John in his annual report saying how grateful he and his staff were for the immense amount of work the Centre had done, and adding that St John deserved more praise than they were getting. Of 400 stu dent s, many of the boys were members of the Ilkeston and Stanton Ambulance Cadet Di visions.

CADET COMPETITION 'WR ITE-A-CAPTION'

Competition details on page 3 My caption is: (BLOCK LETTERS) , NAM E ADDRESS

ClOSing date Dec'ember 1. Send to Cadet Competition St John Ambulance HIQ, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWI

SJA Guard of Honour at Reading for wedding of

B. F. Rayb ould and Miss Mary McMenamin

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.9 (70) Compiled by W. A. Potter

ACROS:

1. Injury caused by severe cold - or television satire? (9) 9. Secretion beginning digestion of carbohydrates. (6) 10 Prefix before a neat mutation. (4) 11. Malicious devil loses his head (4) 12. A little temperature takes the French male on the side of the head. (6) 13. Carnage where grouping and cross-matching for transfusion is carried out? (9) 14 St. Vitus dance or each variation. (6) 19. Surgical treatment for fracture of neck of femur. (3) 21. Parasite possibly acquired from aquatic plant foods - by chance? (l0.5) 22. Carry out a parace mtesis . (3) 23. Product of protein decompelsition is in unemp1 9,y ment pay (6) 27. Condition characterised by consolidation of parts of lungs. (9) 28. A lost agent bewmes a relative on father's side. (6) 30. Acid in abnormally high concentration in blood of gouty (4) 31. Blood relations. (4) 32. Obtained by unworthy means. (3.3) 33. Tranqliillising and anti-hypertensive drug. (9)

DOWN:

2. Retention cyst under the tongue often filled with 9 Across. (6) 3. Type elf fat linked with development of arteriosclerosis . (6) 4. Direction to British Rail for bone (6) 5. Its sensory fibres supply conjunctivae and teeth, as well as most of face and tongue (10 5) 6. Compel relay of workers to form temporary improvisation. (4.5) 7. Lips slip for speech defect. (4) 8. Naturally , the sino-auricular node. (4.5) 15. Tour turning into overwhelming def ea t (4) 16. Drug slowing and strengthening the heart-beat. (9) 17 Decorate dr ess with ornaments (4) 18. Technique for control of infectious diseases. (9) 19 Match depressed scar, like those of smallpox. (3) 2(,). Pile of cloth for short steep. (3) 24. Tissue which may be plain or stripec,t. (6) 25. Raise the eyes to refer to a book. (4.2) 26 Bit round nothing in vitamin found in live r, kidney, yeast and egg-yolk. (6) 29. Devious line of African river. (4)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.8 (70)

ACROSS:

1. Succus Entericus; 9. 10 Emu; 11 Talus ; 12. Nursemaid; 13. Cox .a; 15. Handful; 18 Relapse; 20. In. te n.se ; 22. Mordant; 23. Stay; 25. Postnatal; 29. Car.go; 30. Oar ; 3l. R a p.he ; 32. Submental.

DOWN:

1. 2. Caber; 3. Ur.ate; 4 Eyeball; 5. Thunder; 6. Reticular; 7. Calyx; 8. Sash; 14. Rectal Vein ; 16. Nit; 17. Funny Bone; 19. Pia; 21. Exploit; 22. Mist.ral; 24. Throb; 26. Ner.ve; 27. To.phi; 28. Acus.

18-year-old DIANE DAVIS tells us m01i1thly about her life as a

STUDENT NURSE

WE ALL HAVE to eat, and t he care of patients' eating arrangement is part of a nurse's job. When we're going on 'straight duty (7.30am to 4.30pm), we nurses get into the dining-room for breakfast soon after it opens at 7 am and then on to the ward by 7.30.

On our ward the preparation of the patients' breakfast is our first job. The breakfast trolley, prepared in the kitchen, is already waiting in the ward and plugged into a power point to keep the food warm The day before, the patients have chosen from a menu the dishes they would like for each meal. The breakfast-t rolley containers always include porridge and a cooked breakfast: grilled bacon a nd pot atoes or fried bread, poached eggs on toast haddock or kippers; if boiled eggs have been ordered we boil them i n the ward kitchen, where the night staff have prepared trays , bread and butt er, and filled the kettles.

So by the time the three or four 'straight' duty nurses arnve in the morning all they have to do is make the tea (eac h tray has its own small tea pot), boil the eggs, and prepare th e specia diet trays.

We then tak e the trays , with porridge or cerea l, to each patien t followed by another nur se serving the hot dishes Usually all breakfast s are served by 7.50, and we then help those patients who can't feed themselves By 8.15 we have cleared away th e finished trays, and the ward domesti c staff has arrived to wash-up in the kitchen. We then take a jug of fresh water a nd a glass to each patient.

At lOam the patients are served c offee or tea a nd bis cuits by the domesti c staff, while we go to the dining-room for ours

The midday-meal trolley arrives on the ward at 11.45, soon after a lunch tray has been put on each patient's tab le by the domestic staff. Sister prepares the plates of food , as ordered by the pati e nt s, at the troll ey and we take them around We're all very busy at this midday meal , with one of us preparing the 'diets'. After each course we check that every patient has been served, and if anyone needs helping. With the meal over, we cle ar away the trays to the kitchen, where the tea trolley is ready to be taken round. On a medical wards, s uch as ours, there a r e a lw ays patients fit enough to want to give a hand during meal times' which we all very mu ch appreciate.

After the Lates' ( 1pm to 10pm ) have come on to the ward , Sister will say to u s 'Straights': 'Ladies , you can take off you r aprons.' To us that means one thing - food And off we go for 40 minutes to the nurses' dining-room for lun ch.

Tea is served on the waIid at 3pm by the dom estic staff, but we sometimes help when thing s a r e quiet. The 'Lates' go to dining-room for their tea at 3.30, but the 'Stra ights' wait until they go off duty at 4.30 .

Supper is served on the ward at 6pm, which is again a three course meal - soup, main course and sweet - as at midday, wlth tea all-round to follow. The 'Lates' take it in turn to go to the dining-room for their own supper between 7 and 8 30pm.

At about 9pm t he Lates' pr e pa re the patients' hot drinks - tea , coffee, Hodicks, ()valtine or milk. And at 6 a m , the night staff are busy serving tea again

Thi s may make hospital Me seem like a continuous round of eating and drinking. It's not. But the punctual, running of these domestic arrangements is a lmost as essential to the patients' well-being as medical treatment.

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SIX NEWSJA POSTERS

From WADHAMS the Ambulance Specialists ..... another two vehicles to meet modern demands

ST. JOHN

REVIEW

The Teachings of Florence Nigh t ingale, by M M Scott p.lO

High in the Peak District p 11

Readers Views p.12

'Cheers, Tom!' - 26 years later p.18

Overseas News p 19

News from Scotland and Wales p.20

News from the Divisions p 22

Student Nurse, by Diane Davis p .2 4

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W. 8 (01 -603 -8512)

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Lady

THREE GENTLE MEN OF NORFOLK

THESE THREE MEMBERS of Great Yarmouth Division, Norfolk together have totalled 120 years and over 9,274 service hours with the Brigade.

Divisional Superintendent Thomas Hatchett , who is 63 and joined the division in 1930 , is a keen competition team member and a lay instructor. He formed the Yarmouth Cadet Division in 1956 and frequently guided them to the London finals. Made a Serving Brother of the Order in 1963, he has now served the Brigade for 40 years with a total 3 ,2 74 hours of duty Corporal Bill Berry, aged 78, enrolled in June 1928. His medallion and bars show his fine record of 42 years with the division A great sportsman who still umpires local cricket matches , he is also a familiar sight on duty by the starting gate at Yarmou t h Races. Most of the jockey s know him and, on the rare occasions of his absence, usually ask : 'Where's Bil1? He was a member of the A R.P first aid team during the war and has contributed more than 3,000 hours of duty with SJA. In spite of being crippled by a fall a few years ago , he still continues social work for the division and is a splendid fund-raiser and treasurer. He has recently suffered two other accidents and is at present in hospital with a broken femur, but he s confident that he'll be back at work before very long! Bill Berry considers his most arduous duty was at a local cinema when 'The Birth of a Baby' was being shown : 1 was allan my own' he says, 'and I had 6 men faint on me that evening. But I managed.'

Private Alfred Woodrow , aged 83, has ths longest record of this fin e trio. Although he did not join Yarmouth Division un til 1933, he took his first exam in 1906 when he was working for the Midland and Great Northern Railway He was a member of their first aid team which won many regional championships He describes the terrible sight of his first real casualty in an early rail ac cident and how after all his efforts, the patient died four hours later. He felt he could not face any more ambulance work, but the following autumn when he was walking by the sea a man was brought ashore 1}nconcious ; he says: ' It was just instinct , but I ran to the man, told the people there I was a first aider and worked on him with the Schafer Method for 20 minutes and saved his life This gave me new hope and I started again with the team.' Now, after 37 years in the Yarmouth Division, he is still an enthusiastic social worker, not only for the Brigade but with the church and local youth organisation as well. He has recorded over 3 ,000 duty hours with the Brigade ; but we know , in fact, that Alfred Woodrow has served the public many more hours.

These three are men of strong character, renowned among fellow-members as strict disciplinarians who do not fear to call a spade a spade. The are greatly loved and respected by all who have served with them and age does not appear to weary them in their work for the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Great Y a rmouth Division is rightly proud of them.

Tom , Bill and Aif - if I may speak for everyone in St. Johnwe are all proud of you.

The Editor.

Moyra Browne, the new Commissioner - in -Chief, meets cadets in off-duty 'gear' at London District's Isle of Wight camp (Photo: Frederick Jackson Cowes, loW)

Hospital Care

A TALK ON ANOTHER HIGHLY TOPICAL SUBJECT GIVEN AT THE MEDICAL CONFERENCE 1970

By Miss K. M. Pfister SRN SCM RNT

LAST MONTH Mrs. Sears wrote a very clear and useful account of how S1. John members can help in caring for the patient in his own home, and our new manual which, I too find quite excellent, lays stress on this aspect of nursing and I think that is as it should be.

When it comes to nursing in hospit al it seems to me that we in S1. John are somewhat left behind by our Red Cross colleagues and, I suppose, that in an organisation dedicated mainly to first aid this is inevitable.

I recall that when I was a S1. John V.A.D. at the beginning of the last war we were greatly outnumbered by the Red Cross members, although I like to think that we made up in quality what we lacked in quantity. May I begin by telling you a true story which illustrates the remarks I have just made.

I once had to represent the matron at a N .H.S.R. meeting at a hospital which shall be nameless There were representatives of most voluntary organisations present , including S1. John and the Red Cross. I was appalled to hear the St: John officer (who shall also be namgless) say when asked why so few St. John members had joined the N H.S.R. in this area: 'Oh weJl hospital work is all right for the Red Cross, but St John is for the wad!'

I believe that this stahl of affairs has been aggravated by two historical facts:

(a) The introduction of the National Health Service with a consequent feeling among the general public that voluntary aid in hospitals was no longer needed, and (b) more recently, the disbanding of the N.H.S.R. Now surely there is still a place for volunteer auxiliaries in hospital, especially at certain times such as 'flu epidemics, and even at holiday seasons and weekends when staff are very thin on the ground.

The recent Green Paper referred to by Mrs. Sears bears this out and because it is so important I am going to quote this passage again: 'The iJilv01vernent of people from the local community in the running of their services should help to maintain their quality and the public's 2

understanding and acceptance of them. These aims will not be fully achieved if the participation of the community consists only of representation at committee level. There is undoubtedly a much greater potential for the participation of voluntary workers in the Health Service than has been realised in the past and a much wider role for the work of voluntary organisations. There are many needs of the sick and handicapped which are better met by voluntary workers than by p aid staff.'

I have been trying to think of ways in which we, the doctors and trained nurses of the St. John , can help and I hope that all of you will have ideas of your own to put forward, so that we may have some positive plans as to what we can do to train our members to work in hospitals. I think we can do a lot if we really try. Not enough use is made of one's local hospital and training school for nurses. Here agai n , from my own experience, I find that the Red Cross show more initiative.

When I went to a new hospital as principal tutor I found that the local R ed Cross detachments were making full use of the facilities available in the training school but that the local St. John had never approached my predecessor or the matron for permission to use the practical room and class-rooms. When I contacted these divisions and invited them to come to the hospital for some of their practical sessions, they were delighted and until I left many St. John activities took place there including a course in higher and advanced first aid, some of which, as you know, is, actually, quite advanced nursing. I am happy to say that my successor as principal tutor, who is a Red Cross nursing officer, still welcomes St. John members to the School of Nursing and helps them in every way possible.

We must remember that divisional superintendents are often a bit scared of making contacts witih hospital staff: the figure of the dragon matron and the battle axe sister tutor dies hard, so it is up to the nursing officer to make the first step.

memb er would have been welcomed with open arms. It is only fair to say that if St. Joh n members give u p their precious free time to work on the wards, their interest must be stimulated and maintained and they shoul d not alw ays be given the more boring routine jobs to do for then one may lose promising helpers.

children's ward and to Paediatric Outpatients might be possible and very beneficial.

I am sure that a hospital matron will usually be very pleased to h ave St. John members working on her wards once she has realised what they can do. A nursing officer can be a sort of liaison officer between the division and the hospital and mayb e she cou ld find time to take the new members on to the wards and even work with them at first in the way a clinical teacher works with student nurses. In fact, clinical teachers, if approached in the right way, would probably b e willing to take one or two St. John m em b ers round with them.

I also know from experience that if St. John members are invited to practice in a sc hool of nursing, it is essential that all equipment used shou ld be put back in the right place and here again a nursing officer can do a great deal to help and a tutor is more likely to give permission for a St. John group to u se her rooms if she knows that a qualified person will be there to supervise and be responsible for eaving everything in order.

May I say here tha t ambulance members with a nursing certificate should be encouraged to work in hospital and I was glad to see in the nursing press a photo of an ambulance memb er working on the ward at University College Hospital during the 'flu outbreak. (l haven't however so lved the problem of why this memb er is wearing his h at on the ward; perhaps someo ne can enlighten me.) Incidentally , I heard from the Area Commissioner concerne d that the Board of Governors were so grateful for the help given by auxiliaries that they invited them to a party. Men would be specially useful in casualty departments wh ere they co uld make u se of their first aid experience, in Out Patient s and on mal e chronic sick wards. I also think that older members who may have more time available on midweek afternoons, for instance , would be of great help on the wards when there is a staff shortage at tim e s w hen s tat e and h 0 s p i tal examinations are in progress. I recall, from my own experience as a ward sister, those dreaded days when all one's senior nurses were sitting their State Final paper, and an experienced S t. Joh n

Miss Hardman, wh 0 has just retired as m atron of the Roy al Free Hospital writes in her recently published book: An Introduction to Ward Management, 'Hospital staff should be consulted and if necessary educated about the activities to be undertaken by voluntary workers.' I know that as a young and new St. John recruit I was terrified when I first set foot on a ward at Charing Cross Hospital, bu t I was made to feel so welcome and that my services were so needed that I soon forgot my fears and set about the jobs allotted to me and thoroughly enjoyed working there. To quote the Green Paper once again: 'Paid organisers of voluntary effort will be employed, for example, to co-ordinate support for a particu l ar hospital.' I think this win be a great improvement and help both the hospital concerned and the volunteers.

When it comes to the advanced nursing course , the care of the unconscious patient seems to me mainly a hospital problem, as , excluding the first aid aspect, most unconscious states, especially if prolonged , require very highly skilled nursing care. PerhapS' a visit to an Int e nsive Care Unit could be arranged for mem bers taking this course

The sick child in hospi tal presents many problems and here too a visit to the

Much has been written about the mentally ill and the mentally handicapped, but the general public is still very frightened by the thought of mental illness or defect, and here, too, visits to such institutions would do much to break down ignorance, prejudice and misun d ersta n d ing.

Geriatric wards, like mental hospitals, may appear frightening, and indeed some are most forhidding , but let us hope that these are decreasing and that the elderly, when sick, may receive the care we should all like to have in similar circumstances Here, too, St. John memb ers may be invaluable. The younger members can probably do a lot to cheer up an old sick person , especially if he is lon e ly and has few visitors May I again quote from Miss Hardman's book: 'The contributions to the hospital service made by young volunteers in particular is a great one, although they are probably unaware of it. They bring news of the outside world with them and give great pleasure to the patients who have been in hospital a long time.' Similarly, the Green Paper says: 'A specia l and continuing effort needs to be made to foster voluntary work with long stay patients. Many elde rly, mentally ill, mentally handicapped and younger chronic sick patients risk losing touch with their loca l community. Some have lost contact with friends and relatives. There is a spe cial need for volunteers to visit and befriend such patients.'

The section on Procedures , Part III of the manual, is not required for examination purposes , but would be a tremendous help to all memb e rs working in ho spit al. Some of these procedures could be explained in detail by the divi sional nursing officer, perhaps using the classroom of the schoo l of nursing at first to dem onstrate, say, taking a blood pre ssure or giving oxygen, before pro cee ding to the wards to try out the procedure which has been learnt. The Appendix on Infectiou s Di seases is very brief and here again the nursing officer migh t answer the questions which often worry the mothers of i nfant s and young children. This section could be linked with the previous chapter in Part II concerning the general care of an infectious patient and the precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of infection. There are some exce llent films and filmstrips on elemen tary bacteriology and the prevention of cross infection and these could probably be borrowed and shown at a divisional me e ting with great profit and interest to all.

I rem ember once showing a first class filmstrip on venereal diseases to a combined ambulance and nursing division and following this with a dis cussio n that went with a real swing and which took in both the clinical and social aspects. In fact I think tha t any showing of a film or filmstrip should be followed by a discussion. I have found that members have always appreciated this and avai led themselves of the opportunity to ask questions. Of course, there are always some shy people who may by dying to

A hospital matron will

be very pleased to have St. John members Working on her wards.

ask a question but who are too nervous to do so, and it is up to the nursing officer to try and draw such members ililto the discussion in a tactful way, whilst in an even more tactful way trying to prevent the inevitable know-all from asking all the questions or contradicting everything you say. This sort of person has always met the exception which proves the rule and has to be dealt with, with enormous patienGe and skill.

I imagine that many of the old hands in the Brigade will be rather sUliprised and indeed dismayed to find that the chapter on bandaging is so short, but surely this is keeping with modern trends and it is quite absurd for members to spend hours practising complicated bandages which they will almost certainly never use. Nursing officers should ensure that nursing divisions have a supply of tubular gauze and elasticised net bandages and that the members know how to apply them as a completely different technique is reqUITed and dexterity with these new bandages must be acquired with practice.

When the new manual comes to be used for competitions, I would like to plan a test in which a dressing is kept in place with elasticised net or tubular gauze, but as bandaging is in the appendix I suppose this would not be allowed.

I have left the section on the care of the dying to the end deliberately, because I think many people may find this

difficult to tackle. If however the ciliscussion tec hnique is used and one makes use of own experience in the care of terminal cases in hospital some of the problems can be overcome. Finally, I would like to consider cadets helping in hospital. I think they can do this and should be encouraged but the whole question must be gone into by the parents, the divisional superintendent and the matron of the hospital concerned. The cadets must be carefully selected and continually supervised and allowed only a certain ward at a certain time, but we must remember that young people mature more quickly these days and accordingly be prepa re d to give them opportunities we ourselves did not always get. They can a lso come to the schoo l of nursing to practi ce bedmaking and setting up simple trays , as suitable equipment is often lacking a t their divisional headquarters an d it is rather disheartening for them to try and bedmake using a mattr ess on a school desk. Naturally I am in favour of improvisation and the use of equipment found in the home , but I think it is easier to learn with the correct equipment and then adapt as necessary Certainly, the cadets and schoolchildren I have taught in our training school always seemed to enjoy it and find it rather exciting and one usually had enough equipment to set them all practising something at the same

N IGERIA-a volunteer's working day

time, which is extremely import a nt as youngsters left without anything to do soon get bored and up to mischief.

Our new manual is a real challenge: we are going to have to rethink many of our ideas and some of us may not find it very easy, but I am convinced that it will be well worth while. We must learn the modern techniques, make ourselves familiar with the new, often di sposable, equipment , learn to teach by the new methods of discussion and demonstration rather than by talking at people and Our members will really understand nursing and not just aim at passing examinations and winning compet iti ons, although these have their place and can be very stim ul ating.

To quote the Green Paper yet again: 'The dis cussions following the fjrst Gre e n Paper (1968) have shown that the voluntary organisations are ready to t ake a fresh look at their activities and to see how far they need to be adapted to work alongside an in tegrated service.'

The sick, lik e th e poor , are alw ays with us The Order of St. John was founded for the care of the sick and it is inspiring for those of us who are nurs es and doctors to think back to our origins and to help to train our Brigade member s to work at home, in hospit als and in f act everywhere and so give to the sick and injured the very best service th a t i s their due.

It Couldn't happen to ME. ..

By Mrs J. F. Lafferty (Area Staff Officer, London South-Western)

conversation. But not the end of my nettle rash. In fact I got such a cauliflower ear I had to take codeine for the pain

Eventually however, we all recovered from our various complaints. I got another 'dose' of urticaria , and strongly suspected a poor innocent plant in the garden.

My third 'attack' came when I was in bed with 'flu, just before Christma s. This time I couldn't blame the garden, or anything I had eaten - because I just wasn't eating. Of course I was taking (you've guessed it!) codeine. But the odd thing was I'd taken codeine in between these attacks with no ill effect. Su spicion began to fallon the bottle I kept in the cabinet upstairs - for when I used these I carne out in lumps ; when I took tablets from the bottle downstairs, there were no ill effects.

Her days now include (left) feeding youngsters like 7-month-old Effiong, suffe ring from malnutrition, (below) eu tting up b a ndages with a ward sister to make gauze pads , for dre ss ings are in short suppl y at the hospital, and (right) helping other malnutritio n patients such as 6-year-old Sunday Im eh

drugs away from children

BUT it did! As readers of the Review may recollect I confess to being fond of the sound of my own voice! Consequently, I often fmd myself called upon to talk to various organisations on 'First Aid in the Horne' - and in my self-righteous way I always preface the talk with a little 'prevention is better than cure'. 'Watch out for worn wires, faulty gas taps, holes in carpe ts. Keep drugs away from children, I tell the m I remember once I even told them to throwaway old drugs

So you would expect my horne to be the perfect example , and SInce my hu sband keeps a watch on gas and electrical appliances these are fine ; and there are no holes in my carpets I am happy to say. I will draw a veil over 'toys on stairs' - thinking it good propaganda I ask my small daughter to tell me what I should say to the 'Mums' I am going to see, but so far I can't make her apply It to herself. Maybe you can't blame her, but you would think that 1, of all people, would have turned out old drugs by now? In case you think this is going to turn in to a dreadful tale a bou t my daughter poisoning herself let me hasten to add that our drugs are well away out of reach, and we have managed to instil into her a healthy respect for them.

No, I was the victim. Having a husband in bed with tonsillitis and a child in bed with mumps you can guess I was somewhat and my body protested in its usual way by mamfestmg an enormous headache. Knowing my headaches of old, I flew to the codeine which long experience has taught me is the only cure (even if we, as first aiders are recommended Paracetamol!)

. A day or so (and about 4 code ines) later I began to break out In itchy lumps and bump s .

Having the doctor in the house to my other invalids I showed a particularly large specimen about the size of my hand .That's a fine urtica ria you've got there,' he said. 'What's causing It?' .Restraining myself with difficulty from throwing something at I confessed I didn 't know. 'What are you doing for it? he eng.ulTed 'Dabbing with calamine, which does no good, and takmg anti-histamines when I am not driving. Otherwise I might go to sleep a t the wheel ,' I replied. 'Life is hard,' he said End of

Up and about again I went in to my chemist, who is a friendly soul, and told him the mysterious story. 'Probably the aspirin in the codeine has deteriorated,' he pronounced. 'Bring me in the suspect bottle, and I will have a look at them.' I omitted to tell that (a) I didn't know codeine contained aspirin and (b) I dIdn't know 1:hat aspirin could 'go off'. When I d i d take the wretched things in to him he took one sniff of the bottle, told me they smelled distinctly of vinegar (which they did), and that this deterioration was almost undoubtedly the cause of my trouble Thinking back, these tablets must have been in the cupboard for at least 18 months - because I was abroad for 6 months at the end of 1968 , and the beginning of 1969

So to everyone who buys 200 aspirin because it saves a few coppers, I suggest that you get them in 25s in future' and to be serious for a moment , this makes yet another for not keeping aspirin in our first aid bags, because I'm sure we don't renew them very often

Forgive me for not writing any more now. But I must dash off and clear out some other old tablets. The 'Oblivon' r had before going to the dentist 15 years ago; the sea-sick tablets I got for my son when he was 12 (he's now 28) Oh , and the sodium amy tal I've developed an allergy to them

North Devon area nur sing officer Mrs Joan Shaw, a doctor's wife from Bid e ford , joined the SJA medical team at St Margaret 's Hospital, Calabar , a t the end of July.

Illustrationa by Toby I didn't know aspirin could go OFF

U.S. RESCUE TEAM

I hear International Rescue paid a visit to Blackp00l recently - not the tel€vision puppets but a real live crew from t?e called International Rescue and Flfst AId Association.

The Association is the American equivalent of St. John Ambulance, and the crew were on a nine-country tour of Europe exchanging ideas and demonstrating emergency

Starting in Derunark, the crew's executive director David H. Slayback said that Blackpool was their first stop in England.

They demonstrated their equipment at Blackpool Central Fire Station, where they were met by Coun. C. Lowe, chairman of Blackpool's public safety committee; Coun. S. Newman, president of the 10cal St. John Ambulance; Mr S. Wild, deputy chief fIre officer; and J. SJA publicity. They also VISIted SJA members on duty at the Royal Lancashire Showground, where they met Lord Cozens Hardy. the District's SJA Commandtu.

Other members of the party were Willy Pederson, director of the tour, Schuyler Best, treasurer of the Association, and Devereau, of Point Claire, Canada, a vice-president of the Association and member of SJA Canada.

With them the crew brought an ambUlance and equipment worth over £16,000, which included an automatic heaTt machine and a small machine for extracting snake venom.

International Rescue is a non-profit organisation founded to promo te for organised rescue and flfst aId throughout the world.

Mr Slayback says that the crew had learnt a great deal from their European tour and were taking back some new to America. This included a foam stretcher from France.

Next stop for the crew was Stratford-on-Avon.

AROUND alld ABOUT

WHAT'S GOING ON' -

IN

TME WORLD OF ST JOHN

BY THE EDITOR

CASUALTIES UNION DAY

Casualties Union is holding its Casualties Union Day at Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey, on Sunday October 4.

Competition eliminating rounds have been held in the various regions throughout the United Kingdom and the winners of these regions go forward to the semi-finals which are held in the morning and the finals take place in the afternoon - the winning team being presented with the Buxton Trophy by ?ir John Willison, President of the PolIce Officers' Association of England and

Wales, who is the guest of honour fo r thi s year.

Casualties Union is used both nationally and internationally wh e r ever first aid is taught. Many organisation s including The British Red Cross So cie t y, St. John Ambul a n ce Asso ciation , National Coal Board, poli ce, fir e br igad e, industry and many other s, us e th e services of the Casualt i es Union Withou t these user-members Casualties Union would have no purpose.

NURSING EXHIBITION

Princes s Ma r garet is to open this ye ar' s 5-day London Nursing Exhibition a nd Conference at the Seymour Hall , Lond on WI, on Monda y Oct o be r 2 6

After the opening cer e mony th e Princes s, who is p a tron of b o th the St. John Ambulanc e and the Royal Coll ege of Nursing , will tour th e e xhibitio n Among the exhib i ts , she will see t h e l a t es t products of leading ma nu f a c tur .e rs covering the e ntire health fI eld , rang1l1 g from drugs of all kind s , ph a rm aceu ti ca ls and teaching aids t o b oo k s, unif or m s and hospit al a nd alli ed equipm e nt Th e Prince ss will t h e n att e nd to con f e r e n ce to hear th e in a ugu r al le ctur e , 'Th

f i r

nt

Divi sion Fo r m

n y yea rs n o fac iliti es w er e ava il a bl e at th e gr o und fo r fir s a id t r eat m e nt all eq uip m ent b eing ca rri ed by m e mb e r s o n du ty. Cas u alti es h a d to be tr eate d o n th e gr o und or und er the stand , o f te n in ve ry d iffi c ult co ndi t ion s. On being pro m ote d to the Seco nd Divi si o n th e clu b d ir ecto r s r ea li se d th e nee d fo r gr eater fi rs t ai d co vera ge, an d f o ll o wing a m eet in g wit h office r s of t h e di v isio n a

woo d e n h ut 12 ft x lOft w as er ected a nd

equ i pm e n t p r ov id e d Al so f or th e fi rs t tim e m e mb ers were pe rmitt e d t o sit n ea r th e t o u c h I in es so gi ving eas i er access t o th e te rr a ces in cases of e me rge n cy and , in ci d en t a ll y, m akin g t h e s up po rt e r s m ore

duty t h o ugh o n o cca sion s this has not been at t ain e d. Th e divisional surgeon attends a

Hom e m a t che s, and has been called to tre at pla yers as welJ as supporters.

During th e se ason 1969/70 well over 200 cases were dealt with , ranging from minor w o und s a nd faints to apoplexy, e pil e psy , h ea rt failure , e tc Most of the co llaps e cases were among teenagers , many of whom a rrived on the terraces

o Ye r 2 hours b e fore kick-off , often having h ad littl e o r no f ood, and in cold weather un suit a bly clothed As is common at such event s st a nding for a long time tends to cause th e blood to gravitate to the lower

NO DONKEY

extremities resulting in severe abdominal pain and collapse. In extremely cold weather a number of casualties have been very frigbtened by experiencing paralysis of their fingers ; most of them reacted favourably to treatment, and few had to be referred to hospital.

'Elderly patients often present more serious problems. During the season two died (one before the match started) Naturally th e se, and cases of apoplexy, tend to cause consternation to bystanders and well-meaning but unskilled removal prior to the arrival of our m e n has sometimes been against the int e rests of the patient. The new ' Arthur Wait' stand is a great improvement so far as seeing the game is concerned, but unfortunately it i s very difficult to gain access to it from the ground. For this reason first aid men and

New Commissioner Duke of Lancaster's District - Major W. H. Walker.

women are positioned in the stand itself, and we hope that telephonic or radio contact will be possibie between them and the first aid post. The presence of the Orpington Division at Home matches has proved a great asset, enabling urgent cases to be taken to hospital without delay following examination by the divisional surgeon.

'Cases arising from hooliganism at Selhurst Park have been very few, as the police keep a watchful eye on those likely to Gause trouble and escort them from the ground. One man was hit on the head with an iron bar; he appeared to respond to treatment and refused to go to hospital. So he was therefore kept in the post under observation, and later went into convulsions. So off he was sent to Mayday Hospital ; happily we heard that he recovered and was discharged the following day. Broken bottles, knives, etc., have provided much work for SJA members, especially for the nurses from No. 36N (East Croydon & Addiscombe) Nursing Division whe have done a wonderful job.

'Our small hut has now proved inadequate (on one occasion eighty cases of collapse from heat had to be dealt with), so representatiens were made to the club for improved accommodation. The directors formulated plans for a new post 25 ft x 15 ft, and the foundations for the post have been laid. When completed it will be in keeping with the efficiency expected from us, with a surgery, toilet, hot and cold water, up-to-date heating and lighting, and own telephone line. Beds will be available for ten patients, and ambulances will have easy access.

'There is ample evidence that the Crystal Palace fans hold us in high esteem, shown by the generous and goed-natured response when we make a collection on the ground. The pity is that en such occasions the number of collectors has been occur>ieq with cases.

Cadet Stephen Williams (see Training Pays Dividends)

LES CHAMPS

The time available for going among the crowd with our collecting buckets is limited, and we can only hope that extra helpers can be obtained for our next collection.

'Crystal Palace's first season in Division One has meant bigger gates. Personnel must be on duty two hours before the kick-off (we have actually had cases as early as that) and after the match 'differences of opinion' among supporters have kept us busy long after the terraces have been cleared!'

TRAINING PAYS DIVIDENDS

l3-year-old Stephen Williams joined C 178 Chadwell St Mary's Cadet Division in January 1969. During July this year he was travelling home to Stanford-Ie-Hope in Essex from London with his parents in their car when a van ahead of them was involved in an accident and overturned. After his father had stopped, Cadet Stephen went to the van to find the driver with two large injuries to his right arm and a number of abrasions and bruises, his wife suffering from shock, and five crying children in the back of the van Stephen immediately took charge. He arranged for the police and ambulance service to be notified, and first aid equipment to be brought from his father's car. With the woman out of the van, he got her to lie dOWN and told his fathe li to use his jacket to pmow her head. Easing her tight clothin lS , Stephen took her pulse, and then sent for a sweet SJaHO

JaJ.suen 0:). uado LON aJe Aa4l Aes a6e:).ueM pue 'we4auA, :).e)l S! a!le06 - sdwe4:) sa,

cup of tea from a nearby house , where blankets had already b een obtained. With the fi rst aid equipment he got to work on the driver's arm injuries, and organised bystanders to look after the five children.

A police patrol car arrived. A burly sergeant came over to Stephen and learning tha t he was a S t. John cadet winked and said: 'Carry on, Lad .' When the ambulance arrived the seven casualties were ready to be taken to hospital.

For Stephen and everyone concerned - 18 months cadet training had paid dividends

SOMERSET YEAR BOOK

I must con gratulate Somers et SJA, an d in particular Mrs. Dorothy Bingham-Hall the honor ary editor, on their excellent Year Book, which is packed with interesting reading. Some copies of the l12-page 1969 book are still available price 3/- (plus 1/- package and postage) from SJA , St. John House, 41 Oxford Street , Weston-Super-Mare , or St. John House, 60 Staplegrove Road, Taunton; the Stores Department at the Gate also have a few copies available.

NEEDLEWORK EXHIBITION

I hear that Mrs P. T. Clifton, the new President of the Brigade in Hampshire, organised a wonderful exhibition of needlework recently in aid of SJA an d raised more than £ 1,000. The extensive range of historic an d modern embroideries on view came from private and the Embroiderers' Guild collection, and work was on show from

OLD TYME MUSIC HALL STARS

Au stral ia Canada, Denmark Holland New Zealand and the U.S.A. There church vestments and furnishings, kneelers and seat cushions loan ed by cathedrals, churches and chapels.

Tapestries included the Tay Bridge Stole , made for the Queen Mother at the time of the opening of the Tay Bridge in 1966 ; a silk cushion cover attributed to Lady Jane Grey; and a pair of gloves which belong ed to Marie Antoinette.

There were b ea utifully embroidered uniform s from Norway, Jugoslavia , Greece, and Chinese coats and robes.

The exhibitio n was hailed as probably the most importa nt and comprehensive in needlework ever held in Hamp shire.

LONDON SJA DANCE

London District's annual dance is at the Lyceum, in the Strand , on Thursday, November 5. Tickets are 6 shillingsgood value for dancing to two bands from 7.30 pm to midnight - and they're available through your divisions now.

MEDITERRANEAN TOUR

SJA's official travel agents, I hear , have just released final details of their fascinating two-week tour (April 3 - 17) for next spring. The Mediterranean air-tour includes three days in Malta, a few hour s sto p-over in Rome, five days (over Easter) in Jerusalem, and then four days in Nicosia, Cyprus. I'm sure readers who can't go on the trip would like a first-hand account in the Review so would someone who is making the tour like to send me some of their photographs (black and white) and an account of their experiences, please?

NURSING UNIFORMS

A new nation-wide service in uniforms is now available for nursing member s of SJ, I hear. By arrangement with the Brigade, the Nurses Outfitting Association Ltd., has stocked their network of Danco retail branches with a full range of uniforms for nursing cadets, members and officers. This means that members can be fitted out immediately with uniforms 'off-the

District's 328 (Barclays Bank) Ambulance and Nursing DIVISion s new ambulance made its first trip taking a patient from Bexhill Sussex, to South W a les before it was even dedicated on May 13.

peg' as well as being measured for tailored garments. The shops will also stock a wide range of county flashes badges, shoes accessories and popular publications. Addresses of these shops appear in advertisement in this issue.

MYSTERY IN MALTA (cant.)

Using my trouser belt as a halter, I was pulling the reluctant donkey up the short nigh t of stone steps from that delapidated building in Valletta There was no one about, thank goodness ; just contrasting patches of hot late-afternoon sun and shadow. Behind me in the building the child was silent. I had left my hat in there, to help amuse it· beltless my free hand occasionally clutch'ed at m; slipping trousers; hardly shipshape and Bristol fashion! I had to get rid of the donkey. But how? I gazed around at the stone-walls of the courtyard. There was nothing to tie it to; and anyway I needed my belt. I pulled the donkey a few yards away from the steps, removed the belt from its neck , and tried to drive it off. But it wouldn't budge It just stood there stupidly. '

'Go on!' I goaded it . ' Go on! - Imshi!' And I gave it a few whacks across the rump with the belt. Suddenly there was a scuffling behind me and I turned to face the woman running towards me, her face full of anguish. She wen t passed me , grabbed the donkey by the ears and clapped a noose of rope she had in her hand over its head.

A bit stupified, I began : 'I'm sorry. Is it your - - -?' She'd come ba ck to me now , leading the donkey , and wildly started gesticulating at me with her free hand. Her face, which had been so serene when last I had seen her , was convulsed and irate, throwing silent words of abuse at me. From her throat came nothing but intentions to speak; she was dumb, I suddenly realised. Then she started hitting out at me with her fists. 'I wasn't taking it!' I objected, warding off the blows . 'I - - - - ' And then in the comer of my eye I saw a naval patrol coming from the barracks across the road .. . 9

Wantage Combined Division's formidable 6-aside football team, champions of the carnillal tournament this year with a 1-0 win over the local W.1. team SJA s team Is (L to R) N/C Diane Wise, N/M June- Mary Roma Toilet N/M Ann

SJA Weston -Supe r - Mare's old and new carnival floats. (Above) Awarded 1st (most original section) 'The Decimals '; (right) Awarded 3rd (most humourous section) 'Old Tyme Music Hall Stars' (Photo : Weston Mercury)

The Teachings of florence Nightingale

OBSERVATIONS OF THE SICK

by M. M. Scott (Retired Surgeon-in-Chief)

DIA GNOSIS AND TREA TMENT must be dependent upon the continuous observation of the signs and symptoms, and the response to that treatment throughout the whgle period of illness. This places a great responsibility upon the nurse because whereas the doctor sees the patient intermittently, the nurse is present throughout. This point is well illustrated in a somewhat similar manner in the standard first aid treatment of head injury and unconsiousness, in which the 'Zif€ or death' treatment afforded by the doctor may well be dependent upon the reports of the observations made by the first aider before medical aid was availa ble. Florence Nightingale was acutely aware of these facts and she virtually gives them priority in the principles of Nursing.

'The most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe - how to observe - what symptoms indicate improvement - what the reverse - which are of importance - which are of none - which are the evidence of neglect - and of what kind of neglect.

'All this is what ought to make part, and an essential part, of the training of every nurse. At present how few there are, either professional or unprofessional, who really know at all whether any sick person they may be with is better or worse.

'The vagueness and looseness of the information one receives in answer to that much abused question 'Is he better' would be ludicrous, if it were not painful. The only sensible answer (in the present state of knowledge about sickness) would be 'How can I know? 1 cannot tell how he was when I was not with him.'

She is only too aware that one s memory may be at fault, as may be noted from the following passages:

'It is a much more difficult thing to speak the truth than people commonly imagine. There is the want of observation 10

simple and the want of observation compound, compounded, that is, with the imaginative faculty. Both may equally intend to speak the truth. The information of the first is simply defective. That of the second is much more dangerous. The first gives, in answer to a question asked about a thing that has been before his eyes for years, information exceedingly imperfect, or says, he does not know. He has never observed. And people simply think him stupid.

'The second has observed just as little, but imagination immediately steps in , and he describes the whole thing from imagination merely, being perfectly convinced all the while that he has seen or heard it; or he will repeat a whole conversation, as if it were information which has been addressed to him; whereas it is merely what he has himself said to somebody else. This is the commonest of all. These people do not even observe that they have not observed nor remember that they have forgotten.'

The 'leading question' unless v.ery skillfully handled, may well result in an inaccurate response. One has to differentiate between guiding and leading questions.

'How few there are who, by five or six pointed • questions, can elicit the whole case and get accurately to know and to be able to report where the patient is.

'I know a very clever physician of large dispensary and hospital practice, who invariably began his examination of each patient with 'Put your finger where it is bad'. That man would never waste his tim e wit h c 0 11 e c ti n gin a c cur ate information from nurse or patient. Leading questions always collect inaccurate information.

'A celebrated man, though celebrated only for foolish things, has told us that one of his main objects in the education of his son was to give him a ready habit of accurate observation, a certainty of perception, and that for this purpose one of his means was a month's course as follows: he took the boy rapidly past a toy shop; the father and son then described to each other as many of the objects as they could, which they had seen in passing the windows , noting them down with pencil and paper and returning afterwards to verify th eir own accuracy. The boy always succeeded best e.g., if the father described 30 objects , the boy did 40, and scarcely ever made a mistake.

'1 have often thought how wise a piece of education this would be for much high er 0 bj e cts ; an d in 0 ur calling of nurses the thing itself is essential. For it may safely be said, not that the habit of ready and correct observation will by itself make us useful nurses, but that without it we shall be useless with all our devotion.'

And now for a touch of 'nea r jingoism', combined with a view which is particularly apt in view of modern industrial tendencies.

an observer as the English woman might be. Yet English women lay themselves open to the charge so often made against them by men, viz: that they are not to be trusted in handicrafts to which their strength is quite equal, for want of a practised and steady observation. In countries where women (with average intelligence certainly not superior to that of Englishwomen) are employed, e.g., in dispensing, men responsible for what these women do (not theorizing about man's and woman's 'missions') , have stated that they preferred the service of women to that of men, as being more exact more careful, and incurring fewer mistakes of inadvertence.'

It is impossibl e in a short series of articles to deal with more than the general principles of Florence Nightingale's teachings, but she does not merely pose qu est ions - she gives all the answers in a positive and erudite manner. Her clear thinking and absolute fairness may best be summarised in her own words and in quoting them one must

bear in mind that in her days, nursing, as such, was the doubtful monopoly of the female sex.

'I would earnestly ask my sisters to keep clear of both the jargons now current everywhere (for they are equally jargons); of the jargon, namely about the 'rights' of women, which urges women to do all that men do, including the medical and other professions, merely because men do it, and without regard to whether this is the best that women can do; and of the jargon which urges women to do nothing tha t men do, merely because they are women, and should be 'recalled to a sense of their duty as women , and because 'this is women's work', and 'that is men's', and these are things which women should not do which is all assertion and nothing more. Surely women should bring the best she has , whatever it is, to the work of God's world, wi thout attending to either of these cries. For what are they, both of them, the one just as much as the other , but listening to the 'what people will say',

to opinion, to the 'voices from without'?

And as a wiseman has said, no one has ever done anything great or useful by listening to the voices from without.

'You do not want the effect of your good things to be, 'How wonderful for a womanf'nor would you be deterred from good things, by hearing it said, 'Yes but she ought not to have done this, because it is not suitable for a woman'. But you want to do the thing that is good, whether it is 'suitable for a woman' or not.

'It does not make a thing good, that it is remarkable that a woman should have been able to do it. Neither does it make a thing bad, which would have been good, had a man done it , that it has been done by a woman.

'Oh, leave these jargons, and go your way straight to God's work, in simplicity and singleness of heart.'

We, of the St. John Ambulances pay our tribute to a very great lady.

(This is the final article in Dr. Scott's series on Florence Nightingale.)

We regret the omISsIOn of the caption to the picture to Doctor Scott's article in this series last mIDr.lth. It should have Fead: Dr Scott with the (centre) at the presentation in 1956 (f)f a p(J)rtrait of the tate Dr. A. C. White-Knox, tlhe fil'st prfncipal medical offieer of the Association, and Surger,m-in-Chief to the Brigade. Dr White-Knox stands l;)y the picture; Lady Mountbatten on the far left.

'It may be too broad an assertion and it certainly sounds like a paradox. But J thinR that in no country are women to be found so deficient in ready and sound observations as tim England, while pecuUarly capable of being trained to it.

The French or Irish woman is too quick of perception to be so sound an observer - the Teuton is too slow to be so ready

HIGH IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

HIGH IN THE PEAK District of Derbyshire at 1200-ft above sea level and a mile -an d-a-half from the spa town of Buxton stands Harpur Hill a village of less than l300 people which is very SJAminded, for it supports two adult and two cadet divisions. The ambulance division , formed some 64 years ago, has been of great service to the local community. Many of its members in the 1920's and 30's worked in the local quarry industry, a hazardous occupation where the call for first aid was only too often heard. Although the limestone quarries are still the major SOurce of employment in this area, today they are much more safety conscious.

On july 23 this year Harpur Hill again demonstrated its allegiance to St. John. Before a crowd of some 400 visiting SJA personnel, guests from other organisations and the general public, 6 1 members of Harpur Hill's divisions proudly formed a Guard of Honour to be [nspected by Rear Admiral Royer Dick and Captain P. J. B Drury-Lowe, Commissioner of Derbyshire. For this was the opening day of Harpur Hill's new headquarters After the inspection, the new building was opened by the

Commissioner with a special key, and a fme flag, hand-made by Mrs Parker , ex-superintendent of the cadet nursing division, broke out at the masthead in the headquarter's forecourt.

Rear Admiral Royer Dick received the deeds of the building on behalf of the Grand Prior of the Order.

The new building is of blue brick, to blend with the surrounding buildings , for the site is part of the Peak Nation'al Park. The accommodation provides a 46ft by 30ft main hall, with four large built-in cupboards along one wall (one for each division) , cloakrooms and toilets, and a small but weU-equipped kitchen. Heating throughout is by gas convectors, ceilings are lined · with polystyrene, and floors are Marley tiled. Furniture includes 10 formica-topped tables and 45 bucket-type stacking chairs.

This comfortable new home for SJA activities in the hills of Derbyshire is the result of five years of hard work fund raising. But now the dream is reality. To other divisions who have such a dream, l300 Harpur Hill inhabitants say: push on, try and tryyou'll succeed.

T. Robinson, PRO High Peak Corps

(L) Capt Drury Lowe turns the key of the new H Q (above)

(Photos: The Buxton Advertiser)

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations. Although readers may sign published letters with a pen-name, writers must supply their name and address to the editor.

A CHANGING SOCIETY

fram John King

I am disturbed by the quality of correspondence following the article by the 'Boss from Buck's'. Injured pride oozes from every rank-conscious word, and condescension has nothing whatsoever to do with humility.

Rank and dignity are becoming increasingly recognised as barriers to effective communication. Leadership and management in the modem world, (which St . John must be a part of or p<Hish), are based upon training and ability fortified by eX]i>erience; not rank and dignity. This trend was established before the days of Socrates, has been stifled at various points in history, but today (and tomorrow) must be the sheet anchor of our society. This society will not support any protestation that although all men are equal some are more equal (dignified) than others.

Progress will continue. We in St. John have a simple choice; either to become part of it and evolve to greater strength, or resist and try to justify what will become a stagnant anachronism.

The article in question contained a wealth of material to provide stimulating and constructive argument. This continued preoccupation with rank and dignity offers a disturbing prospect for the future of the Brigade in a changing society

What are to be our terms of reference? The rank and dignity of a minority who wish to perpetuate the 'county set' traditions of Victorian England, or a healthy effective Brigade, in harmony with the society it serves and from which it must recruit all future members?

If this sycophantic minority (for they are the problem , not those persons who really do have a leadership role to play) would now like to have a final swing at me and so establish for themselves (if not others) that they do not exist (and how dare I suggest such a thing), perhaps they will then utilize future invective for a more worthy and constructive cause.

Best wishes to The Review. Long may it arouse anger in the complacent. But let s all try to retain our sense of humour and perspective.

Sidcup, Kent John King

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

from D. J. Griffiths, Assistant Commissioner

May I suggest you invite letters on the subject of changing the name of the Brigade? That is to say to change the name from 'The St. John Ambulance Brigade' to the 'St. John Brigade of First Aiders'.

My reason for suggesting this 'is that by and large the ambulance service, as such, is run: lDy the lo (£; al medical authorities, and this can (and does) cause confusion in the minds of the public, whereas the prime function of the Brigade is - firrst aid.

I notice the Review is known as the 'St John Review' so why not the 'St John Brigade of First Aiders'?

Denbighshire D. J. Griffith

12

NEW TYPE CIVIL DEFENCE

from J. E. Smith, Area Staff Officer

We have heard through the National Press that groups of ex-civil defence workers are forming themselves together into a civil aid and emergency service to carryon the work that they started in C. D

We hear a great deal these days about duplic ati ng work and services with all sorts of groups taking up the same typ e of service. It is even asked why do not the St. John and Red Cross organisations combine.

know a lot of St. John people are in this new civil emergency service and I wonder what it is that they can do in the new C. D. , that they could not do in St John?

Why do local authorities give aid to this new group when they have St. John and B.R.C S. units in their own town quite able i n the majority of cases to deal with any emergency?

Could we hear from other members especially those in the C. D. on this subject?

Surrey

THREE MINUTE EMERGENCY

from J. C. Graham

J E. Smith

had one staff nurse seeing to all our wants and watching the monitors. Within seconds the bell had summoned 4 doctors 2 sisteFs, 3 staff nu rse s and all the equipment necessary to deal with such an emergency.

it obvious that the younger cadets were quite capable of usmg the sets. Practice messages were passed backwards and forwards, and although the younger cadets were nervous at first they soon got the hang of things

I was interested to read the paper by Mr. Tom Hope entitled 'Three Minute Emergency' (August Review) Could I make one or two suggestions?

On the list of items in the emergency box there should be added after endotracheal tubes a stilette for stiffening the tubes one pair Spencer Wells , a 20ml. syringe to inflate the cuff, one Guedal airway. A lot of people would consider th e item of tongue forceps could be omitted from this list and the Am bu resuscitator illustrated and listed cannot be as satisfactory or easily sterilized after use as can those available from other manufacturers.

Finally, I was a little surprised to see that it is still ne cessary to pull the patient out of bed on to the floor. Most wards taking these cases usually provide bed boards for ensuring the patient is on a firm surface which if the patient then remain s on the b e d , the work carried out in resuscitation is mu ch more easily effected and causes less distress to other patients in the ward Loncion, N. W.i 0 J. C. Graham

The comment about lifting patients on to the floor would not apply here (I think), all the beds are solid metal under the thin mattress (a little hard to sleep on).

There is nothing like reading an article and virtually seeing it anacted before your very eyes to make one realise how lucky one is - Thank God.

TWfckenham Ken Shapcott

Edit: We all hope that Ken will soon be fighting fit again.

FIRST AID TRAINING

From David Curtis, Industrial Relations Officer, National Coal Board

As a person responsible, inter alia, for advising on first-aid training policy in the mining industry, I was interested in the article by Surgeon Rear Admiral Stanley Miles on aspects of emergency care. (Emergency! Review April 1970) I find myself in complete agreement with him, but beg leave to add one or two poin ts

Were it possible to train everyone up to standard first-aid certificate level this would not necessarily be a good thing . Many lack the necessary intellect , others are disinterested, and quite a lot of people have a horror of blood. The question is who do we re.ally need to train? Certainly not people in industry, perhaps exceptIO ns , where there are statutory responsibilities resting

With the employers to provide 'a dequate' first-aid facilities. Not in the cities, towns, villages, and hamlets, where responsibility for medical co verage rests with local authorities, ambulance services, and doctor s, and where delays resulting in the deterioration in the condition of the casualties may do no greater harm than could result from b a d handling by people who think they are qualified.

S?, the field is narrowed down to motorists (particularly long di stance drivers) , mountaineers, and underground wo!'kers - that IS people not within quick or easy reach of aSSistance, who should be given a b as ic training in first-aid commensurate with their needs. Giving everyone some form of first-aid training has real dangers. Such people may be tempted to take actIOn themselves m s tead of sending for a qualified person , and may cause more harm than good. Even so I believe with Admiral that a exists for giving training to the people suffiCiently speCified, so long as the risks are carefully calculated and great care is taken in the preparation of the syllabuses and lesson note s.

I would specify desirable targets, covered somewhat by the progressive first-aid instruction chart produced by Admiral Miles to be as follows: people in 'at risk' employments should trained in carefully prepared basic principles of first-aid' the basic training should be made as interesting a possible in' order to those taking it to become 'certified' first-aiders; and that, m rndustry and schools particularly, a method of 'streaming' be evolved so that those who show a marked interest in first-aid may l ater, be trained up to a higher standard than the others.

There may be a case for a select committee of doctors and ed.ucationists to study these questions, as proposed by Admiral Mlies, but I should have thought that it was within the terms of reference of th e national voluntary first-aid organisations to examine the case submitted and to place any recommendations before the appropriate Minister(s).

London S. W.i.

SICK-BED READING

from Ken Shapcott, Divisional Superintendent

Like all good hospital visitors my wife has just supplied me wit h some interesting reading matter and this included the August Review. What a'll issue for a divisional superintendent lying in the 1.Fl tensive care coronary unit on 'o pen m:der'! The article by To m

Hope dealing with cardiac arrest was especially in teresting.

All four chaps in this w ard are wired up to cardiac machines with. monitors in the staff area I was sitting up for the first time reading this article when the emergency bell rang for a patient in the next room Being Sunday there were less staff on duty and we

At the three days of the show all cadets had a chance to be radio operators. The cadet would take his or her set along with the first aid parties out in the showground and at the ringsides etc. Some of the cadets were only 11 years old but requesting the ambulance or other assistance were passed with ease.

The two main obj ects of using the radios were achieved: first the St. John Ambulance was shown to be modern and up-to-date ; second the cadets were seen by many people using their radios. Other boys and girls stopped to talk to them and asked how to join the cadet divisions. Now we have a few more cadets to train for next year.

The radio telephones were bought by County Headquarters loaned out to a Corps, when required. The cost per set mcludmg rechargable batteries is approximately £100, depending on the number of sets purchased.

The sets are Pye Bantams with a range of about 2-3 miles Bantam to Bantam, or 15 miles to a main set. They weigh 4% lbs and are not therefore too heavy for cadets to carry.

Peterborough A. R. Davenport.

POISONS

from F. Hugo Stuttaford, retired County Surgeon Re Session 7 in the First Aid Manual, Poisons: As a lecturer of considerable experience over many years I have always considered subject has never been dealt with intelligibly in any edltlon m the past ,. and this is borne out by the fact that both in competitions and examinations, marks are lost or a pass'

12-year-old Trevor Ward, of Yaxley Combined Division, 6n radio patrol (see letter)

David Curtis

RADIO CADETS

from A. R. Davenport , County Staff Officer

At East of England Show, held at Peterborough in July, it was d.eclded that radios would be used for the first time. (See photo nght)

After much thought it was decided that the radio operators would be cadets, so I held a course for a ll ca dets to teach them radio procedure. The original idea was that each operator should be at least 14 years of age bu t as the radio practice got unde r way

occurs. whereas the matter is very easy to understand if put over correctly.

The question of the iidentity of the p0ison is irrelevant , provided the right treatment is institlJlted. To this end here is an easy-to-understand example, which may be of help to first-aiders: What is done for a poisoning case depends on one sign only: Is patient conscious or unconscious?

If conscious, again what is done depends on one sign: open the mouth. If the mouth looks normal, give emetic, i.e.-make him sick: tickle back of throat. If this fails, give two heaped tablespoons of salt to two glasses of warm water (collect vomit). Follow by a drink of cold water and a soother (milk). If mouth is IDltlrnt do riot give emetic but give cold water to drink and soother (milk).

If poisoning is by gases, the above does not apply. Consider artificial respiration.

If unconscious: %-prone position, artificial respiration, if necessary Cardiac massage, if necessary.

Bournemouth

THAT

HAIR

AND THOSE DRESSES

F. Hugo Stuttaford

from Miss S. Hallett, Trainee OfficeF (aged 19)

Further to the ietter from a Devon nursing cadet superintendent regarding the angles of caps worn by nursing cadets (July R{wiew), I am annoyed every month by seeing numerous photographs published of cadets with long hair hanging way past their collars, and also dresses that are extremely short.

In Bristol when I was a cadet with long hair, and now when I am teaching cadets with long hair we have to take our hair off our collars, not tied back or in bunches but up on top of our heads. I thought this was the rule of the Brigade.

Another rule, I thought, was that skirts had to be one inch above the knee, and we are constantly telling our girls to take their hems down, otherwise, at anything 'official' the girls are 'told' about it and we told to check them later.

What sort of example is it to them to open the Review and see rows girls with short dresses and long hair? It just is not fair to th@m or to us who have to answer their questions: 'They can, so why can't we?'

Please may we have better examples, or more lenient rules! Bristol 5 S. Hallett

Cadets

Of course these little monkeys have to come from West London! Bayswater cadets take

A problem, I agree. But the role of the Review is to publish what is happening in the Brigade, not to wear rose-tinted spectaeies. The photogra phs published this year are of the Brigade iI<!. 1970; next year, if fashion trends are anything to go by (blllt I'm no authority) we shall see pictures of cadets in ankle-length dresses. The real root of the I believe (as with the moon effecting olir tides), is in another land-Paris.

NCO'S ONE STRIPE

from K. M. Dunn

I have just bought the July edition of the St. John Review and notice on the front cover that a cadet is wearing only one NCO' s stripe. I have looked in the Dress and have not found anything with one stripe for a cadet on the right arm. Please could you tell me why the cadet is wearing one stripe?

Newport, Mon K. M. Dunn

Edit: Don't know. He shouldn't be. You're quite right

INSTRUCTORS' ASSOCIATION

from Michael Keenan, Training Officer

I read with interest 'Instructors Association', Around and About, St John Review July 1970

I h a ve often given thought to forming an Association for Instructors in the Province of Manitoba. The Province is 211,775 square miles , with a population of only 981,000, so it would b e impossibl e to have an association that could meet frequently.

Inste a d, I have a publication printed and circulated mClnthly , namely In structors News.

I would b e mo st interested to hear how the association in Leicestershire develops Manitoba , Canada Michael Keenan,

JUDGING COMPETITIONS

from A. Competitor

Notes from one who has acted as casua lty, set , judged and competed in competitions the latter at aU levels including National Final.

MARKING SHEETS (1) to be 'approved' by someone who knows 'a lot' about competition work, (especially at National Final level) to see that no ambiguities exist and that requirements are in line with current teaching.

Reason for making above comments: 1969 National Final Team Test contained marks for - removing a piece of china from leg; and the team's observations were that teaching is that one does no t Femove china but builds up a dressing around it. Also that a 2 inch piece of thick china tea pot would bounce off the floor and embed itself halfway up the leg is rather unlikely.

(The team concerned built up a very adequate pad and bandaged it in position and were allocated no marks at all).

MARKING SHEETS (2) Can we not have a set pattern reference things like the pulse? i.e. Competitor to take ACTUAL PULSE; and count out what he finds. Judge at same time taking pulse from another point, if competitor is taking correctly, judge on V2 minute tells competitor what PULSE WOULD BE in this condition.

Reason for making above comments: On occasions it is done this way. Some judges want you just to take it and imagine result! Others expect you to say that the pulse is '90' when you have just counted it out to be 72! Most off putting.

JUDGES

(1) Judges must be familiar with the job of judging competitions.

(2) A per son judging for the first few times should be under the wings of one experienced.

(3) All Judges must have read (and practice) the St. John publication on competitions.

(4) Liaison between judges and casualties is essential at the end of each test.

(5) A 'checker' , just watching closely, would be invaluable and could go through judges marks, to see that all points done have been mark e d

A doctor or surgeon knows his medicine, but does not always know the finer points of first aid teaching, and most would probably be only too pleased to have a lay person to assist, who really knows the competition 'set-up'.

Reasons for above comments: In a 1969 National Final there were 3 marks on the sheet for loading each of two persons onto stretchers. The team concerned did this and were marked 2 out of 3 for ONE patient, and no marks for 2nd patient. This was made worse by the fact that they lost 3rd Place by only I V2 marks!!)

STAGING AND SETS FOR COMPETITION : Make sure that the set is right for the story in hand. Often this is quite good, but on my first visit to a county round of a Brigade cadet competition I wa s astounded to find:

(a) An individual test supposed to have a butchers boy with a c ut arm caused by a knife represented by a ca det in uniform sitting in a school classroom at a desk holding his arm; when the competitor moved his hand there was NO MAKE UP.

(b) In the team test , they had to enquire for blankets etc from a nearby house. The set was outdoors, and a lady in full SJA uniform stood around among spectators, and she was the householder! Confusing to say the least.

A large pair of doors (leading into the playground) were behind the set, and all it needed was a house number and street name to be put on these, and for the good lady to don an apron, an d answer a knock by the team, and things would have looked a lot more realistic.

What is the use of training teams in good simulated conditions, if they are going to find bad conditions along the way?

GENERAL POLICY: In Brigade competitions the female individual test is on nursing, while in all other S t. John com.petitions they do first aid. When we belong to both organisations we don't know if we are coming or going, and in the brigade it means two trainers Except in the case of the proper N.H.S.R. type of competitive training, competitions in nursing do not make sense - there is far more to be gained from a good individual test on FIRST AID. Now that we are merged lets get into line - and up to date!

Somewhere A. Competitor ROYAL REVIEW 1912

from Miss Winifred H. Aish

I was very interested to see the photographs of the Royal Review of the Brigade in Windsor Great Park in June 1912 (July Review), as I was one of those present.

I enrolled in the Bournemouth Nursing Division in March 1912 and this was my first great occasion.

There were detachments from every part of the British Empire and it was a wonderful sight. The day was scorchingly hot and the bonnets we wore in those days gave no shade, so our faces were very burnt and even blistered. The ambulance men's water bottles were in great demand

The nurses were provided with tiers of benches , but the men had to stand, consequently there were many who fainted after King George V had ridden through their ranks. He wore the uniform of a Field Marshall.

Queen Mary was present and drove round in a landau accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Princess Mary. Everything was most efficiently organised and it was all a great thrill , which is the reason the memory of it is still vivid after 58 years.

Bournemouth

MORNIN' SUPERINTENDENT! NOT LIKE YOU TO STAY THE NIGHT FOLLOWING- A CADE.T CLASS "

RADICALS?

from Geoffrey Hunter, Divisional Officer

The thought of an October Review crammed full of readers comments makes me cringe!

A little light relief is called for - hence my cartoon (a bove). Good luck to you. After all , where would the world be without radicals?

Cheshire Geoffrey Hunter

VISIT TO HEADQUARTERS

from A. Patterson

I arrived at this famous building, known to first aiders and many others throughout the world as The Headquarters , with some apprehension - almost thirty minutes before my appointed time; not nearly enough to ponder and to pay my respects to all that S1. John means and stands for to so many.

My thoughts were on the events leading up to my invitation to attend and demonstrate to the Medical Board the multi-fracture board, which I had developed with some of my colleagues. Could I find the words necessary to speak to the Board? Was this apparatus all I had stated, for the treatment of fractures , compact, easily carried, extremely mobile? Could I describe its use and its numerous benefits to the injured? Would the members of the Board use words, professional questions and terms unfamiliar to my ears? Would the Board listen to a layman talking 15

Winzfred H. Aish

about treatment to the injured?

These and many other questions went through my mind ; however it was time to go inside and face the music.

First to the reception desk, then on to a charming lady (who was extremely in maki ng visitors at home) to await the call from the Secretary to be presented to the Medical Board. While waiting, a welcome cup of tea appeared, my confidence growing every minute until my turn arrived. Then down the passage, escorted by the Secretary, to impressive doors then inside to be introduced to this most distinguished Board , which had a Professor Hedley Atkins, K B .E. as its chairman. The welcome given to me removed all anxiety.

I was given every assistance to present the fracture unit to its best advantage. Famous from the medical and surgical world asked many questions, and tried for themselves the spine boards femur boards, pelvis supports and other i tems belonging to the unit. At the same time they gave me support in every possible way, even making to improve the padding for the curvature of the spine.

The time passed too quickly. The demonstration ended with thanks from members of the Board and promises to see me again in the near future. Once again being escorted by the Secretary back to his office, collecting my belongings and then homeward bound -a 300 mile journey, in which I was snowbound for hOUTS.

I must thank everyone for arranging this visit, and also Headquarters for making me so welcome.

North Shields A. Patt erson

INFORMATION WANTED

from A. E. Edwards, Divisional Secretary

Can any reader ten me if 'wheeled litters' are still manufactured by anybody?

We would like one with a minimum of 18 in wheels. If any division has one for sale please contact me direct at 11, Countess Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 ORS.

Manchester A. E. Edwards

A FEW THOUGHTS

from Miss Kathlyn Wilson, Divisional Officer Brigade Efficiency-how about including a minimum of 20 hours duty per annum in efficiency requirements? We know many who attend classes and never do a duty yet get their efficiency the

GETTING DOWN TO CAMPING

same as others who do anything from 50 to 200 hours du ty a year. Fai r?

First Aid Manual - what do members t lil ink of our latest edition now that it has been u sed for a few year s? There was much controversy over it when first published. Some of us still think the detailed anatomy and physiology unnecessary for the initial first aid certificate.

Volunteers - do other officers sometimes h ave problems when trying to cover duties and some members get awkward and say 'It's voluntary'? When I joined SJA voluntary to me meant I volunteer ed to join and my services were voluntary: i e. receiving no monetary reward, but the reward of helping others; an d that I was expected to do a certain number of duties if I was issued with a uniform (certain family circumstances and commitments taken into account, of cou rse)

Workington Kathlyn D Wilson

VIEWS ON VIEWS from E J . Baker

The Readers' Views ,expressed in the July issue are very interesting but somewhat puzzling.

Keeping clear of the camping controversy except to say that District Staff Officer Miss Watts does stick her neck out - but she hardly deserved to get it slapped so brutally by A. Camper and mentioning in passing that it doesn 't seem proper to quote R. Burns unless the quotation is accurate, I wa s puzzled by A. A. Linstead's difficulty with the plastic bag and the belt of the new uniform; does he really have his belt so bght that he cannot slide the haversack about? Or does he carry it so far to th e rear that the belt attachment comes between the two parts of the sho ulder strap? Depending upon the sort of Public Duty, I imagine most of us have always carried some form of hand-case.

I don't agree with William C. Fry's proposal; it would be very unfair to many members of divisions which, for many reasons, have not been able to arrange courses for lay instructors, higher or advanced first aid. Moreover., I cannot follow the argument he propounds ; it is astonishing that his division has twenty lay instructors but hard to accept that they are all so new in membership that there can be 'a mor e experienced first aider' whose only qualification is one service chevron (i.e. indicative of more than 3 but less than 6 years se rvi ce). In any case, advanced academic knowledge does not, necessarily, go with good organisational or directive ability so I think , with sergeants an d

corporals being obvious squad leaders, Briga de Regulation 75 (Seniori!ty on Duty) needs no revision or amendment to est ablis h seniority vis-a-vis ambulance memb ers

I think you co uld have referred H. Downey's proposal for regional stores to Stores Manager at the Gate, who would almost certainly have pointed out the great administrative and regulation difficulties in having regional stores. His argument is not fairly stated since the price is as stated in the stores lists whether the article is bought over the counter on a visit to 'the Gate' or ordered for delivery by post I have been astonished (and dismayed!) on many occasions at the enormous postage cha rge which must h ave robbed the Gate of any pro fit' but I suppose its like the NAAFI and one evens out the other. It cou ld well se rve a useful purpose if, when a private car or ambulance visits London from a remot e division, such bulky parcels as , say, several sco r e of first aid or nursing manuals were collected for one's own division or division s en route or within collectin g di stance of home address. But for a depot at Leeds to carry a comprehensive stock would surely present difficulties in arranging accommodation, voluntary or paid stores sub-manager and regional shopping f acilities.

Thank you for your encouraging footnote to my leg-pulling (leg twisting?) in the June issue. I hope to offer some 'cartoons' from time to time.

K eep up the good work

&M

LONG SERVICE MEDAL

from W. Pilkington, PRO Duke of Lancaster's District Sever al m embers have telephoned me, and made personal calls, r eq uesting I reply to the letter from N. R Turnbull on the Long Service Medal'

It is generally accepted here that this medal is granted for fifteen years efficient service, hence there are also bars awarded, one for every five years.

None of those I spoke to have ever known this medal to be awarded to anyone outside the Association or the Brigade, except to members of the Official Ambulance Servic e, a nd here again, for fifteen years service.

I am asked by some to also point out that admission to the Order of St John cannot be granted unless the Service Medal has been awarded, but there is some doubt about this as we have known of Commissioners being admitted to the Order before they have had a year's service.

Irrespective of all else, there is some hard feeling that the Service Med a is 'so cheap and nasty today '. I quote from several

WR ITE A CAPTION

people, the feeling being that if fifteen years is only worth a plated medal, it defe ats itself, having previously been made of silver.

Many are puzzled to know what is me a nt by outstanding service to the Order in the case of this award, as stated by your reader. This appears to be very vague to many Liverpool 18 William Pilkington Edit : I have received some twenty letters on this subject of the Long Service Medal and recognition of service by the Order; but as the true identity of the writers could not be establishedhence more than one letter could have come from one writer and so create a false impression - I am afraid they cannot be published. Mr Pilkington's letter does, however, sum up the views of these unpublished letters.

REGIONAL STORES

from F. Hugo Stuttaford

Concerning 'Question of Stores' (July Review) if Corporal H. Downey cares to get in touch with Mrs S. Denning , C/O County Office SJA , Horsham, Sussex , I am sure he will learn much about a regional stores depot, since she and her late husband ran (and she still TUns) such a depot very successfully for about ten years.

Bournemouth F. Hugo Stuttaford

CADET COMPETITION

from Miss Susan Vick, Divisional Officer

With reference ' Comment' , page one, August Review, the disappointing number of entries for the cadet competition may possibly be due to the fact that the week August 19-27 clashed with existing holiday arrangements

Your competition aroused interest among cadets in this division, but those cadets who would have entered had either arranged to go to the annual Cheshire cadet camp in Wales or to the camp organised by one of the local churches the same week. I am sure a fair number of cadets read the Review and an even larger number know of it.

Wallasey Susan Vick

Edit: True. We'll have to offer alternative prizes in future.

GRANDAD'S HOT SUMMER

from A Beach Hut

Extract from the Lost Childrens book, at West Beach hut, Hayling Island, weather very hot and dry: 'LOST: 1 grandfather, aged 74, wearing gum-boots and a green suit" Hants A Beach Hut

CADET COMPETITION No.2

A GOOD PHOTOGRAPH , like the one right, tells a visual story. Whoev e r looks at the picture imagines their own particular version of the story. The caption writer's job is to say something that will help the imagination to get the most enjoyment or interest out of the picture This time YOU are the caption writer

Wi th this picture are supplied the following facts: 'At the Harrow NurSing Cadet Division's annual open evening, lS-year-old Jennie Smith (we'll call our girl) demonstrates 'Care of Animals' with her own cat, whi c h she brought along for the evening. 'Care of animals' is one of the many subjects taught to the 60,000 St John Ambula nce cadets in Britain.'

Now your job is to write a caption of

not more than 20 word s, which can, if you wish , include a short headline , such as TIDDLES HELPS CADETS, followed by the caption - in this case up to seventeen words.

Entries must be on a competition form (page 23), which will also be published in the November issue and sent to the Review Competition, St. John Ambulance H/Q , 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S.W.I. by December 1 1970 The best three cadet entries (in the editor's opinion) will receive book prizes.

Adult members (no prizes this time, I'm afraid) are welcome to submit their captions and then we'll be able to compare the best three of each section. I'll write one too, by the way, and I only hope you'll all put me to shame.

The Editor

Lady Moyra Browne, Superintendent in·Chief (left in pictures) takes a really close look at cadets

'Cheers, Tom/ L 26 years later . ..

EARLY IN 1944, soon after I'd joined the Navy, I was sent to Scotland on a commando course to train as a beachmaster those death-and-glory boys who were to be first ashore in the invasion of Hitler-occupied Europe. The course was tough - up at 5 am, scaling cliffs, running with full kit, leaping in and ou t of small landing-craft under a hail of fire ; great fun when you're eighteen. One of our instructors was a Royal Marine Lieutenant, Tom, who was 22 and from the West Country; he and I became chums. We used to go sailing together on the loch in a naval dinghy whenever we had a spare hour , and enjoyed many pint s in the local. We promised ourselves, when the invasion was over, that we'd meet at the Marines Club in London for a gre at weekend. Then Tom was posted and our training continued. Next the invasion took place (while I was still training), and we heard that many of om beachmasters had survived. But not Tom; he was one of the few who'd been lost. I told myself that I'd still keep that date at the Marines Club, to have a drink to Tom. But I didn't. I was posted to furth e r training and then overseas, and, as I'm sure it would have been with Tom if our fates were reversed, that drink was forgotten

This year - 26 years later - I found myself having a drink at the b a r of what used to be that Marines Club in London ; and quietly saying to myself , lifting my glass, 'Cheers Tom as everyone else in the room was talking St. John. For that Club . where we were to IDeet alter the invasion is now St. John House 50 Eaton Place, S.W.I. YOUR cll!lb . Our club, I should say. Where is it exactly? Well, if tht? Marines once had it, it must be in the middle of everything. Whi c h i is - six minutes walk from Victoria Station in 18

Sheila Sullivan looks after the dining room.

one dire ction, Sloane Square Underground in another, an d Hyde Park Corner in another. Yet Eaton Place is a quiet street in residential Belgravia - n o problem s with traffic noise if you want to lie-in in the morning Inciden tally, it has five double and four singl e bedrooms. Running the club for St. J ohn is Miss Colthurst, the warden , who took over a little more than a year ago. With a background of hotels and catering, Miss Colthurst now has everything at 50 Eaton Place running very smoothly, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Naturally, being so central, her favourite out-of-club activ ities are concerts and th eatres - so don't hesita te to ask her if you want to see a good show in town. Helping her is Miss Sandra Kirk, who came to St. John soon after Ann Colthurst. Sandra is the person to talk to about motor-racing and travel ; she's the outdoor girl.

What about food at the club? In the lower ground floor dining-room are served breakfast, lunch at 4/6d (which is about the price of a sandwich an d cup of coffee in this part of London), tea and

OVERSEAS NEWS

NIGERIA

When St. John Ambulance was launched in the South Eastern State recently, H. E. Col. U. J. Usuene, the Military Governor pointed out that for the six period Octobe r 1969 to Marc h 1970 there had been 57 fatal accidents in the South Eastern State; this wa s just one of the reasons why as many people as possibl e should take the opportinity of studying first aid und er the newly-form e d SJAA

SJAB's Major Williams at launching of

Hersham Controlle; Medical Serv

KENYA

dinn er. The kitchen is ruled by Richard, who h as been cooking for St. John for n early 20 years. He came to Britain (Scotland to be exact) from Western Poland in 1946. Rain - yes, apparently 1946 was a wet year in Scotland - drove him south and he settled in St. John H ouse when it was in Collingham Gardens. Richard is a keen fishermanfresh water most weekends - so keep an eye open for fish on the menu when you're in for lunch on Fridays; it should be good.

Miss Sheila Sullivan , who looks after the dining-room, came to St. John aft er seven years at London s ski club.

Paradoxically (she's Irish of course) , Shiela gave in her notice two days aft er she arrived - which was two years ago

Who's responsible for running the club for St. J o lm today? In true Royal Marine t raditi o n -a sai l or Rear Admiral R. S. Wellby, the Deputy Commissioner-in· Chief , who is chairman of the committee.

There are 2000 members but there is room for 500 more. 2000 members are getting good service from a comfortab le club, but it is l osing money. 500 more members will help so lv e that problem. Will you become one of those 500?

Full membership is open to members of the Order , the Association and the Brigade. Associate membership is open to close relatives of club members, t11e medical and nur sing professions, and certain othe r organisations.

Those i n t eres ted in j oining should write to the Wa rden, Miss Ann Colthurst 50 Eaton Place, London, S.W.l., of 'phone her (01-235-2732) for full details

Th e club's Annual General Meet ing is to be held at the club at 6 pm on Wedn esday, October 21, and a ll members are invited to attend. F.D.

The Attorney-General the Hon Charles Njonj o, who is Vi ce-Pre si d ent of the St John Council for Kenya, recently presented first aid certificates to more than 50 air hostesses of the East Africa Airport Corps at a spec ial ceremony to inaugurate the new corps; h e a lso presented warr ants to officers of the corps. Mr Luttara, the Director-General of ?AAC was the host at this reception, whIch was attended by most senior mem bers of the Brigade.

Kenyan airhostesses rece ive first aid certifi· cates

PAKISTAN Th AGM f St J h ' eo. 0 n Ambulance, Karachi (the ASSoClatIOn formed in 1915 the Brigade in 1935)

(Left) Ann Coltnurst(L) and Sandra Kirk have everything running smooth· Iy at 50 Eaton Place , while Richard (R) rules in the

NEWS f,.om SCOTLAND

ABERDEEN: On July 28 came the sad news of the death of Miss Bannie Mackie CStJ. , former matron of the St. Nursing Home. The Prior paid her the following tribute:

'Miss Mackie retired as matron only four months ago and went to live at Woodend, Station Road, Mintlaw. She was a matron for forty-one years. She gave her life to the care and nursing of the sick and as matron of the Armstrong Home, and since 1947 as matron of the St. John Nursing Home, she gave the most outstanding service, far beyond the calls of duty. There are many who will remember with affection and gratitude her loving care when they were ill. She was a Commander of the Order of St. John, and surely she deserved a very high honour, although she did not seek such a reward.'

Mrs Jean Macklin, QAIMSR was appointed the new matron of the St. John Nursing Home on May 1 She trained in Dundee and spent most of the war in Egypt - at El Alamein. She is the widow of Dr. A. H. Macklin, who was surgeon to Sir Ernest ShaGkleton on two expeditions to Antarctica -in the Quest and the Endeavour.

EDINBURGH: The very active St. John Association in Edinburgh has been doing well. Its annual sale of work, generally recognised as one of the finest in the city, had a gross receipt of over £1,350, while its new gift shop, administered for the benefit of the Order's charitable work in the south east of Scotland, showed a net profit of over £ 1,100 in its first year, just concluded. This represented sales of over £2,000 during the year. The Association is ex tending its flag-days beyond Edinburgh and Musselburgh to North Berwick, and last year handed over to the Order the splendid sum of £ 1,780 for the upkeep of the St. John Hospices in Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

SKERRYBRAE. THE ST. JOHN HOSPICE: Reference was made at the Order's Annual Investiture at Aberdeen to the stay at the hospice of twenty very elderly ladies who lived alone and needed a holiday. The stay was organised and its costs were subsidised by the various Woman's Guilds of the Aberdeen district of the Church of Scotland. These ladies composed a special Skerry brae Song, to be sung to the tune of the 'Auld Hoose'.

Oh Skerrybrae, Oh Skerrybrae

May God grant Thee His peace.

Oh, that the Order of St. John May prosper in their lease.

NEWS fpom WALES

BARRY LI FEGUARDS

THE ST JOHN Lifeguards who operate from Barry Island were very busy on July 25, when the Surf Lifesaving examinations in which they were taking part turned into the real thing.

The team, under their leader Brian Hortop SBStJ., were taking part in their six-hour examination when the beach look-out tower reported that there was a yacht in trouble off Nell's Point.

The team immediately abandoned the tests and launched the inshore rescue boat.

Supt. Hortop said: 'Conditions were terrible as we approached the yacht whiGh had capsized. A rough swell was running and a bad head wind whipped up the spray. My fellow life-guard, Stephen Woodfin, dived overboard to assist the crew to try to get the mainsail down, but the conditions made it impossible

Meanwhile the Barry Pilots had aTliived and stood by. The Barry Yacht Club rescue craft also arrived and it secured a line to the boat and took her in tow. We 20

Oh Skerrybrae, Oh Skerrybrae

Your praises we sing loud

By us, poor pilgrims on the way

Far from the madding crowd.

Oh Skerry brae, Oh Skerrybrae

A place beyond compare

A grea place for a holid ay

You're always welcome there.

Oh Skerrybrae, Oh Skerrybrae

How j oIly we are here

So happy we are every day with hearts so full of cheer.

Oh Skerrybrae, Oh Skerrybr ae

You do our souls ri ght good

To be together every day

And do just what we should.

Oh Skerrybrae Oh Skerrybrae

United here we stand

To do our utmost every day

Stret ch forth the helping hand.

This song was taken up by the Girl Guides of the 158th Company, Edinburgh, who en d.e d a week 's residence at the hospice on August 1. Never was an indoor swimming pool put to better or more d ete rmined use than dur ing their stay to the envy of the Boys Brigade of Coatbridge, who were nearby in the Church Hall of St. Geraldine. Bo th Brigade and Guides with their colour parties attended Divine Service at St. Geraldine's Church.

picked up the three-man crew and took them back to the shore'

The examination continued la ter and an passed.

FIRST IN WALES

Stephen Weeks, of Hywel Crescent, Barry, was the first life-guard in Wales to gain the silver medallion of the S.L.S A G.B.

Barry is the first St. John Club also in Britain to have two girls who gain ed the bronze medallion of the S.L.S.A.

The other awards gained were S.L.S A instructors: Supt. Brian Hor top and Sgt. Gerald Adams.

S L. S .A Bronze medallions: Ian Marshall , Jeff Beecher and David Noble

It is the fourth consecutive season that Barry Island has been named by the St. John Lifeguards a nd it is notable that in that time there have been no fatalities. A total of 6,020 hours h ave been spent patrolling the beaches and 13 people have to date been saved.

ROYAL WELSH NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD

The Mid-Glamorgan casualty team was invited to the Eisted df od held at Ammanford in South Wales

They provided and made up all the casualties us ed in the Eisteddfod series, which lasted three d ays and consisted of five separate co mpetitions ; a remarkable achievement as the team consists of only sixteen m e mbers Teams came from as far afield as Bristol, Lancashire and North Wales Forty-thr ee teams competed and a total of twenty two casualties were provided in 'full war paint'. Injuries consisted of various fractures , poisoning, burns and crushing. The Powell Dyffryn competition was a mining accident performed in an excellent setting provided by the N.C.B. It was enacted by Mr. Ron Pascoe and Mr. A Morris , who had crush injuries. Mr. Pascoe passed into unconsciousness very realisti ca lly.

The team was formed in the winter of 1968 as a study circle of Casualties Union, und e r the leadership of Mr. Edwin Richards. After passing a Casualties Union proficiency examination it was decide d by Mid-Glamorgan District to form a district team. The team tried an examination in casualty simulation under the St. John Ambulance and all pass ed, obtaining in str uctor grade i n cas u alty make-up under St. John Ambulance. They now form the Mid-Glamorgan district cas u alty team.

SISTER RHONA MEADES, S.R.N.

Educated at Bargo ed Grammar Technical School wlhere she obtained eight O-Levels in the 1964 examinations, Rhona obtained her Grand Prior badge in 1963. She starte d nursing in Rhydlafar Hospital

Mid -Glamorgan's casualty team - asserti ng their rights

Rhona's

in September 1964, and after an 18 months course she obtained her Orthopaedic Nursing Certificate. Having this experience she transferred to Cardiff Royal Infirmary to train for h er SRN a 21h year training because of previo'us experience. She gained her SRN, in May 1969 and then did one year staff nurses duties until May 1970 , when she was appointed night sister at Cardiff Royal Infirmary at 22 years of age - the youngest ever for such an appointment. This success story could be repeated by many of our Cadets, who take advantage of services provided in the Brigade and the training given in hospitals, which are operating under great difficulties due to a shortage of nurses

IRELAND

Dedication of SJ amb ul ances to be operated by Bangor a nd Newry Divisions by c haplains of the Order at New castle, County Down

H E Lord Grey of Naunton, Governor of Northern Ireland and Knight Commander of the Order of St. John inspecting SJA division s at St. John's Day service, Belfast (Photo: Belfast Telegr ap h)

are handed over by Col George Morgan, Chairman, Carmarthen Charities Committee to SJA County Commissioner, Mr J. Ronald Jones. (Photo Carmarthen Journal)

Sister

smiling success story

<l1li 13-year-old Ian of Walsall's Beechdale Cadet Division, rec;;eives the division s uniform trophy and holds district and county uniform trophies, which his group also won. (Photo: Express and Star) It's High Wycombe Ambulance Division s

News from the Divisions

NOTTINGHAM - the city ambulance service, the city and southern area SJA, and the BRCS joined forces for the first t ime to provide first aid and ambulance coverage for Nottingham's fh ,st festival July 11 - 26.

The main events accounted for nearly 10 ,000 hours of duty over the fortnight, and in all nearly 200 casualties were recei ved. Among the cases were wasp stings, fainting, sickness and fractures. Some of the casualties wer e sent to hospital, which was permanently staffed by trained nurse s of both organisations; doctors were available on most days.

The festival was a great success not only for the city but also for the organisations who joined forces to work together ca ring for the sick.

(Photo Robert Mead) ...

W. R. YORKSHIRE - Acomb Division is very proud of Corporal Alan Powell , who joined the cadets in 1949 and after three years was transferred to this adult division in 1952. He was promoted corporal in 1968. Unfortunately Mr Powell 's 15 year Service Medal arrived too late for the recent annual in spection , when

Hersham (Surrey) Nursing team all smiles when they won the area shield and uniform cup.

At Ley ton and Leytonstone Division's H/Q nurses of 17 (N) Division were p resented with a portrait of the Queen , which was unveiled by Mrs. A. E Sampson, a member of SJ for 62 years (Photo: Guardian News <l1li papers , Ley ton)

Wakefield Westgate Nursing Division's c ompetrtlOn team,

members gathered to congratulate him on his efficient service. Alan Powell who is married with three children, thoroughly enjoys life in the Brigade ; and Acomb members know that he will serve with them for many years to come.

OBITUARY

REVIEW CROSSWORD No. 10 (70) Compiled by W. A. Potter

ACROSS:

1. Has become addicted to drugs (6) 4. Abeve a large amount is more than sufficient. (8) 10. Part of a chessman. (5) 11. Visit by consultant or matron to part of the fight staged for the patients? (4-5) 12. Laceration of p0rineum occurring during childbirth. (4)

13. Spoon used to watch ever people in a disagreeable way. (5) 14. Worn to protect patient, and sometimes nurse, from inf0ction. (4) 17. Part of finger where a mystic may lie? (4-3) 18. A twice daily omen for body cavity. (7) 20. Nail overlapped by surrounding tissue. (7) 22. Secured against injury or loss. (7) 23. Carried round body wh0n applying triangular bandage to chest or back. (4) 25. Votes for neating apparatus (5) 26. Diseases and misfmtunes (4) 29. Leg sprain could produce recurrent fever conveyed by lice and ticks. (9) 30 . Liquid injected . into the rectum. (5) 31. Horticulturist lost in red range. (8) 32. Averts disruption to deprive of feod (6).

DOWN:

1. Given lower the bleed pressure. (11.4) 2. Surgeon working eould be in top gear. (9) 3. Where foreign bodies are most commonly seen in casualty. (4) 5. Smallpox. (7) 6. Very uncommon condition involving artist and engineer. (4) 7 Process of the soft palate (5) 8 Progressive malignant condition characterised by enlargement of lymph glands. (8.7) 9. Twisted young Edward gets around little Winifred. (6) 15. Regard with horror. (5) 16 Perfect in glucoside alkaloid. (5) 19 Tympanic cavity neither right nor left? (6.3) 21 Put it in inert mixture for smooth muscle relaxing drug. (7) 22. Short geneul anaesthetic gave mixed feeding by oesophageal tube (6) 24 Pain of fifty trapped in door. (5) 27. A policeman with rank takes direction in dome-shaped part of building. (4) 28. Exnal!lstion due to loss of water and salt by sweating (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.9 - 70

ACROSS:

l.Frostbite; 9 Saliva; 10. Ante- ; 11. Evil ; 12. Temp.le ; 13. Bloodshed ; 14. Chorea; 19. Pin ; 21. Intestinal fluke; 22. Tap ; 23 In.dole; 27. Pneumonia; 28. A.g;,g te ; 30. Uric; 31. Kith; 32. Ill -got ; 33. Reserpine

DOWN:

2 Ranula ; 3. Sterol; 4 B.R east ; 5. Trigeminal nerve ; 6. Make-shift ; 7 Lisp ; 8. Pac 0-maker ; 15. Rou t ; 16 Digitalis,; 17 Stud ; 18 Isolation; 19. Pit ; 20 Nap ; 24. Muscle; 25. Look-Up; 26. BLo t in; 29 Nile.

18-year-old DIANE DAVIS tells us monthly abGwt her lite as a

STUDENT NURSE

HAVING COMPLETED m y fi rst six m o nth s of tr ainin g o n t he w ar d s, I am n ow ba c k in t he sc h oo l of nur sing f or a m o n th of f ull-tim e st udi es -m y fi rs t y ea r bl ock, as it's ca ll ed , Of the origi n al 54 st uden t nur se s wh o s ta rted a t UCH last January , we have lost f o ur gi rls, so our set f or Round 2 of training number e d 50. But fi ve othe r nurse s have n o w j oined u s, one of whos e training was in t err upted by illn e ss , whil e t h e o th ers are pre-train ed.

For studies we a re split into tw o group s, and w ork fro m 9 am till 5 pm , five d ays a week (with every we ekend off , alt ho ugh I find I pr e fer days off during the we ek )

Our le ct ures co ve r the cardia-v a scula r and re spi ra t o ry sy ste ms the alimenta ry t ract , and paed iatri cs. Fo r th e beginn er i mpr ess ive word s , which simply mean the fun c ti o n s o f hea r t lung s, di gest iv e system, and children s health. With t he ex ce ption o f pa edia t ri cs , we had already covered the anatomy and physi ology of th ese subjects , and now we are study ing t he va ri o us di sea ses of th ese parts of the body and their t re a tm e nt.

During the le ct ures mos t of us m a ke n o t es and id ea lly writ e them up in more detail later in th e day , which h elp s t o rea ll y drum the subje c ts into our mind s for th e te sts we hav e a t t h e end of each week

After completing first-year blo ck we will not b e the b ab ies' of nursing anymo re ; we ' re then given that li tt le bit mor e responsibility, such as collecting patients f rom the o pe r ating theatres, and regul a r ward n ight duty (once a month )

When I started nursing in Janu ary we had to hve in t h e nur ses' home for the first eighteen month s of o ur tr aining but th is h as been changed . We're now allowed to live out aft e r o ur fir st-yea r block - and this is very much t he m a in top ic o f conv ers a ti on in our set at present. To live in - or to live out? That is th e big question But where can f our or five y o ung nurses fi nd a furnished flat for about £15 a week? A fl a t, more over , t ha t isn't so far away from the hospital that we don't sp end a fort une getting to and fro That's a poser I ca n t ell y o u But a t l eas t it 's something new and exciting to talk about , even if it d o esn 't materialise fo r a year or so We're still hoping

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GOOD FUND RA SERS from Aireda e Press Ltd Have the S.J.A. Emb l em disp laye d on Pen c ils and Ball Poin Pens, pr inted w ith 2 /3 lined of Brigade details on B riti sh·ma d e Rowney Penc l s an d Conway Stewart Pens. W r it e o r Pri ce Booklet and samp es to Dept. F., P.O Box. 60, Mo ssca Street, Bradford 3,·Yorkshire.

MOOR F IELDS EYE HOSPITAL CITY ROAD LONDON , E C l. (64)

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STEP STRAIGHT INTO YOUR NEW UNIFORM

By arrangement with SJAB, nurses outfitting association Ltd. , have stocked their nationwide net-work of Danco retail branches with a full range of uniforms for female cadets nursing members and officers of St. John.

All you have to do is call in at your local Danco branch where expert staff will attend to your requirements.

Also in stock - county flashes, badges, publications, shoes and acc€ssories. BRANCHES AT:

First Aid Training Is Essential

Make it interesting and your Students will find it easier to absorb. Use JPLASTIFOL' PLASTIC WOUND REPLICAS to make demonstrations realistic and your team will gain the knowledge to dea I with, and be emotionally prepared to cope with, all types of acCi dents They a re perfectly safe to use and are quick Iy

Road, Drake Circus Tel. Plymouth (0752) 63755 35-36 Oxford Street S09 3SD Tel. 0703 25916

Shaw Heath Tel. 061-480 2859 & 2132

Designed and made by: MANHATTAN WINDSOR Badge makers to the Order of St. John STEWARD STREET, BIRMINGHAM 18

All enquiries and orders with cosh should be directed to: STORES DEPARTMENT, THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN, ST. JOHN'S GATE, LONDON E.e.1

First Aid Training Is Essential

Make it interesting a nd your Students will find it easier to absorb. Use 'PLASTIFOL' PLASTIC WOUND REPLICAS to make , demonstrations realistic and your team will gain the knowledge to deal with, and be emotion@lly prepared to cope with, all types of accidents. They are perfectly safe to use and are quickly attached to the skin Start now to build up a complete range. Send 1/6d. in stamps for a colour booklet giving details of wounds available, casualty faking hints, suggested incidents, etc.,

Dept J, 69 Aberdeen Street, HULL, Yorkshire. Do you come to London Occasionally?

When you come to town why not stay in your own residential club in the West End? For an annual subscription of only £2, you can get bed and breakfast for £2. 10s a night, lu nch for 4/6d and dinner for 10/6. And only five minutes walk from Hyde Park Corner! Bar, TV, comfort. You won't get below those prices anywhere in central London.

The address of YOUR club is: 50 Eaton Place, London, S.W.1. 01-2352732

Write to the Warden NOW - and join.

Contents

Bleeding, by R_ St. J. Buxton p.2

Inflatable Plastic Splints, by Dr. Heather Ashton p.3

Building-Site Drama pA

Dental Patrol p.5

Fee ... Fi ... Fo ... Fum .. . by F. G. Thomas p.6

Around and About, by the Editor p.7

Medical Advances , by Sir Ian Frazer p.ll

New Books p. 15

Readers' Views p . 16

News from Scotland and Wales p.18

Overseas News p.l9

News from the Divisions p.20

Films p.21

Student Nurse, by Diane Davis p.23

EDITOR: FRAN K DR ISCOLL, 26 Pembroke Gardens, London, W. 8. (01 -603 -8512)

ADVER.TISEMENTS:T. G. Scott & Son Ltd

Price 1/6

COVER 1 Clement's Inn, London, WC2A 2ED (01-242-6264 and 01-405-4743)

23 shillings per annum, including postage, from Treasurer, Order of St. John 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S W.1.

A new recruit? Prince, a 4-years-old Alsatian, often goes to meetings at Southend Ambulance Division with his master AIM R. Hutchins (Photo: J

Comment

THE PRICE OF THE REVIEW

Not very good news, I'm afraid. Despite a considerable improvement in advertising revenue and a very slow increase in circulation of the Review since I took over its editorship at the beginning of the year it is still losing a considerable amount of money every month_ So there is no alternative but to increase the price of the magazine. This was the decision taken by the Management Board in September, and of which I am in full agreement.

Postal charges are to be increased in February 1971. Decimalisation, also in February, means a rounding off in prices - upwards, I'm afraid. So it has been decided to increase the price of the Review from 1/6d to 12p (or about 2/4d) a copy from March 1 1971.

There will be no increase of postage and packing charges; these increased charges will be absorbed by the higher price of the magazine.

Up to March 1 1971 subscription rates will remain at 23/- a year - so renew your subscription before that date! After March 1 1971 subscriptions will be £1.70p (£1. 14s at the old rate) a year.

Bulk orders (minimum 6 copies for three months) from St John (Councils, Association, and Brigade) in the United Kingdom, at present 1/4d a copy, will be lOp (2/-) a copy, postage and package paid, after March 1 1971.

From the newsagent the Review will cost 12p (2/4d) a copy, of course.

So the new price means that the Review will cost 10d (present coinage) more a month; or 10/- a year; with direct bulk orders it will cost 8d more a month, or 8/- a year. This increase per copy is less than the present London bus fare (1/-) from my flat to Headquarters, a distance of 2 miles.

Is that fair? A price increase, of a specialised magazine such as the Review , had to come soon. We have tried to fInd the happy medium - a fair price for the content of the magazine but which also gives sufficient income to make the enterprise viable. We want a good lively magazine - which I think most readers will agree it is becoming - but we also want a robust, fmancially-sound magazine. This operation will achieve our objective.

My fIrst year as editor will be completed with the next issue. In February I wrote an introductory article 'Where We Are Going'; next month I will sum up the year with 'Where We Have Got To'. Much has been achieved with the Review - thanks to many people. Soon, I know, it will be the magazine that most of us really want.

The Editor

Northamptonshire Newspapers Ltd

the holes in the mesh become plugged with cells and the entire complex forms the clo,t. The clot appears red because of the !predominance of red blood cells The blood platelets have an important part to play in the whole process of clotting, since it is damage to these which liberates some of the compounds to start the process leading to clot formation. Furthermore once the clot has formed, the fibrous threads which are its basis contract in the process known as clot retraction, which squeezes out serum, and at the same time this approximates the edges of the wound in a blood vessel and so reduces bleeding. In fact patients who have abnormally few platelets tend to have prolonged bleeding in response to injury, and sometimes spontaneous haemorrhages as well.

It has been mentioned above that there are two parts to the clotting process , the one associated with the blood vessel and the other with the blood alone. The contribution which each makes to the stoppage of ble e ding can be examined. When blood leaves the body, its temperature falls and it may come into contact with rough surfaces. It is imp ortant then to standardise the conditions of the test, using a wide bore needle with the syringe which is siliconised, and to place the container which is smooth walled, into a water bath at body temperature immediately after taking the blood. The time taken for the blood to clot is known as the 'clotting time , and normal values are less than ten minutes. The test involving blood vessels naturally has to be performed on the patient. The ear lobe is cleaned with surgical spirit and then pricked with a surgical needle The injury is followed by bleeding, and every thirty seconds the

BLEEDING

by R. St.J. Buxton MB BS PhD DCH CStJ

WHY AND HOW IT STOPSINVALUABLE FIRST AID KNOWLEDGE

THE BLOOD has a very large number of functions to perform in the body, and although there are certain reserves to call upon in times of stress, there is no real excess, so it is particularly important to reduce its loss to a minimum. When an injury occurs, tissue is damaged, resulting in an upset of function. The damaged skin, for example, is no longer able to protect the body against the entrance of bacteria, and the blood vessels will allow the escape of blood.. The emergency situation must always be directed at the 2

haemorrhage. There are two separate mechanisms which are effective under these conditions, the first concerns the blood vessels and the second the blood. When a blood vessel is cut, it tends to contract like a piece of stretched elastic, and in this way reduce the size of the hole in its wall through which bleeding is taking place. Occasionally the vessel does not possess this elasticity, as wheN the artery is hardened in arteriosclerosis, especially in the elderly. In consequence bleeding under these conditions may be

prolonged, and other mechanisms have to be used to stop it.

Local Changes

When an injury occurs cells are damaged, and this produces certain chemical compounds which cause changes in the blood. These are complicated chemical events which take a little while, perhaps a few minutes, to occur, and e.nd up by producing fibrous threads whICh form a network across the wound and over the hole in the blood vessel. The network will catch the blood cells in it, so

blood on the skin surface is carefully mopped away until no more appears The time at which this happens is recorded as 'bleeding time', and is normally two to six minutes. These tests merely demonstrate the time sequence involved in the processes which stop bleeding and in particular the importance of the blood ve ssel factor in reducing the time.

General Effects

When a body sustains an injury the whole organism is affected to a greater or lesser extent. If the injury is a severe one, the clinical picture is termed 'shock', and this may exist in varying degrees of severity. The shock syndrome is in fact the body response to stress, and while some aspects of the clinical picture may appear inappropriate to some injuries, they may be life saving in other circumstances. In the area where bleeding is occurring, the arterioles become constricted , that is the diameter is narrowed, so that the blood flow is reduced and less blood becomes available to the damaged area If the loss of blood has been of sufficient volume, the blood pressure falls, which again reduces the escape of blood from the damaged vessel. At the same time blood is conserved for the important organs, such as the heart and the brain, which are known colloquially as the vital centres, while the skin and intestines are deprived of blood. This re-distribution of blood assists in keeping alive and active certain organs while the injured area has the blood supply reduced so that bleeding is lessened The body control systems carefully arrange which organs must be kept supplied with blood, and there is no voluntary control over these. It is noteworthy, though, that an injured site

Inflatable Plastic Splints

REPORT OF A LECTURE GIVEN AT THE MEDICAL CONFERENCE 1970 by Dr Heather Ashton MA DM MRCP

THE INFLATABLE plastic splint was introduced to Britain in the mid-I960s from the U S.A , where it had been developed and described by Gardner and others.

Revolutionary in many ways, it simply consisted of two layers of plastic suitably joined and fitted with a zip-fastner, thus allowing the whole splint to be placed round a limb and duly inflated. The advantages we re obvious : it was light, easily packed, cheap to make ; sterile and the air pressure controlled bleeding , and above all, being transparent allowed one

is deprived of blood initially, bu t the repair of tissues which follows after the injury necessitates different circulatory arrangements so the early constriction is succeeded by a later opening up of the arterioles.

Treatment.

There are certain aspects of the body's mechanisms for stopping bleeding which cannot be influenced by first aid techniques, but also there are some which can be affected, and these include both general and local changes. By laying the patient down at rest, the demands on the circulation are reduced, and the heart output is lowered. This reduces the general blood pressure and is thus advantageous. If however the patient is warmed with blankets or hot water bottles, the blood vessels in the skin open up. This certainly lowers the blood pressure but at the same time blood is diverted from the vital centres, so it may be a dangerous procedure as far as the whole patient is concerned.

Direct pressure over the wound will help to close the blood vessels so that the clot will have a smaller area to bridge. It is important that over zealous cleaning or wiping a wound should not disturb the clots which have formed. Elevation of the damaged part will lower the blood pressure locally and allow the clotting mechanism to take place with less chance of being disturbed.

In conclusion it can be said that first aid workers are not able to produce blood coagulation or to persuade blood vessels to retract, both of which are essential features of stopping a haemorrhage. But they are able and should be sufficiently knowledgeable to make the conditions suitable for these activities to take place.

to see what was happening underneath and furthermore being radio-transparent did not cause any problem in the X-ray department.

All things considered it seemed to be an ideal splint, but doubts arose in the mind of the late Professor Pask of the Royal Victoria Infirmary , Newcastle, and as a result of his recommendations further investigations were undertaken

It was at this stage, in 1966, that Dr. Ashton became involved with inflatable plastic splints, having hitherto been investigating peripheral circulation at

different pressures. She had shown that if a limb is surrounded by water under pressure the blood flow in the limb falls, and the greater the water pressure the greater the fall in blood flow through the limb. The point at which blood flow ceased was called Flow Cessation Pressure (70mm mercury). There appeared to be no great difference between the application of a plastic inflatable splint to a limb and the immersion of the limb in water under pressure, and indeed this proved to be the case; however, it seemed that the fall in rate of blood flow was not always slight, but rather the contrary,

3

particularly when a high degree of inflation was required to immobilise fractures. The manufacturers recommended a pressure of 40mm (mercury) but this seemed rather an academic point in the absence of a pressure gauge.

Furthermore, raising the injured limb caused a further drop in blood flow ; clearly the well intended action of raising the injured limbs could bring on the Flow Cessation Pressure more rapidly; also it was noted that shock and haemorrhage and the effects of cold all had similar effects.

Why then did not gangrene appear? Dr. Ashton thought one answer was that the splints were applied to the injured limbs for a limited period, usually less than an hour, and inevitably the splints leak air after a time. Lastly, it requires CQnsiderable effort to blow the splints up to the 40mm (mercury) pressure , and

probably not many reached this level.

There appears to be some evidence that inflatable sp Lints pr@Quce damage to the underlying tissues, and many of the subjects complained of numbness or tingling in the distal parts of the limb; furtherI]1ore , muscular movement produced the typical cramping ischaemic pain indicating a peripheral lack of blood.

In the Royal Air Force these splints were at one time very popular but after a while, when a number of cases of haematuria and other urinary abnormalities had been attributed to this same lack of blood in the muscle , their popularity declined.

After reviewing the matter Dr. Ashton designed a modified version of the plastic inflatable splint consisting of ridges of inflated spaces so that on application the pressure is not applied to the whole limb , only 50% of the limb being actually under pressure.

Building-site Drama

MRS MURIEL BRIDGER, a sergeant of the SJA Worthing Nursing Division , Sussex, and two men recently pleaded with a young mother , who late at night clung desperattdy to scaffolding of a building site 30 feet above ground, to let them help her.

The girl , who

The modified splint has air pocke t s 5 cm wide and is held in position round the limb by self adhesive tape (Velcro), thus making the splin t more ve r satile in application to large or small limbs The new design compared well with the old , the blood flow reduction being smaller it was more comfortable to wear and did not cause any numbness or tingling in the limbs ; indeed, it would appear that even if oveF-inflated th e new type of plas ti c splint does not c ause a ny undu e interference with blood flow , thu s eliminating the need to measure the inflation pressure

Unfortunately no full sc ale t es t o n fractured limbs has y e t been c a rri e d out and at the time of th e 1970 Me di c al Conference no commerci al firm w as willing to undert ake manufa ctur e, so a final decision on th e usefulnes s o f t h e modified inflatable plastic splint h as still to be made.

Dental Patrol

BY LAUNCH FROM HONG KONG

Mrs Bridger and the two men try to help

distressed girl

Ph 0 ographs by Worthing Gazette

Approa c hing Shek Kwu Chau

RANDOM THOUGHTS AT A NATIONAL FIRST AID COMPETITION

by F. G. Thomas, Assistant Director, Association

Fee ... Fi ... Fo ... Fum ...

MANY years ago , Dr Albert Mansbridge _ Founder of the Workers' Educational Association-got a group of workers together and persuaded them to take a course of evening lectures and discussion. When one of them said he would like to study biology, Mansbridge asked him 'Why?' 'Well, you see, I'm a cabby and sit all day looking at the hind quarters of my horse I'd like to know what's inside.'

simulated ambulance is already in the hall.

But let us start at the beginning. I received the official list of the 19 national competitions for 1970, starting in February, and culminating in the Grand Prior's Trophy on N ovem ber 17 F or many of these I, with countless other people received a gilt-edged card inviting me to 'witness the competition '. But what did I witness?

My programme notes inform me that there has been an accident in which, though the incident was comparatively trivial the casualties (now usually two in have suffered extensive and scarcely credible injuries: I conclude that they must be the most unlucky people ever born

But, FEE FI FO FUM I smell the blood of an Englishman, and being a first-aider I want to have a go or at least see how the competitors deal with it. (It would be good sometime to have a casualty without injuries, say a yellow faced man flat out in the gutter who

the incident But a lin er was moored to that ballard which , when removed by the first-aiders, allowed the liner to swing out in mid-stream.

who handle so kindly and carefully rather than the timed preCiSIOn of the disciplined expert competitors - even if I was a bit late getting into the ambulance. There is no virtue in the fifteen minutes except administrative ly in completing the competition in time for the tea break The first four minute s, however, are much more vital: they may be the diffe rence between life and death.

I tire of the clock and i nterest myself - as I cannot see the test - in the mode of entry of the competitors. Some rush in like greyhounds unl e ashed from the starter gate. Some appear bemused by the

I often think of that cabby when I go to a first aid national competition because mostly all I can see of the competitors is their hind quarters, arched upwards as they crouch like vultures over a cadaver. Nor can I hear anything except the routine call for an ambulance, a fake telephone bell ringing, and a voice off stage replying that the ambulance will arrive in eight minutes-although they know and everybody else knows that the over a cadaver

turned out to be only a Chinaman sleeping off his lunch in the midday sun)

Of course even if you cannot witness the is why o ne carne - there are other things to see There is the st age setting , for example , professionally made and naturally first class The set is f ull size, filling the large platform. It is cinema-realism; bricks look like bricks, and any trucks, cars , aeroplanes, or whatever the script requires are graphically presented like a strip cartoon. As I admire the craftsmansh.ip, I cannot but wonder how much of it is necessary for the test, or is this for the spectator's benefit?

The only parts of the set relevant to the test are the bits and pieces causing damage to the casualty - the obstructions to be removed. TheIe is a well-known competition story of an accident on a quay side with a bollard as the cause of

There are ca s es where the circumstan ces of the incident condition the mod e of treatm e nt and removal o f the casualty, as for e xampl e, when a miner is hurt in a thr ee -foot seam or th e electrician is surrounded by power wire s. Surely all that is required is that the set should b e relevant to th e a c cid ent and th e work of the fir st-aid e r. There is now anoth er pie ce o f apparatus for the spectator only - th e clock with o ne hand whi ch sta rt s r evolving when the t e st co mm e n ce s and swe e ps r elentlessly to th e 15th m i nu t e by whi ch time the casualties should b e in the ambulance Ther e is something to b e said for this idea at any ra te it pr o vid es th e sp ec tator with a modi cum of excitem e nt as t he hand sweeps round a nd the team , wh i ch cannot , of co urse, se e the clock, still busy thems elves with th e bandages. I have h ad the same e xcit e ment betting on rain drop s racing down a railway carriage wind ow I som e times think that I would prefer to be de alt with by th e more lowly and slower t ea ms

bright lights and the stage whi c h is no t perhaps surpri sing f they have been in ca rc era ted from ea rly morning until their turn c ame in the afternoon, being wat ch e d and guarded ev e n to the toilet. Then there ar e thos e who ent e r like a m a d Gre e k chorus , chanting in st e nto rian ton es, It s all right old man , don't worry , we r e fir st-aid e rs ' I don t know about the pati e n ts, but they t errify me It makes me sympath e tic with an old hand at first aid who was badly injur e d whil e at work He heard th e cry go out fo r a first-aider and then , through hi s pain , he saw

of 'my team', the one I particularly want to follow It is now my turn to become nervous. I know from the programme what they have to face. 'They should be all right on spinal injury' whispers our coach, ' we did that last week'. But Jim seems an awful long time phoning The captain is talking to the bystander (who, these days, is often useless if not mentally deranged). Now the captain goes to the least injured casualty, whereas I know he ought to have taken the other. It s all right - he's switched-so my mind buzzes and I am far more shaken than the competitors who by this time are busy with the casualties, judging from the concentration manifest in their posteriors. But I am powerless, I can neither see nor hear. I can only watch the sweep of the clock.

My jangled nerves can take no more, so I proceed to the 'local'. Again I am frustrated I cannot get near the counter because of the press of competitors freed from the competition and other spectators like myself who have had enough and now only await the results due late afternoon.

So I ask myself, why am I here at all?

To support my team? To fill a chair in the hall at th e presentation out of courtesy to the organisers and the people on the platform? To meet friends from different parts of the country? I know that first aid in a national final is as far removed from first aid in the home or on the factory floor as running 100 metres is different from running to catch a bus

The basic skills are the same : movement of the legs or treatment according to the manual; but there the similarity ends.

Entering the Grand Prior ' s competition needs a specialised form of training as does th e sprinter in the 100 metresincluding the use of a stop watch. And because the skill of the competitors is so high , incidents have to be devised of Hiroshima complexity. It does not follow that the winners of the competition are the best first-aiders: they are the best competitors on that occasion - a very different matter.

This is not ts:> decry the idea of national competitions but to ask if the presence and participation of an audience is incompatible with the object and method of the exercise

audience would add to the realism of the test. No accident occurs in a vacuum; there is usually a crowd around immediately and the skilled first-aider must act efficiently and quietly, not heeding the crowd except insofar as he may make use of the help of someone among them.

A new approach is needed-and this, being the twenty-first year of the Grand Prior's Competition, is as good a time as any to experiment. Bring the audience into participation, so that by watching the test a t close quarters they may also benefit by experience This will mean getting rid of a lot of the mumbo jumbo and staginess of the competition. As a sign of the times, why not dispense with the pantomime of the transformation scene? It is perhaps impressive-the last test is over, the distinguished guests have gone into one room for tea, 'first-aiders and competitors into another , and the doctors sort out their results and behold the set has gone and the platform is set with chairs and tables and trophies for presentation, 'Mirabile Dictu'. Let the presentation be made where it has been won-at the scene of the accident.

It can be done. In the Middle Ages, the miracle plays were staged on carts which wandered about the streets and the crowd milled around. In Elizabethan times the audience crowded around three sides of the stage and the young bloods sat on stools on the stage while Hamlet moaned

\ \.

helling "n railltimfis

approaching with his first aid satchel a workmate who had only got his first aid certificate a few days previously. The prone casu alty summoned enough strength to cry out , Don t touch me mate, I'm a first-aider.'

Then there is the other team approach : uniformed, drilled blancoed and brassed, trousers creased, who march on in step, right turn, doff helmets, break ranks and proceed to bend on the right knee and continue according to text book drill.

My thoughts are diverted by the entry

Who are they who attend as spectators? Generally they are first-aiders keen enough to give up time and money and effort to be there Often they are long experienced. It is by and large a specialised audience-in a way they are craftsmen in first aid They are therefore interested in the craftsmanship of the competitors.

But as the competitions are now staged, there can be no audience participation because of the physical facts of the setting and the remoteness of the action from the spectator.

In fact, the close proximity of an

his lot: there was an interplay between the audience and the players In our own time, many modern theatres particularly are so arranged that the audience is round the stage

These ideas are not new except in relation to national competitions. Very often the preliminary rounds take place in just such circumstances-in an office or a small room or a field-with friends and supporters milling around. During tea the discussion of what has happened continues because everyone has seen and heard what was happening; and the discussion continues in the bus on the way home. Such competitions further the cause of first aid.

Is a new approach needed? And as this is the twenty-first year gf the Grand Prior's Trophy competition is this a good time to start thinking afresh?

Reprinted from Ambulance Bulletin.

STJOHN IN JORDAN

Dr. Batten, the wardtm of the St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem, managed to get to Amman on September 29 to offer help from the hospital for the relief operation mounted for victims of the civil war. He visited hospitals in the Jordanian capital and since his return to Jerusalem requests for supplies have been received from Amman.

The Ophthalmic Hospital is recognised as Ol)e of the most up-to-date eye hospitals in the world. All comers are admitted free of charge, irrespective of race, class or creed. Over 6 000 major surgical operations are performed every year, and over 100,000 outpatients are treated by a team of highly skilled doctors and nurses.

There is a training school for nurses which recruits in particular from among Arab refugees, and a research unit which recently contributed towards the isolation of the virus of trachoma a major cause of blindness in so many parts of the world.

In 1963 an eye-bank: was started to enable corneal graftings to be undertaken.

King Hussein of Jordan, who is an Associate Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order, bequeathed his eyes to the bank when he visited the hospital in 1963

SJA HAVE IT TAPED

Despite being in hospital I hear that Mrs. E. M. Wieck, the County Secretary of SJA Herts, was one of the speakers at an SJA leadership course held at Bishops Stortford during September. Mrs Wieck recorded her talk which was played back to the course members.

Over 40 members from adult and cadet divisions from all over the country spent the weekend at Pearse House listening to talks and taking part in discussions on such subjects as communications, organising and running various types of meetings, fund raising and divisional finances. Several problems which face divisions

AROUND and ABOUT THE CAD!

WHAT'S GOING ON

IN

THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

from time to time were tackled by role playing groups and syndicates ; other matters such as drill instruction were dealt with both and practically

The course was organised by area staff officer (ambulance cadets) Philip J. Player and among those who gave talks and led discu ssions was the deputy commissioner for Hertfordshire, F. Gordon Holmes.

WELL DONE,

DAVID

IS-years-old David Collett, a cadet of Kid lin g ton Combined Division Oxford shire, received the following lette; from the Chief Inspector Woodstock Police, following an incident while David was on a weekend camp:

The new SJAB Surgeon·in-Chief Colonel Robert Ollerenshaw. Col. Ollerenshaw, who is Director of Medical Illustration at the University of Manchester, joined the St John Ambulance Brigade as District Surgeon for Lancashire in 1954 and was promoted to Commissioner for Lancashire last year

APPO I NTM ENTS

Kent: Mr F . C. Rolfe appointed Commissioner, No.2 Area.

Wiltshire: Col. R L. Marks, OBE, QHS, MB, ChB, (formerly ADMS, London) appointed County Surgeon.

Somerset: Lt.-Col. W. Duke, MC , appointed Commissioner. Vice: Lt.-Cot S C. F De Salis.

'I am writing on behalf of the Chief Constable to thank you for the assistance you gave to my officers on the evening of 6 June 1970.

'On that the two boy s concerned were obviously ill due to drinking too much alcohol and from taking tablets you reacted with a great deal of common sense and responsibility in fetching help.

'You then assisted my officers and with the help of Stephen Foster carried one of the ill boys to the waiting vehicles , over a distance of three-quarters of a mile.

'Ha d you not acted in such a sensib le way the two boys might well have died from the after effects of their foolish actions.

'May I once again say 'thank you' for your valuable help.'

FIRST AID IN FIVE LANGUAGES

A unique eight-week first-aid co ur se solely for immigrants - possibly the country's first - ended with an exam at the SJAB headquarters , Slough, recently.

The course had not been easy. For the pupils spoke four languages betwe en them: Punjabi Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and a smattering of English. They were lectured in Hindi by Dr. O P. Chabra , and had the text of the St. John manual translated into Urdu by

BY TH E EDITOR

County Nursing Officer Miss Phyllis Rookby, who has been studying the language simply to help immigrants. The examination, however, was in English.

Fourteen women and one man took the examination and it is hoped that several of them will become members of St. John. Two, a young married couple, have already said they want to join.

Assistant Director for St. John in Bucks , Mr. Llewellyn Stephens , described the entrants as very keen'. He is now hoping more immigrants will come forward. Area Commisioner for South Bucks , Dr. Robert Piper of I.C.I., con tacted immigrant associations to get the ball rolling and then the co urse was organised by Mr. Stephens.

In the past Miss Rookby has been connected with the education of immigrants, instructing housewives on running a home. And when Slough police were given a special course on Urdu Miss Rookby join e d them.

The Mayor of Slough is urging coloure d immigrants to join voluntary services in the town. He would like to see them on the Borough council and in time one of them to become Mayor.

Welco me

SOME SAVE

I hear that crowds at the Nuneaton

At Wendover fancy dress dance W Wright, superintendent, can't horrify Valerie Pacey, divisional officer

Borough football ground recently saw a gallant save by SJA-member Joe Edington; a save that made Joe front page news in the local newspaper.

Joe, on duty beside the pitch, leapt into action to stop a stray ball - with spectacular results. He dislocated a finger on his right hand and had to go off for hospital treatment. 'I felt such a fool,' he said afterwards. 'The ball pushed by finger right back. I should never have let it happen .'

Joe, who is 65, has been a St. John member for 15 years, and is a 'regular' on duty at Borough matches

But he should be in good hands - his daughter, Christine (19), is a nurse at Manor Hospital , Nuneaton

Hope that finger's O.K. now, Joe

HOUSE BADGE SCHEME

A letter from the Chief Commander to all Counties reads : 'The House Badge scheme introduced a few years ago has proved most

SLOUGH SAYS WE LCOM E (See First Aid in Five Languages) (Photo : Slough Express)

successful in a number of Counties ; in others it never really got off the ground. In my view the scheme fits very appropriately into the overall pattern of St. John Ambulance service and is, fherefore, something we should all support.

'I have had the former instructions revised and copies of the latest edition can be obtained from the Registrar. badges are available on sale from the Stores Department price 4s. 6d. inclusive of postage and packing - Stores reference No S. 11705.

'W ould you all please give your personal encouragement to reviving and developing the House Badge scheme in your County. Our objective, I believe, should be to ensure an extensive nation-wide coverage. Achieving this would be in the interests of those we aim to serve.

'I realise that there are limitations to the scheme which we must ensure are not allowed to detract from its many assets. I think these limitations are in general covered on page 3 of the instructions but I am sure you will be aware of them as I, and will be able to guard against them. I might add that a copy of the instructions will be included with every House Badge sold by the stores.

'I will be reviewing the scheme after it has been in operation for a couple of years - probably at the Foundation Conference in 1972 - when I shall be grateful to have your reports in the light of experience.'

This is the St John Ambulance House Badge:

My story last mon 1ih of

pool Gazette)

the US rescue team of the nternational Rescue and First Aid Association which visited Britain recently - here's the ambulance they brought with them. (Photo: Black

The Chief Commander's revised instructions are as follows:

Aim

First-aid implies immediate action but there is no means of that a first aider will always be on the spot when needed. On the other hand, there have been many instances of accident or sudden illness occurring in the vicinity of first-aiders' houses whilst they were inside and unaware that they could lrlave helped.

The House Badge scheme is intended to assist in overcoming this situation by indicating to the general public where some St. John Ambulance first-aiders live and thereby enable their services to be more readily available in case of emergency.

House Badge Holders

Participation in the scheme requires the approval of County Headquarters, to whom application to join should be made. Similarly, in order to safeguard their distribution, house badges are only obtainable through County Headquarters.

Conditions

It will be appreciated by those considering participating in the House Badge scheme that in undertaking this service they would incur obligations both to the general public and to St. John. Ambulance. For example, it would only take a few unanswered calls at badge holders' doors to make the public lose confidence in the scheme and this could reflect adversely on St. John Ambulance service as a whole.

Authority to display house badges can, therefore, only be given to applicants who:-

(a) are qualified and experienced

MARSH'S PATCH

first -aid ers.

(b) provide and maintain an approved St. John first-aid kit in the home.

(c) have available an up-to-date list of relevant local telephone numbers,- e.g. nearest doctors, midwives, ambulance services

(d) are at home for a reasonable part of the day.

It should be added that it is essential for house badge holders to avoid giving any suggestion of running a permanent first-aid post or local clinic or in any way of competing with the professional medical services.

FARM EXERCISE

I hear that forty-eight cadets from West Berkshire assembled at Limes Farm, Upper Lambourn recently for a 'farm accident' course, the first to be held in the area. The incidents, staged by members of the Casualties Union and Wantage and Lambourn divisions, were arranged at different places on the downs,

and part of the training for the cadets, in six groups, was to find their way from place to place by map.

There was a shot gun accident where the cadets also received instruction on the safe handling of guns by Mr J Nugent. There was a riding accident - frequent occurrences in these parts - followed by a farm worker entangled in machinery.

Two building workers had fallen off ladders; and a jeep had run off the road, one of the occupants being badly burned, another trapped in the vehicle The final incident involved two lads who had fallen into a chalk cave on the downs.

Two ambulances from Wantage and Lambourn were on the exercise, and the cadets also helped to operate radio sets belonging to Wantage Division So all told there was plenty of variety to hold the interest.

The cadets showed great promise dealing with the incidents , an d everyone enjoyed what was fortunately a glorious day on the Berkshire downs.

DOWN ON THE FARM

ACCIDENT

I received the following letter from Divisional Superintendent J. Marsh of Shipley, W.R. Yorkshire:

This photograph is of an accident which occurred recently outside my shop in Shipley. It wa s taken by a bystander and is the first record of the many accidents I hav e dealt with on this section of a busy main road.

Over the last fifteen years I have de alt with 15 to 2 0 such incidents, from minor cuts an d bruises to multipl e fractures and major lacerations, but fortunately I have not as yet had a fata lity

This is a very dang erous section of the road an d is known by the local ambulance drivers as 'Marsh's Patch'.

The experience gained over the years has stood me in good stead in regard to teaching and road accidents are naturally my pet subject.

It i s very gratifying when later my casualties come into the shop to express their thanks , and this in turn gives me added impetus to carryon my work with the Brigade , of which I am very keen, but, if we all admit truthfully, sometimes feels to be a burden on our time an d energy. These occasions certainly strengthen our dedica tion!

CLANGER?

London District South-Eastern Area's annual dinner dance tickets state dress as: 'Dinner jacket, decorations or lou nge su it.' Someone commented: The naked glitter of diamonds?

MYSTERY IN MALTA

As I caught a glimpse of the naval patro l coming from the barracks across the road J turned and ran from that woman who was hitting out at me with her fists because she thought r was trying to steal h er donkey and made for the entrance to the NAAFJ. I was hatless and clutching my belt; a patrol was the last thing I want ed to encounter.

The NAAFI was de se rted ; I was back where I had started that afternoon Just inside the doorway I put on my belt and then went to the counter. There was no movement from the kitchen beyond.

'Anyone at home?' I called.

After a few moments there was a so und from the other side of the doorway and an enormous Maltese woman came shuffling through in her slippers , rubbing sleep from her eyes.

'Any tea?' I asked.

She just grunted and nodded and went over to the simmering urn of hot water at the far end of th e counter , picking up a metal tea-pot on the way.

There was no sound of movement from the courtyard outside. The woman's hug e bare anns now held the tea-pot under the spout of the urn while she turned the small metal tap ; steam spluttered and hissed and then boiling water gushed into th e tea-pot. Still there was not a sound from outside. Had the patrol not seen me? I turned and went

back to the door, opening it and casually looking out. The courtyard seemed deserted. She'd obviously gone off somewhere with that blinking donkey And the patrol - well, they'd obviously gone on patrol.

I went back to the counter where the woman was now pouring condensed milk into a cup.

'Who? .' I started 'Who's the woman with the donkey?'

She just looked at me 'I don't understand,' she said at length 'What woman?'

'In the building here, I indicated with a hand. 'In that big old hall A Maltese woman with a baby. And a donkey I went in there.'

She was pouring the tea now. 'Ohher...'

'Who is she?'

She pushed the cup towards me. 'She lives there. She 's been there a long time.' ' But who is she? And why live there?'

She shrugged. 'Because she's nowhere

IlAUGH WITH .DAN, THE FIRSTAID HAN I

\"UE'S nrSQuAUr=rEh FtlR. EAn;Jr; else, I suppose. Many people have nowhere .'

'How much?' I indicated the tea. 'Threepence. '

I paid her; then put sugar into the tea from the large bowl on the counter and stirred it. She had gone back to the urn for a cloth and started wiping the counter.

'That hall,' I said, 'What is it?'

'An old hali she replied simply. 'Something to do with the knights.' 'Knights - what knights?'

CSt John,' she said. 'It was an old hospital or something. Years ago.'

'Oh,' 1 said; and that was that 1 drank the tea and left. In the courtyard I tried the door of the old hall to see if there was any prospect of getting my hat, but the door was firmly bolted on the inside. It was 5.30. I had half an hour to get on watch. I managed to slip into barracks without anyone seeing me, and left again soon afterwards wearing my spare hat. I was on watch five minutes early.

For the next six months I walked past that enormous hall , going and coming off watch. I never saw the woman the child or the donkey. But I always t;ok off m; hat.

Frau M. Waldhart, Su peri ntendent (N), Johanniter - Unfal'-Hilfe arriving from G e rmany, is met at London Airport by Miss Shiela Puckle Headquarter's PAO (N). Frau Waldhart accompanied a group of 16 disabled young Germans for a two-week

MEDICAL ADVANCES

A NEW LOOK AT A SUBJECT WHICH IS ALL TOO OFTEN INCLINED TO CATCH THE HEADLINES NOWADAYS

PART ONE

by Sir Ian Frazer, DSO, DSc, FRCS, DL

happy faculty or luck of finding unforeseen objects or ideas.

Charles Lamb in his Essays of Elia tells us how roast pork was accidentally discovered when in China the swine herds' son burnt down the piggery He tells us of the joy that the boy and his father had from the delightful smell of roast pork which was only surpassed by the taste of the nine piglets which between them they consumed completely. They decided that the secret must not be allowed to escape but fortunately for mankind the High Court in Peking decided otherwise and so roast pork, which is always looked upon as an English delicacy, was able to reach this country. Many things in daily use were the result of serendipity.

Blotting paper was discovered as the result of one of the workmen in a paper mill forgetting to add glue to the wood pulp mixture He was dismissed on the spot for his carelessness but a valuable new form of absorbent paper was discovered .

The explanation was that an electrical current had passed through the leg. Directly arising from this came the work of Volta on the production of electrical currents by contact of two dissimilar metals and this led on to the invention of the electrical battery and indirectly to the Galvanic current which without his wife's diet of frogs' legs he might never have discovered.

Accidental discoveries such as these would all have been useless if they had not fallen into the hands of someone with

in the difference in the newspaper - not in the political content - but in the fact that the wood pulp for the American paper contained a minute amount of wood from the yew tree, sufficient to kill the developing eggs, whereas there was no yew wood in the paper pulp in Czechoslovakia.

The discovery of America was one of the greatest examples of serendipityColumbus set sail to discover India but found instead. Our friends in the New World may not quite agree with this.

Healing goes baek to the Dark Ages THE HEALING of the sick and the preven tion of illness goes back to the dark ages. The study of the advaNces should be an exciting and interesting subject but unfortunately it seems today , thanks to the Press and the other mass media, that the publication of medical and surgical advances has developed almost into a publicity stunt, with the exploitation of research and other advances becoming a major means of selling the paper. This has led n cases to an invasion of individual pnvacy

by Toby and the glorification of the research worker to a degree that a few years ago the medical profession would have considered immoral and unethical. We should realise, as was said by the Dean of the Harvard Medical School in Boston recently, that in ten years time half of what we know today will have been discarded, but today, alas, we do not know which half.

Therefore, we could discuss the so ca lled advances of modern science: e.g., transplants, overfertilisation, test tube

babies, etc. To me these are subjects which have been discussed ad nauseam in the Press and treated with such flippancy that most of us have grown tired of them , or we co uld discuss the stepping stones on which steady and dependable feet have trod to bring us to the position that we are in today. This I feel will give us more satisfaction.

A medical discovery may be the result of prolonged , laboriou s and tedious research in the laboratory , where the research worker has a theme and an idea and is seeking the answer - but the discovery can equally well be, and often is the result of a chance happening. It w'as in 1754 that Horace Walpole coined the word 'se rendipidy '. It was based on the reading of a fairy tale called 'The Three Princes of Serendip Apparently it always happened that when their Royal Highnesses travelled abroad they were constantly making discoveries by accident of things which they were not seeking. 'Serendipity' may be defined as the

On Epsom Downs it was found accidentally that cattle changing pastures suffered at once from diarrhoea ; in fact soon the cattle refused to drink from the local springs. Lord Dudley North realised that the water had a human and a financial value and the water that the cattle refused was soon being taken in large quantities by the overfed English aristocracy and so Epsom salts carne into existence.

In Canada in 1921 there was an outbreak of bleeding in cattle. It was found that the animals' blood had become too thin. This was the result of the animals eating spoiled sweet clover. The ingredient responsible was identified as dicumoral and it is now in daily use throughout the world in the treatment of coronary or other forms of thrombosis in human beings in whom the blood tends to clot too readily

Quinine was discovered accidentally when Indians lost in the jungle found that their fever could be cured if they drank water from any pool in which was growing the Cinchona tree. It is from the bark of this tree that quinine is still being made today.

Saccharin, the popular sweetening agent was discovered fortuitously, over one hundred years ago , when a workman straight from h is work ate his sandwiches without first washing his hands. He found the food had a sweet taste, and with very little investigation or trouble the origin and structure of saccharin was discovered

An enormous amount of alcohol was drunk by the patients

an enquiring mind. It has been said that chance only favours the 'prepared mind'.

The seeds of grea t discoveries are constantly floating around us but they only take root in the minds well prepared to receIve them. The grain of street dust that fell in Fleming ' s laboratory at St. Mary s Hospital on a plate prepared for growing germs might have caused the experiment to be discontinued, as it destroyed the research project he was working on at the moment , but Alexander Fleming had the prepared mind which saw this had great possibilities, and from this fungus, penicillin, the greatest drug of modern times, was discovered. We must never be so absorbed by the proje c t we are pursuing at the time that it excludes all other possibilities.

The

Many years before that, exactly two hundred years ago, in fact, in Bologna, the wife of Luigi Galvani an electrical engineer , became ill and was ordered a diet of frogs legs. The legs were suspended on a copper wire in front of an iron balustrade. When blown with the wind it was found that each time that the legs touched the iron bar they twitched.

Sometimes the answer is not easily found and the search is as exciting as a Sherlock Holmes' story. One very interesting example happened some years ago. Work was being done on the eggs of a certain insect in Prague; the eggs were laid out on newspaper and with suitable heat in the laboratory they developed naturally and easily into larvae To continue the research, batches of the same eggs were sent to America to Harvard University They were laid out again on newspaper and given the same identical laboratory conditions of heat and moisture as they had had in Europe but nothing happened. It took many months before the cause was found to lie

It is in the past one hundred years that the three major medical discoveries have taken place which have made surgery possible. One was in the '40s, one was in the '60s, and one was in the '80s. They all begin with the letter 'A': anaesthesia, antisepsis, asepsis. Few people realise how unfortunate it was that anaesthesia came nearly twenty years before antisepsis. This meant that the surgeons were suddenly given the means by which to put patients asleep and to operate, but they had not the means to control the inevitable and often fatal infection that followed. Probably this was the most dangerous period of British surgery. It is interesting to realise that the first 'A' anaesthesia, was discovered in the United States of America ; the second A' antisepsis was suggested and perfected by Lord Lis ter (then plain J oseph Lister) in Scotland, and the third 'A' asepsis was developed in Germany where the idea of steam sterilisation was pioneered. The additional frills of modern surgery include the face mask which came from Paris It was not unreasonable that it should originate there as the French surgeons were so partial to flowing beards (with their attendent flora and fauna).

The rubber glove was originally invented in America to protect the hands of a very special nurse against the damage caused by Listerian carbolic acid.

Surgery today using the aseptic method of sterilisation by heat , either boiling water or .steam , has rid itself of 13

Illustrations

cattle refused to drink from the local springs

Many hospitals had two to a bed the tiresome and impossible ritual of Lister who insisted that all operation wounds be dressed with a wet carbolic preparation and throughout the operation the whole surgical field should be enveloped in a fine mist from his own patent carbolic spray.

In anaesthesia I think one may say that the saddest story in America is centred around this discovery. It was in 1846 that the first anaesthetic was given in Boston; within one week the technique had reached Britain, and within three months it was almost universal. However, the early history of this discovery, entailing as it did so many intrigues, legal actions, suicides, appeals to Congress - as the various people involved claimed priority and the money prizes that they hoped would go with it, is one of the sad dest and blackest chapters of American medicine and it certainly retarded the progress of anaesthesia as far as that continent is concerned for many years.

When anaesthesia came. to Britain it fell fortunately into the hands of a very quiet, honest, unassuming man with a high degree of integrity as well as a deep scientific in terest in its possibilities. He was a man with no personal ambitions. He was called John Snow. His name was almost forgotten until eleven years ago, which was the centenary of his death. John Snow came on the SGene in England at a time when general improvement was taking place in all medical matters and science was replacing mystics and empiricism. Blood letting for all sorts of diseases had been discredited. Before that in some hospitals up to 40 patients were being bled per day; indeed there was often a bleeding room set aside for this purpose alone. One surgeon with pride claimed that he had in ten years taken off 47 gallons of blood from patients. It certainly was useful in the treatment of the fat plethoric patients who had overeaten and over imbibed, but tragically it was just as often done for the young patients perhaps dying of tuberculosis or some fever, when it proved often to be the final straw. To show how common it was and how it was valued we read that in the early modern period it was as common as a hair cut. There was an old English adage which said 'a bleeding in the spring i , 14

physic for a King'. One man said: 'Blood letting may have its disadvantages, so has eating, but there is no reason to discon tinue this latter practice'. Those against it described the lancet which made the cut as 'a minute instrument of migh ty mischief'.

Blood letting changed the face of British history. Princess Charlotte of Wales, who was the only child of George IV, and wife of Leopold , was bled so eften du.ring her pregnancy that at childbirth she was unable to survive a haemorrhage. She died in 1817 ; had she survived Princess Victoria would never have become Queen of England. Her death came as a thunder bolt. Grief and consternation were indescribable ; it seemed as if every household throughout Britain had lost a favourite child. Her death raised further problems , as far as the throne was concerned. Her grandfather George III had had seven sons and five daughters but Charlotte was the one and only legitimate grandchild. There were many illegitimate children, in f act one duke, the Duke of Clarence, had ten little Fitzclarences by a c ertain Mr s Jordan. The Duk e of Kent had been living for 27 years with his French mistress . With the death of Princess Charlotte something had to be done and done quickly Two of the Royal Duke s discarded their mistresses and scrambled rapidly for German brides assisted by handsome grants from Parliament. In time two children were born - a son to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and two months later a daughter , Prin ce ss Victoria, to his older brother - she therefore became successor to the thron e Foolish blood letting had changed the face of the Royal Succession.

Leeches were also in constant use a t this time. In fact in 1837 in St. Bartholomew's Hospital alone the records show that the hospital had bought some 96,300 leeches. These were costing about one penny each. At the same time France was importing 2/3 million leeches from abroad, but this figure had decreased greatly as the statistics show that in 1733 , one hundred years earlier , some 41,500,000 leeches had been used: a single patient might require 30/50 of these disgusting beasts for one illness. The occasional leech is still in use in hospitals of certain countries.

In the hospital records we see an enormous amount of alcohol was being drunk by the patients In 1870 in Worcester, in a relatively small hospital , 6,486 gallons of beer were drunk but there was an interesting qualification that none should be given to children under eight years of age. The nine year olds , however, would appear to have been lucky. In the annual report in the Royal Victoria Hospital of one hundred years ago the yearly cost of wines and spirits was £436 whilst drugs and medicine were only £216. A very different state of

affairs exists today As a counter blast to this state of affairs the London Temperance Hospital was opened, only to be met with a great outcry from the Press; even the British Medical Journal is recorded as saying 'God help the patients'. The London Times commented that the coroner would certainly have to look into the de a ths that mu s t surely arise due to thes e ridiculous t e e-total habits . Shortly before that time it had been agreed tha t only one pa t ient should be accommod a ted in a bed. In many hospitals it wa s c u s tomary to have two , and in F r en ch hospit a ls there could be room for fOUT with sometimes as many as six lying in a b e d int ended for half tha t number. At time s a b ed might c onta i n a pregnant moth er , a woman with typhoid fever, and perhaps a dead body o r t wo a s well. It wa s also ab o ut t his time that hospit al beds began to b e mad e o f met al ins t ead of wo o d. Thi s was ind ee d a gr e at advan ce as up to then th e b e d bu g had been a tr e m e ndou s problem a nd o n e almo s t impo ssibl e o e rad ica t e. Bri ti sh hos pi tal s as a whol e had b ee n usually in adv an ce o f th eir F re n ch count erpart s but th e F re n c h nursing wa s u sually mu ch superio r, a s in mo s t cases it wa s in t h e ha n d s o f re ligiou s o rg ani sa ti o n c onsi sting o f m any very dedi c ate d women. In Brit ain nursing h a d sunk to a ver y low mo ra l l ev el - the nur se wa s c ari catur e d as Sairey G amp '. In on

medi cal re p or t , sp ea king of th e nurses, a doct o r s a y s : 'They ar e all drunk a rd s with o ut e xc ept io n - si st ers a nd all , a nd in addition th er e i s immor a l condu c t pra c ti sed in eve r y ward'. The d o ubl e b ed , it was said , did not always co n t ain o nl y the sick . It w as sad that it r equir e d a w ar , a very useless a nd unn ecessa ry war , fought in th e C rim ea in So uth e rn Ru ss ia , to change t he statu s of the British nur se Floren ce Nighting a le m a d e nur sing a lady s profe ssion , and gave it a dignity which it has had ever sin ce . Briti sh nursing today is based on the work of this gallant and devoted, if somewhat strange woman.

Gave nu rsi ng a dignitY

NEW BOOKS

THE WI LL TO LIVE subject matter presented with clarity. By Sir John Smyth

Some readers however may find it Cassell, 42s. difficult to absorb and retain the ON TV recently a French interviewer considerable detail provided Opinion will asked the U S. Air Force officer, now a differ on the amount of detail essential to General, who was in command of the first an ambulanceman to enable him to atom bomb strike on Hiroshima on properly discharge his duty.

August 6 1945 what he now felt about In part 2 are gathered together the the devastation and deaths caused by variety of conditions classified as accident dropping the bomb . The U .S. General and illness. The author points out that his replied that the mission had been just work is not intended as a first aid manual, another military operation against the but does stress the importance of enemy, the Japanese , and the subsequent approach, history, examination and shortening of the war as a result saved diagnosis. Particular emphasis is given to many lives. The interviewer then tried priorities. unsuccessfully, to draw the General Ambulance equipment is pictorially the question of 'now having a conscience presented in Part 3. about the wholesale slaughter that Linked under the title of Special resulted from that first, and the second Procedures , Part 4 contains a number of atom bomb dropped three days later on practical applications likely to be Nagasaki.' encountered during the ambulanceman's Japan unconditionally surrendered five tour of duty. While the guidance given is days after the dropping of the second sound, the reader, if a member of an atom bomb, incidentally. ambulance service, would be wise to

That French interviewer and who ever satisfy himself that it conforms to the sent him to ask those questions, together policy of hi s Authority. with the millions of people throughout Part 5 , the personal angle, conveys a the world whose consciences are still clear and worthwhile message to every troubled by the dropping of those two ambulanceman or woman who consider atom bombs , should read this account of themselves professionals This section is Dame Margot Turner's capture and ?f value to everyone who may be engaged imprisonment, together with many other 1ll ambulance duties. women , by the Japanese forces after the In Part 6, administration , useful fall of Sing a pore At the time Dame mformation is provided on organisation Margot was a member of the Queen of serv ces , records, and some of the legal Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing aspe c t s Service , later to become Matron-in-Chief On the road, Part 7 deals with the and Director , Army Nursing Service. driving aspect of ambulance work and Written by Sir John Smyth , this book brings together useful guidance and is a simple , harrowing account which will information from a variety of sources. give th e reader - as it did me _ worse In the last part are ga t hered together nightmares than any retrospective in f ormation on welfare services , some o f thoughts about the right s or wrongs of the more common drugs appropri a te dropping those atom bombs sections of the national health act and F.D. competitions.

A COMPLETE HANDBOOK FOR PRO F ESSIONAL AMBULANCE PERSONNEL.

By S. Cripwell Morris. John Wright &

Sons Ltd Bristol, 55s.

This book has the unique distinction of being the first reference work in this field to be published, and highlights the varied facets of Local Authority Ambulance Service at work. The author has created a compendium covering the many practical applications of ambulance work with the addition of background information essential for maximum efficiency. The book, divided into eight parts, is further subdivided into chapters, each dealing with a p articular subject. The grouping of subjects follows a logical sequence and enables the student to concentrate easily on any particular segment of the work.

Part 1 devoted to elementary anatomy and physiology is easy to read and the

or accident pervades Mr Morris' book. Such intensity of feeling must inspire the readers to emulate his example.

S. G. M.

BAILLIERE'S HANDBOOK OF FIRST AID

Edited by Stanley Miles. Bailliere, Tindall & Cassell, 20s

This book was first published in 1941. This 6th edition is a revision of the 1962 edition.

It is not, however, a book for the beginner in first aid. It has too much detail and little indication as to what is important and what is trivial. It is a theoretical rather than a practical book

A few examples will indicate what I mean :

One of the most important things for a first aider is to have a clear idea of priorities. These are not clearly set out.

The continued inclusion of a description of comminuted, impacted and greenstick fractures which cannot be diagnosed without an X-ray are of no help to the first aider.

Drawings like those of the underside of the brain (Fig 99) or the inside of the heart (Fig. 24) are meaningful to doctors and nurses, but do they mean anything to the first aider?

The detail of stretcher drill must surely be out of date.

A chapter on road accidents would have been useful.

These are criticisms. On the cr e dit side, the chapter on cardiac arrest is excellent. Inflatable splints are described and , indeed, the section on splin ts is very well dome though this is reading for the more experienced first aider. The description of bandaging, especially roller bandaging is good.

The text , although criticised for lack of emphasis , is very readable , and well worthwhile for anyone who has his basic first aid clear and sharp in his mind.

This book does provide a useful and

well illustrated reference medium, particularly for fulltime ambulance personnel. With the steady progression towards re c ognised training courses for ambulan ce st affs , readers will ne ed to be aware that vari a tion in certain matt e rs does exist. This will also be evident in those services where operational orders have been issued. As standardisation of pr a ctises is st ill some way ahead J h,ad hoped the author would include some guidance in this respect.

The intention behind this work was to provide a reference book with wide appeal to all ambulance staffs Mention of particular services and the occasional injection of personal opinion should have been omitted.

All who read this book - I hope there will be many - will appreciate the very considerable study that has gome into it and the wid e coverage achiev e d Sincere regard fo r those suff ering th ro ugh illn ess

It is a book for the instructor the advanced student, the nurse or do ctor and can certainly be used with advant a ge 1ll conjunction with Teaching Firs t Aid which was revi e wed in an earlier issue.

G.O.H

AT HOME WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Published by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 4 Tachbrook Street London, S.W.I. 5s '

This booklet contains a summary of the talks given at two courses arranged by the Multiple Scl ero sis Society.

Although the aim of the booklet is to inform a nd help thos e who ca re for patients dis a bled by multipl e sclerosis , I can recommend it as a valuabl e addition to St. John Ambulan ce libraries and particularly to divi sions. It contains much useful information on how to care for the disabled in th e community , espec ally in the fi eld of nursing B.

MERGER

from Philip E. Wray, Divisional Superintendent. Re your CQmment September Review entitled MERGER, .1 for one was very pleased when the Association and the Bngade decided to merge, and I think the time has come when we as members of the St. John Ambulance must look to the think: Are we capable of giving good, up-to-date pubhc

In my opinic:m some sections of SJA and 'Victorian'. If we are to recruit the young and mId(Ue-aged mto the organisati()ll and keep them, this attitude must change:

I was concerned about the third paragraph of your artIcle, as I thought these questions should have been answered before merger took place; if they are still unanswered, they should be answered as soon as possible.

But Mr Editor, with respect I thi.nk you check your facts more fully before putting pen to paper; if. had you would have found that in March 1969 the ASSocIatIOn and the Brigade were merged under one umbrella and called the St. John Ambulance.

But I must this is as far as it went, and srnce there has be€n drastic change or modernisation of SJA.

I hope over the next two years SJA will take a long, good l?ok at itself and try to get with it! So that we can move the next 50 years as the best and most up-to-date orgamsatIOn not only in this country but in the world.

hope readers will not think that I, as a mere junior with only 14 years service, am being impertinent; I am an ardent worker for SJA. f th

Having said that I should like to praise the or e change-for-the-better in the Review, and hope that thIS IS the SIgn of things to come.

Also in the September issue I was pleased to frnd rn DaVId Dubut a man after my own heart. I read his article CADETS with great pleasure, and agree that the cadet are the 0r:ly source of recruitment for adult divisions. EspeCIally I w0':lld to see some drastiG changes in the cadet side of the orgamsatIOn. Let's have modern, warm, up-to-date uniforms for both boys girls. I was pleased to read that David Dubut's efforts paId dividends.

I do hope the organil>ation will take notice and encourage cadet divisions to keep up the good work they are dorng. I ran a cadet division for 6 years, but for the last two years I have bee? running an adult divi sion, so I know that what Mr Dubut says IS true.

Mr. Editor - keep up the good work. !liard. Philip E Wray Editor: The essence of marriage begins after the ceremony.

THE BRIGADE IN SOUTH AFRICA

from Ron. G. Nicholl

In the August Review Douglas Sawkins wonders what happens rn S(')uth Africa when a white member of St. John has to get a non-white to hospital. Well yesterday a phone call from St John, Cape Town asked us to convey a coloured patient from the plane to her in Port Elizabeth. The plane was met by our St. John ambulance (we have only one ambulance here the moment.) and two white St. John men carried the who had travelled in a European plane, in a speCIal chan .to the waiting ambulance and hence to her home, together her non-white companion. This action draws no comment and IS not unusual.

Have no fear, Mr. Sawkins; the Brigade in thIS country works in the service of humanity, without distinction of race, colour or creed. And, may I say, whatever Mr Sawkins rna?, have heard or read, that this applies to all ambulances in thIS nor would a non-white ambulance on the scene of an aCCident. 19nore a white. I could quote many more instances but space

I would like to ask Mr. Sawkins: What good are you domg by attacking the Brigade of which Y0.u are pres':lmably a young member? Are you trying to create dIsharmony m the wonderful Order of which we are so proud? I write this letter in a pnvate ]6

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations Although readers may sign published letters with a pen-name, wnters must supply their name and address to the editor.

capacity , not as a senior officer of the Brigade and a member of the Order.

P El · b th Ron C. Nlcholl ort lza e d· th Editor: There is, unfortunately, a lot of mg m e world today; the Review and its Readers pages ill particular, exist to help towards a better understand mg.

IDENTI FICATION

from A Surgeon, County Pool

I see from the Review Comment that recrultmg for SJAB falling. May I suggest a practical step that would help the publIc to become more aware of our activities? .'

Ambulance members are constantly seen on TV domg thell work at football matches a nd other sporting event.s. I'm sure many of the public mistake them for polIcemen or 'ambulance-men' ie: government ambulance employees, etc. From a distance there is nothing to proclaim SJAB members identity. Why shouldn't the white bands on then caps be clearly embroidered in black with either the Maltese Cross or the letters SlAB?

. b t h ge I know the answer will be 'We don like change, u c an there must be in a changing world and publicity is very mu ch the order of today.

I may add that a few days ago, :vhile in umform I was mistaken for a lady traffic warden, despIte the fact that .they are usually young and w ear bright yellow flashes! Never mmd The two men about to tamper with a parked car made off hastIly . I regarded it all as a joke , or a compliment - I'm not sure WhICh !

S A Surgeon, County Pool urrey

BROADCAST OUR SERVICE

from Miss Doris Taylor, Divisional Superintendent

While listenmg to the Battle of Britain service broadcast (lIve) from Westminster Abbey with a commentary by Raymond Baxter of the BBC it came to me that could be of our own annual festival and Re-dedicatlOll serVIce WhIch 1S he on the Saturday nearest to St. John the Baptist's Day As Saturday afternoon is not a good time for the public becau se of sporting events etc., I make two suggestlOns.

(1) That the service be recorded by the BBC an d broadcast on

Sunday morning during the time allocated for religious broadcast services.

(2) That the service be re-timed after consultation with the BBC and broadcas t live' This seems to me a way of bringing u s' to 'them'. In fact a ready-made publicity effort for St. John l' would be interested to read comment s from your readers on this subject.

Reading D o ris Tayl o r

LAY INSTRUCTORS' ASSOCIATION

from F. C. Marden, Area Staff Officer, Training In the July Review a report fro m Mr Shaw in Leicestershire mentioned the formation of a L ay In structors Association and asked 'Is this the First'? The answer is 'No, not quite the first , bu t don 't let this deter you '. Your position in the league 'Ta ble is not all t h at important, i t 's the service you are providing for instructors that will be reflected in better trainin g in the divi sion that really matters.

A Lay Instructors Associat on was formed in the Eastern Area of London District in 1961; it is still active and providing a service to all instructors in the Area.

We wish Mr Shaw and his Association every success in their new venture and sugg est that if he would care to contact our Secretary, Miss P. Woodward, 65 Masefield Road, Walthamstow, London , E.17 an d exchan ge notes, it would be of advantage to us both.

London, E .1 1 F. C. Marden

contains too many mistakes and is badly compiled.

Why, for example a t the beginning of Part One is there

Prioritie s, Management and Disposal and then more on these subjects in the latter part of the book ?

Elsewhere the manual says 'Feel for the carotid', but what is that? It is left to the harra sse d lecturer to explain that it is a pre ssure point. (There is n o menti on of this in the manual ; apparently P.P s do n ot-exist anymore.)

There is no mention of dealing with a severe haemorrhage with a wound co nta ining a forei gn body.

Nor is ther e any menti on of the positioning of a shocked pati e nt , or giving stimulant s of any kind, even in absence of injury, co n scious, a nd able to swallow.

For a fracture of the lower end of the forearm or the wrist , s uppo r in arm or triangular slin g Why the alternat iv e?

The displacement of the shou lder , due to a fractured clavicle , is not mentioned in the relev ant chapter on fractures but in Chapter 2.

1 challe nge anyone to efficiently carry out the full 'dress' treat men t of a fract ured femur exactly as described in the book. A cas u alty who is immobilised fo r a j aw fracture wants to vomit ; what do we do? There i s no instruction.

Ther e are no symptoms for blood loss up to 10 %; the patient m ay faint. The Questions and Answers book says: 'Feels faint.' Are there no sympto m s?

There is more to criticize of the manual - some illustrations are not in accord with the text, for exa mple - but this sh ould be enough to make my point. And this is not my opinion alone; many members of the Brigade, of all rank s are di ssatisfie d with our manual.

L ondon, E.3. S ydney Jacobs

FAMILIES GALORE

from D. B. Pool Divisional Superintendent

The September Review asks under the photograph of three dads an d their sons of Harborne ( Birmingham Ambulance Divis io n) 'Can any division match that?' Yes, we in Halesowen (Worcestershire) Ambulance Division can match it exactly, and very soon will beat thi s record, for we have another dad whose son will be moving from our cadets to the ambulance division before the end of the year.

Where family membership s concerned we feel we already hold another record Halesowen has a full complement of ambulance, nursing, nursing cadet , and ambulance cadet divisions , and among them we have one complete family of father, mother , son and daughter ; three husbands and their wives ; two fathers and their sons, one mother and two sons; two fathers with two sons; one hu sband, wife and son; and two brothers No person , incidentally appears more than once in these combinations - so we're not cheating. Therefore we have 28 people in the unit with family relationship s. Can any division beat that ?

Miss Anne Mills in Nigeria

We were parti c ularly delighted to read of the dads and sons' relationship at H arborn e, for we are neighbouring divisions Bu t unfortunately we cannot supply a photograph of all our family members, but w e hope to b e able to get them all together one of these days - and then snap! You'll see for yourselves.

Halesow en D B. PocJl

SUMMER UNIFORM

from Anne Mills Nursing Member

Just back from Nigeria, and enclosed i s a picture o f the uniform with which we were issued It is a light-cotto n , button-through dress and our usual ca p. COUldn't we have this for a summer uniform at home? It would be so practical for duties such as at sports centres and the seaside, and looks very neat.

Southampton Anne Mills

FIRST AID MANUAL

from Sydney Jacobs, Lay Instructor

I noticed in the july Review that there is no likelihood of a new manual in the near future. This will be a disappointment to many who consider the present one a very inconspi c uous su ccess. It

DOWN UNDER from N. Palmer

We in Australia appreciate the new Review and my former colleagues in West Surrey (I was a founder-member of Walton and Weybridge Division in 1936) will be pleased to know that 1 am still busy with a lot of public duties. Here we suffer like mo st divisions from lack of members On a recent visit to Tauranga New Zealand , I attended an annual inspe ct ion of one of the local divisions and was introduced to all the visiting s taff. It w as nice to see the strength of the cadets, 16 ambulance and 18 nursing cadets. Many were children of (Pommie) migrant s.

My copy of the Review finishes up in the Goulburn Ambul a nce station, N.S.W. , 57 miles from Canberra. Canberra, Australia N. Palm er 17

NEWS from SCOTLAND

monaste Fies to the Salvation Army - s that its membership has benefited by attracting young associates.

5 No one can deny that the membership of the Associations in Scotland rests on rather a nartow base

THE ORDER of St. John in SC0tland has never had a youth wing associated with it.

This results from the absence of an ambulance brigade, which, as everyone knows, has affected all its activities since its inception And in the past there has seemed to be nothing that the young could usefully do, even had it been to attract them with activi tiesthe running of hospitals and old-people's homes that would not appear immediately to arouse the enthusiasm of boys and girls For some time, however , this has been felt to be a fallacy and the encouragement of the Chancellor, Sir Andrew Murray, and the initiative of individual members has led to attempts to make of young people in Aberdeen and Torphichen. It is clear now that over the last few years pressure for the establishment of a youth movement has been growing, but this month a decisive point has been reached, because a memorandum on the subject has been submitted to the Priory by Reverend Tom Crichton, Minister of Torphichen, who has had a good deal of experience working with the young. The memorandum itself is of course sub judice and is under consideration by a special committee, but I think it may be useful to outline in general terms what seem to me to be the advantages for us of having a youth wing.

1 It would be good for the young themselves. One of the paradoxes of present times is that while young people throughout the world have never been so concerned with serious matters or more ready to give their time and energy to them, they have never been less willing to commit themselves to practical, organised charitable work concerned with problems near-at-home, often preferring disorganised causes and sometimes political or social questions far from their own experience. If at a young age they were introduced to a charity which might initially attract them with its his ory and romance, but would also show them the benefits of discipliined and fruitful work, who knows what effect this might have upon their attitudes in adolescence?

2. It is clearly a fallacy to suppose that there would be nothing for them to do There are countless projects on b0th a national and a local scale in which they could play a usefl!Il part. And the very young can often do certain jobs better then older members of the Associations. In holidays they have more time than hard-working adults. Their innocence and 18

cheerfulness make them more acceptable in places like hospital wards than grown-ups. They have tremendous energy ; and anyone in England , or any Scot who has driven to Goodwood races and passed their sheets laid out by the side of the road to gather coins thrown from cars will tell you what smartly turned-out and properly directed groups of cadets can achieve in the collection of money.

3 There is evidence that some adults in Scotland , interested in the problems of the young , would be attracted into the Associations if a youth wing was formed

4 The Youth Association would plovide the O r der with future adult workers and members The experience of any institution you like to name - from

The starting o f a Youth Association would spread membe[ sJiJ.ip through many social classes and walks-of-life; and this would not only benefit the Order directly by attracting the good-will of much more of the population, but would also result, let's face it in more publicity for us, with incalculable results

All this must seem to be obvious to any English reader of News from Scotland , but it still needs saying. This is an exciting time up here Ther e ar e so many new projects in the air and the Order seems to be moving into a new expansive phase. In these circumstances it is important to ensure that the foundations lai d now will hold the future structure Of these foundation s none could be mo r e important than a means of attracting youth into the Asso cia tion s, for it is their vigour and experti se tha t will be running them in the futur e.

NEWS from WALES

A party of young adult members from all over Wales recently attended a leadership trammg course at Plas-yr-Antur Adventure CentFe, Fairbol!l rme, N Wales

The course assembled on the Friday eveniNg for the formation of groups and appointment of group leaders.

On Saturday morning the members were given instruction by Julian Kirkham the warden of the Centre, on map reading

lectures given by Dr. Tudor Powell Jones of Normal College, Bangor, on teaching methods and teaching aids. The third session was on teaching instructions Assisting at the course were Div Supt. O. P Jones of Bangor , a holder of the mountain leadership certi f icate and Div Supt. A. Robbins of Haverfo r dwest charge of the course was the training officer for Wales, J P. Harries.

Divisional Superintendent Mrs F. M. Lewis, who was admitted as a Serving Sister of the Order, and six of her cadets who were awarded the Grand Prior Badge at the General Assembly and Investiture recently

and compass work Then, with packed lunches, the party was sent out in pairs on an exercise which involved hill walking over a distance of 6 miles using maps and compasses

Saturday evening was free and members gathered in groups discussing topics.

Sunday was taken up with two

OVERSEAS NEWS

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

President o f the St John Council for Trin id a d a nd T o bago , Dr David Wyk e, has be e n awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) a t an investiture by th e GovernorGeneral. This medal is a nation al award by the Trinidad and T obago Government for outs t anding se rvice in medi cin e and volun ta ry so cial work

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Eric William s warmly congra ulates St John Cou neil President Dr Dav id Wyke GCMG GCVO, OBE:KtStJ, his a ward (Photo : Trinidad Guardian)

KENYA

Of the 31 candidates from all over Kenya who attended th e St. John lay lecturers course at Nairobi recently, 25 obtained their certificate The course was organised by the Railways Branch SJA

Bettws cadets at the presentation for 200 hours service to Ruth Brown with them is divisional officer Miss Iris Brown

News from the Divisions

Mansfield Borough Ambulance Division, which is 70 years old in January 1971, reeently put on a window display locally. (left) The material supplied by Headquarters, and (below) trophies, certificates and photographs. Membersh ip of their cadet division is on the increase.

Brighton Dorothy Stringer Combined Cadet Division, the strength of which has increased to 30, average 1600 hours public duty yearly, including charity walks and visiting children's homes. Cadets (and some parents) recently went on an outing to the Royal Tournament (Photo: Brighton Evening Argus) ....

LANCASHIRE - After a lapse of a number of years the annual church parade was held in Coltle during August for the No. I Area Duke of Lancaster's District; it was combined with the Area Inspection. Lady Mary Hesketh, District Supt. N, Major W. H. Walker Commissioner of No I Area, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Coine were present. This was Maj or WaIker's first engagement as Commissioner since his appointment.

More than 500 SJA personnel from 12 Divisions in Lancashire paraded with the Accrington Pipe Band and the Burnley Sea Cadets.

After the inspection the parade moved off to the Parish Church of St. Bartholomew , where the Rector of Colne, Rev. N. D. Hawthorne and the visiting Roman Catholic Priest, Father Murray of Nelson, and the choir, awaited them.

The local Presiden t Allen Exley MBE and Major W. H. Walker read the lessons.

After a Service of rededication the parade re-assembled for the march past through the town to the shopping precinct, where the salute was taken by visiting officers.

Visitors were entertained by CoIne Division in their headquarters.

LINCOLNSHIRE (South) Boston

Three of 20 Billingham cadets (L to R) Leslie Hunter, Paul Hand and Peter Charlton who help old people; their sights are on the Special Service Shield (Photo: Evenng Gazette, Mid die sborough)

Nursing Division : During September Mrs Doreen Mary Panton was presented with the vice-president 's badge by Mrs Vere-Kennedy, the Area Superintendent (N). This division is fortunate in having a superintendent SEN and a vi ce-pres ident SEN. Last year Mrs Panton was th e co-winner of the Horlick's scholarship and for three months she studied recruitment and training of SEN s, or their equivalent, in Belgium Holland, Germany and Scandinavia In November she v.;ill be attending, as a scholarship winner, the silver centenary of the British Commonwealth Nurses War Memorial Fund at S t J ames Palace and will be presented to the Queen Mother.

NORTH WARWICKSHIRE - The Corps' new ambulance was used to take a multiple sclerosis patient, Mr. Sparrow , Boston Nursing Division's Vice -President Mrs Panton receives her badge (See LlNCOLNSH IRE)

from his home to the wedding of his daughter recently. The vehicle, which has the latest-type trolley stretcher capable of being removed to leave the floor space clear for wheelchairs, was crewed by Divisional Superintendent Dennis Gould, of Stockingford Cadet Division, and his son Kenneth. Last year the same crew took Mr Sparrow to his son's wedding in the Corps' old ambulance.

Nuneaton Round Table contacted CISlO R E. Cooper earlier this year with the request: 'Find us some work that will help SJ A.' I t was suggested that they might help Stockingford Combined Division repair their headquarters. The Round Table , who included a surveyor, and an architect, looked over the premises a wooden ex-Army hut erected on land owned by the Nuneaton Corpora tion some 16 years ago and very delapidated by time, weather and vandals. Round Table now plan to refelt the roof , bulldoze rough ground level, lay gravel surrounds, replace windows , creosote the outside, reline the interior with ceiling tiles and wallboard, and repaint - all at no cost to the division. It is estimated that this work will save the division £150 in materials alone. The work has begun by the first team of Tablers , led by John Wilkes , an architect with Nun e aton Corporation. The division sincerely thanks Nuneaton Round Table for this magnificen t effort.

SURREY - A young SJA member from Sutton Combined Division who failed his II-plus exam seven years ago has now passed 10 O-levels and two A-level GCE's. And he has got a place at St. Bartholomew's Hospital to study radiography.

That's the storybook success of 18-years-old Robert Dwyer of St Helier , who thinks he has probably done bett e r by failing the II-plus. H e started his three-year radiography course in October. The first year should not prove too difficult for him as it deals with first aid and Robert has been in the Brigade for seven years. He also gives lectures to local groups including Scouts and Youth Leaders.

The Colour Party of Bilton Ambulance Cadet Division (Warwickshire) when their new flag was blessed recently (Photo : Coventry Evening Telegraph)

-mile charity walk

contestants (Photo: Brighton Gazette)

Andover nursing cadet team, with Superintendent

Sport -

Army bakes cake for SJA. Mrs M. Lynn, Division Officer, receives St John Cake, baked by Army Sergeant B Rimmer, for St Helens Division during the town's Show (Photo Lancashire Evening Post.)

Guildford Nursing Cadets winning team at the New Forest exercise recently.

(See SURREY)

The Surrey Youth C0lumn recently ran a compass and map reading exercise in the Lynwood area of the New Forest for teams of ambulance and nursing cadets frGm Frimley and Camberley, Farnham and Guildford.

The exercise was such a success that the Youth Column intend to run this competition on a yearly basis, and it is hoped that more divisions will take part in future. A silver cup and individual prizes were presented to the winning team, Guildford Nursing Cadets; the second team had individual prizes.

OBITUARY

Miss Ann Lovibond, Superintendent Gloucester City Nursing Division; fatally injured in a road accident on September 8.

FILMS

SUBSCRIBE

ONE IN EVERY TWO OF US (Colour 25 mins.)

Distributed by: Sound Services Ltd.

Produced by: British Heart Foundation

This film shows many areas of research conducted by the British Heart Foundation and many methods of treatment including briefly E .C .M. It also indicates recent advances in heart sur gery

The panel condidered this a very good film indeed; it portrays the work of the Foundation in clear terms; colour, presentation and dialogue all are first rate. Slight drawbacks are the too brie f remarks upon the harmful effect of tobacco and the ease with which external cardiac compression is applied. This film could be suitably preceded by first aid instruction upon resuscitation.

Audience : General public but of specific interes't to medical students, nurses and advanced first-aiders.

LIVING WITH ELECTRICITY (Colour 16 mins

Distributed by : Electricity Council & RoSPA

Produced by: Electricity Council and RoSPA.

How accidents with electricity can be avoided with simple care and commonsense. The film highlights the importance of buying only reputable electrical goods bearing the British Electrical Approvals Board label.

The panel considers this an excellent film. It is accurate, clear, well developed well scripted and cheerfulness keeps breaking in.

It will be of great value in accident prevention or accident in the home campaigns. The only slight drawbacks are that brown within colour code is an indeterminate shade within the film and that the changing fuse technique appears confused.

Audience : Universal exhibition. A must' for all S t. John personnel.

THE POLICEMAN (Colour 24 mins.)

Distributed by: Sound Services Ltd

Produced by: Metropolitan Police

This recruiting film shows a young policeman on the beat, indicates some of the qualities involved for police officers and hints at the material rewards and personal satisfaction involved.

The panel considered this prize-winning film n e plus ultra Accurate, up-to-date , a well developed theme, good colour and convincing acting lead to a thoroughly entertaining film. It should be screened commercially; a worthy ad dition to any programme - suitable for St. John audiences as general interest.

CADET COMPETITION 'WR ITE-A-CAPTION'

Competition details in Octob e r issue. My caption is: (BLOCK LETTERS)

18-year-old DIANE DAVIS tells us monthly aoout her life as a

STUDENT NURSE

NIGHT DUTY. An essential part of hospital routine which so me student nurses don't relish but others seem to take in their stride. Strange this really, when nowadays most teenagers usually want to spend half the night of their leisure hours dancing or sitti ng in coffee bars.

At this hospital we start night duties soon after first-year block , having completed six months training A ward night staff consists of two nurses : a senior in her third year of training, and a junior in her first or second year; in charge of each floor , with as many as four wards, is a night sister. And occasionally there are 'auxiliaries' to help out on the wards.

I went on my first 'nights' immediately after first-year block, to a ward that I had never b ee n on, so I knew none of the patient s or the routine; and I must say I felt very much at sea at the first 'repo rt ' when the senior nurse read out the current condition of about 24 patient s who were nothing but names to me. Most confusing. However by the second or third night I began to know my patients and 'reports' began to make sense to me.

My first con tact with patients at night was on the drug round with senior at 10pm, when most of them were given sleeping tablets. Lights are usually out by lIpm, and then we s taff have a cup of coffee.

By midnight fluid-balance charts are collected and totalled so that the new charts start with the new day. Also at midnight water-jugs and any foods are removed from the lockers of patients who are to be operated on that morning. With those jobs done , the junior goes for a meal in the dining room; we call it lunch because it is a typical lunch - for instance, steak and kidney pie vegetables , etc.

Coming back on to the ward at lam, when the senior goes to lunch, the st udent nurse fa ces her first hour alone at night with patients And I can tell you, it 's quite unnervi ng That hour seems to go on and on, and it seems anything might happen.

With senior back , temperature/pulse/respiration of some patients are taken, bins have to be emptied, the 'sluice' (where everyone dumps everything from the ward that needs cleaning) has to be cleared up, and the kitchen prepared for breakfast. It's now about 3.30am.

Night sister appears on the ward at about 4am, when she does a round on the ward with either the senior or the junior.

We have our tea and then at 6.30 lights go on. Temperatures and urine-analysis of patients for operations are taken, and then the junior makes the patients tea. With luck one of the patients (usually a man in our mixed ward) takes the tea around. Morning drugs are given out from 6.45 to 7am, by which time the breafasts have come up from the kitchens ready to be served

The day staff arrive by 7 30 to give a hand with clearing away breakfast ; and soon bliss - oh bliss - one's head hits the pillow. After a night on the ward I certainly don't find it difficult to sleep during the day .

CLUES TO CROSSWORD No. 11 (70) Compiled by

ACROSS:

5. Highway robber used by chiropodist (7) 8. Pain of dental caries. (9) 9. Frequentlypreceedes arthritis, myelitis and sarcoma. (5) 10 Drab part of the brain? (4 6) 11. Tools for evacuation of bowels (5) 12. Painter with hidden traits. (6) 16. Sensory nerve ending in the dermis. (7,4) 19 Block roused for leech or extortioner. (5,6) 22 Noise made by charge-nurse before going off duty? (6) 24. An opening for a precious stone (5) 27. Part of C.N.S. required by a racing driver? (5,5) 28 26 Down possibly found in bowel. (5) 29. Greeting a sign of paralysis agitans and thyrotoxicosis. (9) 30. Father let turn the French bone . (7)

DOWN:

1. Visible sign of a disease or condition. (6) 2. Applies poultice with return of a thousand sent wrongly. (7) 3. Dealer in drugs. (7) 4 Disease running a rapid, severe course. (5) 5. Short fellow ever in pyrexial illness.(5) 6. What 3 down might use to examine long, hollow organ. (4 ,4) 7 Node aids formation of lymphoid tissue obstructing the nasal airway (8) 13. Cartilages of the upper eyelids. (5) 14. Adhere to an aid to ambulation. (5) 15. Lesion of painful cervix. (5) 17. Signal to girl for structures giving mobility to some bacteria. (8) 18. Suffering pain after a long walk. (8) 20. 1 down of coryza inebriation. (3,4) 21. Unsatisfactory act established the workhouses (4,3) 23. Subjects of dissertations. (6) 25. The two with a South African soldier and statesman. (5) 26. Where sprains occur in an unsavoury place.(5)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 10-70 ACROSS:

NAME

ADDRESS

Closing date December 1. Send to Cadet Competition, St John Ambulance H/Q, 1 Grosvenor Crescen t, London SWl

NEW REVIEW BROCHURE

A brochure to help tell everyone in St. John abou t the new-style Review wiU be available in about a month's time from the editor. They will be sent to all District and County headquarters for distribution to divisional level. But anyone who can help push our magazine by distributing these brochures, please write to the editor stating how many brochures required.

1. Hooked; 4. Overmuch ; 10. Piece ; 11. Ward-round 12.Tear ; 13. Snoop ; 14. Mask; 17. Nail-bed ; 18. A bd omen ; 20. Ingrown; 22 Guarded ; 23. Ends ; 25. Stove ; 26. Ills ; 29. Relapsing ; 30 Enema ; 31. Gardener ; 3 2 Starve.

DOWN:

l. Hypotensive drug ; 2. Operating ; 3. Eyes; 5. Variola ; 6 R.a.r.e ; 7. 8. Hodgkin's Disease ; 9. T.win .e d ; 15 Abhor ; 16. Ide al ; 19 MIddle ear; 21. Nitrite ; 22. G .a. vage ; 24. Do .1.or; 27. A.p.s .e; 28. Heat

W.A Potter

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For further details write to:Matron-in-Chief, Q.A.R.N.N,S" Department 4

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Ophthalmic Student Nurses ( 2 6 )

Candida tes accepted at th e age of 17 10 comme n ce an 18 m onths cou se o f t r ai nin g as Oph halm c S udents, M oorfie ds Medal an d Cer f ica e awarded to successfu candidates. Well equ ipped of Nu rsing. Successfu candi d a es, on completion may enter the General T raining School o he r choice Com f ortable Nu r ses' Home in Kensing on w th i n easy reach o t he Al b ert H a ll , V c t oria and Albe r t Museum and Theatres. T en nis Co u r

Ac ti ve Soc al C lub.

App ications n writing to the Matron.

KINGSTON HOSPITAL Wolveton Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Thames Surrey

This Hospital;s recognised by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales as a complete training school for STUDENT NURSES

T he p e iod of tr aining s thr ee yea r s. I n t r od u c o y co ur ses co mm ence in Ja n ua r y, M ay and A u gu st eac h yea r

Can did ates m ust b e 18 years of age and we ll ed uca t ed Th e

H os pi tal is si ua ed in one o the mos b eau t i ul a eas of Gr ea ter

L on d o n b ut wi h in easy r each of Ce ntr a l L on d o n by r eque nt

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Tr aini ng all o w an ces: Ag e und er 2 5 yea rs on en t r y, 1 s yea

£ 395, 2n d y ear £450. 3r d yea r £4 8 0 ess l o d g ng cha rg e o f £ 2 5

o 1sl year an d £ 50 for 2n d an d 3rd year, res id en

Age 25 o r ove r on e ntry 1 st y ear £ 565 2 nd year £ 5 92, 3 rd yea r

£ 6 19 ess £1 0 0 o dging cha rge if es id ent C o mf o r ta bl e Nur ses'

H o me and goo d soci al am e nitie s ava il abl e. Pr osp ec t ive ca nd d a tes

an d h ei r parents m ay v isit th e hospit a b y ap point m ent (57)

(8)

PERSONAL · - HOMEWORKERS - T yp sts, Kn tters, A d dressers Etc.

"The H o m eworkers' Gui d e" Vol 1 gives co un t ess i nt r o d uctions to B ri sh fir ms requ i ring your services. "The H o m eworkers' Guide" Vo 2 lists ove r 50 Ame ri ca n fi r ms requ iring enve ope addressers. Both Gu ides sent for £1 - 0-0.

Ro an d Press D ept SJ R / 1) 38 Crawford Street, L ondon W .1 (8 0

LEWISHAM GROUP SCHOOL OF NURSING

We wanted to show you our new School of Nursing - but it s so new it won ' t be finished until MARCH 1971

Before then we shall be looking for the first intake of:30 Student Nurses, on the 3 year course leading to State Registration 20 Pupil Nurses, on the 2 year practical course leading to State Enrolment

They won't be guinea pigs. Our Group has been training nurses for 86 years and we are particularly well known for our Special Care Baby Unit, Accident Depa rtment and Intensive Care Unit

If you want more information, or would like to visit us to see what being a nurse is really like, write to or phone Mary Howard, Student Secretary, at Lewisham Hospital, Lewisham High Street, London S E .13.01-6904311. (82)

Safe, gentle and swift to healSavlon

'Savlon' Liquid and 'Savlon' Cream are indispensable to your first-aid kit. They gently clean a way dirt, killing the germs that would infect the wound. The antiseptics in both products are powerful , safe They were discovered by I CI and are now used extensively by doctors and hospitals in this country and overseas.

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Then a friend recommended Complan. And he got the nourishment he needed in a form that was easy to take. Complan provides the right kind of nourish m ent and is easy to digest even during illness. When someone vou know needs nutritional help, recommend Complan.

Ref. B 12400 St. J0hn Car Badges 36/6 Ref. S03500 St. John Key Fobs 5/6 11/6 25/Ref. $05900 St. John Tie Tacks 11/9 Ref. S05905 St. John Tie Clips

Ref. £05100 St. John Tankards 56/6 Ref. S03700 St. John Cuff Links Ref. S05910 Cuff Link-Tie Tack Set 35/-

Designed and made by:

MANHATTAN WINDSOR Badge makers to the Order of St. John snWARD STREET, BIRMINGHAM 18

All enquiries and orders with cash should be directed to: STORES DEPAIRTMItNT, THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN, ST. JOHN'S GATE , LONDON E.C 1

ST. JOHN REVIEW

COl11ment

NEW C-in-C CADETS

THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER announced at the Grand Prior ' s Competition on November 17 that Princess Margaret is relinquishing her appointment as Commandant-in-Chief of the Cadets and will be succeeded by Princess Anne.

LOOKING BACK

NOT a Chris t masy issue,I m afraid; but it'll be a relief , I hope from all that so-many-shopping-days-to-go, too much eating and too much drinking. Sound like Scrooge, don I? To tell the truth I just hadn't any Christmasy material ready for this issue

F. Hobbs pA

Order Inve stiture p 7

Around and About , by the edi tor p.8

Medi cal Advances , by Sir Ian Fra zer p.12

Film s p.l5

Readers Views p .16

Overseas News p.19

News from Scotlan d and Wale

EDITOR: FRANK DRISCOLL 26 Pembroke Gardens, London W 8. (01 -603 8512)

ADVERTISEMENTS:T G Scott & Son Ltd Price 1/6

COVER: 1 Clement's Inn, London, WC2A 2ED (01-242-6264 and 01-405-4743)

23 shillings per annum, including postage, from Treasurer, Order of St John 1 Grosvenor Crescent , London S W 1

As Princess Margaret watches first-aid demonstrat i ons at Lincoln, me cadet seems to be saying : 'Are you sure t hat's the way to do it?' (Photo : Michael P. Maloney)

Instead, let's recap on where the new Review has got to over its first year. I think everyone will agree that our new printing process (offset-litho) is a great success. From the editorial point of view it's straight forward and simple. I'd like to thank Coventry Printers for their excellent co-operation. The general format of our magazine is now as I originally envisaged. Composed of various depar t ments, I hope readers are beginning to know where to look for what. Having imposed this shape , the next step is to slowly improve the quality of each department Particularly, I should like to see an improvement in the standard of the A. & A stories (of more human interest and humour) , also to devote more space to Divisional News - but the problem here is the number of pages we can afford to print at pr esent. The number of pages can be increased only in s tages of four. They will be increased as soon as we obtain over six pages of advertising , which will be in the very near future.

The standard of some articles contributed by member s has been very high ; but remember - always something differen t, something unusual , and t hen in great de t ail.

Black-and-white pi ct ures only at present , please ; and write on the back of photographs that permis sion has been obtained to publish , an d also if you want the photograph returned . Circulation is slowly on the increase; bu t the problem is that h alf of our copies are so ld through wholesalers or retailer s, which means we get only two-thirds of the price and have to pa y pa ckage and postage. At 1/6d , this means the Review is losing 9 d on every copy sold via the newsagent; o ne of the reason s why a p ric e in crease is esse ntial next March, also why I want to encourage bulk sales at a reduced price through SJ Councils , Asso ciat ion Centres and Divisions. Thi s bulk-sale system will also bring a closer liaison between St. J ohn units thr o ughou t the co untry and myself - for the St J ohn family is such a vast , far-flung one that it is impossible for me t o go a'v isiting. Th e Review is our mean s o f communication.

Di stribution of the Review worries me T oo much still goes wr o ng. But please remember, unlike other magazine s, we have no cir culati on department , as such. I have so me help now with this problem ; for half-day a week Miss Mit chell voluntarily comes to o ur office at H Q to co pe with new subs criptions passed from Tre as ury and ba ck numbers In future new subscriptions an d SJ bu lk orders will be acknowledged with a po st-card from Miss Mitchell. But please get in tou ch with me if yo u ha ve a ny complaints about deliveries

Talking of post-cards having no secretarial staff I all editorial material sent in with a dupli ca ted post-ca rd ; it is the only way I can keep my head above the flow of routine correspondence.

What else is there ? If you have any view s - write.

A very happy Christmas and New Year to everyone. The Editor

THE DEATH OF LORD WAKEHURST on October 30 removes from the councils of the Order a most deeply respected confrere and former Lord Prior who from 1948 to 1969 played the principal part in all the great achievements which have distinguished the Order of St. John in the post-war world.

His first connection with the Order was through his appointment as Governor of New South Wales in 1937, shortly after he had succeeded his father as the second Baron Wakehurst. As Governor he became a Knight of the Order and towards the end of his service Knight Commander of the Commandery in Australia.

Following his return to England in 1946 he was appointed Lord Prior of St. John in 1948. He was the first in modem times to hold this office. His predecessors had been styled 'Sub-Priors'; but with the creation, after the war, of Priories within the Order , each with its own Prior, it became fitting to revive the historical title in use before the Reformation.

In 1948 the Order and its Foundations were still struggling to cast off the limitations imposed by the second world war and to adapt themselves to peace time needs. Lord Wake hurst regarded membership of the Order not as an honorific distinction or reward but as a dedication to mankind in a Christian brotherhood with a centuries old tradition of service. He laid great emphasis on the spiritual side of the Order and did all he could to promote an appreciation among its members of the Christian inspiration of its practical humanitarian work. He also felt the need to stress the unity of the several parts of the whole Order. With this intention he created the St. John Councils in the Counties to serve as the focus of St. John activity and to support the Foundations. The system took root and spread in later years to the- overseas territories within the Commonwealth.

With the Commonwealth Lord Wakehurst was much concerned and perhaps because of his happy Australian recollections he strongly supported the (i)verseas Priories. He pard regular visits to them (indeed he loved traveO and established a personal relationship with their problems and could interpret them to Chapter-General and he was instrumental in building up a close and fruitful relationship between St. John's Gate and the 2

THE LATE

Lord Wakehurst,

K.G., K.C.M.G.

Priory Headquarters Indeed there were few Commonwealth countries where the Association and Brigade operated which he did not encourage by his visits.

He had close connections with the United Sta tes and sponsored the formation there of an American Society for United States and British Citizens inspired by t he ideals of the Order of st. John.

As befitted a former author, fluent reports flowed from his pen and the value of his visits was much increased by his photographs and films. He was an enthusiastic maker of films which gave great pleasure and proved instructive to very many people associated with St. John by introducing them to the activities of their fellow members elsewhere in the world and illustrating the historic homes of our Crusading Order from the Holy Land to Malta

Lord Wakehurst had a great sense of ceremonial. His robes well fitted his proconsular figure and he conducted the ceremonies of the Order with great authority, dignity and with warm humanity.

Some four years after he became Lord Prior he was appointed Governor of Norther Ireland This entailed his accepting responsibility for the overlordship of the Commandery of Ards but he did not abate in any degree his close involvement with the affairs of the Order as a whole nor relax the rein of control of policy These were years of growth and exciting developments.

The new constitution of the Order was approved. The Grand Priory Church was rebuilt St. John 's Gate was restored. The work of the St. John Ambul ance overseas wa s everywhere extended and strengthened , and - the crowning achievementthe magnificent new Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem was built In all these works Lord Wakehurst's direction and drive were decisive. He was alternately vice-chairman and chairman of the J oint-Committee of the Order and the Briti sh Red Cross Society.

In an increasingly ecumenical age he set about the task of promoting friendly relations with the other Orders of St. John.

With the help of the late Sir Harry Luke and the assistance of the British Association of the Knights of Malta , his approaches to the Sovereign Military Order in Rome led in 1963 to the signing of the Declaration of mutual regard which has dispelled those causes of division which previously clouded the relationships of the two Orders.

In parallel he initiated discussions with the other North Continental Orders of st. John, the Johnniterorden in Germany , the Netherlands Order and Swedish Order. These discussions led in 1958 to a conference at the ancient Commandery of Bubikon in Switzerland and this in tum to a formal alliance and an annual conference at which matters of mutual interest are discussed and resolved.

With his fertile and far-reaching mind Lord Wakehurst had many interests, but devotion to St. John took pride of place in both his mind and heart. A final and generous example of this was his recent benefaction of £2,000 for the improvement and modernisation of the library and museum at St. John's Gate. III health, however, accelerated by an over strenuous foreign tour obliged him to give up the of1ike of Lord Prior in 1969. But in the office of Baliliff of Egle !his great wisdom and experience were still available and eagerly sought by his co[kagues.

The 1ast occasion we saw him, and saw him looking so wen, was at the Order Service in Lincoln Cathedral on October 10. It is hard to realise he has gone.

PRINCESS MARGARET AT LINCOLN

In Indian-summer conditions Princess Margaret Ambulanc e and Nursmg Cadets: together WIth Great Officers, Knights and members of the Order and units of St John Ambulance attended the fust service of the Order to be held in Lincoln Cathedral on October 10 as guests of the St. John Council for Lincolnshire .

After the service Princess Margaret - no midi-length day , by the way , with skirt just above the kneeInspected cadets and watched demonstrations of first ald.

As announced on page 1, later it was learned that this was Princess Margaret's last inspection as C-in-C Cadets.

Photographs by Michael P. Maloney Lincoln

.... T a kin g toM r s H edges County Superintendent (N), with the Lord Lieutentant in background

With cadets of the Leicestersrlire team Farewell to Lincoln

The Princess leaving the service with the Lord The Earl of Ancaster, Mrs Hedges, County Superintendent (N), her Lady-in -Waiting and Lady Moyra Browne, Superintendent·in-Chief

Watch ing the demonstrations with the Chief Commander, Lieutenant General Sir William Pike (le.ft) and the Commander for Lincolnsh ire Capt Welby - Everard AN

'TO SER VE, TO STRIVE AND NOT TO YIELD'

(SCOTT of the Antartic.)

HARDLY A WEEK goes by without hearing or reading that someone somewhere, has been killed m injured on mountains or hills. Last year there were over 200 hill accidents reported in Britain, of which 36 were fatal. The majority of these accidents were due to over-ambition, lack of experience, or just plain foolishness.

Mountaineering is best defined as the art of going safely into dangerous places. And every year more and mme people are turning to these 'dangerous places' of mountains and hills for sport, recreation, exhilaration, excitement, or just the quieter pleasures of 'getting away from it all' and study. They should be, but rarely are, aware that the wild and lonely country which attracts them often puts them beyond the reach of the normal emergency services which deal with illness and accident.

Who is there to cope with these climbing accidents? Who are the people who risk their lives on mountains to save others?

The Mountain Rescue Service of Great Britain was formed as a charitable trust in 1933 by climbers fOF climbers. The object of the serviee is to reach the scene of a mountain accirlent as quickly as possible in the hope of saving life, to render first aid, and to remove the casualty to hospital with the minimum of discomfort 4

MOUNTAIN RESCUE

AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TAKE TO THE HI LLS, UP GOES THE ACCIDENT RATE

by P. F. Hobbs

(Divisional Officer, Jaguar/Daimler Combined Cadet Division, Coventry)

Photos by Coventry Evening Telegraph

Mountaineering: the art of going safely into dangerous places. The author absailing (roping) down sheer rock and aggravation to injuries; the rescue service, where possible, to be provided free.

Mountain rescue teams consist of experienced mountaineers and expert climbers who are ready to turn out at any time and in all conditions to go to the aid of others in distress.

Mountain rescue posts and teams are located throughout Great Britain in mountain and moorland areas where accidents are likely to occur. There are

now more than 100 posts and teams registered with the Mountain Rescue Committee, which is the organising body. Most teams comprise at least twelve members, for six people are needed to safely carry a stretcher on hill land, and on rough terrain frequent changes of bearers are needed. It is often necessary to form teams as news of the accident comes in, by using a nucleus of experts and other volunteers who may be available.

Getting away from it all. Two members 'on top of the world' in North Wales

The Royal Ai.!r Force maintains its own mountain rescue teams of volunteer servicemen. These teams cover areas which are particularly dangerous for aircraft. But service is not restricted to military aircraft accidents only; they have often given assistance on civilian rescues but of course service commitments have to come first.

The work of mountain rescue can be split into two categories: search and recovery. Search can be the most trying and arduous, for the team may be out on the hills, often in bad weather, for several days and nights looking for someone who is lost or trying to locate a crashed aircraft. Nearly all searches take place during bad weather or at night; they are like trying to find a needle in a hay-stack Recovery is self-explanatory. Once the scene of the accident is known, recovery is the slog of getting the injured to where they can be treated.

The equipment used by rescue teams is both specialised and expensive. And in many cases, it is paid for by the members or from donations. A mountain rescue stretcher costs between £80 and £100 , a casualty bag (a refined sleeping bag) is over £30 ropes and slings another £80. Two-way radios which are essential for communications in the mountains, cost £ 140 each. The first-aid kit , apart from the normal dressings essential to any kit , will often contain such items as airways for resuscitation, inflatable splints , and drugs such as morphine.

When an accident occurs everyone in the team has a particular job to do, although each member must be familiar with all the jobs, should the need arise. The team leader is responsible for the overall organisation of the rescue; the navigator will plan the easiest and q uickes t routes of approach and evacuation; the medics give first aid; and the sparks is in charge of radio communication. Each plays his part in the rescue.

The police are usually the first to receive a distress call through the normal 999 service. As soon as they have the necessary details the information is passed on to the team nearest the scene of the accident. On receipt of the call the team leader, or organiser , assembles his team as quickly as possible and gets them away to the scene. The leader may consider more than one team is needed, so he would inform other local teams, or (if there is one operating in the area) the assistance of an R.A.F. air/sea rescue helicopter.

Time is always the most important factor if life is to be saved. In the mountains it is not uncommon for rescues to take ten hours or more from the time

(Top) Al!Jthor using portable radio to call base. (Middle) Combined rescue team, including author, bring back the body of a walker who fell from the summit of Snowdon (Right) Same rescue - the body being loaded into a Landrover

of the accident until the casualty arrives at hospital.

Injuries can range from a badly sprained ankle or exposure, to multiple fractures and internal bleeding It has been found that InJunes from rock-climbing accidents are often the most serious, although the hill walker is in as much danger from exposure, which , if not diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly, may prove to be just as fatal as a bad fall. Mountain rescue first-aid treatment is tahn from the SJA Brigade manual, and most members of rescue teams hold the advanced first aid certificate; for most treatment is not just restricted to basic first aid; in many cases treatment also has to be given on the journey down the mountain.

For a mountain rescue in Britain it is unlikely that the patient or re latives will be charged. In a few cases they may be asked to cover some out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the team, but this never amounts to more than a few pounds. But if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a mountain accident abroad, then you could expect a bill for anything up to £1000 or more for a simple rescue.

The work of mountain rescue in Great Britain has until recently been outside the province of St. John Ambulance , although it has given valuable assistance with both training and the supply of first -aid kits.

But today SJA has two mountain training centres in North Wales. One is organised by the Priory of Wales and the other by Birmingham County. At these centres, members receive instruction in mountain craft, map reading, safety on the mountains, and often a basic introduction to mountain rescue. And from these and other such courses many members have developed an interest in climbing and mountain rescue.

Although St. John Ambulance has no official mountain-rescue team registered with the British Mountain Rescue

Committee, whose North Wales chairman is Mr. C. Briggs BEM, a Se rving Brother of the Order, ON several occasions SJ A members have turned out as a team

One such occasion was two years ago when a privately-owned light aircraft crashed near the Ogwen Valley (N.W ales) in exceptionally bad weather on a Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning the wreckage h ad still not been found. Assistance was requested by the Mountain Rescue Committee's Central Control for a search, and through the most unusu al channels of communication a team was dispat che d from the SJ A Warwickshire and Birmingham Areas.

Within 31/2 hours of the call the team of 8 men were on the mountain, 150 miles away.

Another occasion last year was at the SJA Birmingham County's centre near Corris ; SJ A members were asked to go to the assistance of a young police cadet, who while und e rtaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award exam was seriously injured on the nearby Cader Idris range. Although there were only a few trained mountain-rescue members available at the time the rescue was successful and was to St. John Ambulance. Both the local police and the chief constable of Liverpool, from where the cadet came, commended St. John Ambulance on its prompt action.

As a St. John member I have be en interested in mountaineering for ten years, and over the last five years , through my association with several mountain-rescue teams in North Wales I have taken part in and led more than twenty rescues.

One day I hope , st. John Ambulance will playa more active role in the work of mountain rescue as more of it s members take an interest in the hills and mountain s of Great Britain. But , for them, always remember what Edward Whymper , of Matterhorn fame, wrote : DO NOTHING IN HASTE, LOOK WELL TO EACH STEP AND FROM THE BEGINNING THINK WHAT MAY BE THE END.

(Top right) Easter 1969, near Snowdon. Climbing is a year round sport There are as many accidents in winter as summer

(Right) Author leading a climb in the Llanberis Pass, N .Wales. Fingers and toes grip , grip grip

Mountain Rescue Comm ttee's North Wales chairman C. Briggs BEM , and Serving Brother of the Order of St John, with the author

Ordep Investiture

HELD ON OCTOBER 15 1970

AS DAME

The Lady Moyra Browne , OBE , SEN. AS COMMANDER (BROTHER)

Major-General Timothy Mi chael Richard Ahern (Rtd). CB, MB CLement Willoughby Walker , MB , MRCS, LRCP.

George Thomas C lark. Rol a nd Charlesworth.

Wa lter Charles Mayhew

Major Stanl ey Winrow Barrow , DFC, TD. Watkin Wynn Williams

AS COMMANDER (SISTER)

Dori s Ir en e Fuller (Mi ss).

Vi c toria Francis Hedge s (Mrs)

AS OFFICER (BROTHER)

Dav id Osborne Hughes MD DPH

Alu n Howard Jon es, MA MB BChir

John Henry Kenny.

Cyril Ch arl es Samuel Darby AlB.

Hor ace Roy Harwood.

Philip Andre w Bank s R affle MD, MRCP DPH, DIH.

Oliv er Gerald Lindsey

William Thomas Cavey

Celonel Samuel Allan Bower , TD , MB ChB. MRCS LRCP.

William Joseph Dawson.

John Know.

Harold James Moore

Leonard Joy Evans.

Henry Hugh Pascoe.

Henry E lli s.

Harold Frederick Diamond SRN.

William Victor Savage.

Leslie William Ashman.

Surg. Lt-{:dr John Francis Moule Milner, VRD, MD,BS.

William Albert Ri chards.

Ri c hard Percy Martin

Ernest John William s.

Ronald Herbet Pet e r Fernandez, MB ChB DIH,MD.

Lt-{:ol P e er St. George Hereward Maxw ell, Me.

Wolton George Jenner.

Sidney John Jam es Bea sley

Percy Howard James SEN

Michael Wickham MB, ChB.

Arthur Frederick Ching.

Richard Mar sden MSSCh, MBchA, MSF

William Thomas Alb e rry

George Gravil.

Brigadier Charles Edward Mer oe r Herb e rt, CBE.

Arthur Llewellyn Lloyd, JP MB, ChB, MRCS, LRCP.

Robert Walter Houchin.

Sir Harry Hardy JP, ATI.

Nicholas George Whi chco te Playne.

Miss M. G. Owen, Area Staff Officer (Nursing Cadets) from A s.h to n - u n d er - L yne, Lanes who has been in Nigeri a with the S JA team, becomes a Serving Sister

Donald McNicoll Beaugie, MB BS.

Kenneth Charle s Easton, MB BS , DOb st, RCOG, MRCGP.

Roy Bradbury.

John Charles Smith.

John Lawlor.

Gordon Henry Wilson , CBE.

William Oliver Kirkwood. MBE. JP.

AS ASSOCIATE OFFICER (BROTHER)

Alchonan Epstein, MRCS. LRCP. JP

AS OFFICER (SISTER)

Winifr e d Ed ith Boyden (Miss).

Sylvi a May Higgs (Mrs).

Dorothy Elizab eth Meadows (M iss ).

Jane Margar e Adam (Mrs), OBE , MB ChB.

Ellen Ga ski ll (Mr s).

Agnes Ramsey Willianlson (Mrs)

Olive McBrid e (Mi ss )

Kitty Humphries (Miss).

Dori s Ethel Barker (Miss).

Marce lla Margaret Telfer (Miss).

Jo an Ledg er (Mrs).

Mollie Eileen Wright (Mr s).

Gladys May Buckland (Miss).

Margaret Wass (Miss)

Bertha John so n (Miss), SRN.

Iso bel Jean Taylor Robin son (Mrs).

Haze l Isobe Ashford , MD.

J essie Rose Emerson (Miss).

Gladys Francis Hanbury Williams (Miss), MVO.

Dorothy Betty Dougal Wat so n (Mrs).

Joan Gwendoline Wright (Mrs).

AS SERVING BROTHER

Ronald Fraser Dawson , MD MRCP.

Sydney Rich a rd Smith.

James Alan Parrott.

Thomas Holme MB , ChB DPH.

Brian Sidney Baker MB BS

Tom Newlove Bryant.

Ken neth Ro ss, JP.

Thomas Lyall Willi s

Roger Lowe

Captain Paul Bernard Murphy , GM.

Desmond Elrick Cobham, MPS , PhC.

Harold Frederick Jame s Harris

William He skin e.

George William Ruddick

Allan Rowl ey.

Malcolm Wat so n

Angus Herb ert Stevenson.

Peter Norman Foskett.

Frederick Gabbitas

James Forrester, I.LB

Charles Kennedy Elliot, eLl , MB , BCh.

Francis Jack son Dibnah

Herbert Alfred Dennis

John Clarence Cross.

John Wilkinson

(Miss).

Healey (Mrs). Patricia Betty Harri s (Mr s), SRN

Bake r (Mrs).

Joan Haydon.

Margaret Maclean (Miss).

Wignall (Miss).

Ire n e R e dford (Miss).

Margaret Robin so n (Miss), SRN , RMN Beatric e May Short (Mrs). Valerie Densham (Mrs).

Edith Lilian Smith (Mrs). Ruth Kathleen Chiles (Mrs). Enid Mitch e ll (Mrs).

Alice Margaret Felton (Miss).

Louise Marion Cowley (Mrs), SRN. Mary Ann Clement (Mrs).

Margaret Irene Holloway (Mrs)

Mabel Elizabeth Evans (Miss).

Gwenfra Mary Amor (Miss).

Mary Theresa Nick so n (Miss).

Lillian Harriet Sheppard (Mrs).

Muriel Kathleen Short (Mrs).

Margaret Spurway (Miss).

Mollie Gabrielle Whitley Large (Mrs).

Constance Ada Harper (Mrs), SRN

Constance Mary Robson (Mr s).

Valerie Taylor Cousins (Mrs), SRN

Joyce Daphn e Jones (Mrs).

Agnes Mary Swinnerton (Mrs)

Peggy Francis Dalton (Mrs), SRN. Florence Eva Franks (Miss).

Doreen Muriel Pichowski (Mrs).

Gwendolyn Cowper (Miss). Betty Patricia White (Mrs).

Colonel A. V G Dower TD, DL , Knight of

introduced to the Lord Prior hi s Personal Esquire, Timothy Michael Kane

SERVICE

A SJA superintendent collapsed and died recently in Thrapston, N orthamptonshire, minutes after he had failed in a bid to revive a dying motorist.

Ambulanceman Herbert Tiney, 63 , of Thrapston, and a member of the Brigade for 40 years , was on his way to a doctor 's surgery when he saw a car crash into a tree The driver , also on his way to the surgery, was believed to have collapsed at th.e w h eel.

Together with police officers Mr. Tiney tried desperately to resuscitate the driver. The bid failed and the driver died. Minutes later Mr. Tiney collapsed and died.

LINCOLN SOUVENIR ENVELOPE

A letter from the St. John Council for Lincolnshitre reads :

'May we through your columns, thank all those members from home and overseas who helped to make our Lincoln Ca thedral/Brigade souvenir envelope scheme so successful. The world wide publicity received resulted in over 40,000 en v elc>pes being despatched to 34 countries - from the north of the Arctic Circle in Norway to the most soU!rthern town in th world, and including Malaysia , the Congo, Mexico , Japan and all Commonwealth Countries.

So many interesting letters were received that we regret we have been unable to answer them individually, but to these and all those oth ers who wrote to us we send sincere greetings and best wishes.

TOUR OF LONDON

Area Superintendent (N) MFS M Laver, of Romford, Essex, took a party of six German students (two girls and four boys) and two party leaders who were on a visit to St. Leonards-on-Sea , for a tour of London recently. Lady Brecknock kilIldly lent her personnel carrier complete with chauffeur for the tour, and the chauffeur's (Mr. Hunt) imperturbability

AROUND and

WHAT'S GOING ON

IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

NGrthumberland s new County Sur@eon

A. S. Veeder, MRCS, LRCP who wa s previously Area Commissioner

APPOINTMENTS

Bri sto l: The Duke of Beaufort has accepted an invitation to become Pre sident of th e St. John Coun c il. The Chairman is Dr. D N Milne. Birmingham : Lt.-Col. R N. Hou st on appointed Commander St. John Ambulance.

Cheshir e : Mr s. Lawrence to be Cty. Supt .(N) vice Mr s. Burt Hamilton. Sabah : Dato Moh'd Natt bin Haji Moh ' d Yusuff appoint ed Commissioner vice Dr. E. R Dingl ey, resigned. Jamaica: Th e following appointment s have be en made from 1 Jan. , 1971 , upon the es tablishm en t of a m e rg ed organisation: Dr. R. D. K LevyCStJA; Mr. E. G. Groves - Dire ctor Association ; Mr. H C. CahusacCommissioner

Tynemoun h Ambulance Division's J. Logan has been awarded Certificate of Honour for g a llant action in savin g life and attending injured in a fire aboard a vessel on the River Tyne last year

in frantic, wet traffic conditions helped to mak e the day a comp lete success.

The party visited Westminster Abbey with glimpes of Bu cki ngh am Pala ce, the Mall, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parlia ment ; the Army and Navy stores (much cheaper than similar stores in Germany, the visito rs said) ; and lu nched at St John House. In the afternoon the party toured St. John's Gate with Mrs. Nichols as guide , and copies of the St. John Review were given to each visitor.

St Paul's Catherdral was t h e next stop , and then on to the Post Office tower.

Before leaving by train from Victoria station the students presented their chauffeur for the day with a gr amophone record.

Everyone, it seems, had a great day out.

SJA

RADIO TALK

hear that Ambulance Member Christopher J e nkins of 84th (Twi ckenham) Division recently gave a talk on the su bj ect of St. John Ambulance oork for Radio London . Originally h e supp lied Radio London with information on London District' s 50th anniversary and the invitation to give the talk on SJA in general followed.

A party of disabled people from NGttingnamshire on their 8 -day tour of

ABDUl

BY TH E EDITOR

KENT TRAINING WEEKEND

I hear tha t a v 2ried and realistic training programme was enjoyed by m ore than 135 cadets from Kent Divisions at a weekend camp held in the New Beach Holiday Centre, Dymchurch , during the autumn.

Organised by the County Staff Officer for Ambulance Ca d ets C. G. D. Smith and C.S.O f or Nursing Cadets, Mrs. B. M. Ford, the camp was the secon d to b e h eld; and 30 more cadets attended than the previous year.

On the Friday evening , after a meal , some visual aids were shown by Area Staff Offi ce r T. Goldsmith and a talk on the History of the Order of St. John, illustrated by coloured slides, was given by Association County Dir ec tor H. J. Harris

The real training part of the weekend took pla ce on Saturday, when the ca dets were divided into group s.

Sub. Offi ce r V. Crane from the Kent Fire Brigade instru cte d the boy s and girls in f ire -fi ghting ; casualty make up and sim u lation were supervised by Divisional Superint enden t Miss J. Bessell and Div Officer Mrs. J. Robert son.

Nearly a mile from the camp an exercise on beach re sc ue was held with A S.O Mrs. 1. M. Blain.

While being instructed on how to tie a pat ie nt on a stretcher b efo re lowering it down a cliff, the ca d ets were told to attend to a casualty 'p l anted on the beach. One girl thought the incident was real an d ran to telephone an am bulance ; fortunately she realised her mistake

Sessions of physic al training were given by an instructor from the Junior

Infantrymen's Battalion at Shorncliffe and an interesting talk on the work of St. John in Nigeria wa s giv en by Coun ty Surgeon R. H Percival.

At the en d of the afternoon a swimming gala was arranged by Div. Off. Miss D Hall.

The Robin Kingston and Robin Qu i nn discotheque put on in the ev ening wa s great fun and even some of the holidaymakers still at the camp joined in.

On Sunday morning a p ara d e and in s pection was held by Mr. Smith an d Mrs. Ford before the church service conducted by the Rev. D. E. Francis , who spoke of the reasons why peopl e join an d stay in the St. John Ambulance.

Before lunch the ca det s worked in pairs at a fi r st-a id diagnosis competition, ther e we re ten first-aid cases set up and the ca det s had to diagnose the injury correctly. The winners were both from Gillingham N/Cadet Division, H Whittingham and K. Fosbery.

A t the final assembly, County Commissione r Major S. Barrow introduced the visiting officers : Lady Cumberbatch, County Nursing

Superintendent ; No. , Ar,ea Commiss ioner H. Chaplin ; Nu. 2 Are a- F Rolfe; No. 3 Area - L. A s hman; and presented p ri zes to succe ssful cadets Major Barrow emphasised once again that the future of the Brigade re s ts on th e cadets.

HOSPITALLERS' CLUBS

Last month , November, was the fiftieth anniversary of the Hospitallers' Club (men) and the Lady Ho sp italler s' Club, which are o pen to pas t and present officers, presidents and vice-presidents of the Brigade

The men's club celebrated with a dinn er at Barrington Hous e London with a record attendance' of 336 members The chief guests were Colonel Sir Thomas Butler , Governor of the Tower of London and President L o ndon District SJA, and Mr. W. R. J. Pullen, R eceiver Gen e ral of Westminster Abbey, who was accompanied by Mrs. Pullen. The sole surviving founder member and a past president of the club Mr. T. M c Br ide, who is nearly 91, was unfortunately unable to attend the dinner

BEACH RESCUE TRAINING

due to indifferent health, but a telegram was sent to him with best wishes for a speedy recovery and a telegram received fwm him 'hope you all enjoy yourselves' - was read out at the dinner by the President, Mr. H. F. Mulligan.

Altogether the evening seemed to be one of good food, good wine and good company Long may such evening continue

The Lady Hospitailers' Club, which meets monthly in London, would welcome new members. The annual su bscription is 10 shillings and application for membership should be made to the Hon. Sec. Mrs. F. A.

SJA Grandma 'had a go'

(Photo:

Robinson, Wanstead, 989-5373).

120 Eastern London, E.l1,

A venue, (phone

CASUALTIES UNION

The new address of the Casualties Union headquarters is: 1 Grosvenor Crescent London, Phone 01-235-5366.

SJA AT RNAS

I hear about 150 members of Dorset SJA attended a training afternoon arranged in conjunction with the R.N A S. at Portland recently. The session followed an earlier training day at Bovington Camp, where low-lying cloud formation

SMALL VILLAGE-STRONG IN CADETS

prevented the Naval hebcop t ers from part. 'fhilis time early mom liJl1Jg mist cleared to give a good view of a typical search and rescue operation by a POlitland based helicopter.

Commissioner Major-General Richard Moberley, together with other county staff, was in the capacity audience at Weymouth SJA headquarters that watched Surg. Cdr. A. Mackie demonstrate up-to-the-minute lifesav±ng equipment as used by helicopters. Well equipped large and small inflatable survival rafts were on view, an interesting factor being the ability of ditched air crews to gather condensation as an emergency water supply, invaluable in the tropics.

At the R.N.A.S. Portland, for the second part of the demonstration, members were given the opportunity of examining a Wessex Mark I helicopter of 771 Squadron at close quarters A short brief on cliff rescue technique pointed out that the turbulence on a cliff face often puts a helicopter at risk, causing the pilot to lighten the load by dropping off two crew members on the cliff top. Advice was given' on clearing a site of paper and debris which could be sucked into the engine, and the need to damp down a dusty surface.

The final phase brought a helicopter to pick up two 'ditched' men the first capable of fixing the rescue harness on himself. The double lift showed a crewman straddling a rubber dinghy and bringing the subject up in a leg clasp To complete the exercise a casualty was lifted by the heliport strapped into a cradle-type stretcher, while the watching m embers held firmly on to their headgear.

RESCUE BOAT

After publishing the photograph of Southend (Essex) Division's rescue boat in the September issue I received the following rather sad but very buoyant comment abciut the venture from the divisional secretary

'The boat was first purchased in 1968 but was little used. During 1969 the engine gave considerable trouble and a new engine was purchased during the winter. Members of the Division trained for their R.L.S.S. Bronze Medal.

All was set for a busy season this year and from its launching in April every opportunity to undertake patrols was taken until the beginning of july. On Saturday July II it was reported that the engine (No. C5 14096) was missing. It had been stolen despite an anti-theft

WALKERS

ALL (Left) Pram -pushers of Market R asen, Lincolnshire,

device The cabin had also been broken open and the petrol tank taken. The boat had been out on 17 occasions for a total of 80 hours , members having given 265 hours service in covering this duty. 10 people had been assisted in some way.

' The Division is now awaiting accumulation of funds to purchase another engine in readiness for next season's work One hopes the thieves themselves are not in need of a rescue boat - ours CANNOT assist!'

INTERNATIONAL CAMP

The Woodcraft Folk , an international youth organisation sponsored by the Co-operative Society , this summer held their two-week International Camp at Danbury Park , Essex. The Brigade was invited to provide first aid facilities. All

STAND EASY

It was a most exciting and rewarding duty. There were over 2,000 people of ail ages in camp, and 16 different nationalities from as far afield as Russia' Yugoslavia, Poland India and the West Indies. The first aid post was manned day and night for the two weeks. Mrs. Lattimer of Writtle and one of her ca dets. Elizabeth Ebrall, were in residence the first week, and Mr. Nokes of Chelmsford-Marconi took over as resident first aider for the second week. Nursing members from Braintree and Chelmsford attended during the daytime Injuries ranged from wasp stings to a snake bite, cut fingers to split heads and fractures of ankle and wrist were almost common place. Measles and mumps were also diagnosed The language problem proved no barrier. Recorded tre c: tments numbered 483 in addition to the camp doctor's surgery each day , attended by upward of 30 patients. In all 400 hour s of continuous first aid duty by but a handful of nurses and members to look after over 2,000 people was no m ea n feat. All members who took part to be congratulated

Billingham (Teeside) cadets relax for a few moments during the ir Flag Fortnight. Why? Their own diviSional ambulance has just been delivered (Photo: Northern Daily Mail) divisions were asked if they had any members interested and four Essex divisions were represented.

MEDICAL ADVANCES

MODERN MEDICINE HAS BEEN FOUNDED ON

THE WORK OF THESE EARLY PIONEERS

pa tient as a helpful OIi1e. A t that time in Vienna there w as practising a certain Dr. Mesmer a personal friend of Mozart, who was either a rogue or a charlatan. He delighted ladies at the parties in Paris and other places by putting people into a trance. Coming to London this new method called 'mesmerism' was in vogue for a time. I suppose it was a mixture of hypnotism, hysteria and quack ery and it had some success for a considerable time as indeed there was nothing better with which to replace it

Amputation of a limb was a very frequent operation in those days often for tuberculosis of a major joint for which at that time there was no cure and which wa s extremely prevalent. We can readily see how necessary it was to have a safe sleep-producing agen v.hich would have a constant and reliable effect.

DSc, FRCS, Dl

Last month Yart 1 of Sir Ian Frazer's thoughts on medical discoveries some of which involved prolonged research, others the result of chance happeningsbrought us to the early 1800s, just lJ ri a r to Florence Nigh tingale making 'nursing a lady's profession

SMALL POX, which had been such a curse in England, had been cleared away almost completely thanks to the work of a very observant general practitioner, Edward Jenner from Gloucestershire, who had been told by a dairy maid that she was immune to small pox on account of havrng previously suffered from cow pox. The latter was a very mild skin rash commonly afflicting all milkers, but which gave them an immunity for life to the much more serious disease of small pox. The pock marked faces and the blind children became a thing of the past. The nursery rhyme of that time reminds us of the milkmaid - 'Where are you going to, my pretty maid?' 'I am going amilking, sir' she said. 'My face is ny sir,' she said. If we look at the portraits of the nobility of that period done by the great painters Gainsborough, Reynolds, Romney, etc, we see that the Peers of that time preferred the buxom milk maids with their pink and white cheeks to the pockmarked ladies of the aristocracy. 12

London was attacked by the Great Plague of 1664; another nursery rhyme commemorates that tragic time - 'Ring a ring-a-roses, a pocket full of posieshusha, husha, we all fall down'. This gives a true picture of the disease - the rosy rash and the posie of herbs to ward off infection - the fatal signs of coughing and sneezing before they finally fell down

dead. It required a further tragedy, the great fire, a real sterilising agen t, which fortunately followed, to eradicate the disease entirely. This was a real blessing in disguise. Such was the background of the times and the state of the hospitals when anaesthesia arrived in this country from America. Be fore anaesthesia, as we know it, was available it is interesting to reflect on what were the possible alternatives in daily use They were all inadequate and so the pain had to be reduced to a minimum by the speed of the operator. This meant that the surgeon of that period was a powerfully built man with great strength and dexterity A limb could be amputated in 30 seconds, and cutting for stone in the bladder, where the knife is plunged into the bladder followed by the finger, had to be done with the speed of magic. One onlooker said he did not see the stone being removed because unfortunately he took a pinch of snuff at that moment.

To achieve some degree of insensibility the patient was at times bled to the point of fainting through weakness, and in this state the limb was removed quickiy. In other cases prolonged pressure from the fingers or a very tight tourn iquet so compressed the nene that the part lost sensation. Alcohol given to the point of drunkenness was often used, bu t this was a very unreliable method, which was just as likely to produce an unco-operative

John Snow, although a pioneer , was slighted by his friends and the daily press in his lifetime. He was fortunate in being country bred, learning from the flora and fauna of the countryside. Town bred people often do not appreciate their disadvantages; they do not realise that city life produces a false superiority complex often bl i nd ing them to what they have missed. Mod ern education, certainly academic education , tends to force children into a mould d estructive of originality and individuality. The teenage revolt is merely an effort to be out of step. It would appear that children, like hens, do better on the 'free range' than on the 'battery' system, and their products, egg s or brains are probably b etter; freedom at an early age is more valuable than later on.

John Snow was present when in December 1846 he saw the first

anaesthetic given in Britain The surgeon was Liston , the flamboyant London surgeon who was at once completely converted to this 'new Yankee dodge'. Within a few days of seeing the first anaesthetic given Snow himself was to give ether in St. George's Hospitai. and very soo n he was personal anaesthetist to the great Liston himself ; a very valuable start for a very young man. Joseph Lister , then a young medical student, was present at this first operation. Little did he realise that he would twenty years later be adding his part to the safety of surgical operations. He wa s a quiet Quaker. He was always insistent that no one should mention his name without at the same time mentioning that of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur was not a doctor but a chemist interested in putrefaction and its effects on industry and commerce. It was at that time that the staple trade in France - the wine trade - was being endangered by a serious disease of the grape s. This was costing the country many millions of pound s each year. Pasteur took up the problem and solved it. He followed thi s by later investigating a serious disease which was attacking the silk worm, and was beginning to threaten the silk industry. Before long he was involved with an outbreak of disease among the bees, and later was involved with the problem of rabies from the bite of a mad dog as well as the disease anthrax, that wool sorters contract from an infected sheep's carcass.

Dealing with the wine problem Pasteur had found that by heating the wine to a certain extent he could kill the enzyme but not alter the wine and so pasteurisation' , as we speak of it to-day was tried out in other substances and is in

daily use to-day in our own milk trad e.

It was thi s little man, not a doctor who supplied the background of Joseph Li ster's work which in turn allowed u s to operate with safety without the inevitable danger of infection which wa s so fatal in the pre-Listerian period.

Snow kept a careful day to day diary recording all the anaesthetics given by himself over that short ten years of his active life , some 4,000 cases. His list includes some 30-40 surgeons, so we have in this diary a complete cross section of the surgery performed in London during that dangerous period. Bladder stones appear frequently in both adults and children. In some cases the anaesthetic was given to 'sound for stone', the only method then available to make a diagnosis , as x-rays did not exist : in others to 'crush for stone' and ' to cut for stone' when the stone was removed through a surgical cut. We can realise the pain borne by Pepys and others who had been 'cut for stone' without anaesthetic. I t was said by many in those days '0 Lord, when my time comes do not take me through my bladder'

The suggestion to use chloroform instead of ether carne from Dr. James Young Simpson of Edinburgh. One cannot leave Simp son without a few words about this very remarkable man. Basically he was a gynaecologist born of Scottish yeoman fanning stock. He was a budding medical student when he saw a severe operation being done without an anaesthetic. He was so horrified that he rushed out and applied, fortunately unsuccessfully, to become a solicitor's clerk. This incident of unnecessary suffering made such a permanent impression upon him that he was always

Part two by Sir Ian Frazer, DSO,

The surgeon of that period was a powerfully built man

Illustrated by Toby

EASTBOURNE CADETS AT WORK ...

on the search to find something suitable with which to mirlimise it. He gave parties in his own house where he and his assistants tried out the various drugs om themselves and it was following such an evening when they all found themselves on the floor under the table after sniffing chloroform that he decided that he had discovered the answer.

It was thus that in 1847 chloroform became the drug of choice displacing ether which had been in use in Britain for only one year. Simpson at the early age of 28 was made Professor of Gynaecol0gy and accumulated an enormous practice. At the height of his career hotels and lodging houses throughout Edinburgh were filled to overflowing with his patients. These came from all over the world. They alone were worth £85,000 per year to the hotel keepers in that city. Simpson died worn out by his labours, or possibly his patients' labours, at the early age of 55 of angina pectoris.. He was quite imperturbable, amiable and kindly, except in 0ne respect and this was his hatred of Joseph Lister and his carbolic acid treatment. Nothing could have been more foolish, as it was indeed Lister's methods which had enabled Simpson to do his abdominal surgery. Towards the end he became almost maniacal about it, going so far as to write anonymous letters to the press. It was indeed foolish, as it was he himself who said that 'a man on the operating table was in greater danger than a soldier on the Battlefield of Waterloo'. It was said that in busy times his house was an interesting sight, with women peering out from every window and many more sitting on the s outside and on the stairs inside. Simpson himself was only able to enter or escape by some small side door.

Snow's diary is too long to review in detail but it is worth giving one page verbatim, d€aling with the anaesthetic for Queen Victoria which at the time carried sych far reaching results:

Tuesday 6 April, 1853. 'Administered chloroform to the Queen in her confinement. Slight pains had been experienced since Sunday. Dr. Locock was sent for about 9 o'clock this morning, stronger pains having commemcecd and he found labour was advancing. I received a note after 10 o'clock asking me to go to the palace. 1 remained in an apartment near the Queen until a little after 12 o'clock. At twenty minutes past twelve by a clock in the Queen's apartment I commenced to give a little chloroform by pouring about 15 drops on a folded handkerchief. Her Majesty expressed great Felief hom t he application. The effect of the chloroform was not at amy time carried to the extemt of quite removing consciousness. Dr. Locock, who did not quite approve, thought the chloroform prolonged her labour somewhat. The infant was borm a t 13 minutes past one by the clock in the 14

room (which incidentally was three minutes before the right time). The Queen appeared very cheerful and well, expressing herself most grateful with [ ;fie effect of the chloroform

The fact that the Queen allowed herself to be given a general anaesthetic had far reaching implications. She probably was strongly supported by her husband Prince Albert, a man of considerable foresight. It was particularly in Puritan Scotland that there was greatest opposition to anaesthesia in childbirth. The ministers of the kirk pointed out that in Genesis it says 'in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children' (Gen.III.16) to which the natural reply was that in the same book one could read 'amd the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept and the Lord God took one of his ribs and dosed up the flesh' (Gen .II.21). The resentment over anaesthesia for childbirth naturally died down when Queen Victoria herself was willing to have it for her third child. It had been proposed at the time of her second child, but as the controversy was then at its height it was thought wiser to wait. Prince Albert was so interested in the problem himself that he even held the anaesthetic mask.

I feel to make the story of anaesthesia complete we must mention local anaesthesia as well. Although ether was disGOvered in the 40's, it was another 40 years before a suitable local anaesthetic was found This also came from America It took the form to start with of the dangerous drug cocaine made from the coca leaf. In the U.S.A. the beverage Coca Cola was for a time suspect because of the small doses of coca that it contained.

The early observers using cocaine on themselves soon found how pleasant the drug was with the happy dreams that it produced and soon they became addicts

History among our young men and women with their reefers, L.S.D., Pot and cannabis is repeating itself today

America's leading surgeon at that time was Wm. Halstead, and he had to be sent

SHORT ' AND THE TALL

three times to a private asylum to cured of his cocaine addiction before it was safe for him to return to operating. With the discovery of a mew local anaesthetic novocaine one completely safe - there was no longer any addiction problem.

Before leaving Halstead we sho1!lld say that it was he who , to save the tender hands of his theatre nurse, Miss Caroline Hempton, arranged with the Good Year Tyre Co to undertake the making of some fine rubber gloves These were an instant success She at the time was the only one entitled to wear rubber gloves but one of the male assistants in the theatre complained saying that 'what was sauce for the goose was sauce for the gander', and so rubber gloves became universal for all. To make the story complete I should say that Halstead had a personal interest in this lady, and he was later to make her his wife

It was Winston Churchill who said 'the further we can look back the better we can see the future'. We must not be too impressed with the spectacular , much of which may not hold a permanent place in the over all picture of medical progress

Genuine advances must be able to stand up to the acid test of experience before their value can be assesssed. Looking back through this article we have tried to touch on what has happened in medical advances over the last 300 years Many of the advances were controversial at the time but it is on the work of these early pioneers that modern medicine has been founded. I am afraid many of the modern workers forget that without the work of their forefathers much of their work today would not have succeeded Any man today making a unique and valuable discovery should in all humility say 'if I have seen further than others it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants'. I have tried to show that in the last three centuries there have been many giant s and today much of the progress that has taken place in many cases has been built on their shoulders.

FILMS

SAFETY ON MOUNTAINS (Colour 30 mins.)

Distributed by: Services Kinema Corporation

Producer: Ministry of Defence (Air)

.film explains the dangers inherent in mountain walking in , Bntam, .and the importance of proper clothing and adequate preparatIOns.

The Panel considered this an excellent training film. Well-produced,. good colour and lucid; it achieves its object of draWing attentIon to care on mountains. schools cadets, youth hostels, mountaineering clubs - m fact mterestmg enough for universal exhibition.

WORLD IN ACTION: WEDNESDAY'S CHILDREN (1969) (Black & White 25 mins.)

Distributed by Granada Television

Sponsor: Granada Television

Seventeen teenagers in a British hospital are suffering from muscular distrophy. The film reports on the research being carried out to help these boys and the other 20 ,000 sufferers from this disease.

This is a well-produced programme, albeit a trifle lengthy for its subject m a tter and somewhat repetitious Nonetheless, it is factual and up-to-date.

Audience: St John members , nursing profession, welfare organ isation s, etc.

B.C.G. FOR THE WORLD (1969) (Colour23mins.l

Distributed by: Glaxo Laboratories

Producer: Glaxo Laboratories

The history and developnent of modem freeze-dries B C.G vaccine. Its production and testing procedures , vaccination methods Get injection , multiple puncture), and uses against tuberculo sis are demonstrated.

This is a good film, accura te and up-to-date that fulfils its task of making known the qualities of B.C.G Vaccine. Well produced and clearly presented it ha s interest as a 'fill-in' to all types of aud i ences.

Audience: medi cal , nursing, public health workers

PROJECTORS

The St. John Ambulance Film Appraisal Panel which meets fortnightly at Headquarters, consists of doctors, first aiders and visual aid experts who offer their services for this important aspect of visual aids. It is intended to publish monthly reviews of those 16mm. f lm s recommended by the panel

BRONZE, SI LVER & GOLD (1969) (Colour 9 mins.)

Distributed by: Rank Film Library

Produced by: Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

This film gives detail of the Award Scheme and shows participants attempting the course and finally receiving awards at Buckingham Palace.

This well-made commercial film from the Look at Life' series portrays the scheme in an admira-ble fashion ; it is of such a length to leave the viewer anxious to see more.

Recommended for universal exhibition but of specific value to school children, youth organisations, etc.

THE SHADOW OF PROGRESS (1970) (Colour 27 mins.l

Distributed by: Petroleum Films Bureau

Produced by: Petroleum Films Bureau

In meeting man's demand for a richer and fuller life his technology has polluted and destroyed much of his environment. The film illustrates this paradox and indicates some of the possible solutions

This film succeeds brilliantly in conveying the message of Logical, accurate, well-photographed and most topical , thIS IS a model film.

Environmental health has universal application - this film should be seen by all.

THE EYES AND SEEING (1970) (Colour 17 mins.)

Distributed by: Rank Film Library

The eye and its component structures. The film indicates how light stimuli are focused on images on the retina. Neural impulses are traced to the visual cortex of the brain and examination is made of the problems in trying to determine how the brain evaluates and acts on visual information . Intended for secondary school students and higher education

This film is beautifully produced, a logical progression of information, good animation and interesting subject matter ; however, for a non-technical audience more recapitulation is desirable. Too scientific for the average first-aider.

Audience: advanced first-aiders , nursing profession senior biological school classes.,

Midland Area cadets on parade at Halifax

(Photo: Telegraph & Argus)

INFLATABLE SPLINTS

from S. J. Abbott, Divisional Superintendent Brigade Order 1519 of September 1970 ]a ys down that inflatable splints shall be used only for lower limb injuries. While there is undoubtedly a good reason for this order no ,explanation is given but the first question my members ask is. 'Why'?

I have taken the matter up with my divisional surgeon, nursing officer, and with an area superintendent of the London Ambulance Service, who as yet, have not been able to give me a reason.

I feel that the reason for various treatments, or as in this case, the cessaticm of a procedure is essential to good first aid. It would therefore be appreciated if you could obtain and publish the reason for this B.O. This I think, is something which would be appreciated by many.

Romford S. J. Abbott

The Medical Branch replies:

A Brigade Order is not really the place for explanations: the principles on which inflatable splints are to be employed will be covered in the new manual when it appears.

It is generally agreed that inflatable splints are of little value in upper arm or thigh injuries, as they cannot fix the shoulder or hip. In the lower limb it is desirable to produce gentle straightening, even of fractures involving the knee, whereas in fractures around the elbow the joint is best left in the position in which it is found: in this region changes of position involve grave risk of producing vascular injury, which can be far more serious than the fracture itself and can lead to permanent paralysis or even to amputation.

Plastic splints, even when not overinflated, tend to straighten out the limb. It is for this reason that they have been found to be inadvisable in upper limb fractures.

OUR NAME from G. F. Brown, Divisional Superintendent

I am afraid I cannot see the comparison given by D. Griffiths in October Review, which is, because our monthly publication is kn0wn as the St. John Review it would be a good idea to call the Brigade, as a whole, St. John Brigade of First Aiders.

I admit that members of the public are confused by having two ambulance services i.e. St. John and the county services, but let us remember that in some areas (not mine) St. John does quite a lot of ambulance work.

Another point arises regarding the prime function. With the title suggested areas with strong nursing divisions could lose their indtwtity: or are we going to split up (after having dropped Brigade and Association) into several groups such as St. John Brigade of Nurses, St. John Brigade Escorts, and S0 on?

I believe that best way of clearing up the confusion in the minds of a minority would be to publicise through approved channels the services we do perform.

READERS VIEWS

Readers' views and opinions, which should be sent to the Editor, although published are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or the Order of St. John and its Foundations. Although readers may sign published letters with a pen-name, writers must supply their name and address to the editor.

however, as the patient's expired air is prevented from reaching the sponge-filled bag by. a non-rebreathing Rubens valve. The valve and .face mask are emersed in 'Cidex' (by Ethicon).

Regarding the use of bed boards, this is a point of divided opinions as to advantages and disadvantages. Putting a patient in arrest on the floor of a ward gives a better working space and a much firmer surface. There is no time in the initial stages to be concerned about the finer feelings of other patients. In fact , if instructed properly 'up-patients', like all 'bystanders', can be a great help and often are. A bed board of good design properly placed is very effective, but takes skill and strength, and quite a few pairs of hands to place.

To perform cardiac massage on a patient in bed, considering the modern hospital bed plus mattress is about 3-feet high , and the average nurse is about 5ft 3ins is as you can imagine a gymnastic feat with or without mini-skirts (Fig 4) at a time when acrobatics would not be appreciated.

My opinion about the use of bed boards is that , if cardiac arrest occurs in bed and a boar d of the type illu strated (Fig 1 & 2) is used and sufficient skilled-help is at hand, then a bed board is very useful. The bed-head tends to get in the way when passing an endotracheal tube,which is another good reason for the p atie nt to be on the floor. A board without side supports (Fig 3) is in my opinion of little value , as nurse, patient , board and mattress bounce up and down with each pressure (Fig 4). Mos t ho sp itals have beds with spring mattresses, unless as shown on the BBC/TV programme Medicine Today on October 13 , where a compromise

was made by using a board over the bed springs resting on the sid e rails and a thin hair mattress over the board. Presumably a patient liable to cardiac arrest was nursed on this bed or transferred to it in the event of an arrest taking place. If the choice were mine to make , I would place the patient on the ward floor. And seriously, we do consider the feelings of other patients when priorities are dealt with; we screen-off the a rea in which we are working I must give the credit (and the blame) for my illu s t r ations to Mr. L. Hanlon Co. Durham Tom Hope

COMPETITIONS

from Mrs Doreen Westland, Divisional Superintendent

I wa s most interested to read the letter on Judging Competitions (October Review) and agree with much of what your correspondent had to say.

As a past competitor and steward in county competitions and competitor and competition secretary i n area events, I do feel that much more imaginat io n could be used, consideration given and trouble taken, in arranging competitions if the officers re spo n sible a llowed thems e lves more time and possibly made use of other officers a nd members to fo rm an ad hoc committe e for the organisation of these events.

As your correspondent so rightly points out the staging and sets fo r competitions are often sadly inappropriate for the test young ca det s being pressed into se rvice as patients where adults are needed. In the case of nursing competitions, the lay-helper has been known to be a b rigade member of long standing, and as competition secretary, one year I persuaded my next door neighbour to come along at short notice t o avoid this kind of thing happening.

Audience s at competitions too , could show more consideration for the nerv o us participants It has been my experience as a competitor, to hear a long drawn out 'wince from the front row wh en an innocent mi s take is made (possibly from a person who has had the benefit of professional training); this can b e very di sco u rag ing S ome onlookers, having seen the test once or twice, proceed to engage in private conver sa tions between themselves , whi ch can b e very off-putting to the people on stage. The habit so m e of the stewards and spectators have of walking about during the test and having whisp ered conflabs with other m em bers does not help conce nt ratio n either, an d I also feel that when as t minute let d owns' pr even t th e competition being s taged as pl an n ed, this should be ex plain e d to all c oncerned and due a llowanc e mad e for it.

I do not agree with your co rre spondent that nursing competitions do not make sense, es pecially as the trend today is for more of our male memb ers to take a nursing course, a nd as a result an individual t est in nursing for a man would not co me amiss.

Chatham, Kent

D oree n Westland

were still 50-50. These s pecialists were unanimou s in the opinion that if the heart had not stopped beating we should almost certainly kill the casualty. They insisted that the best thing to do in any case of heart attack wa s to leave the casualty exactly where he or she was found and to send for an ambulance mentioning that it was for a 'heart case so that a doctor could come with it , if available. They also said that sitting the casualty in the semi-recumbent position could be exceedingly dangerous, or even fatal.

Needless to say, I have w i thdrawn from the committee but I am left wondering what I should do if I come across; heart attack?

Hove, Sussex

The Medical Branch writes :

M. W. Harris

At the time the 2nd edition of the manual was published (1965) it was agreed that external cardiac compression was the best treatment in certain circumstances; until such time as a new edition or supplement is published that treatment as des cribed in the manual is still the official procedure. Nonetheless, experience over the last few years has given credence to suggest that ECM leaves something to be desired and that the views of the heart specialists are not necessarily incorr ec t. The acidosis developed in tissues of the body very qui ck ly follOWing stoppage of the heart is the re ason why often it is impossible to restart it again by such technique s unless they are applied immediately. It well could be that the committee currently formulating medical doctrin e for the proposed new manual will adjust their views in res pect of resuscitation - but until the new edition is published no change in t e aching has taken place and the 2 nd edition of the manual is still ex tan t.

EFFICIENCY from the Chief Staff Officer

The suggestion in the letter from Miss Kathryn Wilson (October Review) Brigade Efficiency req uiremen ts should include a minimum number of duty hours has cropped up before. Headquarters answer has always been that if the member has not pulled his weight in the matter of duties he or she is unlikely to have carried out duties to the satisfaction of their senior officer' and therefore is non-efficient. B.G R. 94 (A) (d) refers. Perhaps we should look into this question again.

Headquarters

THOSE SK I RTS ... from A Male

Chief Staff Officer

Reference Readers Views October Review as a l6-year-old male I think Miss Hallett has a point about the length (or shortness) of nursing cadet s skirts - but only just. To me the skirt which is one inch above the knee (is) a bit on the silly side. (I'm sure that at anything offic ial it is not the m a le members and A / S / Os who complain.)

On the question of the Review's title, I would agree with the previous writer on the subject: ST JOHN Review or just ST. JOHN. St. Ives, Hunts.

THREE MINUTE EMERGENCY from Tom Hope SRN

G. F. Brown

In answer to J. C. Graham (October) about my article (August Review), first I must point out that the list of contents of the emergency box was not a complete one and does, iT). fact, include an artery forceps, a syringe to inflate and secure the 'balloon cuff', as well as a number of airways and quite a few othe:r items. I felt, as I was writing for first-aiders, it would only confuse the issue to itemise everything. Shows how wrong you can be!

Tongue foreeps aFe not oHen used, but occasionally are! The ambulance resuscitator was, I believe, the first of this type to be marketed at the time of purchase. The MOH would not like us changing our equipment each t!i.l1ll.e a slightly neweli version appears on the scene. Sterilisation is not real[]y a problem, 16

HEART MASSAGE

from M. W. Harris Area Superintendent

Can you pl ease tell me wher e I stand on the use of heart ma ssa ge?

We are taught how, and under what circumstances external cardiac massage should b e ca rrie d ou t , and I have alway; accepted this to be th e correct thing to do. But recently I was invited to join a committee, s ponsored by the local branch of the British Heart Foundation, with a view to helping to run classes for the general public to teach them the te ch nique s of oral resu sci tation and exte rnal cardiac m assa ge. Three doctors w ere also at the meeti ng , all o f them heart specialists , and they l eft me in no doubt th at they w ere horrified at the whol e idea. They made the point that if we waited until to quote the Fir s t Aid Man ual clinically the lrJeart h as beating ', there w as virtually possibl e chance of resuscitating the casualty. One of them went as far as to say that if the heart attack occurred in a hospi ta l ward, where a specialist res u sc it ation team and i l£ s equipment could be on the spot within a minut e, the cas u alty s c hanc es of recovery

No , providing the skirt (or should 1 say dress ?) is not irresponsibly short, ie more that 3Yz-inches on a girl of about 5ft 2ins , then it should be left at rest.

Lond on District, Eastern Area A. Male

FLAG DAY

from H. L. Randall , Divisional Superintendent

On the subject o f Flag Day collection, one member asked a p asser -by if he would care to c ontribute and the answer wa s a firm No ' At this our member quietly replied , 'If we find you lying injured in th e road, w e will n o t p ass you by .' Re sult the pass e r-by turned back , a nd made a co ntributi o n. Newport, 1.0. W H. L. Ra n dall.

RETIRING AGE from Bill Johnson

After about 15 years service with St. John Ambulance I re ache d pension age and retired from work, and t o my utmost disappointment I also got my ca rds from the Briga d e We ll this w asn't so bad because every memb er knows that this is the 17

finishing age, but on holiday I found that the local Area Superintendent was almost 71 and allowed to keep his rank and G:arry on in the Brigade, while the superintendent of a division is finished at 70.

No wonder young men won 't join when the old tuns won t give up. Should not this be recti f ied if the Brigade is to attract young blood? No one will join if they see no way of rising from the ranks.

OBSERVATION

they don't deserve all those cups!!

Frimley and Camb e rley Divisi on Kenneth E. Carpenter

Edi,t: A boob, I'm afraid, which far too many readers pointed out.

For High Wycombe and Wakefield Westgate their pictures are printed again below - right way round, I hope.

SPENDING A PENNY from Bernard Knight Newcastle-on-Tyne Bill Johnson As all good campers shou ld know - toilet paper sho uld be kept in a tin ip the latrine s to avoid it getting damp from rising dew. Now - what can we use ? Ah. I know! What about that tin I put a slot in to collect money at the fete last year? - Ideal'.

Overseas News

from Kenneth E. Carpenter , Divisional Officer

In the picture October issue , page 22, the High Wycombe Ambulance Divis ion look a fine body of men and I am sorry that Lady Camoys has her arm in a sling. But I hope that when the Division go on parade they wear their medal ribbons on the left side and not as shown in your picture on the right.

These were my thoughts as I prepared for the final weekend camp for 1970, attended by 40 campers from the Central Area of Hampshire a few of the m for the first time. Imagine my srprise when striking camp on the Sunday evening to find several pennies nestling sn ugly at the bottom of the tin. It seems that you also got your negative around the wrong way when you printed the photograph of the Wakefield Westgate Nursing Division on the same page. Incorrectly dressed like this

What a good idea! A source of revenue our fund-raise r s seem to have overlooked. S o uthampton Bernard Knight - to High Wycombe Ambulance Division (left) and Wakefield Westgate Nursing Division (below); properly dressed, as always

KENYA

Is your stretcher drill really necessary P

Q. What is the object of using a stretcher?

A. To convey a patient from Point A to Point B. In civilian life Point A is nearly always the scene of the accident or medical emergency. Poin t B is usually the ambulance into which the patient is loaded

5. , Put the stretcher into the ambulance Iri lifting the stretcher the leg muscles should be used The back should be kept straight.

This manoeuvre can be carried out withQut jolting the patient, without interruption and without fuss.

The prime consideration is the comfort and well being of the patient.

On Octob e r 28 1970 at th e invit at ion of Hi s Exce lJ e n cy, the Presid ent of Kenya , Mzee Jomo Kenyatta CGH, MP, a full m eeti ng of th e S1. John Council for Ke ny a wa s held at State Hou se. Prior to th e me eting an Inv estiture took pla ce when Mzee J omo Keny a tt a, who is the Pre side nt of the St. John Counci l inv ested 12 memb ers of th e Council a nd the Brig a d e with in signia of th e Ord e r of St. John. This m ee t ng of the Council was th e last for th e retiring c h a irman , Mr. R. E. M. Mayne OStJ who is leaving Ke ny a. Mr. Ma yne ha s b ee n a memb er of th e S t. John Co un ci for K e nya for the las t s x year b ei ng Chairman of th e Co un c il and the Manag e ment Co mm ittee for th e ast three years We were a so very glad to hav e a gu es at thi s meeting Sir David Wilkin so n , Dir ecto r of the St. John Ambulan ce Ass ociation at HQ London , who wa s on a private vi si t to K enya Among tho se pre sent at th e Council me eting was the Hon Mr. Charle s Njonjo EGH, MP, th e Attorn ey- G e neral of K e nya a Vi ce Pr es id ent of th e St. John Council , Mr. B. N. Hin ga , th e Commissioner of Polic e, Dr. E. N Gakuo , the Dire ctor-General of th e East A frican Railways , who are Assistant Commi ssio ne r s of the Brigade. The new Chairman of the St. John Coun c il for Kenya who wa s al so pr ese nt will be Mr. Humphrey Slade Until rec en tly Mr. Slade was the Speaker of th e National Assemb ly.

CORRECTION

La st month the name of th e Pr esident of the St. John Co un c il for Trinidad and Tobago sh ould h ave r ead: Dr. David Wyk e, OStJ, BA, MB , DPH.

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

The annual SJA parade was held at Victoria Barracks Sydney, during October. (Above) As the Governor arrives. (R ight) Some of the boys' after the parade. Third from the right is Tony Nunn ex-112 Division Surbiton who now lives in Aus tralia and has joined Marrickville Division

TASMANIA - Two proud young se rgeant s rece ive d th e ir Grand Prior Badge s recentl y. Pi ctur e d right , they are Sgt. Pamela Reardon, 16 (left) and Sgt. He len Sheil , 14 , both of Tasmania 's Mt. Stuart Nur sing Cadet Divi sion.

Sgt R e ardon joirted Hobart Cadet Divi sion in 1965 , transferred to Mt Stuart in 1969 and promot ed Cadet Leader 'in 1970, now charge of a divi sion of 30 girl s at Mt. Stuart as no adult offi cer is available.

Sgt. Sheil joined Mt. Stuart when the divi sion was started in 1966 wa s promoted serg ean t at 13 in 1969 when she wa s the divi sion's Best All Round Cadet. In 1970 Helen won the Di s tri ct Individual Nursing Cadet co mp etition, one of the joungest to do so

Members of Wellington Divisions and Casualty Simulation were guests recently of the Prime Minister Sir Keith Holyoake T Debbie a Japanese cadet, is on Sir Keith's right

1. Pick up the stretcher simultaneously, standing at the sides of the stretcher.

2. Point in the direction of the ambulance

3. Slightly bend the knees so that they act as springs

4. Shuffle (NOT MARCH) to the ambulance

The steps in carrying the patient to the ambulance and putting him into it, with four bearers, are : 18

This may not be a method which commends itself to the drill sergeant, nor does it lend itself to the shouted commands of the parade ground. It is, however, effective, efficient and most comfortable to the patient.

It is quite lllnnecessary to raise and lower thie stFetcher twiee in a few yards. There is no need to have a joint consultative eommittee meeting to decide whether the patient goes in head first or feet first.

Smooth shuffling movements will not jerk him The inexperienced dancer will not step on his partner's toes if he does not take his feet off the ground. the inexperienced (or experienced) stretcher bearer will not jerk his patient if he keeps his feet on the ground Keep drill for parades and marching. In real life, in competitions and in training, loading of the ambulance is part of the treatment. Make it careful and gentle.

P.S. Some people have difficulty in teUing the left foot from the right. The order Step off with your inside [oot' avoids this complicattiJon.

G O. Hughes, Assistant CMO.

A MOST EXCITING new scheme is being hatched partly in Jerusalem and partly in St. Andrews. The plan is to photograph as comprehensively as possible all buildings , manuscript illuminations, battlefields sculptures and other artefacts that have some association with the history of the crusaders. Richard Cleave, whose photographs of crusader castles are already well known, will spend two years photographing thousands of sites in four continents. Remains of the crusading movement are not only to be found in the Near East and thoughout Europe: there were crusades in the Baltic states, Spain and France as w(dl as to Greece and the Levant. In Africa, there were crusades against Egypt and Tunis, while the careers of great figures of the 'counter-crusade' like Saladin were made in Egypt ; and American Museums contain artefacts that must be photographed.

One result of this will be a massive collection of photographs that can be sold to universities, b m aNother wID be twelve audio-visual lectures on the crus a des, each consisting of a roll of film containing eighty slides and a taped commentary and accompanied by a booklet of genealogical tables and maps. The lectures will cover the whole history of the movemen and the Islamic reaction to it, will try to reconstruct what life was like in the states established by the crusaders on the eastern shores C0 f the Mediterranean and will consider one important linked subject: the commercial activities of Italian merchants in the Middle Ages. Three of these lectures directly concern the Order of S t. John One will describe the role of the Military Orders in Palestine and Syria in the twelth and th ilr teenth centuries and so will consider th e O !lfder illl its earliest phase along with the Templars and Teutonic Knights. Another lecture, on the later crusades, will com:entrate on the occupation by the Knights of St. John of 20

NEWS from SCOTLAND

des Chevaliers (Photo: A. F. Kersting, London).

Rho des ( 1 3 06 -I 5 2 3 ) and Mal ta (1530-1798). And a final lecture on mod ern survivals of the crusading movement will take a look at the various branches of the Order today, members of a select group of institutions founded out of the crusades that also include the Teu tonic Knights, Dominic a ns and Carmelites and those few monasteries that are the heirs, exiled in Europe, of establishements in the Holy Land.

Th e Librarian of Sco tland is the general his tor ica l editor of the scheme and is getting together an international team of scho lars to suggest sites for photography: every contributor will be responsible for advising on the illustrations for a lecture or part of it.

The Librarian of Scotland will himself be in charge of the lect ure on the Military Orders in Latin Syria. The Librarian of England, also resid ent in St. Andrews where he is Professor of Medieval History, will be in charge of the lecture that will d ea l with Rhodes and Malta.

NEWS FROM WALES

A CARDIFF SJA man who ended up in hospital nine weeks ago after a car cra sh rece ived his air attendant's certificate and wings at a bedside ceremony in St. David 's Hospital, Cardiff, recently. Alan Bradley , 22, a motor mechanic of Ely, Cardiff, was presented with the wings by Col. John Traherne, Ch ief CGmmissioner for Wales . Alan has b een a member of the Cardiff Mobile divLsion for two years and took the oral and practical examination with 13 others in July. They are now qualifie d to accompany patients on air jounleys anywhere in the world.

'It's a great cre dit to these young people that Col. Traherne presents the ce rt ificate and wi ngs to Mr. Bradley. (L to R) Mr. A. Beck consultant or.thopaedic surgeon at the hospital; Sister GI®ria Thomas; a md Divisional Superintendent Douglas Hartley, Gardiff Mobile DivisiGn (Photo Western Mail)

News from the Divisions

CASUALTIES UNION'S open first aid competition held at Esher October 4the Buxton Trophy was won by a team from Wiltshire's West Area (Ambulance Member D. Newell , Westbury Combined Division; Am bu Ian ce Member S. Cuthbertson Corsham Ambulance; Cadet Leader P. Strickland & Cadet Sergeant J. Farre ll Westbury Combined Cadet Division) who had entered the competition for the first time. They also shared Diagnosis Cup with High Wycombe SJA Cadet Team The three other teams in the fina ls were also SJA.

HE RTS-Mr. Nigel Longmore the SJA County Commissioner was among the 160 people who attended the dinner run by the SJA Hitchin divisions recentlythe first time since 1964 that such an event had been held in the town.

I.O.W. - The recent ly formed (Ah-ha! Good news) Wootton Bridge Combined Cadet Divi sion under the Jeadership of Ambulance Member Charles Taylor, held a very successful social evening recently.

Local artiste s gave their services , and some 100 members of the public attended. An excellent buffet supper was provided by parents of the cadets who paraded in the interval in their new style uni forms.

they have gone in for this specialist course , said Col. Traherne, who presented the other certificates. 'We've had tremendous help from Cambrian Airways and RAF St. Ath an during training. Wer'e now hoping to offer Cambrian air escorts as and when req uired. What we want is to get yo ungsters into the air so that they can relate what they have earne d on th e ground to conditions in the air.

Wit h its own ambulance, fleet of mot or-cyc les resuscita tion unit and planned rescue operation, the Mobile Division - believed to be the only one of its kind in Britain - can be geared to any full-scale eme rgen cy at an airport.'

At the close of the evening, the CommiSSioner Dr. F R. B. H. Kennedy , gave a most interesting talk on the Brigade and the History of The Order of St. John.

Sale of tickets, raffle and donations raised £47-16-4d to defray the cost of the uniforms.

NOR FOLK-Wh en Leslie Crowther opened a bazaar held by the Gorleston aIld Southdown Division recently he spoke warmly of the work done by SJA and said that giving his time for this occasion was a small thing in return.

The bazaar, which was organised by the divisional secretary, raised £76

'" ". A crusader castle in Syria-Crac

Shropshire nursing cadet bed - m akin g competition was won by Shawbury cadets (centre) Yorkshire W R Cadet of the Year · David Shipley 14 , of Selby Division is congratulated by D S /O Ben Jarman, who donated the cup (Photo: Yorkshire Evening Press) At Southampton Nursing Division's Mini - Fayre organised by Div. Supt. Mrs R R Carr , member s and friend s to raise funds for air -attendant training, County Superintendent (N) Lady Power presents Mrs Carr with a silver

LANeS-No. 5 Ar ea had a highly suc cessfu l evening during Octob er when some 200 members and guests attended the annual dinner and dance

The Area Commissioner, Mr. 1. A Lucas , paid tribu te to the exce ll ent organisation of all who had made po ssib le this enjoy able occasion. He also introduced the new Area Pre sident, Brigadier Sir Douglas Crawford, CB, DSO, TD, DL.

Miss Connie Banks (No. 6 Area ladet officer) of Cunliffe Rd, Blackpool, recen tly returned from a visit to Uganda where she met 26-year-old Miss Brenda McCrudden, whose mother lives in Auburn Grove, Blackpool.

Brend a, a Grand Prior Badge ex-nur sing cadet of SJ A Blackpool who trained as a physiotherapist at Manchester Royall nfirmary now gives treatment mainly to the poLio victims a Lira Hospital in Uganda.

Together , these two Lancashire lasses toured Kenya 's game parks and climbed t h e 9,000-foot high mount ains, where th ey found th e temperature very cold for Africa.

Miss McCrudden 's two year tour of duty ends early next year when she will return to Blackpool.

WI LTSHI RE- For m any years there has been a close affmity b etween the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Malta and the Salisbury Division s. This was firmly cemented by the gift of a stone from the original Hospital in Valetta to the Salisbury H/Q which was arranged by Col. (then Major) J E. Abela OBE.

Col. Abela spent some time in Wiltshire on military duties. He s about to complete 50 years service with the Brigade in Malta 25 of them as Commissioner; he now holds the appointment of Commander of th e merged As sociation and Brigade

It was therefore mo s t appropriate that, at a recent 'At-home' arranged by the Salisbury Divi sion s. Mr. H. S Taylor-Young a personal friend of Col. Abela had the great pleasure of presenting a Grand Prior 's Badge to Mi ss Anna Scibenas a Maltese cadet.

Ann a s not only a Grand Prior ca det; she has also gained th e high es t proficiency awards of the Girl Guides and of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. She is now studying nursing at Salisbury General Hospital, where Mr. Taylor-Young was a surgeon for 27 year s.

OBITUARY

Mr. Robin Adair , Blackpool 81-years-old. 50 years a memb er. Divi siona Officer , when he retired of th e Blackpool Ambulance Division and a Serving Brother of the Order

CLUES

TO CROSSWORD No 12 (70)Compiled by W. A Potter

ACROSS

1. Unu sual ache or a manifestation of acute rheumatism. (6) 4 . Imposing o n acquaintances for cooling of patients with 32 Across. (8) 10. Gather the cattle tog ether and make a tidy amount. (5.2) 11. Broken scab beginning lo ca l collection of pus. (7) 12. Live backwardly in wickedness. (4) 13. Secretion suppressed in acute nephritis. (5) 14. Commotion from burst iris. (4) 17. Fifty back to a larg e number. (3) 18. Accidental o r inevitable disorder of pregnancy (11) 20. No water in this bath for treatment of mus c ular pains. (7.4) 22. Applications for inflammatory con ditions (3) 23. Long, pointed tooth. (4) 24. Taken from the cervix for early diagnosi s of cancer. (5) 26. Light co mpl exione d little fellow takes air. (4) 29. Encroachments on one's land or liberties. (7) 30. Preparation of drug to remove teeth. (7) 31. R ang changes in gene producing ne c rosi s of part of body. (8) 32 . Illnesses due to infection by micro-organisms. (6).

DOWN

1. Transplanting of tissue to re store vision. (7 8) 2. One who can help you to see things more clearly. (7) 3 Dangerous current in neglected dyspepsia. (4) 5. Friend lost in flat co untry. (5) 6. No bearing for respiratory o rgan. (4) 7. Sluggishn ess of body tending to remain at rest. (7) 8. D isease with vomiting and diarrhoea but peculiarly, it restores giant. (6.9) 9. Repeat in change to laxativ e drug. (8) 15 Direction preceding cure for all ergic response. (5) 16. Appears at mouth during epileptic fit. (5) 19. Carried out a surgical procedure. (8) 21. Filament of n erve ce ll receiving impulses. (7) 22. Enzyme administered to aid absorption of fluid from subcutaneous tissue. (7) 25. Mother and so n in the building trade. (5) 27. Epidermal filament. (4) 28. Boil of the eyeli d. (4)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 11-70 ACROSS

5. Footpad; 8. Toothache; 9. Osteo ; 10 Grey matter; 11. Stool ; 12. Artist ; 16 Tactile body ; 19 Blood-sucker; 22. Report 24. A.gate; 27 Motor Nerve; 28. Elbow; 29. Handshake 30. Pa.tel.la. DOWN

l. Stigma ; 2. Fo.m.ents ; 3. Chemist ; 4 Acute; 5. F.ever ; 6. Te st tube; 7. Adenoids; 13. Tarsi ; 14 Stick; IS Ul.cer ; 17 Flag.ella ; 18 Footso re; 20. Red nose; 21. Poor Law; 23 Themes; 25. Bot h.a; 26. Joint

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CENTRAL NURSING APPOINTMENTS AND TRAINING SCHEMES

KINGSTON HOSPITAL Wolveton Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Thames Surrey. (86)

This Hospital is recognised by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales as a complete training school for STUDENT NURSES

The period of training is three years. I ntroductory cou r ses commence in January May and Augu st each year. Candidates must be 18 years o age and well educated. Th e H os pita s situated in one of the most beau t ifu a eas of Greater London but within eas y r eac h o Centr al L on don by fr equent bus and train service.

Training allowances: Age under 25 years on entry , 1s year £395, 2nd year £450, 3rd y ea r £480, ess lodging c h arg e of £25 fGlr 1st year and £50 fGlr 2nd and 3rd year, if res iden t. Ag e 25 or over on entry: 1st year £565, 2nd year £592, 3 rd £619, ess £100 o dging charge if r es ident. Comfortab le N urses Hom e and good socia amenities av a il abl e Prospect iv e ca ndid ates and their parents may visit th e ho sp i ta l by appointm e n (57)

LEWISHAM GROUP SCHOOL OF NURSING

We wanted to show you our new School of Nursing - but it's so new it won't be fini shed un t il MARCH 1971

Before then, we shall be looking for the fir st inta ke of30 Studen t Nurses , on the 3 year course leading to State R eg i str ation 20 Pupil Nurses , on the 2 year practical course leading to Stat e Enrolm ent.

They won 't be guinea pigs. Our Group has been training nurses for 86 year s and we are particularly well known for our Special Care Baby Unit, A cc iden Department and Intensive Care Un t

If you want more information or would li ke to visit us to se e what being a nurse s re a lly like write to, or phone Mary Howard, Student Secretary, at Lewi sh am Hospital, Lewisham High Street London S.E 13 01-690 4311.

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