St John Review (1985)

ST JOHN REVIEW

Fa r e w e l l : D r ec t or- G e n era l a n d C-in-C p.4 Firs t Aid

p.8 T

e s of an A e r omedica l Nu r se, part 5, by F W M u rki n p 1 2

Cadet C h at, by Jim p.14

H ow's Twyford Cadets? p.1S

O rde r Investitu r e,

Winners

1

r st Ai d Co m petitio n s p 2 1

N ews from D ivisions/Centres p.22

Why I oined St John p 23

St J ohn Fe ll ows h ip news p.24

M erseysi d e - C ro ss w o r d p.24

EDITORIAL an d AD V ERTISEMENTS

Edited and produced for the Order of St John by D riscoll Productions, Wood Cottage, High Corner, Butley, Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk P12 30F. Advertising rates on request. Phone: Orford (STD 039 45) 548. Editor: Frank Driscoll

Print Origination by: Monarch Origination Limited , Had leigh Road, pswich Su folk. Te (0473) 2 1 9 1 18 (3 lines)

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Pr ce 55p monthly £8.50 per annum £10.00 outside UK. including postage from Rev ew Sa es, Wood Cottage. High Corner. Butley Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk IP 12 30F. Tel: Orfo rd (ST D 039 45) 548.

6th

Grand Prior's Trophy

T HE 35th competition for men and t he 34th for women \Vas he ld at Fa i rfie

third, or even get into it. Big Sluff indeed!

The Chief Commander writes

national finals o f the eighth F irs A id er o f the Year c ompetition held a t St Bartholomew 's Ho s pi t al , London o n November 14

The compe it io n is or g anis e d b y Joh ns on & Johnson Ltd, the manufac t urer

Farewell

Bartholome w 's in w r itten o r a an d practica test s for t he n a t io na l ti t e o f F r s t Ai d e r of tne Y€ar plus a c heque for £500 an d a commemorat ive t roph y _Th

nl y wo rk ed but w as fa r m ore e f f icie nt t h an a n y o f th e m a nu a m e th ods. F urth ermore r esearc h i n the a t e 50s proved t h at t h e id ea l fi r st-ai d tec h n q u e to p r eve n t h e to n gue obstruct ng th e airway whe n perfor m n g mourh-tom o u t h venti lation on an u nconscio us patient was the backward tilt of the h ead with s u ppon of the lower jaw.

Externa chest compression deve oped from interna l chest compressio n whic h , it is sa id, was fir t perfo r med in an ope r ati n g theatre when the h eart of a patient undergo i ng abdom i nal surgery Slopped beatin ·g. The urgeon immediately cut a hole through the diaphragm iIllO the patient' s chest, thru t his hand through and rhythmically squeezed the the hean again [ the breast bone. This, to everyone's delight, maintained the circulation until the hean started to beat again.

Internal che t heart compression proved thal the heart cou ld be re taned by manual compre sion. In ho pital il is an e nterpri e not considered lightl y; to attempt it in the street would be criminal folly. Fonunately [he obvious, the s ignificant r e lationship of the position of [he hean to the breast bone and spine, became apparent; external che compres ion or ECC had arrived.

ECC was fir t explained by the Heart Pump Theory. The heart is a pump. Two pump in fact united for mechanical advantage, both having the e sential feature of one-way inlet and outlet valve. The right pump receive s blood from the body to dispatch it to the lung for re-oxygenation, and simultaneously the left pump takes fre s hly re-oxygenated blood from the lung to propel it round the body The heart i sandwiched between two firm tructures; the breast bone and pine. If the brea bone, designed to move in and out, pushed down, it was argued, it will squeeze the heart

London

aga in t the sp ine forcing b lood bot h into the lungs and into the body's ma i n circulatory system.

The Heart Pump Theory took for graneed that when the heart is being compressed manually in ECC, it will force b lood both through the lungs and round the body. However, studies using x-ray equipment howed thaI in fact the heart d id not c h ange s hape or size during ECC, 0 in 1980 research re-examined a theory conceived in the sixties I n s tead of considering the heart alone why not explore the possibility that ECC uses the che t as a pump?

The che is a 'sealed' unit. Blood emering it through the big veins cannot back-track. ECC redu ces the olume of the chest cavity , B lood being a liquid cannOt be compressed o it must be forced out of the che along the one-way y tem. Thi i the Chest Pump Theory - now accepted hypothesiswhich led ew CPR

EW CPR: The re piratory system consist in simple terms, of air passages tarting at the mouth and nose and leading down into the lung s, to branch again and again until they are m inutely thin rubes each end ng a a tiny a r sac. About thirteen m i llion of these tiny air ac form the 'spongy' ti ue of the lung; a everyone is urrounded b a rich supply of b lood ve el

Although it had been in exi tence nce 1887, t h e Met ropo litan Co r p (as it was then k n own) changed it sty le a a res u lt of a Court Ci r c ul ar i ue d Fr o m Mar lborough

it is not su r prising that lung tis s ue contains so mu c h b lood. I ndee d , so nume r ou,> are the sacs th a t t he area of their wall lining s added t oget h er exceeds fifty times the s urface area of t he body.

I f sufficient air were forced into the mouth to make the air sacs blow up like balloons a nd , at the same time, ECC were applied, t h e b lood vesse s surrounding the air sacs wo ul d be caught between the two pres s ure s a nd t he b loo d lhey contain fo r ced onwards. Th is is New C PR - synchronous vemilation an d c h es t compression, New C P R is relatively straightforward in a hospital with the ready availability of mode rn anaesthetic equipment, notwithstanding most research to date having req u ired the use of computers to sy nchroni se ventilat ion and chest compression. This need for precise synchronisation and a very high a i r pressure in the lung s excludes as yet its use as 'on the street' first aid. It has long been e tablished that it s a con tant, uninterrupted, rhythmic 'pumping' of the heart that creates and maintain s the so esseneial continuous flow of blood through the circulatory system. Each time the action is halted it takes several 'pumps' to overcome inertia and mount sufficiem force to start the flow going again.

H aving shown that ventilation is not compromised by compres ion, New CPR permits uninterrupted €xternal chest compre sion; and this lesson can be carried forward to standard CPR. Thus, \ hile in the one first-aider sequence of standard CPR a stop is unavoidable, in the twO first -aider situation compression should be performed comin u ously - rhe breath imerpo ed (or superimposed) on eery )th compre ion. It is to be hoped ew CPR becomes practicable outside the application of sophisticated fir -aid within a ho spita l. At pre ene, although the technique may have given u a better under tanding how CPR work, tandard CPR, with one fir t-aider using the ratio two breath to fifteen compre sion and twO fir t -aiders u ing rhe ratio one breath to five com pre sions, remain the efficient and proven first-aid technique.

J, E, Hammond

encouraging words from

II I' Phillip who et the cene by

of Wale's) D i I rict: I a m de li ghted to hear that t h e Prince of W a les' D ist ri ct of t h e St John Ambu l ance is ce eb r at in g its 75t h ann i versary hi s year

a nd ] therefore wa n ted to take th i s op portu n it y o send a ll il s d e di ca t ed me m ber

m y wa rm es co ng r a tul at i ons and bes t w is h es, It a ways b ee n a source o f p rid e to m e,

as P rIn ce o f W a es to see m y 'feat h e r s' be in g

w o rn as a c oll ar b a d ge b y a g r o u p of peop le

w ho pr ov id e s u c h a wo nd e rfu se r v ice to t h e p e op le of L o nd o n Lo n g m ay yo u co n t inu e to d o so !

H ou e o n December 14 1909, w h ich confe rr ed h e dis in t io n of be ing k n own by h e de ignat on of h e 'Prince of Wales's Corps' w i th the privilege of wear i ng h i Roya l Hi g hn e p lu me of feat h ers as a co ll ar badge ,

Presidents meet

Mo r e th a n 10 0 p r eside n ts f r om Lon d o n

D is ri I pen t a worth w hil e d ay at Dist ri ct

H Q t h e a weeke nd in October.

After h e ope ni ng re m a r k by h e D u ke of Westm i n te l' ( Distr ict P res i de n t) and

Refugees arriving at the HQ and being welcomed by Bill Kirkham and the Bishop of Namirembe and his wife.

For five months, from February to July 1984, the HQ building and grounds of St John Ambulance in Kampala were used to accommodate 700 refugees from the Luwero triangle, some 20 miles north of Kampala, who had fled from terrorist guerilla activity in the area. Thefolfowing report on the operation is from John Kintu, Council Secretary in Uganda.

THE LAST time that St John Ambulance in Uganda was engaged in an operation comparable in magnitude to this repatriation exercise was the earthquake which struck Bundibug yo in Toro, Western Uganda, in 1966.

We were initially approached in February 1984 by Bill Kirkham, the officer-in-charge of relief operations of Luwero in the Prime Minister's office, with a request to use the St John Headquarters as the repatriation centre.

At its scheduled meeting of Feb 7, the SJ Council offered to assist in the operation which, in the main, was to be carried out by volunteer Brigade members working under the Executive Secretary.

A number of problems required me (as executive secretary) to stay in residence at Headquarters throughout the operation. The initial request was to accommodate 300 people for three weeks while arrangements were being made to transfer them to various parts of Uganda, where the people claimed to have relatives. In fact, the operation took five months. The refugees arrived at the centre in three groups: the first of 300 people, then 200 and la stly another 200

The operation started on Feb 13, when the first group arrived by Red Cross vehicles from the Luwero area.

Accommodation: The HQ hall could accommodate only about 150 peopl e, so the rest were housed in tents, two of which had 6

UGANDA Emergency Relief

Kampala SJA HQ becomes 'home' to 700 refugees for five months

heen donated by the Order, and others borrowed from the Uganda Girl Guides and O xf am. We used fifteen tents in all.

Sanitary facilities: Existing facilities were inadequate and too sophisticated, being of the European type, and therefore unsuitable for the people we were to receive. The continued scarcity of piped water also made the utilisation of water toilets impossible. We therefore resorted to pit latrines, which were loaned to us by the Uganda Guides Association, and located them about 150 yards from the HQ building.

Water: This constituted one of the most se rious problems. Kampala has a most unreliable water supply syst em and we could not depend on piped water. Instead we obtained two tanks from Oxfam for storing water. These tanks, with a capacity of 14,000 litres, were filled every other day by mobile tankers from UNICEF. At times the Fire Brigade tenders also delivered water. Unfortunately even this arrangement occasionally failed, because of the enormous demands on these two vehicles, so at times we had to hire vehicles to collect water in jerry-cans (a very expensive alternative).

Food: Feeding 300 people was not easy, particularly as the majority of t hem were chi ldr en Very careful planning was necessary to ensure that everyone got enough to s urvive. The food was centrally prepared

Ug anda Girl Guides HQ, some 2Y2 minutes from our Headquarters, but thi s was seldom used. Although my wife is Chief Commissioner of the Uganda Girl Guides Association, she was busy teaching at school, which made our use of the kitchen difficul t due to the risk of food -st uff being pilfered. The best solution was to put up with the inconvenience of preparing food on site.

Cooks: All the cooking was carried out by SJA members, who did a marvellous job. They were available 24 hour s a day.

Meals: Breakfast consis ted of maize porridge mixed with powdered milk. Lunch and supper were usually posho and beans.

The first group of people arrived on Feb 13 and stayed for three weeks. They were met by the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's office, the officer-in-charge of displaced people, Bill Kirkham, the Bishop of Namirembe, the Rt Rev Dr Nsubuga, and his wife Lucy, the Chairman / Commander, the Yen Dr G. M. Kit yo, the SJA Executive Secretary and Brigade members.

The first group of refugees were in bad shape and the chairman, who is medically qualified, immediately opened a clinic. Everyone was documented by Brigade members under my s upervision, and then taken to their accommodation.

Medical facilities: Over the first two day s medical personnel provided by the IRC were available to treat the sick. But unfor t unately

this was soon abandoned in preference to daily transporting the sick to the Red C ro ss central clinic in the Old Mulago Ho spita l , two kilometres from St John HQ.

Initially this new arrangement worked well, but then ran into difficul ties. With no facilities for the early treatment of simp le ailments, the health situation of the refugees rapidl y deteriorated and soon became very serious, with fatalities resulting.

The availability of reliable transport, with such a concentration of people some distance from medical facilitie s, was v ital. Our Bedford ambulance, so generously donated to us some years ago by our friend Mr Watkin W. Williams, did a commendable job; but eventually it broke down so was not available for much of the operation. This meant that serious cases, which often become critical at night, could not be gut to hospital at Mulago until the next day. Taxis stopped operating ear ly in the evening because of security considerations, and there were no ambulances On the few occasions we were able to hire a taxi, we were cha rged heavily.

Although we approached the IRC, which had a fleet of 70 vehicles, with a r equest to position one vehicle at our Headquarters this was never approved.

Being seriously over-crowded, with children forming the large st part of those at the Centre, there were serious outbreaks of mea s le s, diarrhoea and malaria, which

claimed five lives. Following the first death I pressurised the IRC, which had a team of medical personnel and a pharmacy (its stock of drugs probably exceeded those of mo st of he ho s pitals), (Q rein sta te the twice weekly clinics at t he cen tre , which re su lted in a marked improvement of our patients. Common diseases: These included : t he common cold, influe nza , diarrhoea, coughs, malaria, measles, TB , rheumatism, scabies, worms, dysentry and a va riet y of skin diseases. There were also people with burns and wounds that had to be dressed and treated.

I have mentioned some of the roles of Brigade members during the repatriation, but I shoul d add that they were also responsible for distributing soap, clothing, blankets, shoes and food to the refugee s prior (Q their departure (Q va rious part s of the country. This operation, which involved 700 people, taught us much about handling an emergency situation as well as about our own limitations. For instance, while we have doctors our lack of facilities for their work means they can be of little help. The Red Cross Society, with its international donations of food, drugs, money, clothing and transport can do so much more in such situat ions as we can with our limited resources. Bu then, this does not - and should not - prevent us from doing what we can.

and issued by Brigade member s

The International Red Cros Oxfam, UNICEF, the Bishop of Namirembe, the Rt Rev Dr Dunstan K. Nsubuga, the Chairman /C ommander of Council the Yen Rev Dr G. M. Kit yo, the YMCA and the Save the Children Fund provided food, which was mostly posho (ground maize) and beans. On one occasion an anonymous person kindly donated a bag of s ugar which was used in the porridge.

Cassava, sweet potatoes and matoke, the staple food of Uganda, were also supplied by the above donors to break the monotony of posho and beans. The IRC provided salt and cooking oil. Twice we ran out of salt and had to use St John funds (Q buy more.

Utensils and cooking facilities: Provided by the IRC, these comprised big cooking pans, 10calJy known as sufuriyas, big spoons, and flat wooden mixers used in preparing of posho. Plastic dishes were provided for the individual meals.

Kitchen facilities: Most of the food was prepared in the open at the back of our HQ on two big charcoa l stoves known lo ca ll y as sigiris. These, together with 14 bags of charcoal a week, were provided by he IRe. We occasionally ran out of fuel and had to use SJ funds to buy e ither charcoal or firewood.

A big kitchen was constructed at the

HELPED by Ambulance Cadet John Smith, Chesterfield Division nursing cadets won the county cadet qui z and the 'Coali.te' Shield

Having won the nursing cadet title, the team - Toni Henman, Amanda Tyler, Hayley Dakin , John Smith with Michelle Chester (reserve) - competed for the champion of champions title against the ambulance cadet winners from Chaddesden and Spondon divi sio n - and won.

80th team s received trophies and individual awards from Robinsons of Chesterfield and CSO Andrew Collington was quiz master.

A unique vase in Crown Derby china featuring Col Hilton s family crest and an inscription re cording his services to St John together with his insignia as Lord Lieutenant was presented to Col Peter Hilton on his retirement as Commander SJA of Derbyshire by his successor Dr V. Michael Leveaux (right). The vase was from friends in St John. Throughout his service Col Hilton has been supported by his wife, Winifred, the county president who was presented with a bouquet by County Nursing Supt Mrs P. Dtorer. The Chief Commander, Major Gen Peter Leuchars (left) was at the retirement party

Derbyshire

(Photo E Kitamirike)

NEW DIRECTOR AEROMED

The new Director of SJA's Aeromedical Service at National HQ is D av id Dew. The total operation of the department (including road ambu lan ce missions) in 1984 was 686 compared with 588 for the same period in 1983 and 678 in 1982.

Welcome, David

Nottingham 1985

Th e SJ A annual get-toget her at Nottingham University will be from Friday Sept 20 (evening) to Sunday Sept 22. The weekend i open to a ll SJA members, who will be made most welcome, particularly you n ger ones.

MUSICAL SOCIETY

To Commemorate the gala concert to be held in Cardiff on Feb 3, a special phil atel ic cover has been commissioned by the Order of St John Musical Society. The specially designed cover features the sym bol of the society. Each cover bears a 17p Welsh definitive stamp and is cancelled with a special pictorial handstamp The cost of the covers is £1 each, to include retllrn postage and packing.

A limi te d number of cover s signed by Lord Aberdare, the Prior of Wales, and Donald McDougall, the Chancellor are available price £ 1.50 each.

All monie s made will go to the Order of St John's Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem.

Orders with the appropriate remittance made payable to the Post Office should be sent to: Order of St John Commemorative Cover, PO Box 400, 2201228 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CFl IRA.

REMEMBRANCE HONOUR

At this year's Leicestershire Ro yal Briti sh Legion Festival of Remembrance, held at the

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

Warden of the St John Ophthalm ic Hospital in Jerusalem Gp Capt Anthony Morgan (centre). after the finish of the half marathon held in Jerusalem last summer. With him are (left) Dr McWilliams, from the USA, and Ma jor John Clarke of the RAMC

De Montfort Hall, Leicester, on No v 3, a we ll deserved honour was conferred upon a lon g serving St John member. The presentation of a Legion county certificate of appreciation was made to Area Staff Officer Mr Frank Barton, of the City of Leicester Area. This was in recognition of Mr Barton's mar ve llous record of h avi ng organised the St John Ambulance g roup in attendance at the Remembrance Service for 27 uninterrupted years.

FOR BRA VERY

Two Ambulancemen were awarded their war

medal s at the annual dinner of Cumbria' No. 3 area, J hear War meda ls? (thinks) ... Bit late, isn't it?

Deputy Co un ty Commissioner John Di xon explained that during the re -enacte d battle for Furness earlier this year, when the Roundhea ds and Cavaliers were 'shooting cannons and screaming and yelling and waving swords and spears and all sorts of things', the two St John ambulancemen were asked to 'retrieve a casualty'. They looked at each other, remembered they were member s of St John, then p lun ged into the carnage.

S-in-C CALLS

AB U

BY THE EDITOR

Later, the organisers sent two very 17thcentury looking medallion s 'as mementoes of their bravery.

Our two heroes, looking a bit sheepish as they stepped forward to noisy acclamation, were John Marriott, area' staff officer (cadets), and Ken Moore, divisional superintendent, Ulverston.

NIJMEGEN '85

The 69th International Four-Day LongDistance Marches 1985 are anticipated for mid-JUly The marches are to encourage fitness and international goodwill through participation in four days of hard physical effort by marching 30, 40 or 50 kilometers each day. Those who successfully comp lete their expected, declared distances are awarded a medallion. In 1984, the St John Ambulance contingent put up a most creditable performance. It is in tended to fie ld a further contingent this year While exact costs are not yet known, we expect that each volunteer (or his County / District) will not be asked to find more than £80 towards the cost. Any additional expenses will be met from the Headquarter s training budget account. For information , the 1984 venture for 26 persons totaJled just over £5000. Participants came from Berk s hir e, C level and, Hereford & Worcs, Shropshire, S & W Yorks and Staffordshire.

Those who are interested in taking part in 1985 should apply through their County / District headquarters as soon as possible. The marches are open to all who

Mr. Paul Wilson , on Mr Di xon's right, presented the kit from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd, and Mr Ian W ith ycombe, (on the left) presented the resuscitator from the Sella iel d Charity Snowball. The presentation was at Millom , West Cumbria, and looking on are memb e rs of the Millom St John Unit. Ph oto: North Western Evening Mail)

WINNER

Phillip Riedlinger

of

Ph llip s prize was a radio cassette and first aid kit. He has been a cadet for only four months

More than a hundred members, including senior cadets, were at Dorset's training day held at Blandford Camp (permission Commandant, School of Sign als) on Oct 20. Everyone saw the ten p r actical first aid demonstrations given rooms

Area Commissioner John Morley of Coastal Area N. Yorks, congratulates his daughter Emma (14) following her enrolment at the Scarborough Nursing Cadet D ivision. Mr Morley, an ex-cadet himself, is delighted that Emma and her fr iend have decided to join the S John fami ly (Photo:

The Supt-in-Chief, Lad y Westbury (left) was at Dorset's county training day on Nov 4 (attended by 80 members) Lady Westbury here with DNO Robin Harv ey, % of Dor chester Div ision, and Deputy County Nursing Officer, Mrs Complin

Ray Mante ll, Scarborough)

The St John bands of St Audries (Somerset). Wi necote (Staffs) and the Sussex Knights. with representatives from Wade bridge (Cornwa l) in a highly successful concert at The Brewho use Theatre Taunton Oil Sunday Oct 21. Guests includ ed Mr Gerald Ea ston. president of the Federation of St John Bands. and Mrs Easton and the Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton Deane Supporters of the bands had travelled many miles to be present on this very h ap py St John occasion

are free of medical prob ems, and who have reached their 13th birthday. (The youngest and oldest in our 1984 contingent were 16 and 48 years old respectively)

Much hard training and effort is required, but determined characters have little trouble achieving t heir targets and all who take part always return home declaring that they have had a splendid week.

65 YEARS OF.

1984 was a very busy and exciting year for Wellingborough' s Victoria Nursing Division, which celebrated its 65th year in May.

The Trustees Savings Bank kindly allowed it to u se their windows for an exhibition of photograph s, equipment and uniforms dating back to the Division's formation. One photo , showing t he Division in 1919, created much local interest.

On Sunday May 20, they had a parade at All Saints Church, followed by (quote) 'a lovely service', with tea to follow. Exmembers were invi ted and two from the 1919 Division were there.

Every year Wellingborough ho lds a Waendal Walk, with competitors from all over the country and the continent. St John members cover t he two-day event and while

Wellingborough 's Victoria Nursing Division (with a chap) had busy year (see story 65 YEARS OF

Victoria Division was on duty a casualty arrived who could speak very little English.

But one of Victoria's nursing members has four languages, with Belgian as her nati ve tongue. She proved most useful. The Division is very proud of her.

YORK'S NEW UNIT

Many people contributed to work which culminated in the presentation to York City Ambulance Division of a new mobile first aid unit last summer. (Photo below).

An old ice cream caravan was given to the Division by local businessman Mr A. Capaldi, and it was decided to remove the old body and put a new purpose-built body on the old chassis

The city's Manpower Services office offered to build the body as a community project if the Division would provide the materials These were bought from public duty donations and another from the Norman Collinson Trust and York Round Tab le 65. The lighting and internal fittings (Left) York City Ambulance Division s new un it. See story. (Photo: York Evening Press)

Claire Bertschinger SRN a nursing member of Herts (you may remember her Review articles from the round·the-world Operation Drake). is now working for the International

summer and is now working in famine relief in the Mekele area. where the photo was taken. She was frequen tly interviewed in TV -reports when the famine story broke during October

were carried out by Ambulance Members A. Scrimshire and A. Goodwin.

The completed unit was h anded over by Mr E. Jackson, Manager of York's Manpower Services Community Programme to Divisional Superintendent W. Audin, who thanked everyone who had helped to make the project possible and ga ve an assurance that the unit would be well used in the service of the community by members of the Division.

55TH YEAR

Congratulations to Mr R J. Gristock, of Chertsey, who renewed hi s Review subscription recently for his 55th year. I'm glad we've got one devoted reader.

Merseyside 's S Helens Combined Division formed a guard of honour for the wedding of their Div Secretary. Lynn Law renson. to Mr Wyndham Smith

HORSE TRIALS

On duty at Catcombe Park Horse Trials. Glos (Left) ASO J. Gore. (Right) ft rea Supt (N) Mrs S Wade In overall charge was Deputy County Surgeon Dr D. Martin and Area Comm D. J. Faulkner. This is the second year SJA Glos has covered the event. which is at the home of Princess Anne (photo: Brian Dounan Cheltenham)

Hampshire

West Area's successful year

IN THIS TIME of depressing news in the media and the Brigade's concern about the future - FAW, MORT Poll, etc - it is uplifting to be writing about successes.

Mrs Molly Bowler, Western Area Commissioner of Hampshire, has during the last year seen the culmination of the hard work of her members over the 8 years she has been Area Commissioner (and 31 years in the Brigade).

Tn 1984, after active fund rai sing and much support from the public, three replacement ambulances have been acquired, by Ringwood Quadrilateral Division, Totton Quadrilateral Division (donated by Esso Ltd) and, the mo st recent, t he Western Area HQ (see photo).

All three ambulances have been fully equipped with neces sa ry life-saving and medical equipment, and mobile radio s. They were all three on duty together at the New Forest Marathon, one of the la rgest in the south.

In 1984, the Sway Nursing Cadet team was joint winner in the nursing cadet na tional competition and won the trophy for the highest team marks. As cadet superintendents will know, to achieve this pinnacle of success necessitates hours of serious training. The Sway cadets improved their efficiency to this high level over a period of three years, and during t hat time [4 cadets worked for their Grand Prior Badges which

were awarded in 1984.

In 1984 Fawley Ambulance & Nursing Divi ion entered a team for the first aid competit ion and won through to the national round.

1984 has also seen the continue d growth of the St John Fellowship, nationally and with much interest from overseas. Mrs Molly Bowler has had grea t sat is faction in seeing this development, as it has grown from a Hants Western A rea commissioner. Mrs Molly Bowler handing over the ambulance to the County Commissioner. Mr R. H. Ehlen prior to its consecration by the Rev Capt M Joint vi ca r of Lyming ton and the curate. the Rev Robin Nash ('0 years Brigade service) County President Mrs M ary Fagan. (r ig ht)

'see d ' she planted when she formed a guild in Lymingron run by and for retired members, the aims and objectives of which have been adopted by the national Fellowship.

The new Area Commissioner is David Syme , who is ursing Officer of Lymington Hospital. Before moving into the area he was Divi sional Nursing Officer of Wrexham Qu adrilateral Division.

f\IY SECOND T RIP t o Ar ri ca was to t h e north border or igeria. \ he re t h e Nigcri<lll with rinancial a id rruJll thL' Unitcd Naliom, \\as undertaking <l proicci to h<lrllcSS t he water or Lake Chad to irrigate th e s urr ound ing desert a rea. A Briti h company had sec ured th e con tr act for \upp ying and installin g the ge n erators , a nd all the Jll;lIcrials had to be broug ht in via L. ago ROO miles away Frequent convoy of \ ehic\c, or all kinds travelled the dusty road tll md rro m the s ite anclthe E ng li sh manager had just ta ken deli\ ery of a brand new Range-Rover flown in for his pe r so n a l use. On his very r ir. t thrilled with the unaccustomed power or hi s vehicle, he tr,\\ e ll ed too rast. lost co ntrol, and d r ove into the path of a truck loaded with loca l \\'or,l-.lllen \\hich \\a s travelling in t h e opposite direction. In the ensu in g aceidenr three or the local men \\ 'e re killed a n d he himself ustained facia l , arm and thigh injurie s, though none of these wa s se ri ous. The t reatmen t he recei ved at t he loca lert much to be desired, so he di,cilarged himself as soon as he was able a nd telephoned an urgent me sage, asking ror c\ acLIation to England. ot only was he in need or furrher m ed ical attent ion, b u t he was gelling increasingly worried by the climate or op i nion amo n g the loca l population. The company was to lerated for the employment it provided but Eng lis h people were not rea lly welcome in the area and no\\ that he \\'as responsible for three deaths, it look ed as ir things cou ld turn nZisty.

T ried to slee p

My firs t call was to the Nigerian Consu late in London, to obta in a visa, then on to British Air\\'ays HQ to receive cholera and yellow fever inoculat ions and anti-malarial tablets to take with me. At 10 pm, equipped with all the necessa r y documents, I boarded m y plane at Heathrow and, feeling none to well after the inje ctio n s, tried unsucce ss fully to get an hour o r two of sleep. We landed a t Ka no ai rp ort a t 3.45 am and m y flight on to Maidu g uri was not due ill 8.30 am. Not surpris ingly, the airport was deserted, bu t [ wandered around 't ill 7.30 am and t hen decided I had better take my sea on the 22-seat er plane now waiting on the runway.

To my amazement [ on ly just got t he last se at. Apparently booking arrange m en t s don't count for much t here and a hefty bribe is more lik e ly to sec ure the s eat you require. Th anking my lucky s tar s that I had not le ft it any later to board t he p lane, I sa t back to enjoy the unique experience of fly ng low O\'er jungle country After 11;1 hour s the plane landed on a smZl Il airstrip outside t h e \' illage of Maieluguri.

There \Vas no one t here to meet me and ::lrtcr qanding ror an hour in the scorch ing

I.dec id ed to risk hirin g::l battered ta xi w hi ch was s tanding nearby, altho ugh I ha d no N ige rian money on me. It \\ 'as only a few dri\"C to the company compound and til e (hier l'\crk pa id .I11\· rarc Oll t or tile 11etly The acting nianager apo logised

profuse ly for not meeting me - he 'd forgotten I was coming! I then disco ve red that m y journey from Kano had been a waste of time because the manager was a lr eady in Kano, having flown there by private plane t har same morning. Apparently the police had been int erv iewi n g him the previous eve nin g, hinting at the po ss ib ili ty of a charge of m ans lau g ht er, and h e h ad decided not to stay there any longer. The manag in g direc to r of the company had sent his private p lane to evacuate him. A seat had been booked for m e o n the one a n d only plane back to Kano that day, but w h e n the ch ief clerk ran g to conf irm the a rr angement he found that t hey had already g ive n h e seat to someo ne else. We imm edi ate ly drove to the airstrip but our a rg um ents and protestations were to no ava il , neither was the bribe offered by the compa n y cle r k. There was nothing for it but to drive a ll the way back to Kano by car, so we r et u rned to the compou nd and [ had a quick s n ack wh il e a fresh car was prepared wit h extra can s of petrol load e d int o the boot. I was in trod uced to h e driver w h o, [ was assured, was very famil iar w t h the route a nd , sayi ng goo d bye to the ac tin g manager and c hi e!' c lerk, r e laxe d int o the com fo r t of a we ll-uph o lstered, a ir -cond ioned bra nd new car.

/\s we sped alon g the r oad I rel'i ec ted th a t

me a t th e h o e l w h e re I was to Illeet m y patient. What a contrast to the sq ualId vi ll ages thr o ug h wh ich we had passcd! There were fountain s playing in poo ls of water ['r in gcd with palms, and sof t music in the back grou nd as I made my wZly to the reception desk. I was to the dining room , where I picked out my patient straight away - tr ying to cat hi s dinner w ith onc arm in a s lin g an with a patch over one eye. Res s tin g a s tron g in cl inati on to say, 'Dr Liv in gs tone , I presumc?' I in troducedl11Y· elf and was prompt Iy invited to join him for dinner. Afterwards he cZlme with me to 'book in' the hotel but 1 was tolclthat there were no empty He orfe r ed me the use of the spare roo III in his suite and I bedded down ror the night on the settee, but not before I had e\amined and re-dres ed hi wounds and imtillcd drop. into hi injured eye. The company car was waiting for us next

I STEAD of the usual annual parade and service, year Corn\\ all held a rally ror cadet at the Showground at Wadebridge. which plenty or space for parking <lnd acti\ itie\, and an enormous barn hould the \\cather bc unJ.-ind.

Thc day started with a parade of flags and a flag drill competition, which \\ as \\on by Wa ebridgc Cadets. Then caille a service of led by the Bishop of SI German. with 11111 ic by Wadebridgc Divi ion' band. Aftcr the HQ's Chief Staff Orficer Leo Budd pre ented Grand Prior certiricate to Nigel Dalle:-, Tony Ledden, Robert Wyatt. Ju tine Elliot, Kirsty Isaac, Nicola [7urse, Tracey Hillman, Sarah Quick, LindZl Gryll. and Gary Burge

the set -ba ck to m y plan had in fact turned out to my advantage, for I was no\\' <;eeing Nigeria in a way that 1 would ne\er ha\'c done from the plane. The first 200 mile were on a newly-bui l highway, which ran straight and smooth throu gh alternate forest Zlnd bush country. New townships were beginning to s pring up a long its route, but none of them had yet got the amenitie of s hop s or petrol fi ll ing stat ion s, and the street were full of lin er. I n some there were market places, but the catt le looked very thin with their ribs s howing through th eir id e - 0 differeI1l to Taunton market back hom e. A fter a \\ hile we came to th e end of the new sectio n of roadway and had to s low down, bumping along over a dusty track which took us through vi ll age of mud hut s with st raw roofs , with a goa t tethered ou'tside eac h hut. My driver told me that every s ix month s the vi ll agers burned their hut s and moved to another si e - presumab ly because th ey had exhaus ted the g ra z ing. I was fa c ina ted to see a fl ock of v ulture s making s hon work of a dead sheep. They tore at the fi e h with their c ru e - looking beaks and in but a few minutes it was reduced to a p il e of bone s. Du s k was falling as we en tered Kano, o n ce more o n a p ropel' roael, and it seemed stra nge to sec li g ht s and bu il d in gs again. My dri ve r was s tayin g the ni g ht at hi s s is c r' s house a nd left

trying to eat hiS dinner with one arm In a sling

morning and we had no problems at the airport.

We were both glad to ay goodbye to Nigeria and head for Amsterdam, where we changed to an East Midlands flight ro Leicester airport. ['h ad been asked to see the

CORNWALL

Cadet rally replaces annual parade and service

After a picnic lunch the cadets divided into t hree groups ror \ arious acti\ ities. One ection included adult member s to teach the cadets ho\\ to usc the ambulance equipment. t o change a wheel, and in truction on radio at public duties. The second section involved a imulatcd accident, with CZlsualtie Union making up cadets as casualties. The Police, Fire Brigade, and County mbulance all demonstrated their role at an accident. Our incidcnt involved a coach and car in a crash , which \Va a great ucce de p ilC the Iire engine being called away to a real emergency after the fir t incident! The third ection mphasised ad\ enture. Cadets were taught how to erect t en-men tent and other. lea7-nt about surviva l, with Scout instructor and Coa guards s howin g how to usc th e bre eches buoy. The final attraction for the bra ver cadets was t hc deat h sl ide erected by Sea Cadet. This proved very popular wilh our youngsters, and some of the not 0 youn g, I might add. The dZlY ended with a b arbecue and music from thc Chipmonk a pop g r oup or yo un g SJ members from I nte rlink ; a nd rina ll y c;medy acts by cadets. The rall y, a new venture, was a great succe s (to the reliel' 01' Cadet Staff), t hZlnks t o the co-opera t ion from adult divisions and other organisations.

Marie Tregaskes, CSO (C)

patient to hi s home, and his wife met u<, at the airport and took us there by car. I \\a'> hoping to catch the la st train to London but when I arrived at the station I found il had been cancelled, so set out to look for accommodation for the night. Suddenly I found myself surrounded by a gang of the local Hell 's Angels on motorbikes - about a dozen of them. They got off their bikes and demanded money from me and, as there \\as no one else in the street, it was a very unner v in g s ituation I told them I had none and when they saw by my uniform that I was a member of the St John Ambulance contented themselves with spitting at me and shouting verbal abuse as they got on their bikes and drove away. I round myself trembling and then realised that in the last few minute [ had been more frightened than the whole of my adventurous journey to igeria.

The Bishop of St Germans w ith Grand Prior cadets tBelow ) Torpoint cad ets form e d the flag party - ftag bearer Gary Bu rgess - and Wadebridge Division s band tPhotos: Ray Bishop Wadebridge )

by JIM

1985 is International Y outh Yea r. Cadet Divisions are being encouraged to participate in the events that are planned. Cadet C hat will be celebrating by running a se rie s of competitions througho ut the yea r with £300-worth of prizes. Each month will see a different competit ion. January's competition is as follows:

Cadets are asked to write a biography of the officer/member -in-charge of their Division. Details such as name, age, St John service, etc, can be included.

Three prizes will be offered for the best entries, which may be either se rious or funny - or both. Entries to be sent to arrive not later than February 20 to Jim, 3 Brandreth Rd, London E6 4QB. W inners names will be published in the St John Review.

Tw o million entrants

Following a drop in 1982 of the number of new entrants nationally in the Duk e of Edinburgh's Award Scheme there was an encouraging increase fo r 19'83 w hen 10 8,88 1 young people entered fo r the award. This brings the cumulative total of entrants to over 2 million since 1956 and in 19 82 well over S,SOO of those ent rant s have ga ined he co veted Go ld Award St John Ambulance is

a registered or ga nisation working for the awa rd and many of the subjects and activities that cadets are involved in fo r th e Grand

Prior' s Bad ge are equally valid for the Duk e of Edinburgh Award. Further details of the scheme are available from your Area or County offices or alternatively contact the Cadet Office at Bri ga de Headqu arters.

Personalised jigsaw

Here is an interestin g way of raising money or perhaps a unique idea for presentation t o rep lace the traditional tankard. Trench Enterprises Ltd produce wooden j igsaw puzzles based on any picture which you send them and the fi rm will cut your puzzle to a specified standard and size. A j igsaw of your headquarters or membe rs of your Division could go down we ll with parents and exleade rs. D etai ls of prices and s izes can be obtained by writing to T rench Ente rprises Ltd, 3 Cow Green, Ba cton , St owmarket, Suffolk, IP14 4HJ.

Bike theft

Stop your bike b eing taken for a ride is the message from the British Insurance Association, w ho have produced a leaflet containing s u ggest ion s for cycle secur ity Every year tens of thousands of bicycles are sto len a nd often the owners n eve r see t h em aga in si mpl y because the bikes have no distingui s hin g marks (for example a postcode stamped on the fram e) and cannot be returned if recovered. Copies of the leaflet are available on receipt of a stamped a ddre ssed A4 envelope, from Leaflets, Ordinary Hou se, Queens Street, London, EC4N ITU

Safe riding

Ho w many of your o lder cadets are cu rr en tly in the process of worrying th ei r Mums stiff while they learn to ride motorcycles. You (and they) might be int ere sted to learn that RO S P A (t h e Royal Societ y for the Pre ven tion of Accidents) run s a motorcycle tra inin g sc hem e from a network of 40 centres throughout the United Kingdom. Novice riders can take part in regular courses of J2

hours theory and 12 hours practical, or in some cases short co urses of 8 h o urs. There is a proficiency lest at th e end of eac h course and s u ccessfu l cand id ates receive th e Society's proficiency cer tif icate, whi ch seve ral in s uran ce companies r ecognise sufficiently to give a discount off renewa l of insurance. Fu rth er details of th e schemefrol17 th e Mana ge r, RMTS R ospa, Cannon H ouse, Priory Queens way, Birmin g ham, B4 6 8 S.

Loving care

The Wingfield Fellowship Trust, a c h a ri ty which provides holidays for severe l y physica ll y handi cappe d people at thre e centres (in Essex, Surrey and Nottinghamshire) i offering free board and lodging to vo lunteers over 18 years o ld who wou ld help the permanent s taff to give th e g u ests a good holiday I t is h a rd work, but there is lots of company and at h e e nd you w ill fee l it was worth whi e. Al l are we lco m e but vo lunt eers are particularly needed in May and June and in th e aUlumn, especia ll y men. Further details from Jo y Neal, Wind Fe ll owship Tru t, 64 Oxford Street, London, WIN OAL.

GAMES

Compass point dash

Prepare cards \Virh th e eight poims of (he compass on th em. One wall of the hall is des ignated as north. Pur cards 017 rhe walls and in the corners to remind rhe cadets where the different compass points are. The leader calls ihe compass direction and caders have to run to the appropriate corne r or \Vall. The last cadet in each case lo ses a life. After a few minutes the cards can be removed to see if the cadets can rel17el77 ber th e compass pos it ions.

Map signs trail Set up a lon g string trail which the cadets have to follow. In s tead of blindfolding them. let them follow {he string and find the cards which have been fastened to it, each card having a map symbol drawn on ir. When th e cadets return from the trail they have to say what they passed. For example, the trail

To help with ... ANIMAL CARE

AS YOU KNOW, Animal Care has for a long time been one of our mo s t popu ar proficiency certif icates leading to th e Gra n d Prior's Badge. A tra inin g packa ge fo r th e Animal Ca r e profic iency certificate ha s n ow been produced by Headquarters in conjunction w ith t h e Pedigree P e t foods Education Centre.

This package contains the sy ll ab us for th e proficiency ce rtifi ca t e, gu id e lin es for th e exami n ation a nd suggested act ivities for further project work. Also included are guidelines for act ivities for Juniors.

A co mplim e nta ry co p y ha s been se nt to each Cadet a nd Quadrilateral Division in England a nd Northern Ir e la nd Details of how to pur chase further cop ies of thi s package w ill be iss ued s h or tl y.

and Hilary Brown receive their Grand Prior Badge cert ifi cates - the long haul is over A haul of another sort - silver galore for cadets of Ringmere Quad Division Sussex

Beeson. Lisa Jearey and Mark Davis passed through a wood, then there was a church with a spire and so on.

Maps and mapping

The ordnance urvey produces an educational booklel which i aimed at youngsters of junior age a nd cou ld be very useful for yo ur meeting. The co t of t h e booklet is 6Sp and it can be obta in ed from the publisher Evans Brother Ltd, Montague Hou e, RULtle Square, London, WCI B SBX. The booklet can be eparated to produce a good wall fr ieze.

Indian game

The Indians (cadets with scarves around their heads) chase the Stags (cadets with a sticky coloured dot on their forehead) and try to capture them and remove the dots. If a Stag is caught then he is out of the game and has to find a leader to answer a simple question. If this is done, he can obtain a fresh dot and re-join the game. A r the finish Indians see which one has captured the most Sta gs by counting up the dots.

Bean relay

Each group of six cadets stands in a relay

Hovv's Tvvyford Cadets?

(Below) Lady Elizabeth Godsal. Commissioner of Ber kshire, with the Twyford girls. (Incidentally, Lad y Elizabeth and her sister Lady Mary Holborow. Commissioner, Devon are the only two women SJA county commissioners in Britain.) (Right) Twyford 's Div Supt Mrs M. Hardie with her

TWYFORD Combined Cadet Di vi ion was started in Septem ber 1983 and became a registered division in January 1984 after nine cadets had passed their EFA exam. A further sixteen took the EFA in November 1984, having already passed a Home ur ing cou rse.

The Division now h as 29 Cadets and 15

Junior and all of them are very keen. They will be taking part in the Ro yal Berkshire swimming gala and are lookin g forward to competitions in the New Year. Both Cadets

formation and the cadets are numbered. A pile of dried beans is placed some distance in front of each group. The leader calls an object uch as a donkey, sombrero, ma sk, guitar and so on, and a number, and the cadets run to shape- the object with the beans.

Contributions to Cadet Chat are always welcome. Send them to Jim, 3 Brandreth Road, London £6 4QB

Doing nicely, thank you and Junior are run by Mrs Margaret Hardie SR RM t, who used to be a I 10 with Morden l Cheam Di vis ion, Surrey

Our photos how Lad y Elizabeth Godsal Commissioner for Berkshire in spect ing the Juniors and Cadet at the inspection and enrolment ceremony that was held at the Community Hall in Twyford on Sept 13. ine cadets were enrolled and 15 juniors were welcomed by Lady Elizabeth. Other officer from Berk hire divi ions were al 0

ORDER I NVESTITU RE

by the Lord Prior, London, Oct 11

Mrs Dorothea Bird county superintendent of Merseyside who joined SJA as a cadet 34 years ago, is invested Commander by the Lord Prior

COMMANDER

Dorothea Edna, Mrs Bird (Merseyside)

Colonel Michael Anthony Demetriadi (Suffo lk )

Sir Charles Keith Frossard (Guernsey)

Harry Frederick Howse, MBE (London NWIO)

Leonard John Kibble (London SW19)

David Leigh, MA, BM, BCh (Devon)

Edmund Stanley Victor Stephens (Middx)

Peter Humphrey Tribe, MB, BS, LRCP, MRCS (Suffolk)

Greta Miss Whittaker MBE (Lancs)

OFFICER

Philip John Quarles Back, DFC (Norfolk)

William Henry Bailey (Herts)

Derek Ernest Bengeyfield (Kent)

Rojer John Jeremy Bennett , MB, BS DObst (Surrey)

Edmund Stephens, a staff officer at National HQ With 46 years SJA service (16 as an air attendant) becomes Commander

Irene Doris Louvain, Mr s Biddle (Jersey)

Lt Col Edwin Russell Bishop, BDS, MSc (Hants)

Arthur Leo Budd (Berks)

George Coates (Devon)

Dennis Colby (Northants)

Nancy Eileen , Mrs Cook (Bucks)

Cissie Gwendoline, Mr s Faulkner (Staffs)

Wilford Henry Gibson, CBE, QPM (Surrey)

Jessica Mary, Mrs Good , SEN (Kent)

Tom Gooding (Suffolk)

Arthur Edward Chase Green, MBE TD, DL (Suffolk)

Wallace Charles Harvey (Kent)

Margaret Patricia, Mrs Knott (Oxon)

Joseph Derek Lowe (Bolton)

Michael King Martyn (Glos)

Gertrude Marjorie, Mrs Matthews, SRN (Shropshire)

Bernard Loweth Morgan (London E4)

Mrs Irene Biddle, a county staff officer of Jersey with 27 years SJA service, becomes an Officer of the Order

Cecil Henry Stafford Northcote, OBE (Stafford)

Enid Bertha, Mrs Patient (Essex)

Maurice Peacock (Hants)

Stanley James Peel, SRN, QIDN, MRIPHH, MRSH, MBIM (Norfolk)

Neville Rayner (West Sussex)

Lt Col John Carter Richardson, MA, MB, BCh, MRCS, LRCP, MRCGP, DObst, RCOG (Sussex)

Victor Henry Sampson Robinson (Hants)

Raymond Routledge, MA, MB, BChir, MRCS (London E18)

Col James Ingram Miles Smail, OBE, MC, TD, DL (Northumberland)

Col Michael James Templer, FRCP, MRCS (London SW18)

Ruth Mary, Mrs Timpson, SRN, ONC (Kent)

Wallace Harvey president of Whitstable Combined Division , Kent since 1955, 21 years as a Whitstable Councillor and president of many lo ca societies, becomes an Officer of the Order

John Barrett Turner, OBE, JP, DL (London N21)

Albert Francis Vyvyan (Devon)

Margaret, Miss Ward, SRN, SCM, HV (South Ydrks)

Sybilla Margaret, Mrs Williams (Dorset)

John Edward Wood, OBE (Notts)

Mrs Doreen Dixon su perintendent of D evo n 's Bere

Alston Cadet Div iS ion , becomes a Secving Sister

SERVING BROTHER or SE RVING SISTER

Ellaline Margaret Mr s Alex a nd e r (Buck s)

John Michael Allen (Herts)

L aw r ence Frederick A ll sop (Derbys)

Linda May, Mr s Anderson, S RN (Suffolk)

Kenneth Atmore (Kent)

R od n ey Alec Bain (Surrey)

H enry Wi ll iam John Ba rgen t (Berks)

Maureen , Mr s Berr y (Bucks)

Ronald George Birkin (Suffolk)

Margaret J oyce, Mr s Bro wn (Lancs)

Victor GeoTge Caney (Kent)

Edi h , Mr s Cave n ey (Cheshire)

Grah a m C lay (Cambs)

D erek John C lift (H a nt s)

J ohn Bernard Constab le (Middx)

Jr ene, Mrs Coppin (Glos)

Mi c hae l Anthony Crowe (Norfolk)

E ve lyn Margaret, Miss Daniels (Staffs)

Mi chae l Ernesl Da wson (Slaffs)

J ohn Thomas William Di s n ey Lan cs)

Dor een, Mr s Dixon ( Devon )

P eter William Dodds, SRN, RM N (Staffs)

J o hn Alan Dunn (Kent)

Edmund E E llioll (Cornwall)

R oger Emery (Bucks)

Sh e ila Mr s Evans (C h esh ir e)

William Fenton (Cleveland)

J ohn Ford (London N I )

Martin John Gerrard (Surrey)

Dor een Elizabelh Ethel, Mr s Gillard ( Co rn wal l)

Thanks, Betty

FOLKESTON E SJA was in financial troubl e

t old u s that

15 , 000 h a d t o be s p e nt on our h ea dquar te rs ove r lh e nex t

fi ve yea r s to pr eve nt i t beco min g a liabi li ty.

W e had no vehicle and no radio equ ipm ent.

W e po ssesse d nothin g but a liabilit y. We

Roger Jam es Goldfinch (Kent)

Graham Wilfr ed Benjamin Green (West Midlands)

Maureen , Mrs Griffiths (Staffs)

Freda Rosalie, Mrs Gurney (Bucks)

David Ha se grove (Bucks)

Alan Hayes (Nottingham)

L ind say, Mrs Hir st (Devon)

P auline Elizabeth Margaret, Mrs Holmes (Bucks)

Marion, Mis Jackson (West Yorks)

Peter D av id Johnson (Derbys)

David Michael William Lane (Dorset)

Kenneth Herbert Lane (Dorset)

Norman Thomas Mallett (Cornwall)

Raymond Millmoor (Co Durham)

Ronald Moore (Staffs)

Bes ie Molly, Mr Nancekivell (De\on)

Margaret, Mrs Oram (Co Durham)

Colin Herbert Pickess (Suffolk)

Cecil Percy Plant (Derbys)

June Eugenie, Mrs Ponting-Fry (Dorset)

Myrtle, Miss R edmond (Co rn wa ll )

Doris Es telle, Mrs Robertson (Devon)

Denis Ernest Ru sse ll (Kent)

Mary Anne, Mrs Savage (Berks)

Doroth y Alice, Mrs Saywell (Essex)

Edward Charles Thomas Searle (Middx)

Herbert Frank Short (Cornwall)

Sidney Thomas Simon (Alderney)

Howard Anthony Straughen Simp on, BA,

OUR PRESIDENTS

were in trouble.

And then a long came Mr E.F. HamiltonSlade, our new president who wa oon to be known a Betty. What do I do?' s he asked. 'Do you think you could rai e u ome m oney,' we replied. 'We're badly in need of so me transport, especially to carry out we lfa re duti es in t he loca l community.' Betty said nothing and went away. Within the year she presented u with a brand new minibus w ith which we developed our welfare projects and b ecame run ner-up in the Sir Ke it h Joseph welfare compet tion. What next ? Bet ty asked. H eadquarters,' we replied. Bett y et off o rai e the money whi le the m ember set off to do t he work o n the buildin g. T h e o nl y paid l abo u r used was for profe io n a l erv ices such as roofing, et A ll mater ia l were bough t at cost and to date th ree-q ua rters of the building is now in a n exce ll ent tale of repair a nd d ecorat ion The

(Nott

(Derby) Montague Smale (Devon )

(Cambs)

BEATING THE DRUM

from Ray Giles, Area Staff Officer (Pool)

1 was interested to see in the Sept Review three full pages covering the Brigade Finals. A grand event indeed. Lots of photographs of wirrners and I understand the atmosphere was highlighted by a famous celebrity. A fine step forward from the usual high ranking personality no one has heard of. Full marks to the organisers. But I must make one point. I'm sure at least 90070 of the crowd would agree that the lads and lasses who supplied the music were excellent. Their talents are supreme and a joy to listen to. Does anyone realise that these youngsters train three nights a week as well as being members of a division? They probably put more hours in for St John than any of us, yet no one has even mentioned them on those three pages. I'm sorry, band mem bers, you also seem to have been forgotten in the article about the Windsor Safari as well. I know you sat in the back of an open lorry and led the parade of ambulances through the streets, and performed again in the afternoon.

I would like to say to SJA Southwark Corps of Drums: Congratulations to you all on two magnificent turn outs. Your drill, yo ur smartness and your music are a credit to us all. I only wish I had the talent to publicise St John as well as you do Well done. London SE6 Ray Giles

OUR DIVISION

from Mrs Joy Moreby, Divisional Officer

Wychwood Combined Division incorporates three Cotswold villages - Ascot, Milton and Shipton-under-Wychwood - and has 16 adult members and about 30 cadets. We raised all the money to build our own headquarters and buy our ambulance. So we have a lot to be proud of. We are just a small division of ordinary people who have an e xt raord inary ability and will to cover all the duties we are asked o cover. We have some very devoted members who are out on duty nearly every weekend and never fail to turn up.

Our ambulance is used on weekdays to transport the elderly and the disabled to meetings and social functions, thanks to our members who are retired and have some free time during the day.

We have two Serving Brothers among us: Tom Barrett, who joined the Division in 1951, after having served throughout the '39-45 war when he took part in the invasion of Italy (Tom is also a marvellous matchstick model maker, by the way); and the other is Don Ward, who, having joined the Division in 1954, was until recently our Div /Supt, and during the war was in the Navy flying a Swordfish until he crashed and was taken a PoW.

I could mention a lot of other interesting things about our Division, but I'd just like to say a big THANK YOU to all members of Wychwood Division for making me so welcome as their new Divisional Officer.

Bourton-on-the- Water Editor: Isn't that nice.

OFFICER TRAINING

from John H. Hill, Divisional Officer

Joy Moreby

Chris Hale in his Talking Point (Oct Review) makes many points about cadet divisions and their officers that cannot go unchallenged. Being aware, however, of GR 82, Criticism of Seniors, I must mellow my initial reaction. Before proceeding, therefore, I apologise for any comments that may be construed as criticism. I would comment: One has to agree that officers of all grades have to be acceptable to the members. I do not agree that officers of cadet divisions have to be taken separately and be acceptable to the adult division to which they are attached, GR 24(a). Similarly, is it nQt always necessary for officers to come up through the ranks. Respect, in any field, is gained by the knowledge and personality of the person, not necessarily by how he gained his position.

The thought that 'the problem lies with cadet divisions' could be perhaps, turned round t(1 say that the problem lies with some divisions. Do not forget that in cadet divisions we are, hopefully, training future adults, but the treatment of cadets by some adults and their use on duty sometimes leads to the loss of a member.

Mr Hale may be correct in saying that a cadet division does not require an officer. In many cases the leader of a cadet division needs to be much more than an officer; he/she needs to be a father/mother figure, a teacher, an adviser and many more things that are not

required of an officer of an adult division.

Can we once and for all dispense with the nomenclature 'cadet officers'? This, I understand, was dropped many years ago when th e requirement for such officers to wear Cadet Leader Bars on the ir shoulder straps was removed from Dress Regulations We are all officers of the Brigade, with our own responsibilities.

I wonder why Mr Hale can see no reason for us to organise a duty ?

We still have to complete our efficiency requirements, GR 94(A ).

For Mr Hale to say that the level of organisation is lower in a cadet division than an adult shows a lack of knowledge of what cadets d o.

To attain a Grand Prior Award we have to arrange proficiency course s from a current list of ninety plus , with various conditions applied GR 94(C) sets out the efficiency requirements of cadets which vary only by level to those for adults, GR 94(A). Outside activities for organisations such as DoE training scheme, STA, Outward Bound , LEA Schemes, etc, have to be in cor porated in the cadet divi s io ns programme all of which takes much time and energy. As we generall y do not have the facilities of secretaries, treasurers, etc, it falls on th e officers of cadet divisions to complete all the annual returns, regul ar correspondence, etc.

In discussin g the cadet programme I would suggest that the peri od in life between 10 Y2 and 18 years of age provides more change and difficulties .for keeping interest than the full span of an adult servi ce in the bri ga de

I would like to see the day when the St John Family is a true famil y, with quadrilateral divisions throughout. Unfortunately the practic al difficulties of this are numerous. Even so if this were practicable the requirements for various officers is not diminished We all have our role to play in our various fie lds Perhaps we will have cadet organisers when we dispense with all ranks in the Brigade, but this is a totall y different subject, and very much in the future.

In his last paragraph Mr Hale paraphrases GR 27 and in so doin g loses the context. The reference to cadet leaders understudying the ir officer is to leadership within their ability in the Division, it mak es no reference to th e multiplicity of other things required of the officer and outlined above.

It is unfortunate that in his article Mr Hale makes what I can onl y consider to be dene g ra t ing comments about one group of officers and members within the Brigade.

In conclusion could we not accept that all people in the St John Family, at whatever level, are offering their best voluntarily. An y improvement of officer training can only be beneficial to the famil y as a whole, but Mr Hale's approach is not the way, especially in respec of cadet division s.

Thrapston

Prize winning letters of 1984.

John H. Hill

THE REVIEW Board's selection of the best letters published during 1984 are: 1st (£20) A Happy Division from D/S Glynne Reeve of Salisbury (July); 2nd (£10) First Aid in Schools from D/O A. Walker and Area Supt (N) Mrs J. Gaskin, of Blyth Sept; 3rd (£5) FA W Package from Richard T. Cooper, of Bradford on Avon (April).

from Mr T Bilsborough, Assistant County Commissioner

I was more than a little shocked to read Chris Hale' s article (Oct Review) about officer training and cadet divisions. I shall not even attempt to respond to the first part of the article on training, as I am certain that many of my Brigade colleagues far and wide will.

I have deliberately waited some weeks to (espond to the letter to allow a cooling off period! Oh dear, Chris, how sa d to see what appears to be an experienced officer talking in this way. It is obvious you are not an ex-cadet or have experience of cadet work. There are several points on which I would take iss ue with you. Organisation of public duties: I know from my own experience of running a very successful cadet division, that there are a number of cadet units in the country that are geographically separated from the nearest adult division, and are regularly organising and performing public duties under the sole charge of the division's only officer or member in charge. To say that they are not required to do so is grossly inaccurate and misleading.

The statement that the level of organisation required for cadet divisions is no where near the level required for an adult division must also be challenged. Come on, Chris, you can't really be serious or can you? Cadet work is far more challenging and demanding than working with an adult division. The youth of today, and dare I say it, the adult member of tomorrow, are far less tolerant with officers in divisions which fail to offer a variable and extensive training programme. This is one of tRe rea sons why the Brigade is losing so many cadets at that problem age-group of the mid-teens, as there is nothing to retain their interest.

Cadet officers, note that phrase carefully, not cadet officers as you state style went out with white piping years ago), require to offer a challenge to their divisions, for without that drive, enthusiasm and commitment our efforts to the future of the Brigade will be in vain. ,

Cadet division s are faced with a far' more challenging need to create ac t ive programmes than you give them credit for. Grand Prior Badge subjects requiring separate examiners and instructors, they still need fund raisin g activities, enrolment ceremonies, parents committees, etc, etc. Need I go on? As for more exten ive records, have you studied Appendix 'Q' of Bri gade General Regulations recently? Cadet divisions complete all the forms that an adult division does and a lot more.

St John Ambulance is really about public duties. Again, Chris, I would suggest that you refer to your Regulations, BGR 7, in both the English and Wales editions, and study the aims of our organisation.

Cadet instructors qualifications: For the first time in your letter I am in complete agreement with you. Our present training requirements do not meet the demands of the '80s. Much more emphasis on youth work is required, covering counselling, development and many other modern management techniques. Perhaps cadet div is ion officers need to undertake Local Authority youth leaders' courses. In Wales we are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that our training and appointment methods of personnel working with cadets and young adults need to be reviewed.

Clwyd T. Bilsborough

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

from Miss K. D. Wilson, County Pool

I.have read many comments on the MORI report on SJA and as with many others have wondered whether National HQ will take any notice of its findings, and if not was there any point in the exercise and expense involved?

On reading the June Review and Group Captain Siessor's reply to the point of militarism in SJA, it is not just Mr Lamb who th inks the Brigade is run on these line s (especially for a voluntary organisation) but many other members think so too. I do not think for one moment that Mr Lamb or any of us are against discipline and leadership (1 am for it), but what many of us are saying is that there are too many levels of leadership. Why not simply have a superintendent and a deputy, male or female, a doctor and a nurse for each division. This is surely what Mr Slessor's football team has, a captain and the players? The same applies to grievances and regulations mentioned in Mr Milland's letters There are so many levels and red tape before a grievance reaches county / regional level let alone national HQ. I might add that these are constructive criticism. Cumbria Kalhlyn Wilson

Gtr Manchester

MANCHESTER Airport was the venue for a recent SJA Aeromedical attendants training day when some forty attendants, mainly from the North, met for demonstrations of patient loading techniques in small private aircraft. Several new special items of equipment were also demonstrated.

Photo (bottom page) shows GMC ambulances with a Lear Jet owned by Northern Executive Aviation. SJA is indebted [0 Mr David Antrobus for his help in organising the event and allowing the use of his aircraft.

The photo (above) shows staff from the Aeromedical Dept at National HQ, London, who organised the day - (L to R) Monica Bailey, Jane Wilmer and Audrey Pinnock - with Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw (2nd from left), chairman of county.

The photo (below) shows Mrs Cathy Stretton , District Nursing Officer, London, showing the contents of her famous flight bag to Dr Kenneth Leese, GMC Surgeon and air attendant. London s Cathy Stretton empties her famous flight bag (rightl.

and ambulance plane (belowl

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw with girls from Aeromedical Dept who organised the training day

SCOTLAND

Main fund - ais ing event in the Glasgow Ci ty Chambers banqueting ha - for food and music. (Pho o: Robin Dunseath & Assoc)

THE MAIN fund-raising ev ent of the Glasgow Branch of the St John Associations of Scotland this y ear took the form of a Highland Evening held, as always , within the magnificent banqueting hall of the Glasgow City Cham bers on Oc 9 b y courtesy of the Lord Provost.

Over three hundred members, friends and guests were gracio usl y r eceive d b y the Association c hai rma n Brigadier J. Balharrie , and briefl y and felicitously addressed by the Glasgow Order chairman, Mr J. A Brown.

The company were then entertained to a most enjoyable evening of music and so ng by Miss Kirsten Grant, soprano, w ho is a Mod Gold Medallist; Mr Crispen Allan, bari t one; an d Mr Gordon Simpson, violini st,

WALES

The 53 cadets enrolled at Clwyd's county se rvice by the Commissioner for Clwyd, Major D .J Griffiths At back (L to R) are: Re v D. Griffiths (also off icer - in - char ge Hol ywell Div), Mrs M Davies Asst Chief Nursing Off icer E K. Rog ers, County S aff Offi ce r (R). Miss P Bea rd , County Nu sing Officer R Eaton , D ep u ty Commissioner, Mjr D. J. Griffiths, Commissioner, and T Bilsborough Asst Co mmissioner

Adventure unit for Clwyd

FOLLOWING the 1984 Priory of Wales yo un g adult conference, and a number of enquiries on the subject, a meeting was held in C l wyd to t r y to determine whether t he formation of an SJA adventure unit was feasib le. The r es ult was that such a unit was formed, and t now has 21 members who meet on a regular monthly basis outside their divisional meetin gs

Membership Through holida y periods our numbers have fluctuated. Age groups represented are 15 to

w ho has won several competitions as a s olo v iolini st. The accompanist was Mi s Anne Scott, a teacher of music in the city Two r ep r esentatives of the world-famous Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, Sgt John Wilson and Piper James Maclean, brought the entertainment part of the proceedin g s to a rousing close.

An excellen t buffet supper w a s ser ved to

30, wit h two males to every female. Unit memb ers are soon to embark on a county recruitin g dri ve b y visit in g division s to talk abou t the unit's activ itie s.

Election of officers

The uni t is run on a self-governing basis, wi t h Assistant Commissioner T. Bil s borou g h acting in an advisory capacity. So far a • the as se mbl e d c omp a ny b y th e Commi

with

including a h

lida

News from Divisions/Centres

ut it. And we a ll know the say in g 'if yo u can't beat 'em, join 'em'.

Finally my cur io si ty (or patience) got the

A very happ y New Year to y ou all!

We are making a g ood start with three new Branches, all 'first' in their counties: Birmingham & S utton Coldfield Branch , Wes t Midlands: Contact Mr J. Allen, 67, Aylesford Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 8D Cheltenham & District Branch Gloucesters hire: Contact Mrs J. S. Cripps, 62A, T ennyson R oad , St. Marks, Che l tenham, Glos GL5 1 7BY. County of C h es hir e Branch: Co ntact Mr F. W. Barton, MBE, 23, Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Annual General Meeting 1985

The second Annua General Meeting of the St John Fellowship will take place at St J o hn 's Gate by kind permission of th e Secreta r y - General of the Order on Wednesday. May 15 1985 at 3.15 pm. Item for the Agenda should re ach me by March

better of me and one night I went along to a meeting of St John Ambulance to find out, I su ppo se, what drew him (away from me) to i t. Everyone, it transpired, was so friendly and h e lpful that 1 went again, and then again, and eventually I too joined, to spe nd many happ y, r ewarding hours on dutie s, teaching members new skills and taking part in traini ng exercises. Sharing, in other words.

Since qualifying I have served as a one star nur se, divisional nursing officer and s up er in tendent in four divisions, o f both

15 1985. Branches will be invited shortly to forwa rd nominations to fill the three vacancies on the Centra l Committee. I hope that all Bran c he s will be repre ented at h e meeting. As in 19 84, we will begin with I am proud of St John Ambul ance and proud to be a memb e r

St John Fellowship

MERSE YSIDE

Some ninety cadets from Me rseys de enjoye d a weekend of leisure and study at Barnston, Wirral, dur ing October. Arr iving at the centre on the Friday evening, he youngsters had a very full weeke nd of sports, in s tr uction (O rder history, casua ty simu lation, • child and animal care and accident prevention), and a fancy dress disco

fo r r ight of prohibition. (4). 14. Support for inguinal hernia. (5). 16.

O ri fice admitt ing air to the o lfactory nerve endings. (7). 17. Narcotic d r ug information. (4).19. He lp artificial insemination by donor. (3).

22 Sa li va for roasting appliance. (4). 23. System excreting most of n it r ogenous waste of body. (7). 26. Exhortation to enjoy oneself for a fruit. (5). 28. Ignominious defeat for group of revellers. (4). 29. Tied to a food regimen. (4). 31. Circulation of blood from left ventricle to right antrium. (8). 32 Army engineer out to shoot. (6). 33. Clinic fo r ex p ectant mothers. (8) 34. Diseases caused by excessive demands o n ones mental energy (6).

Dow n :

1. Unct u ous medication for external appliCation. (8). 2. Displacement of organ d ue to laxity of supporting ligaments. (8). 3. Vaccine p r otecting against poliomyelitis. (4). 5. Founder of the Military Order of H ospitallers. (7.2.3). 6. Beer for the obese. (5). 7. Starch in steamy l ump s. (6). 8. Ma n y fo ll ow strange noise in male transvesti s m. (6).

11 Pitu i tary fossa of s p henoid bone required by Ottoman horseman. (5. 7 ) 15 I nt rave n ous administration of fluid for a stupid person. (4).

18. Freque nt ly p resenti n g symptom of bodi ly di order. (4). 20. A cove r is us ed fo r vei n d lated d ue to incompetent va ves. (8). 21. I nfect ion a nd nfla mm ation of t h e b ladder. (8). 24. Spreader of rumour. (6).

25 Mass of ce ll s forming a structure of body is in suet mixture. (6).

2 7 Re cta l infusion. (5). 30. Catch a sign of a skin blemish. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 1 2 (8 4)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.1 (85) by A. A.

Acro ss:

1. Brin g p a lm a r s ur f aces o f thumb and a finger tog e th e r. (6 ) . 4 In fa vour of country for gland of male reproducti v e sys tem. ( 8) 9 S o u p f or a s impleton (6). 10. Pus in the a n er io r chamber of th e eye (8). 12 Doct or wi t h an ending for s ound of su ffe ring (4) 13 Vot e wron g ly

A cr oss : 1. Sacra l ; 4 Ab n or m al; 9. Vertex; 10. Vena cava; 12. L in ed; 13. Rak e; 14 M u te; 16. First Cr usade; 21. Health Cent r e; 24. Meet; 25. Di sc ; 27 As h e n; 29. Systo lic; 30. T r ying; 31. Syndrome; 32. C aree r.

Down : 1. Save li fe; 2 Coro n ary; 3. A 'h ead; 5. Break; 6. Oral;

ST JOHN AMBULANCE DIARY 1985

New Year HONOURS

ON behalf of all our readers we most warmly congratulate the following six members of the St John family whom Her Majesty has been pleased to honour at the New Year in recognition of their outstanding services to the Order of St John and its Foundation:

OBE

Mr J. G. Buxton

BEM

Mr T. A. Jones

Mr M. T. A. Syvret

Mr D. K. Spencer

MBE

Miss S. J. Bishop

Mr J. H. Bromley

OBE

Mr John Gordon Buxton, formerly Commander St John Ambulance, S & W Yorkshire, for his outstanding service to St John. Gordon joined St John as a 'private' in 1937 and has served in every rank through to county commander, a quite unique career, outstanding for its leadership, example and integrity which will be remembered by all who served with him.

MBE

Miss Sarah Jane 'Sally' Bishop, formerly County Superintendent, Nottinghamshire, for her services to St John and to numerous other local authority committees and charities. Known by hundreds of the Brigade Leadership Conference delegates, she is probably one of the most widely known and loved personalities in St John.

Mr J. H. Bromley, Divisional Officer in Char ge of Trelewis Division, Mid Glamorgan, Priory for Wales, for his service with the local authority and St John Ambulance, which he joined as a cadet in 1929.

BEM

Mr T. A. Jones, Divisional Officer in Charge of Ruthin Division, Clwyd, Priory for Wales, for his service to St John, his local community and the Rotarians.

Mr M. T. A. Syvret, Assistant Commissioner, Mid Glamorgan, Priory for Wales, for his services to St John, hi s organisation of community care for the aged, housebound and handicapped, and his services to the community of Caerphilly and the Rhymney Valley.

Mr D. K. Spencer, Area Transport Officer, Avon, for his services to St John Ambulance and the local community.

ST JOHN REVIEW

St John Fellowship l

SHEILA PUCKLE writes: This month I have some news from branches:

Liverpool Area Fellowship has been meeting regularly each month since they formed in February 1984. They hold a 'Bring & Buy Sale at each meeting to boost funds, and close with a game of bingo for a prize of SOp. For their first outing last s ummer they were invited to a garden party at the home of Mrs S. Ralph, the Branch Secretary, which was greatly enjoyed. On August 27 members spent a happy day at Emmerdale Farm Country. Plans were in hand for their Christmas Party, to be followed by further outings 'in the sun with good friends' in the spring. I hope these outings will include the Fellowship annual general meeting at St lohn's Gate on May 15. In 1984, Mr l. l Burns , chairman, Mrs S. Ralph, secretary and two members attended. I look forward to meeting more members from Liverpool Area in 1985.

The St John Guild, Western Area, Hants, kindly invited me to their AGM on De cember 14. This took place at the St lohn Headquarters, Lymington , and was attended by over 40 members and friends. This branch is notable for its close contacts with the active side of the Brigade in Hants. The County Superintendent, Mrs G. M Duke, former County Superintenden ts Miss V. Cooper and Miss Betty Brown, and Mrs Diana Lewis, former CSO (Cadets) were present and a special presentation was made to Area Commissioner Mrs M. Bowler on her retirement. Mrs Bowler has given immeasurable support to the Fellowship in Western Area; indeed, Miss Holley , their chairman, said it was due to Mrs Bowler that the branch was formed

As the St lohn Guild in Western Area, Hants, was a founder member of the National Fellowship, this gives Mrs Bowler a place in our histor y. We welcome her as a new member of the Fellowship.

The Runnymede Branch, Surrey, which has some 22 members , held a Christmas dinner on December 11 to ce lebrate the branch's first year. 27 members and guests were there. Annual General Meeting at St John's Gate on Wednesday, May 15 1985. Is it in your Diary? Any items for the Agenda to me by March 15 1985, please.

SOME TWO years ago I asked the Medical Board to carry out a wide ranging study con ulting appropriate Government Department s, the DHSS, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Fire and Ambulance Services and, through counties, the general public in order to determine what should be the role of St John Ambulance between now and the year 2000. After much valuable work and discussions the Board completed their work last September and I felt it important that as many of our members as possible should be told the conclusions which were reached. Accordingly a summary of these is printed below.

One of the first things which will strike you on reading these conclusions is that no mention is made of our Civil Defence role, or the work of the Air Wing, or the Aeromedical Service. The reason is that all these roles have an assured future as far as anyone can foresee, and the priority accorded to their work remains as high as it is now

Further study therefore was not required and the Medical Board were free to concentrate on our more general work.

The next thing which will perhaps surprise and disappoint you is that no new exciting role for St John Ambulance in the foreseeable future has emerged. In fact what does emerge clearly is that at present we are doing what the public wants, and that is what they want us to continue to do in the foreseeable future. There is, however, one important recommendation which was emphasised throughout the study: the need for an increase in the provision of simple nursing and social care.

I believe this study has been valuable in

clarifying and confirming our priorities for the future and so that we should all be clear what these priorities are, I summarise them:

(a) The Teaching of First Aid to the Public

This remains our top priority and there are several courses now available to meet this requirement. Top priority among these courses must be given to teaching industry and members of the Brigade the Statutory Course Fortunately these two requirements do not clash with each other and this task, together with the equally important one of training the necessary instructors, will fall largely on the Association Branch. The scheme recently launched for teaching First Aid in schools is likely to be more of a marketing operation than a positive teaching commitment, particularly in its early stages, but its promotion must be accorded a high priority by both the Association and the Brigade.

(b) The Provision of a First Aid Service at Public Duties

This continues to be the top priority for the Brigade and highlights the importance of as many members as possible being trained to Statutory Certificate standards I would draw your attention to the recommendation in paragraph 4 of the report regarding more reali st ic funding by donation to cover t;le costs of such a service. I support this recommendation wholeheartedly but clearly negotiations to achieve such a result must be carried out in virtually all cases at

County or even Divisional level. Thi does not mean that National Headquarters will not give every possibl e assistance where it can usefully do o. I would also add that in order to increa se our publicity we should ensure that at every event at which we provide a se rvic e we should demand proper publicity as an acknowledgment from the organisers for our voluntary c ont r ibution. Thi s could take the form of an advertisement in th e programme or a ratement over loudspeakers, but it hould be a condition of our attendance.

(c) Teaching Emergency Resuscitation to the Public

There is without doubt , as the repor

states, a growing demand from the public for this training, and St John Ambulance must be in the forefront of it. Next to teaching First Aid and providing a First Aid se rvic e it is our top priority.

(d) The Provision of Simple Nursing and Social Care to the Public It is in this field that we need to place increased emphasis. Du r ing 1985 the As soc iation Branch will be working on the provision of a Home Care Course for the public, provid ed a st ud y currently bein g undertaken confirms a definite requirement for this. I feel s ure there are a large number of m en a nd women, many young and m a n y un employed,

who would like an opportunity to help elderly, disabled or handicapped people. Very often s uch men and women do not wish to wea r uniform, cannot undertake lon g training and do not wish to sit complicated examinations. We should aim to find room in St John Ambulance for s uch people, but they must be given so me appropriate training to enable them to meet s uch emergencies as may occur. We are therefore studying in this Headquarters during this yea r the best organisation to meet this requirement. It w ill c le arly be some years before a similar s tudy is ca rried out again at national leve l, but if there is one important fact which h a emerged clearly f rom he man y interv ie\-\! conducted by the Medical Board it is

the need at all level s, from County to Division, to keep in close touch with the various stat utory bodies such a s the Ambulance Service, the Police, the Fire Service, the WR VS a nd the DHSS. This is not only important becau se they can give us help and advice and so that we can tell them about the sort of assistance we could give them when the need arise s, but regular consultation will help to ensure, as this study has tried to do, t h at our role is kept co ntinuou sly up to date.

Summary of Medical Board's report below

SJA Medical Board report on THE ROLE OF ST JOHN AMBULANCE TO THE YEAR 2000

In a Memorandum dated December 22 1982 the Chief Commander asked the Medical Board to produce a paper in which it recommended an answer to the following question:

'What should be the role of St John Ambulance between now and the year 2000 and what general changes in its present organisation are needed to carry it out?'

Subsequently the Medical Board was relieved of its responsibility to answer the second half of the question.

The Medical Board has <;:ondensed its long deliberations to the following summarised conclusions:

I. TEACHING FIRST AID TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Everyone should be taught first aid at school. This would help them to develop an interest in it and keep their knowledge up to date. The proposed St John Ambulance school programme help to create a demand for the. in c lusion of first aid in the school

curriculum. However, there will always be a case for voluntary organisations to teach first aid and nursing. Therefore St John Ambulance should be in the lead, keeping its instructional methods up to date and the best in the country.

2. FIRST AID COMPETITIONS: First aid and other competitions are worthwhile providing their format is relevant to the primary function of improving standards of first aid.

3. TEACHING EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION TO THE PUBLIC: To meet the demand which is growing the public should be taught emergency resuscitation. St John Ambulance should now be taking the lead in this field.

4. THE PROVISION OF FIRST AID COVER AT MAJOR EVENTS: It can be argued that first aid cover at major public events should be provided by the National Health Service. However, there are few means by which first aid can be provided at

these events except by the Voluntary Aid Societies, primarily St John Ambulance and this should continue to be one of St Joh n Ambulance'S main activities. More realisti c funding by donation of such events to cover costs to St John is essential in the future. I should be noted that other organisation s working for profit are currently showing an interest in this type of provision.

5. ADVANCED FIRST AID TRAINING: St John Ambulance should not seek to teach an advanced level of fir st aid. Wh en those with skills beyond the basic St John Ambulance Brigade training join the Brigad e these skills should not be withheld provid ed that the person's co mpetence has b een assessed, they remain efficient and ar e supervised by appropriate profession al personnel.

6. DOCTORS AND PROFESSIONAL NURSES: The valuable contribution mad e to St John Ambulance by tho se memb ers who are doctors or profe ss ional nurse s is vital.

7. SPECIALISED MOBILE UNITS: It is accepted that when a s pe c ial need h as been demonstrated for example at so m e public dutie s at major events, the Brigade could deploy specialised unit s, but only when and while fully qualified professional staff are available to command and m a n the vehicles supervise non-profe ssio nal staff and check maintenance of equipment.

8. FIRST AID FOR SPECIALISED SPORTING ACTIVITIES: No speciaiised first aid is required at special or unusual activit.ies, eg, pot-holing, hangghdmg, mountaineering. St John Ambulance concentrate on training sta ndard fir s t aId to those who participate in and who lead teach such activities. Skills in dealing WIth a environment must be taught by the mstructors or supervisors of those participating in the activity.

10. FIRST AID COVER AT MINOR EVENTS: Sl John Ambulance should accept responsibility for providing first aid cover at minor public events, notwithstanding the limited scope to ambulance and nursing members to practise their skills that such events afford.

II. GAPS IN THE PUBLIC PROVISION OF CARE: St John Ambulance has a legitimate role in plugging gaps in the provision of nursing and social care; indeed this is a rapidly growing activity within the Brigade. The range and type 0 f need is enormous' varies greatly in di fferent areas and is usually identifiable only at local level. Indeed the major problem is to identify the need. The provision of care for the elderly and the handicapped in their own homes is certainly an important need which St John should meet.

9. SPORTS OFFICIALS: St John Ambulance should make a special effort to ensure that referees , umpires and other sports officials hold a valid first aid cert ific ate.

12 INSTITUTES FOR THE HANDI-

CAPPED, THE ELDERLY AND THE DYING: St John Ambulance may find wa ys of offering nur ing assistance in in titutes for the handicapped , the elderly and the dying as part of a care programme' howe er, in many cases voluntary assistance is not what is needed.

13. SUPPLEMENTING THE PUBLIC AMBULANCE SERVICE: St John lance has no role in s upplementin g rhe National Health Service b y mo vi n g emergency or stretcher case other than as ah adjunct to the · NHS on major public duties or in disasters in which St John Ambulance comes under the authority of NHS Ambulance Contro\. St John Ambulance may have a role in upplementing the NHS Ambulance Service on its general service and sitting case duties

14. COMMUNICATION: Ha ing regard to the diversification of the role recommended above , St John Ambulance must recognise the ital importance of keeping communication method s up to date.

Transport can be a headache. We were fortunate again this year in hiring this luxury coach with modern hoists and facilities which made loading and unloading - so much simpler

SOMEONE asked me the other day: 'Did you have a good time?' I replied 'Yes, thanks,' and walked on. I had, in fact, just returned from a period of lea ve from work, having spent the week helping to run a holiday for young people in the New Forest.

Having been successfully organised for the previous two years by Lady Elizabeth Godsal (now Berks Commissioner) and the Berks hire Enterprise Unit, the 1984 holiday was to be run by Hampshire St John. This holiday s for young SJA members and di sab led youngsters aged 18-25 years. The venue, as in previous years, was Avon Tyrell Manor , Bransgore, in the New Forest, which is a splendid house set in some 43 acres of grounds which ha s proved to be ideal both for accommodation and outside facilities.

In order to finance s uch a venture, much hard work in fund rai.sing and planning is

Helping the disabled to be more able

Is this a part of 'welfare' that SJA should develop further, asks BARRIE SOMERVILLE, eso (Training)

required. Over £8,000 was needed to pay for the hire of Avon Tyrell, which is adminstered by the National Association of Youth Clubs, and to pay for the various outings and transport. Our County President Mary Fagan, along with County Superintendent Glenys Duke, set about raising funds from just about every available source. With the money f10wing in, detailed planning was required and many considerations had to be made: the provision of adequate tran s port, special items of equipment, etc. It is a relatively easy task to put together a week's itinerary for a party of able bodied persons But when dealing with the not so able bodied, whose disabilities sometimes vary considerably, great care is required in choosing suitable places for visits.

On Saturday Sept lour party of 80 descended on Avon Tyrell. Many of us already knew each other. Glenys Duke and I had been involved with the 1983 holiday and were deli g hted to renew friendships with people from Berkshire and Oxford s hire who had returned this year to support us. Many more young people from Hampshire attended this year and we were also pleased to welcome some lads from London District, who were a great help. A feature of the holiday is that the youngsters are given specific responsibilities for such thing s as entertainments, with a person appointed daily to ensure the smooth running of events. Those of u s in the 'golden oldie' ca tegory endeavour to remain a s unobtrusive as

Motor Museum and Palace House During the river trip there were one or two requests to 'spend pennies' (I belie¥e the sight of so much water had something to do with it). The boat had no 100, but this problem was speedily dealt with by St John helpers, whose resourcefulness throughout the holiday had to be seen to be believed. An important feature of the week's programme included visits to a local riding school, with riding sessions throughout the week for able bodied and disabled riders. The value of these sessions could be seen by the expressions of delight from young people who had never dreamt of being able to sit on a horse , let alone trek for an hour through the fore st. This was indeed a very positive kind of activity Art work sessions, which have become a firm favourite with the you n g, were organised throughout the week by Sally Davies, a very popular art student who, in her final year at a London Art College, gives time to help the 'holidaymakers' toward crea tive thinking, e nabling t hem to produc e some very attractive items.

To Poole

pos s ible, but are available shou ld a problem arise.

Sunda y was open day when friend and rela t ives could come along and ee what the holiday was all abou t. Dur ing the afternoon 'It's a Knockout' games were organised b y Basingstoke St John It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselv es, including the many guest fro111 County and Area Staff. The finale of the afternoon for me was a s udd e n (but not totally une x pected) excursion into the swimming pool, fully c loth ed, and aided by four or five burly young St John members I emerged with shrunken trouser, and trying desperately to retain a s hred of dignity, LO be met on the pool steps by th e H amps hir e County Director, Walter Mill s We shook hands (wetly). You can see that r ank or position is not impor t ant on t hi s holid ay; t h e main thing is that everyone muck s in and gelS on with the job. Nonetheless, on t h is occasion the timing of my friends wa brilliant! During the evening mu s ical entertainment was provided by so me members of the Western Area, which was thoro u ghly enjoyed by all.

Full programme

A very full programme had been planned by Glenys Duke for the week ahead and trip s included the choice of a visit to see a· film or the Ken Dodd Show in Bournemouth A boat trip up the Bea uli e u Riv er was followed by an interesting tour of the Monta g u e

tra1I11I1g session prior to playing away to Luton the following day. Everyone spread out on to the pitch and the players made every effort to ensure that anyone who wished to kick a ball with them did. We were also shown the club boardroom, where all the important decisions regarding players are made. After invading the club' s souvenir shop, we returned to Avon Tyrell for lunch

During the final horse riding sess ion that afternoon, we were visi ted by the Superintendent-in-Chief, Lady Ursula Westbury, who spent the res t of the day with us The final evening of the holiday is always a lot of fun. The staff at Avon Tyrell put on a banquet, a deliciou s meal, for which jean s and T -s hirts are discarded for be s t bib and tucker'. I t is a fitti ng finale to the week and mu c h appreciated by everyone. The after dinner talent s how is not easy to describe, except that it was very co lourful, at times ve ry profe ss ional but most of all hilarious. At a t ime when we hear that nationally our number s are falling and an opinion poll

Another 'awayday' outing on Thursday was to the Royal National Lif eboat In s titute' s HQ at Poole We were greeted by the sta ff who s howed u s a film a bou the work of the RNLI A tour of the workshops gave u s an insight of the work of [hi department, which services lifeboat s from all around the coasts of Britain Several lifeboats were moored along ide a nd we were s hown the va riou s c la sses. There was also time to visit Poole Quay and the famous Poole Pottery and to explore g ift s hop s. The final day of the holiday (Friday) was THE day for football enthusiast. In the morning we went to The Dell, h e home of Southampton Football Club, where we were greeted by the Saints' manager, Lawrie McMenemy, and the team who broke off a

FOOTBALL DAY

causcs

Ron a staunch Portsmouth support er (left), dis cusses tactics with Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy

The

(Right) Barry in wheelchair, kicks a ball for the first time with the Southampton coach tBelow) Southampton players

Perhaps

LET'S

LOOK AT

SHOCK

by Dr James A. Burton, SBStJ, MB, ChB, MRCGP, MRCP, AFOM, Area Surgeon, Sheffield

energy (heat), via radiators (the organs), and ha ving given out the energy the fluid returns to the pump for recirculation after havin g been 're-energised' in the boiler (lungs).

TRADITIONALLY first-aiders have learnt to recognise the signs and symptoms of shock from rather inadequate descriptions of the abnormal ph ys iolog y found in the standard first aid books. As in all branches of medicine and surgery, to understand the abnormal situat ion in shock a thorough grasp of the normal physiology is essential. In this article I will describe the evolution of the signs and symptoms of shock and the rationale of trea t ment of the condition in the light of the causation of those signs. The first concept to explain is that of the CIRCULATING FLUID VOLUME

We ma y consider the body and the circulator y system as a closed fluid-containing network, rather similar to that of a central heating system in a house. Indeed, there are many similarities. Each has a pump (heart), a series of pipes carrying fluid which gives

The pump produces a pressure which pushes the fluid through the pipes and the pumping action causes a s mooth passage of t he fluid along the pipes. This, by analogy, is t he blood pressure generated b y the contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. This contraction is, of course, intermittent and would give rise to an intermirrent pressure if it were not for the elasticity of the walls of the arteries which expand on left ventricular co ntraction and then r eco il under their own elasticity to propel blood a lon g further bu t at a lower pressure. Th e pressure of le f ventricular co ntr action ca n be measured; this is called the BLOOD PRESSURE and the intermittent contraction and relaxa t ion of the arterial wa ll Cdn be felt. This is the PULSE. In the normal human at rest the blood pressure is main tained by a constant circulation of fluid pumped by the

I have learnt

what a great atmosphere this place has to mix with people I didn 't know how to hoover-up properly put my views forward team spirit

you get very saddle sore riding forty miles

how to sleep with minimum pressure on my backside

Th e cottages by the canal

heart at about 80-90 beats per minute.

This can be considered a closed system because in the normal state the volume of circulating fluid is fairly constant. In the abnormal state certa in defence mechanism come into play, the basis of which are to maintain t h e circulation of the FLUID VOLUME , in particular to supp ly the brain, liver and kidneys at a pressure to maintain their function.

Let us consider loss of fluid from thi s closed sys tem and the initiation of the condition of HOCK. Ima g in e a stab wo und to the femoral artery and the lo ss of blood through the wo u nd. Initially a sma ll amount of fluid is lost and the blood pressure and pulse rate are normal, the lo ss being accommodated by contraction of small arterie . A more blood is lost there is less to circulate and the heart mu s t pump faster to maintain the blood pressure at a normal level in order to supply the vital organs. So the pul e rate begins to rise perhaps to 100 beat I min but the pressure is maintained at the normal

Adventure at Canal Cottages

In Derbyshire's lovely Peak District

with the aid of it s skilled and committed staff sets out to provide s itua t ion s of excitement, fear, success, comradeship and enjoyment over a weekend or a week's co ur se. All the courses are tailored to St John proficiency requirements or, like the J uni ors weekend and the activities weekend, designed to introduce adventure activities. We do not only learn the arts of subjects such as canoeing, rock climbin g, etc, we also meet other fo lk. During 1984 course goers me t St 10hnners from suc h places as Staffordshire, Wales, Stockport, Loughborough to take part in activities together in comfort and splendour by the side of the Cromford Canal.

Divi s ion s can just se nd their cadets by train to Ambergate, fro m where we take care of them. A good time is a certainty a nd Divi s ion s are invited to ask for details of co ur ses and hirin g t h e Centre to d o your own thing by se nding a stamped addressed e n ve lope to County Staff Officer (Adventure) A J Co llin gto n, 137 Ladywood Road, Ilkeston, Derby s hire DE7 4NJ.

In 1985 we are offering courses in canoe in g, hillwalking orienteering, archery, rock climbing, first aid outdoors, survival, expeditions, and spec ial weekends for young adults and juniors. A weekend course costs .£ 18 and, if yo u play you r cards right, you s hould be able to get a grant from the LEA.

IT'S INTERESTING what cadets and young adults learn during a weeke nd' s co ur se at the Derbyshire Adventure Training Centre, isn't it? But then, perhaps there isn't another place like it - a place which Look forward to see in g you.

level. As further loss occurs the pulse rate increases still further. It is important to appreciate that the left ventricle ca. n only pump out blood if it is to fIll blood during the perIod of relaxatIon between contractions. If t h e heart .beats I times per minut e it will only ha ve tJme to fill to half volume before contracting again a nd this VENTRICULAR UNDERF ILLING is the point at which the blood pressure can n o longer be maintained. In the case of contin uin g blood lo ss, the pulse rate continues to rise until the left ven tricle no longer contracts efficiently and thus we see the RA ISED PULSE and LOW BLOOD PRESSURE that we associate with SHOCK. The defence mechanisms divert blood from the skin, g ut and muscles to the large vessels to conserve the CIRCU LA TI NG FLUID VOLUME. The blood supply to the skin is shut down and so the sk in becomes PALE and COLD. The skin continues to produce sweat but because no warm blood is circulating in it to evaporate it as in the normal, the sw eat collects on the COLD. PALE , MOIST skin . The patient feels weak because the b lood suppl y to t he mu scles is s hut down. He may vomit because the movement of the gut is slowed down. Consciousness may be lost if the blood is no lon ger at sufficient pres ure to supp ly the brain and soon the patient will die from exsanguination.

The heart muscle too must be supplied wi th blood to enable it to function and will oft en produce an abnormality of rhythm if th e degree of shock becomes profound.

Here then we have the origins of the signs o f sy mpt oms of SHOCK based on a decrease

in t he CIR CULATING FLUID VOLUME.

These can be related to other causes of s hock Sudden lo ss of circulation due to acute pump failure may occur in a massive coronary artery blockage. Such patients may s impl y drop dead. A lesser in vo lvement may gi ve rise to a heart attack associated with low blood pressure with or witho u t an abnormal cardiac rh yt hm.

In ser iou s burns the massive lo ss of fluid from the burnt tissues will be replaced from the circulating fluid vo lum e and this will then become depleted. This wil l contribute to the state of shock which will be made worse by the presence of toxins from the damaged tissues.

A sma ll ch ild with ser iou s gastro -enteritis will lose much fluid from the gut which will eventual y be withdrawn from the cir culating fluid vo lum e. This wi ll rapidly give rise to dehydration and shock from which such patients m ay die. Debilitated patients who contract infectious causes of diarrhoea and vomiting may die for the same reason.

Bleeding may be internal and not lost to the outside but because blood is lost to the CIR CULATING FLUID VOLUME , such loss will induce or contribute to the state of shock.

A mid-shaft fracture of the femur may be accompanied by loss of two pints of blood into the damaged muscles of the thigh. The blood is not lost from the body but is no longer part of the circulation. Such patients often require blood transfusion to treat the shock before they can be safely operated upon surgically. The simple faint is due to the loss of control of the calibre of blood vesse ls and results in drop of blood pressure

as the result of decrease in blood returning to the heart for ci rculation, eg , the guard on parade in heavy uniform on a hot s ummer's day standing still with no muscle action in the legs to pump the blood back to the heart has pooling of the blood due to gravity in the lower half of the body. This reduces the venous return to the heart and the blood pressure falls as he faints. When he is lying down the gravity effect returns blood to the heart and the blood pressure recovers and he regains consciousness.

I have emphasised the defence mechanisms brought into play to maintain the vital circulation in ca ses of s hock. This has a bearing on treatment. Clearly, in massive external bleeding from a severed artery, arrest of that bleeding will minimi se shock. Replacement of fluid lost by giving a blood transfusion in hospital is the logical treatment for serious blood loss. Thi s treatment will restore the blood pressure and reduce the pul se rate as the circulating fluid volume is restored to normal.

First aid treatment should no t heat the patient by use of blanket s, as this will dilate the skin vessels which ha ve been s hut down to divert the skin circulation. It is illogical to use hot water bottles for the same reason Similarl y hot drinks b y mouth will dilate gut vessels shut down to conser ve the circulation. Muscular ex ercise will similarly enlarge muscle blood vessels previously shut down. The essential treatment for shock in these circumstances is treatment of the basic cause and rapid replacement of the lost CtRCUL ATI NG FLUID VOLU l\tE to restore the normal closed s ystem

Dr Burton joined C45 Chingford

1L0ndon ) Cadet Divi s ion in the mid - 1950s and qualified in medicine at Sheffield University in 1967

LOOKING AHEAD

HONG KONG SEMINAR

I hear thai the St John Council in Hong hong has agreed to host a Far Eastern reginnal seminar rrom March 25-28 to be attended by the UK and those countries on the Indian sub-continent , the Pacific and Australasia in which SJA is active. It is part or the worlclwide regional seminar programme instigated by SJA HQ in the UK. The first was held in Singapore in 1978 and subsequent seminars have taken place in Barbados and Nairobi.

Imporranl subjects to be discussed at the

JUNIOR CRAFT COMPETITION

Plea e encourage your St John Juniors (aged 8 to II years by June 1 1985) to enter the Junior Crafts Competition.

The task for 1985 is for each junior to ma"e a model of their divisional superintendent. Models should be no higher t h a n 12 inches and made of any material. Entries must be accompanied by a label signed by a parent or guardian signifying that the model is the applicant 's own work.

Each county is asked to arrange for their three best entries to reach the Cadet Office, Brigade Headquarters, by May 31 1985.

Prizes will be awarded to each of these entrie s In addition the Juniors who produce the three models judged to be the overall winners will each receive a portable television.

ABOUT

BY

THE EDITOR

HOLIDAY IN

The secr etary oj Corn wall's Newquay Quad Division, Mr J. P. Slocombe, writes:

On one of Newquay's main holiday beaches we own a beach hut fully equipped for renderin g first aid but due to our relatively small membership being deployed elsewhere in the town or working long hours the hut was not staffed in 1984. Unfortunately we see little pro spec t o f manning the hut in 1985 It occurs to us that the provision of fir s t aid service s in a holida y resort may have some attraction for our les s fortunate me mber s from up countr y ' who could combin e a s p e ll of dut y with lei s ure tim e in Newquay. As well as ha ving s ome a t traction to adult member s, the pro s p ect may be o f int e re st to m e mber s of Int e rlink' Th e period to b e c ov e red would be mid - Jun e to th e end of Au g u 1 but m a inl y for th e s chool ho lid ays.

Our Ambul a nce Hall , equipp ed w ith kit che n to il e a nd a c ommittee room, wo ul d be ava il a bl e for th e ir a cc ommodat ion

We would h a ve to as k a nyon e in ere st ed to brin g ca mp b ed s, lee pin g ba gs, e tc, and of

CIVIL DEFENCE COURSES

Count y Di s r ic t headq u art er s ha ve been ad v se d o f th e follo win g va ca ncie s at the C iv De fe nce C olle ge a t Easin gw old, No rth York hir e:

Cour se 85/22: May 28-31 85 (Chief Ex ecutive s Seminar). Aim: T o pr e pa re chi e f exec utiv e , in co mp a n y with o t her o ff icers of a pp ro pri ate r ank, for their civil de fen ce duti es and res pon s ibilitie (I va can cy for a enior staff officer).

Course 85/23: June 3-7 85 (General Course). Aim: To fit officer s to assist in th e d evelopment and execution o f civil defence pl a ns. (1 vacancy for a staff offi cer).

Course 85128: July 8-12 85 (General Course). (l vacancy for a staff officer).

Course 85/298: July 15-19 85 (Environmental Health Officers' Course). Aim : To help Environmental H ea lth Officer s di sc harg e their re spon s ibili ties in civil defence plannin g and operation s (I vacancy for a surgeon).

Nomination s are to be made as soon as pos s ibl e through the u ual channeLs. Allo cation of plac es on these courses will m a de by Bri gade HQ f rom lists submitted by County / District HQs

course look after their own cat e rin g. I will be pl e ased to co-ordinate the rot a and should any. Divi s ion be interes ted would they please get in touch with m e J P. Siocombe, 72 Bouython Road, Ne wqua y, Cornwall TR7 3AL. Phone Newquay 3840

NORFOLK ACCIDENT SERVICE

SJA No/folk writes : During the la st ten years about 75,000 p eopl e have died from injuries s ustained in road accident s in Great Britain Thi s di s turbin g figure , while

e

t ion on the s kill of ambulance crew s, has s timul a

a number of general practitioner s to pla y a n active and leadin g part at the s ite of t h e accident. The pioneers in thi s field, Dr Easton (Catterick, York

fiT! l!7f 'U - 11

WINNING WAYS OF LAMB FAMILY

medical treatment sho uld save live s and prevent aggravation of injuries, Experience from their work, which started in 1967, is encouraging and the results suggest that s imilar schemes are worth pursuing in other a rea s One sLich service is the 'Norfolk Accident Rescue Service' (N.A.R S.).

One person in 10 requires hospital treatment for accidents each year, and Stich accidents cost the nation £1,000 a minute; and progress over the last 8 years in the provision of adequate accident services has been very disappointing

Virtually every time we read our local paper, listen to the radio or watch the news on television, we are confronted with reports of serious accidents involving loss of li fe or serious injury. In any accident speed is vital - speed in getting a doctor and special equipment to the scene - and can mean the difference between life and death, between full recovery and permanent disablement.

Norfolk is a sparsely populated area of over 2,000 square miles with a population of 700,000 The worsening accident record in this area, where hospitals are far apart and

where there is a real need for action to be taken, has led to over 176 doctors in the county to voluntarily set up the Norfolk Accident RescLie Service, whereby virtually the whole area is covered by doctors on call 24-hours a day. The object is to get a fully equipped doctor to the scene of every accident where injury is involved just as quickly as the front line emergency services - police, fire, ambulance , etc, can summon them.

To be fully effective, both specialist equipment and training are required Training has just started, and some of the specialist equipment has been given or purchased The object is to equip each doctor with an accident pack containing all necessary emergency and resuscitation equipment, in addition to t hat normall y carried and so enable them to carry out effective emergency treatment, both on the spot and on the way to hospital. This will cost money, at least £300 per doctor. The dedication of the doctors concerned can only be made full use of if we can quickly pro vi de them with specialist equipment to carry out

DORSET

the task they have undertaken.

The Norfolk Accident Rescue Service is registered as a charity (No. 261666) Th e service has the full sup port of the hospital s, police, fire serv ices ambulance serv ice s, etc , and will go part of the way to fill th e mos t vital gap in a vital public serv ice. C learly , there are area where t he incidence of call s requires an ambulance response with a trained casualty doctor aboard, but for mos t of Norfolk the NARS has to provide th e service.

There are more than 3,000 accidents each year in Norfolk involving injury to peopl e, and it is the dedication of the 176 docto rs together with fire, police, ambu lance, who ca re for the accident victi ms in the Norfol k area.

NEW MATRON

The Ophthalmic Ho spita l in Jeru sa lem h a a new matron, Miss Pauline O'Donnell (a fine Irish name, I might add). Welcome , Paulin e. By the end of October 19 84, patients treated at the hospital were up 10 070 compared with the sa me period in 19 83. Th e

Th e Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Colin Lu cas, presents a 2000 hour certif cate to Annette Hughes of Dorchest er Divisi on, who, at the time of ga ining the award was th e youngest cadet in the county to do so

Worle A & N Division, Avon, received a gift of dNJfii) portable oxygen equipme nt from Mrs O ive Thomas, vice president (2nd eft) follOWing the dedication of their ambu lan ce by Mrs Nancy Hancock chairman of the Worle community centre (2nd R) Also in the pi cture are (I to r) D S Ken Crane N M Mrs June Willis A I M Mr Frank Jordan; Major John Greener, commander for Avon and A I M M r Pete r Sparkes. (Photo : Myra Meredith)

onl y thing that isn't 'up' for the ho s pital are don ations to ensure its long term viability. Perhaps this is something we all have to learn to live with nowadays

SELF AID

I hear that SJA Nairobi's ambulance was hij acked by a man who reported an accident by phone and then used by a gang to rob a petrol station. The SJA crew, who were held hostages durin g the raid, were later released. No one , including the ambulance, was hurt in the incident.

AN EXAMINER'S THOUGHTS

EXAMINATIONS and tests are Funny thin gs The results can be measured, sta ti stics calculated - 'validated' is the jargon word. It means 'Do the good candidates pass and the weak fail?'

Or the results can be measured by marks. A pass-mark can be 50070, but do we really mean, if we do artiFicial respiration, 50% survive? An eighty year old lady suffered a severe stroke and cardio-respiratory arre t. Do the best hospitals i n the world get 50% survival?

Or the results can be 'cr it er ion rate d' That is 'can the candidate do it, or can't he?' Would thaI bit of fir st-a id save a life? Recent in vestigations churn up the problem an d suggest that hospital doctors produce unsatisfactory resuscitation patterns too. (But to be fair, their training is probably unsatisfa ct ory! )

How can we mea s ure first aid examinations?

I am examining a class in first aid. In front of me is a nice homely lady, friendly , helpful in the Division. She has longish, unkempt

NORFOLK

hair, a T-shirt not quite meeting her jeans, and a few bulges of pinkish nesh showing. A regular attender, fund-raiser , at duti es and tea-maker.

] gesticulate, no doubt inanel y, towards the Annie. There's an unconscious girl dragged from the canal and she's not breathing. Don 't talk. Just s how me what you would do' My mind is wandering. 1 wonder how many times I hav e done his in twenty odd years. How many dangerous idiots ha ve I released on the unsuspecting population because they were 'vo lunt ee rs' and it would be 'cr uel' to fail them? I haven 't the 'validation' or the statistics to produce the answer. Back to our panicky, perspiring member. The neck of Annie is extendeda couple of ineffectual blows , then a good inflation, then another, carotid pulse Felt (about) - external chest compression, nearl y in the correct place. One Failed innation , one good inflation and so it goes on.

1 can't decide. Criterion rate it - would her hit and miss progress save a li fe? I decide

that it has a chance, and, suspecting m y o\\'n integrity, he sitating ly put a P for pass again ( her name Then comes (he examination post mortem I am not renowned as a generous examiner, and yet 'We are glad you pa ssed Dororhy. She makes suc h a difficult job of it with the dummy but the other day Then foIl 0\\ a story of how Doroth y saved a life by her own style of CPR.

Further investigation bears it out. Th e casualty had had a huge electric hod:. Th ere seems 110 doubt about the respirator y arre I. The casualty was ventilated in hospital for 24 hours after the rescue. Factually, no one will ever know about the cardiac arrest. but it fits pretty well. Only Dorothy wa s (here. Doroth y did artificial respiration a nd external cardiac compression for e\ 'eral minute s, and helped the professional ambulancemen on t he trip [0 hospital. And - two li ttle girls still have a Dadd y. And I am pleased 1 decided to allocate her a 'pa s' in her examination. Bu t that doe eem a bit irrele vant, doe n't it?

72-year-old D v / Off (R) John Cotton, 55 years with the Brigade, does the honours by ha nding over the Cotton Cup to Weymouth's Cadet-of -the - Year Daren Powe , 12

CAMP 1984

ROUND UP OF

SOME OF YOU WERE

THE CONTRAST between rich and poor which I had noticed on my first two flights to A frica was even more evident on my third trip. I received a call via SJA HQ, from the T hompson Holiday Tours company, asking me to bring back home one of their passengers who had been taken ill while on holiday in Gambia. This comparatively small country on the west coast of Africa has a new

a nd thriving tourist industry catering for t hose from more affluent countries who have t ired of the crowded Mediterranean beaches

a nd seek something more exotic Mr Johns, a man i n his late sixties, had recently retired a nd, after saving up for years, promised his wife and daughter the holiday of a lifetime. Unfortuna t ely, only the morning after their a rrival he had collapsed with a slight stroke

a nd it was imperative t o remove him from t he equatorial climate as soon as possible

M y inoculations, etc , being up-to-date, I e ft from Gatwick on the same da y as

re c eiving the callan the only available sea t ( first class) on a British Caledonian flight.

This was the first time I had travelled first class b y plane and I felt rather embarrassed b y t he VIP treatment, with free drinks, toilet requisites and e v en gifts One of these was a minia t ure whisky bottle disguised as a por celain chessman - the idea was to e ncourage y ou to purchase the complete set.

The first class compartment consisted of two seats with a s hared table and a steward to wai t on us. My fellow traveller was a very plea sa nt, well-spoken lady of about thirty, who made me feel quite at ease. She was fa miliar wi t h the route and obviously well kno w n to all the crew I guessed that she was a pri v a t e secretary to some high-up official and flew t o and from Gambia with no more concern than if she were travelling between London and Edinburgh. Talking with her, the fi v e-hour flight to Beljul passed plea s antl y enough.

It was pit c h dark when we touched down at Yundum airport. The Thompson's courier was waiting to dri ve me to the Fajara Hotel, where Mr Johns was staying, but said there was no need for me to visit him until the morning as the doctor had declared him fit t o tra v el and he was sleeping peacefull y. The h e a t wa s i ntense even at that t ime of night and I was glad to take a shower and go s trai g ht to bed where I slept soundly till morning

I a woke with a s tart, wondering what the s tran g e noise wa s that had woken me, and lay puzzling about it for some minutes until tw o m y nah birds flew on to my window sill, calling loudly to each other. It was still very e arl y in the morning so I pulled on some clothes and went out to explore my s urroundings I had been expecting something more exciting than the flat, featureles s shoreline on which the hotel was built. The hotel itself was a very ordinary, white modern building, typical of hotels the world over, and around it, within a high s tone wall were rows and rows of wooden c halet s , for all the world like a holiday camp back home. Apart from the heat and the m y n a h bird s th e re wa s nothing to suggest 38

The Dark Continent (Gambia). Part six

that I had flown thousands of mil es to the tropics I we nt t hrough the gateway to th e road outside and received a terrible shock. Here was black Africa n all its povert y and squalor - derelict mud huts, pathetic mothers squatting in the dust with their crying babies, beggars covered with fe s tering sores and over the whole scene a sense of hopelessness. Nothing could have been more of a contrast to the rich living enjoyed by he white peop le inside the perimeter wall. No wonder there wa s a police guard at in t erv a ls all round the wall

I was sickened by the sight and t urned back to my chalet and was preparing to g o and meet my patient when the c ourier arrived in a hurry Mr Johns had taken a sudd e n turn for the worse and a do c tor had be en summoned The doctor diagnosed a f urthe r stroke but felt that the risk of moving him was outweighed by the risk of le a ving him in the fierce climate, so an ambulance wa s called with all haste and I prepared my patient for the journey. He wa s semiconscious and there was not much I could do except put a few clothes on him and pray that there would be no .delays on the journey When the ambulance arrived I could have laughed if it had not been for the seriousne ss of the situation. I had never seen a vehicle like it before -a combination of ambulance, fire engine and police van Inside

important

f ollowin g on a later

I

f

Mr s John s s itting with h e r hu s band w hile I we nt to obtain custom s clearan ce and c arr y out th e l u s ual pr e - flight formalit ies It wa s whil e I was doin g thi s that I turn e d m y b ac k o n m y lugg a ge for a f ew minut es and on n ext looking at it dis c overed t h a t on e of th e b ags had been opened and my pre ci ou s c h ess m

25 years of Quebec's

SJA ski patrol

p

regions. T

s initi al g rou

f

spec ia li

ers g r ew rap id ly a nd in 1959, t hey f o rm ed t h e first Briga d e Div isio n of t h e Sk i P a t rol.

T h e Br ga d e Ski P atro l q u ick ly deve loped an exce ll e n t r epu tation a nd n a d d itio n to serv ici n g t h e Laure n t ia n sk i centres, they we re aske d to h e lp o u t in the Eastern T owns hip R eg io n as we l. Today, t h e St John A m b ulance Ski Patro l ca n be seen patrolling th e h i ll s of Mo un t Su t ton, Mount St-B run o in Ma ur icie, in t h e Bois-Franc, from t h e

S o u t h S h o re to t h e Nort h S h ore , as we ll as th e Gaspesia n P en in s ul a.

T h e Sk i Pat ro l, wh il e re m a i ning closely a ff ili ate d w it h he B r igade, has beco m e a d ist in c g roup w i t h appr ox im ate ly 900 m e mb ers. T h ey give m ore tha n 50,000 h o u rs o f vo lu ntary service pe r year in h e fo u r c orne r s of Q u e bec, t r ea t n g tho usa nd s of in j ur ies eac h year an d p r eve n ting tho u sa nd s m o r e

O n beha l f of a ll St John A mb u ance, we

co n g r a tula te t h e St Jo hn A m b u la n ce Sk i Patrol on t he ir 25 th an niver sa r y in Qu e b ec.

We than k th e m es pe cia ll y f o r cont ri bu in g so much to the di st in g ui s h e d r e put at io n of

St John A mbul a n ce W e h o p e t h ey' ll be wit h

u s for a lon g, lo n g tim e.

Reprinl ed f rom SI John N e ws C an ada

Ca n you t alk t o yo u r so n (or d a u g h ter)?

I s hi s con f id e n ce won ? The Swansea Bard on

Ca n you s p ea k t o yo ur chil d?

Or do es h e ge t wild ?

Doe s h e b eg from yo u mon ey?

I know it sound s funn y

Bu t wher e is it sp e n t?

Is it borrow e d o r len t ?

D o y ou kn o w wh e n h e's o u t?

And w h a t h e's a bou t?

D o y ou ask wh e re h e's b ee n ?

P e rhap s who h e's see n ?

Drug Abuse in Childre

H ow late do es h e r oam?

Set a im e to be h ome.

D oes h e go to be d late?

I s h e easy t o wake?

D oes h e brin g h o m e hi s fr iends?

Fo ll ow fas h on a nd r e nd ?

Yo u d o n t n ee d t o pry

But s hould u se ea r a nd eye

n

'Mum and Dad are too old!

Too square to be told!

Ar e you really too square

To show him you c are?

That you give him your tru

Fo r a parent you JIlll s l. I yo ur ta n dard set h igh?

H ave you to ld hi m j u s t w h y?

And I f yo u u pect. ')

H pri d e the n r e pect.

D o n 't leave it too late

A nd ru in h is fate.

F o r h e lp y ou m u t a k \Vh a t a te rrible t a k ! F o r t he a k e of yo ur on It ha g o t to be d o n e.

So talk wilh yo ur o n Wi t h hi c onrid e n ce \\' o n. I r we pl ay OLlr r o le we ll \\ e can t a mp o ut thi h el l.

ORDER

INVESTITURE

MRCS LRCP. MFOM (London E18) Naomi, MIss Sait (Surrey)

Kenneth James Stenner (Avon) Joy Yvonne, Mrs Temple, SRN, NDN (Cumbria) Jennifer Margaret, Miss Treadwell. SRN (Avon)

Hexell Kay Lewis (London SW6)

SE R V G B ROTHE R o E R V G TE R

Mary. Mrs Adams (W o rcs

Harry Adam son (N Humb ers id e)

Kathleen Ena , Mrs Albray (Hams)

Ne son Alfred Allenet (Jersey)

Phy ll is Mary, Mrs Angier (Essex)

Leonard Ayling (London SE22)

Gladys Mrs Ayres (London E15

Stuart Bailey (Merseyside)

Barbara Miss Baker (Staffs)

Penelope, Miss Baker (S ussex )

Janet Margaret Mrs Baker (Wiltsl

Dorothy Kate, Mrs Barnwell (WarWick)

Clarence Bathgate (Nottingham)

Daniel Bathgat e (N ottingham)

Max Battle (Middx)

Florence, Mrs Baxter (Surrey)

Wil iam Beaumont (Nottingham)

Edward Leslie B nns JP, SRN, RMN, MRSH (S u(folk)

Ernest William Boakes (London SE3)

John Batt (London E6)

Edward Wil iam Bowyer (N Yorks )

Eileen Mary Miss Boyd (Humbersid e)

Joanna Miss Brendan, MBE (London SWll)

Cat heri n e rene. Mrs Bri tt en (London SE18)

Sy b Mr s Broadbe n (Gtr Mancheste

Jacque ine, Miss Burrows (Herts)

Keith Pole Cha les (Leics)

Gi ian Rose, M rs Chater (G os) William Ra ph Cockain (Derbys)

Olga M a y, M s Cook (Notts)

De nn is Sam uel Cotteri ll INotts) Ve a sabel, M iss Cottier ( s e o( Man)

(Surrey)

(Hams)

CAP DIFFERENCE

from John Fry, Ambulance Member

It was with dism a y that, when enquiring about the new-style men's caps, I discovered that the officers' and ambulance members' would still be identified by a different cap-band.

We read and are constantly reminded that the male St John firstaider is recognised in a crowd by his cap-band and white-bag. Many officers attend public duties and yet they are not distinguishable from police officers.

Do we have to persist in this 'us and them' attitude which does little to encourage the so called 'fami ly of St John image?

Wl?ston-Super-Mare John Pry OUR UNIFORM CHANGES

from Mrs Cynthia B. Oliver

There has been comment lately in the Review regarding the Bri ga de uniform, and I noted nervousness of changes as it was fel t any other un iform would not be easily recognised as St John

We in New Zealand have made changes which have, in m y opinion, upgraded the look of the Order as a whole, but in particul a r on the female side. Enclosed is a photo (below) of the Morrinsville Adult and Cadet divisions, the ladies and cadets in the newest uniform (Because of exorbitant prices for men's uniform most men are also turning to the pullovers). A good qualit y windbreaker is worn in coo ler weather.

The white blouse, grey skirt and black pullover looks very s mart on all ages and all sizes, and is comfortable , serviceable and very recognisable . Our alternative uniforms are equaily recognisable and respected by the public I respect the concern voiced regarding being tak e n for IRA personnel, but the di s tinction could be drawn from what is in the hand s - a means to preser ve life or take life Hamilton, New Zealand Cynthia B. Oli ve r CADET DIVISIONS

from Mr S A Lamb

Over the last year my wife and I have been involved in the training of cadet competition teams and have noticed that children respond better when they are taught by one male and one female. We s u gges t cadets should where possible be taught by such a team. We also noted that cadets of all ages re s pond better to adults o ver 25 years old, and while ex-cadets eventually make goo'd officers an ex -cadet promo te d . to officer in hi s own cadet division doe s to a de g ree unwittin g ly perpetuate he popular but not necessa ril y bes t aspects of th e Bri gade.

I've been with St John si nce 1960 , s tarting as a junior, and ha ve served in Kent, Surrey , Lancashire, Wa les, West Germany and now Cumbria in many capacities and at dif ferent le vels and ranks.

The November Review showed the Thrap ston Di visi on , of Northants, which clearly illustrates that our future lies in the cadet divi si ons - something my cadet officer drummed into me as a junior. Barrow-in -Furness S. A. Lamb

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

tram Mr V. S Helmore, Vice Pres ide nt and Cen tre Secretary

Reference the letter from Lt Col R. B Robinson (Dec Review), I agree

with hi s explanation a nd wo uld take th e argument a stage further I was an Army Education an d Che m ica l Warfare in str ucto r as well as a Office spec iali st in methods of instruction. In the latter it was strongly emphasised NEVER to ask anyone to explai n verball y or in writing, a p ract ical question. The method of teaching the tyin g of k not s was to iss u e the c lass with the necessar y equipment demon st r ate a knot, and then ask them to do it. If you wish to tes t the t heor y, get them to tie the knot and t hen ask when and why the y would use it. NEVER, NEVER ask a st ud e nt to exp lain what is a pra cti ca l problem.

When I a m dealing with question s, r dea l with the practica l problem like this I nominat e a member who is wear in g a tie, ask how lon g he has been wearing one ( ie, 6, 20, 25 years), and then tell him to pu t hi s hands in his pockets and without removing them exp lain to me how he t ies hi s tie. Try t. When he finds out how comp li cated this explanation is, I ask him to remove his tie.

Another failure in que st ionrn g a c la ss verbally or in writing is to ask a 50 / 50 question. All students may gue s the right answer, so avoid t his. If yo u do ask o n e before realising it, follow it by asking the rea on for their answer. Example, wh ich s lin g would yo u use for a fractured co llar bon e - e evated or arm? They an wer, rightly or wrongly, so now ask wh y?

Chor ley, Lanes V S. Helm ore FAW QUALIFICATIONS

from Mr G Brown Divis onal Superintenden t I have read letters, articles, etc, in the Review over many months on the above s ubj ect and am not s urpri sed at the lar ge number of critical comments. Such a radical change is bound to meet with considerable resi s tance - people do not take kindl y to having to change the habit s of a li fetime. Many of t he letters reflect this - because one has been an instructor for 20 years does not, in all cases, mean that one has been a good instructor, and one s hould be prepared to change an approach i f it is for the better Similarly, there are ways round the obvious difficulties of lo cat ion and cost of cou rses, although for s mall country divisions like ours encouragement of new recruits is severely

New Zea land's Morrinsville Division , Hamilton whose girls and ladies wear a uniform of white bl ouse, grey skirt and black pullov e and most of the men are turning o pu ll overs (with or without the jacket, we e not 'Su r e)

handi capped by havin g to hold qualifying courses severa l mi les dis ta nt from the local community. Th ho le s ituation ha s no t b ee n helped by a cont inual stream of ew . ( ddt amendment s to th e regulations from Hea quarters, an an ever grea er variation in th e ir interpretation at se nior county level, which h.as. mu ch confusion to those of us who have responsibility of impl ementing t hem where it matter.s - at diVISIonal leve. I. Howeve r, I hav e st ill to see aske d directly, or.a nswere d satlsfacton ly, the f und amenta l question on the need for Bngade to hol,d the basic FA W Certificate at a ll. To me, even the Ch Ief Com m a nder s rece nt interview be gs t he rea l iss ue - why, eve r y. 3 years, must we a ttend a course to qualify at a lo we r level t h a n 111 the 1I1t ervemng 2 years?

It is clearly accepted by everyone that the basIC FA W course, as taught b y St John, covers on ly the minimum requirements set out th e HSE and that t hi s level is unaccepta ble for mem bers on pu blic dutie s. Hence, the White Cross course, and t h e restriction on A Wonly qualified personnel on duty. Ind eed, this referred to 111 Chief Commander'S interview, when he refers to first-alders on p ubli c d uty needin g to be trained from a wider sy ll abus, and to ' the trainin g St John Ambu lan ce cons id ers is necessary for t h e on publi c duty' Since, in years 2 and 3, we have to. p.ass a Bngade r e-exam covering these additional procedures, sure ly It IS a backward step in the following ye ar to qualify only at basic FA W level? [ also qu estio n the statement that 'organ is at ion s requir in g our as fir st-aiders will in future expect t hat our member s hold Statutory FlrstAid Certificates - surely, s in ce the level of the FA W certificate is wid e ly known, these organisations have t he right to expect. us to be fa r bett er qualified? As indeed our additiona l training r equ ir es us to be ? Sho uld t he 'Statutory' part of the equation cause any worry, t here is an easy way out. There are provisions in the HASA W A, and in th e HSE guidelines, for claiming exemption from the FA W course if it can be s hown that existing qualifications exceed the minimum standard. Surely our members must rate that? If there is any doubt, t hen let us re-instate t he old Higher & Advanced First Aid Certificate - there is far more c hance of persuading people to travel to courses to adva nce their knowledge than to low e r it. On a persona l note, I find myse lf in a rath er odd position, being exempt from the need to hold a FA W ce rtificat e AT WORK on the g rounds of be in g a qualified in structor and examiner (though not certified in this respect by St J ohn), yet stil l need ing to take time off from this to attend a basic r efresher course in f irs t a id if I am to be allowed to continue as a Br igade mem ber.

There are many other que tion one could a k on this subject: if we ha ve to ho ld a Statutory Certificate, there i no place sure ly for a non-Stal. co ur se. I f the HSE recognise certain exemptions, why not St lo h n? If th e ne w basic course i so tightly control led , w hy is t he additional trainin g (inc luding care and use of ambulance equipment) left so much to c hance? How do you recruit even keen vo lun teers when they first have to travel maybe an hour each way on a bus (at their own expen e) for several week fir t? However, these are perhaps supp emen tary to the basic que lion I started with - if I ca n be convinced of that, and can convince others too, then it become s easier to find a way round the difficulties man y of u are expe riencin g. Fina ll y, let me ac knowledge 'that al l aspect of training in the Brigade are perh aps in need of overhaul, not lea st being our examination system. But let us train at a higher not low e r leve l 0 t h at we may once again be setting th e tandards for others to fo llow , not rely in g on the Law to keep us in li ne. And please, Headquarters, do so mething soon, before we lo se divi s ion s whose m a in so urce of r ecruiting has always been the local ly run first-aid co ur se. Sawfry Division, Cambs G. Brown

OBITUARY

Walters, of Headquarters I REGRET to anno un ce that To m Walters, our caretaker a t Headquarters, died of a sudden heart attack o n Jan uary 2 19 85. Our deepest sympat h y goes to hi s wife, loan, and his daughter , l ane. As a most popular and much loved figure he will be sad ly missed by us a ll.

P. Let/chars Chief Commander

NEWS frol11 SCOTLAND

THE FIFE Branch of the Order is now ten years old and to mark the occasion a Thanksgiving Service was held in St John's Church, Kirkcaldy, on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct 28. The chancellor and several executive officers from the Priory of Scotland processed with the officiating clergy th r ough the church grounds and into a delightful comparatively new church building

The service, conducted by the parish

minister, the Rev S. McNaught, included a lesson read by the chance llor , Dr. Willi a m

A P. Jack, and an eloquent and thou g htprovoking sermon was pre ac hed by the librari an of the Prior y of Scotland, Dr. Duncan Shaw. Four members of Chapter assisted four elders from St John's Ch ur c h in the distribution of the elements in the communion part of the service Ther e was a good congregation of about 100 includin g several local dignitaries, notably the convener

of Kirkc a ld y District Council and the Chier Constab le of Fife and their ladies.

Some of the ac hi eve ment s of the Bran ch durin g it s fir s t ten years include a bi e nn ia l fete in G lenrothes New Town for t he be n e fit of ge riatric pa ti e nt s in t he lo ca l ho sp it a l, th e pro vis ion of a holid ay fl a t in Leven for th e di sa bl ed , a nd of a bowlin g g ree n a nd tandem bicycl es for blind s tud ents in a college in Ceres.

Th e Bran c h is in goo d h ea rt a nd flouri s hin g and is well-known in the Co un ty for it s m a n y be ne fi c ia l efforts. We wish it well for (h e future.

The Du c h ess of Gloucester at Swansea. ( L eft)

Chatting wi th nurs n g cade ts w it h W

Glamorgan County

Cadet Offi cer Linford

Brunt (le ft ), now A ssist County Comm, and the Lord Mayor of Swansea. (Right) A s p ec ial word for D arr y Gilla d, son of CSO Conway Gillard, of Afan D is trict

\Rededication service at Swansea

THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER , Commandant-in-Chief of the Brigad e in Wales, visited Swansea recently to attend a r ededica t ion service held by the Order of St John a t St Mary 's Church , Swansea The Duches s who was greeted by t he Bishop of S wansea and Bre con, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Vaughan, and the Vicar of Swansea , Canon Don Lewis, followed a colourful procession o f commanders, knights and dames of the Order, church and civic dignitaries to take her place in the church. During the serv ice s he read the lesson, a passage from Corinthians

The service, held each year, reminds member s of the Order and the Brigade of their obligation to heal ills and wrongs a nd dedicate them selves to serve God.

After the service the Duches s inspected a guard of honour made up of cadets, aged 8 to IS, from SJA's 28 divisions in West Glamorgan.

St John all at sea

Well, not all of St John, of course, but three members of Brecon Division (Powys), N / M Natalie Jo seph and Cadets Dawn Jame s and Sarah Garnett, who set off for a two week s cru ise' on t he S.T A. schooner, Sir Winston Churchil l for what promised to be the ex perience of a Ii fe-time.

Our intrepid three boarded the schooner

WALES

above Tow er Brid ge, on the river Tham es, and ner vo us ly e nter ed i nto a ri go rou s and fa scinating routine wh ic h became a way of life for two weeks Lecture s and demon s tration s were t he f ir s t priority so t hat they c ould appr eciate what th e ir dutie s were and why! The y were wa rn ed t ha t s leep was a lu x ury and sea -s ickn ess normal , but irrespective of personal feelings t he s hip had to be cleaned from bow to ste rn bet ween 9 and 10 every morning. They ce rtainl y found out what 'all hand s on deck meant - it included kn ees, forearms, bli ster s and co rn s! A rota sys te m e ns ur ed t hat eac h crew member spent three day s wo rkin g wit h th e Bo s un, the Eng in ee r a nd th e C hef. Each trainee had the opportunity to s tee r the s hip , act as lookouts and me sse n ge rs , a nd maintain the s hip' s log.

The first s tage of the cruise across the North Sea to Amsterdam requir ed th e use of the eng ine due to a la ck of wind Outings a nd s hore lea ve in that ci ty were very enjoyable. On the fourth day it was up anchor a nd a way to Delfzjil. On thi s leg sail s only were use d as the wind wa s favourable. However, yo u can gue ss what happ e ned ne xt. Ye s, for ce eig ht g ale s and t orrential rain. S uch condit ion s mak e sail handlin g di f fi c ult, rul es out the pos s ibility of slee p, and infli c ts many

bump s and bru ises. The days spent at Delfzji l were great fun and involved tal--ing part in a Maritim e Festival with a Dut c h training s hip.

The pa age from Holland to t he I Ie or Wight wa s rough and ha rd, but by now th e crew had learn ed to \\ork together whi ch resulted in a great of ac hievement on arrival in Cowes. For our three voyagers th e two weeks had been un forgettabl e. Fr iendships had been forged in adve r ity, suffe rin g and plea ur es hared, and al l t hr ee wou ld go again tomorrow if they had th e c han ce

Bursary for police sergeant

SERGEANT HOWARD HUGHES, who is st ation e d a t th e Bridgend H e3Jquane rs or the So uth Wa les Constabu lary. ha s been g r a nt ed th e S ir David Evans-Bevan Bursary,

which has been estab li s hed as a memorial to the life and work of Sir David for th e Priory for Wa les Th e objects of t he bur sar y are the advancement of education and resea r c h in the fi e ld of a mbulance work among peo ple res ident in Wal es a nd act ive ly associated with th e Priory for Wal es of th e Order of St John Sergea n t Hu g hes , who ha s bec:n an act ve member of the St John Ambul a nce s ince 196 8, ha s be e n a lay in s tru c tor sin ce 1978 a nd giv es fir st a id inst r u ct ion to poli ce ca det s Howard h as und e rtak e n a project to in crease hi s expertise in moun ta in fir s t aid. Hi s research wi ll last over the next year or so dur ing wh ic h tim e he will spe nd a month li a is ing with Dr l e uan Jon es, Accid e nt Offi cer at the C a nd A H os pi ta l Bangor, North Wales, who is co ns id e red an expe rt in the field of Moun ta in First Aid. H e will attend a course run b y D r Jon es a t he Nation a l Mount a in ee rin g Centre at Plas-yBrenin , No rth Wales, a nd also liai se with the RA F Resc ue Service at Valley , Anglesey. On completion of his r esearc h , H owa rd hopes to obtain t he Mountain First Aid Cert ifi cate a nd a far closer in s ight into he difficultie s of mountain first a id. H e will then be in a position to pass hi s knowledge on to the Mountain Rescue Team based in th e So uth Wale area and other organ isat ion who u e th e mountain of Wa les a a training base It will a lso be invaluabl e in t ra in ing police ca det s, with which he ha s been involved for the past e ight year. Sergeant H owa rd Hu g he s is a na ti ve of Li wynypia, Rh ondda, and live in St Brid es Major with his wife and two sons C lw yd

Hi sto ry ha s again repea ted it se lf at th e 1984 ' It 's a Kno ckout' competition for cadets in C lwy d. Fo ll owing the s ucce s of the compe titi on originally held in 1983 to celebrate the cadet jubilee in Wal e, a repeat

Entente Cordiale

T he Red Cross in Wales asked SJA Powys to join their 60th anniversary cele bration s of Red Cross Youth in Wales by sharing a stand in the Glamorgan PaVilion at the Royal Wel sh Show at Builth Wells. tL to R) Mrs Tudor Howell Powys Deputy Commissioner, Maj or J.G .D (Denny) Elvin Powys SJA Pro and Mr S. Shillitre , Dire ctor, Gwent Red Cross

eve nt was held at the Pla s Madoc Leisure Ce ntr e, Acrefair, near Wrexham on Dec 9. T eams compri.sed of 10 members with rhe cap t ain deciding on the appropriate 8 for eac h game. To ba lance the age g roup s of the team s, hi s yea r a ha ndi cap sysrem was introd uced to he lp teams composed of younger cadets.

The resu lt were: Cefn Mawr 'B' 47, 1st; Cefn Mawr 'A' 46, 2nd; Rh y l3 9, 3rd; Mold 37, 4th; Dyffryn C lwyd 37, 4th; Ruthin 37, 4th; Pen-V -Cae 35, 7th; Wrexham 31, 8th. The winner of th e be [joker wa s again PenY-Cae Divi sion.

The p ri zes were presented by the Commissioner for Clwyd, Ila jor D.J. Griffit h , as i ted by CSO (R) E.K. Rogers .

eynon Valley Cynon Valley SJA celebrated it 25th anniver ary recently with a very ucce ful

dance at rhe ame hotel, on the ame date, and with the ame dance secretary, Phylli s Harri son Roderi ck, as they held their first dance 25 years ago.

At the cadet annual in spection and award presentation, 200 hour dut y service hields were pre sente d to cadet Kathry n Jone and Ruth Earrey, both of Duffr yn Aman Divi ion.

Operation Druid A joint RAF / SJA ' Fire Sen ice e\erCll.e, which il1\ ohed a simulated collision ber\\een a pa senger aircraft and a plane, took place a r an RAF rarion in South Glamor ga n during September.

Casualtie comprised 10 SJA cadet and 2-t Air Corps cadet SJA member ar.d vehicle from all South Glamorgan involved in [he very ucce ful day Jf working-\\'ith-the -other- en'ice

OVERSEAS

Po lic e Se rgeant H oward Hugh es

An ambu lanc e, donated to SJA Barbados by N at ional H ead· quarte r s L o nd on, arrives in Bridgetown. (L to R Fire Officer McCarthy, driver; Cecil Bourne Director Association ; Le sl e Slater, cha rman of Co unc il; and George Gittens, Commissioner

News from Divisions/Centres

PARA-MEDIC?

'cheaply

rt e d to get nervous. When she wrote the cheque, I cancelled the Ii fe assurance poli cy ! Trainin g s tarted for m e one Wedne s d

morning. It was very light work at fir s t, th en the y turned the

Jumping off ramps to simulate a la ndin g to e ith er right, left, backward s or any combination of those put to get her (and believe me, there are a few!)

If you hink that's easy, run a nd jump off your kitchen ta bl e a few hundred times, and on la ndin g complete a roll over, run a round a field with 40 - 50 Ib s of par ac hute on yo u r back, deplo y it and recover it w ithou t being blown away.

Simulation ex it s we re also done on how to ge t o ut of the plane before the c hu te op e ned how to control i t on the way down, and e m ergency drill in the event of t h e chute n ot opening. Next day the problems s t arted, with a c ri cked n eck, se ize d jo int s an d plen ty o f brui s in g

The day arr ived with a telephone ca ll at som e unearthly hour te lli ng me to go to the a irpo rt ready for the jump You cou ld see th e wife's blood s hot eyes turn to £££s at the thou g ht of impending doom. All signed in, I was placed no. 5 in drop f i ve.

Soon after !) mch (not that I could eat any) we were l oaded into a minibu s and tr ansported, at a s peed fa s ter t h a n the Is la nde r plane we were to j ump from, to the airport. Ther e, lo oking like the Wizard of Oz, was Te d the dispatcher laughing at us.

This was w h ere the joking stopped and the panic set in. Parachut es donn e d, we were seated on the floor in o rd er of exit. flight to the drop was s h ort. Ted's face broke into a g rin as h e lo oked at o ur eight openmouth ed, shak in g features. Then a ll too quickly people started to va ni s h No.3 Andv did br eak the tension an d ca u se a a u gh by comp l eting th e exit cou nt of o n e thousand two thou sa nd three t h o usand check, before he had even left the plan e.

Touzeau (right) walks away after his parachute jump - without the aid of crutches

A cocked finger beckoned m e to the h o le in the si d e of the Is lander. I s lid forward and dangled my feet out of the door, only they didn't ha-n g down as in training but got sucke d bac kwards and out. We turned for the landing zone, Ted sa id 'cut!' andwhoops - [ fell o u of the p lane before I was supposed o H e lp !'

There was now nothing but the soun d of a ir w hi stl in g pa s t m y ears. Now J know why eag es soa r for h o ur s Peace was s hatt ered by a m egap hon e telling me to turn left or right and then prepare fo r landing Landing? That last half-inch breaks legs and things. Oh well, it ha s to end so metime

Ban g! Not a bad landi n g and yes, nothing br oken. I stood up and collected my chute, and i t was over, except for an oversized h ead and an unendin g top c of co n versa ti on. We watc hed the last group jump from t h e landing zone a nd then mo ve d

to go home 'Peter, said a voice, 'that per son in the field has brok en his ankle. You're in St John, can you help?'

As I [urned the corner I was confronted by the ambulance. A s one of the ambulancemen went to in ves tigate, I helped guide Ken and the ambulance. Being younger I took the bandages and carrying s h eet, va ul ted the wi r e fence and helped with treatment.

-

up he

the

from

Peter

How to catch and cure a cold

One way of catching a cold is to shake hands vith someone "'vho has already got one, to the review Family Circle. Also o touch an object which the afflicted person 1as touched previously can infect one by -.: ontagion. Certai n studies recently carried out show that dry surfaces which have been contaminated by the virus which causes the ·:ommon co ld are effective in spreading the ; nfection up to three hours after the initial r ontact. To avoid t he common cold wash the 'lands regular l y. If your cold causes r' ongestion or provokes a c ough, the review _r;'all1ily Circle suggests that to obtain relief '"I ne shou ld prepare a mixture of the juice of <\ lemon with honey in an eighth part of a ! itre of water (about a teacupful), using the : emon juice cold for a cough and hot for a stuffed -up nose.'

CLASSIFIED . 20 a word (min. £4.00); semi display £20

PS. Have they never heard oj Nelson's inhaler?

Rhinothermo is the name of an apparatus ' v hich, it is claimed, can cure catarrh by means of a series of jets of warm air, is affirme d in the review Science Features from Israel. Professor Aharon Yerushalmi and hi s c olleagues of the Institute Weizmann of '-: iencia, developed this instrument following princip le that the virus cannot live in high The Rhinothermo sq uirts jets ,f humid air at a temperature of 42 degrees c entigra de up the nostrils. This weakens the irus to the point where they can no longer eproduce and mul t iply, and, as a result, the .: y mptoms disappear. According to t he article 72 per ce nt 0 f the sufferers whu su bmitted to this treatment really did not cuffer the distressful symptoms when they we re examined a day after submitting to the treatment.' Of the 900 patients who were involved in this test there were some who experienced permanent relief with only one treatment of 30 minutes. The Rhinothermo has also been demonstrated as being efficacious in relieving the symptoms of certain a lle rgies.

Nobody missed him Recently, many Germans were scandalized when the newspapers revealed that an old pensioner, born 1907, was fo und dead in hi s apartment in a house in Munich after he had lain there for seven years' ' The social behaviour of the people of the world in which he lived is beyond a ll understanding ,' the police commented, manifestly perplexed by the fact hat s u ch a lon g t im e had pas sed before the discovery of the corpse of [he pensioner. The Suddeutsche Zeilung, a Munich newspaper, said: 'While it is necessary to have newspaper headlines lik e this to shock us , our horror shows itself a s nothing more than an insignificant reaction which does not lead on to any r eal consequence or impulse to effect a change. Let us not deceive ourselves; it co uld we be the case that during the coming week it will be n ecessary to publish again, on this ver y page, details of another similar incident. While such a pos s ibility exists, we have to attack this problem of lonely isolation of th e individual. How cou ld seven years h ave passed without the body being di covered? Let us show interest in the many per ons who live in our surrounding s who, in like manner can so easily be forgotten or ig nored.'

(7). 12. To be g i ven by mouth in poor alimentation. (4). 13. Ten engu l fed in ale in part of the vehicle (4). 14. Palindromic principle (5) .16 A training task to exert body to improve fitness. (8). 18 Ju s t about 50 develops inate ability in an art. (5). 20. Old physician s a worm (5). 21. Veins which are incompetent. (8).23. Mildly-antisepti c, condiment herb. (5). 25. Impe t uous accompanimen t of several di ease of childhood. (4). 27. Not a genuine covering for a bed. (4). 29 Structure which is often pierced. (3.4). 30. Hi g h-ranking practitioner of medicine? (7). 31. Labe ll ed drug with radioactive sub tance to loca te site of action. (6). 32. Carrying developing child. (8).

Down:

1. Full stop for time of menstruation. (6).2. Tranquilliser (4-7.4). 3. An aromatic lozen ge in perfect condition? (4). 4. Rec ess in the pelvi of the kidney (5). 6. Modify to fit a girl with pint. (5). 7 Ha Monda y cheers for St Vitus' dance. (9.6). 8. Examiner of take year concerned with hearing. (8). 9. Pinna and external me2.tu s. (5.3). IS. Searched heart for inner s id e of th e foot. (4). 17. Turned back the eyelid. (8).18. Part of anatomy lost when humiliated. (4). 19 Bilater al pes planus. (4.4). 22. Worn to protect against illness and evil. (6). 24 Ca ll up spirits. (5). 26. Sweet carbohydrate. (5). 28. Guns return ed in part of inn. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.1 (85)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.2 (85) by A. A. Potter

Across: I. Where drugs are dispensed by army chap. (8). 5. Sick feeling. (6). 10. Detachment likely to restrict vision. (7). 11. Without assistance.

Across: 1. Oppose; 4. Pro' state; 9. Noodle; 10. Hypopyon; 12. MO'an; 13 Veto; 14. Tr u ss; 16. Nostril; 17. Dope; 19; A'i'd; 22. Spit; 23. Urinary; 26. O'live; 28. Rout; 29. Diet; 31. Systemic; 32. Spr'out; 33 Prenatal; 34. Stress.

Down: 1. Ointment; 2. Prolapse; 3. Sa l k; 5. Raymond du Puy; 6. Stout; 7. AmY'lum; 8. Eonis'm; 11. Sella t u rcica; 15. Drip; 18. Pain; 20. Varicose; 21. Cystitis; 24. Gossip; 25. T·is·sue; 27. Enema; 30. Spot.

MENS & WOMENS

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TROUSERS £9.00, SKIRTS £9.00, TUNICS £11.00, GREATCOATS £16.00, GANNEX COATS £16.00, NEW WHITE SHIRTS £7.00, (with epaulettes and two front pockets")

Ladies black uniform shoes (leather uppers)

sizes 4 Y2 to 7. £8.00. BLACK COMMANDO PULLOVERS (with elbow & shoulder patches) 36" to 40 " chest £13.00, 42" to 46 " chest £14.00 REVERSIBLE TRAFFIC JACKET, black yellow ex-police, sizes 40" to 46 " chest £ 12.00 BLANKETS , ex-Army, dark colour"s. Size approx. 80" x 60", good weight £5.00. White , double size £7.50

MANY HUNDREDS ALREAD Y SUPPLIED TO THE BRIGADE

All callers welcome Mon to Fri 8 am till 4pm, closed 1 to 2 pm.

Please send cash with order, plus £1 00 p&p for anyone garment, plus 25p per extra garment. Goods also sent COD if required NAME & ADDRESS IN BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE Money refunded for goods unsatisfactory NOW OPEN SATURDAYS 9 30-12 noon BARGAIN SUPPLIERS

22 ENSIGN STREET, LONDON E1 8JF Telephone 01-480 5374

EASIBINDER

Quick, neat and easy ! NOW REDUCED IN PRIC It 's so easy and tidy with th e Easibind binder to file your John R ev i ews. Eac h binder is designed to hold 12 iss u es and s attractively bound with a r ej grained cover, go ld blocked wit h the St John Review logo. Eac h issue is sec ur e ly h eld in t he bind er.

Price UK Was £4 .95. Now £3.5 \). No extra charge for postage ard packing if cash sent with orde " Overseas add 60p. Alternative y order on a supplies order for l. Quote product code P 1999 L Pl ease allow 3 weeks for U K delivery.

Why not order now?

Remittanc e payab l e to Tr e Order of St John to The Ord ( r of St John, Supplie Dep, Priory House, St John' Lan ! , London EC 1M 4DA (Telephol e 01-253-6644).

,

Pilcher-Greene has now added the wide bodied Freight Rover Sherpa 310 ambulance three yersions - welfare, sitting and front hne - to Its range of conversions which already includes Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen and Bedford variants as well as four wheel drive ambulances on Land Rover One Ten and Range Rover chassis. Optional interiors are available to clients' specification.

Formed in 1925 to fulfil the increasing demand for emergency service vehicles, Pilcher-Greene pioneereCJ the development of specialist mobiles. Today Pilcher-Greene continues this lead with the building and conversion of all types of vehicles from the smallest cross country ambulance or fire fighting appliance to the largest mobile operating theatre. Pilcher-Greene vehicles are designed for demanding situations throughout the world - in difficult terrains and varying climates.

ST JOHN EVIEW

Revievv Price

from the Chairman of the Review Board

Services p.51

Make an exhibition of yourself, by Chris

Readers

Casualty

News

IT IS regretted that due to various increases in costs (t he price of paper increased three times during 1984) and a fall in circulation in line with the los s of Brigade members in the UK, the SI John Re v iew made a much larger loss than usual during 1984. The Order makes up any annual loss and the duty of the Review Board is to see that the loss is as small as possible. At the Board's meeting in January it was decided that the price of the Review (which has been held since Sept 198319 months) must be increased by lOp. Therefore from this issue the cover price will be 65p a copy, £10 a year postal subscription in the UK, £12 a year overseas (seamail) subscription. The special rate for bulk orders to one addressee in the UK will be 62p a copy including postage. In the case of distribution to divisions , etc, through County offices, who are invoiced half yearly, this increase will not apply until the July 1985 issue. We can assure readers that every endeavour is made to keep costs to a minimum. After all printing and distribution costs, the only other expense is for the editing and management of the Review

This very professional task is undertaken by one person, working on a part-time basis, from his own home in Suffolk, keeping overheads to a real minimum.

Remember the Re v ie w is the only source of communication from the Orqer, Association, Brigade and Hospital to all devoted to St John, nationally and internationally.

We'd like your opinion

WITH this issue of your Review is a Readership Survey questionnaire and a free post facility for its return.

The problem of living and working closely with a magazine is that at times it is difficult to step back and take a clear, objective view of yourself and what you are producing for the reader. Which is why we'd like your help. We want to know what you think about the R eview, what you like, dislike, would like to see more or less of.

It is yo ur magazine and we are influenced by what you think. So please do fill in that questionnaire and return it to us as soon as possible. So that we can produce a better magazine for you The Editor

St John Ambulance

1984 SAW the greatest achievement of the Air Wing since its formation in 1972. The Control Centre at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, received exactly twice as many requests for the movement of teams, organs, patients and blood as in 1983.

Ninety one missions were completed, more than in any previous year and a 93.6070 increase over 1983 (47). Almost twice (96.1 %) the total flying distance was covered in an increase of 81.4% in the total flying hours, while fifty-three different pilots were involved as compared with only thirty-one in the previous twelve months.

AIRWING

Mercy flights nearly doubled in 1984, making this the busiest year so far for the Wing

The most significant increase was in the transportation of surgical teams from Harefield and Papworth Hospitals Our aircraft were involved in forty-three such missions (only sixteen in 1983). The Liver Centres at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, and Queen Elizabeth II at Birmingham, provided us with twenty

another volunteer who has completed 54 flights (26 in 1984).

(Photo Sunday Mirrorl

missions (again double that in 1983). II is encouraging to note that the movement of donor kidneys also showed a marked increase.

It is obvious that the recent nation al campaign for donors, greatly assisted by th e publicity given to transplantation by Esther Ran tz en's programme That's Life, has provided very much more donors and it is hoped that this increase will continue.

The Air Wing now has access to sever al fast, long-range aircraft which have enabled us to take surgical teams to any part of Western Europe and greatly increased the distances which can be covered within the very limited 'storage life' of hearts and live rs.

This year has also seen the development in surgical practice to allow a few 'donor liver s' to be transported without the need for the se surgical teams, which should allow smaller and less expensive aircraft to be used in the future.

The links between our pilots and controllers and our colleagues at the United Kingdom Transport Centre have been strengthened by both attending the periodic meetings at South mead Hospital and St Margaret's Hospital, while professional and social contacts between Air Wing member s and the hospital Transplan t Co-ordinator s have greatly improved their appreciation of

the problems which occur in the expeditious handling of emergency missions.

The team of controllers remains fairly constant despite the loss of Ted and Pat Stockdale. Two new controllers have joined the team - Mr J. Tompkins (formerly Chief Executive of Epping Forest District Council) and Mr R. Crawford (recently retired from the Civil Aviation Authority). Two further controllers will commence training in the new year.

Once again, Mrs Betty Bowman topped the controllers' Mission League in 1984 with twenty-nine missions, while our newcomer John Tompkins has been fortunate to get twenty-five missions in his first year!

The Control Centre was manned physically for 24] 6 hours (1296 in 1983). The remainder of the time controllers covered their duty 'on call' at home.

Sq Ldr Pat Pattison has continued to maintain a wonderful team of pilots throughout the British Isles; men and women who are prepared at any time to drop whatever they are doing to respond to the call from the Duty Controller. Frequently they fly off in appalling weather conditions to provide the essential transport needed to save or improve the life of others. Our sincere thanks go out to them.

In conclusion it is hoped that the demand for our services will be sustained in 1985, although it is difficult to envisage such a great Increase in our work continuing at the present momentum.

Patrick C. Bowen

Senior Fligh/ Con/roller

LAST YEAR, 1984, saw an increasing use of our services to a final total of 76] operations, with the main increase being in repatriations by scheduled flights, which now represent 39.42% of all operations. Chartered flights and road ambulance only have also increased, but only slightly. Air ambulance operCl:tions are down on last year, reflecting the marked increases in aircraft operating costs, but revised overhead charges for 1985 will make us more competitive in this field and should help redress the balance a little.

Our work continues to encompass all types of illness and injury, but again the incidence of psychiatric cases is on the rise. It still continues to amaze us how many people travel abroad without adequate medical insurance. With the high cost of medical repatriation today, this can only result in financial stress [0 many patients and their near relatives.

Undoubtedly our most dramatic case during the year concerned six Hong Kong Chinese crew members of a vessel hit by an Exocet missile in the Arabian Gulf. They were suffering mainly from burns, and were to be repatriated to Hong Kong Since the use of a British aircraft and crew would create delays obtaining access, a neutral Swiss aircraft and medical staff were chartered, and even so it must be the first time we have had to coordinate a fighter escort for an air ambulance. The mission was further complicated by one

crew member being pronounced unfit to travel when the original air ambulance arrived, which necessitated an additional flight several days later for this one remaining patient to be picked up and flown to Hong Kong. To cap the complications, one of the Swiss relief pilots caught food poisoning in Hong Kong and came home strapped to a stretcher in his own aircraft, resulting in a spell of six weeks off-duty.

All of our work would not be possible without the time and skill donated so freely by our flying doctors and nurses, and our ambulance dri ve rs who wait patiently at all hours for the return of an ambulance aircraft. Those who replenish and service our Aeromedical equipment at the airfields must also be mentioned, as indeed mu st the operations room staff who put in working hours that stretch long beyond any commercial consideration. It would be very fitting to also pay tribute to the magnificent cooperation we get from the Air Transport Operator s from whom we charter our ambulance aircraft.

Our final word of thanks must go to Group Captain George Baxter , who suddenly retired as Director of Aeromedical Services at the end of last August with the pressures of work taking toll of his health. He subsequently had a spell in hospital, so we hope he will be restored to f ull health in 1985.

St John AEROMEDICAL SERVICES

Your Division and Public Relations

IT WAS THE depressing but true findings of the MORl poll, coupled with the general apathy towards the continual loss of active members, that persuaded me to put into effect some of the ideas that I and others in Bromley Division had about publicity. Let me admit at the start that I have no professional PR qualifications, but I am an active ambulance member who meets a wide crosssection of the public. I know what St John Ambulance can offer and hear what the public wants. The need is to bring the two together. My only rule is to make sure that everything to do with publicity is done as well as possible, because bad publicity is worse than no publicity at all.

The first thing was to make sure that the Division used every opportunity to promote itself. The obvious time to do this is on duty. Some leaflets and handouts were prepared and printed. It is important that these feature the name of the Division prominently to give a local flavour, and we also used the catchphrase 'Would You Know What To DoT, which could be used with any poster or picture showing a casualty. On duty a small display was arranged next to the first aid post which showed (if possible) something related to the event being covered. For instance, at an autocross there would be material about road accidents. To appeal to children - and, of course, their parents -a resusci-baby dressed in a Mothercare babygrow has been very useful in attracting crowds.

The second stage of our plan was to promote our activities (and ideas) in the local papers. In the Bromley area there are four large circulation local papers and several free sheets. RemeQ1 ber that the press will be more likely to print something that is interesting and topical. It should also be reasonably well written and neatly presented. A story along the lines of 'Help, we need new members because the ones we've got are getting past it' is not going to make a good impression!

Be positive, stress the benefits, frighten the public with figures for accidents in the home, follow up national stories (eg, M25 fog crash), encourage the public to want to come to you. Any story appearing in the local press should have a contact point, so that when you've whetted the appetite people can follow it up without going to the trouble of wading through telephone directories - make it easy.

To interest the press I invited a local reporter to come on duty with us for a day. The duty was carefully selected to give as good a chance as possible of making a story and with a reasonable chance of there being casualties to treat. I chose an autocross meeting and as a result we had a full page feature with six photographs in a local paper with a circulation of 250,000 - free! I doubt if we would have got that if we'd taken the reporter to a local church bazaar.

Having made contact with the presskeep it. Ring the reporters you have met if something is coming up like a public first aid

Make an exhibition of yourself and get them in the Club!

CHRIS BATTEN, an ambulance member of

has been successfully trying out some new publicity ideas. Could they help your Division?

The Mayor of Bromley and Roberta Hanna, divisiona l officer of Broml ey Division Be sure some of your equipment is in the picture.

course and ask if they are interested in the story or if they'd like to come on the course as a guest. If you show a bit of imagination, you'll be amazed at the free publicity your Division can get.

Photographs also help get stories in the local press. If you know a photographer is calling on you make sure there is a good picture to take. Demonstrating the resuscibaby is useful and try to involve children (they can learn first aid too) We are also fortunate in Bromley in having an attractive Divisional Officer - sexist I know, but it works!

Having started the publicity machine, it is important to monitor how effective your efforts are. Listen to what the public say when you are on duty or holding a display. If they phone you ask what it is they want - not what you are prepared to give them 'take it or leave it' - and see if you can help Find out what their impression of St John is. Warning - the results are likely to shock you! Most seem to think that all we do is sit in the back of cinemas or on the touchline at football matches However, being positive, we used this mis-information and wrote a series of artjcles entitled 'St John - Not all Slings and Bandages' which started off:

'What's your impression of St John Ambulance? Little old nurses with starched aprons and white gloves? Solemn looking old ambulancemen with danglin g waterbottles? Nothing could be further from the truth. The enthusiastic member s of Bromley Division have a bang up-todate outlook and attitude designed to meet the challenges of today'

A photograph of our Divisional Offic er and the article appeared prominently in all our local papers. The result? 46 people turned up for a public first aid course with enquiries from a further 25.

The next thing we found was that the re wa s a demand to learn about first aid from a significant number of people who could not attend or did not want the 10-week course held in the evenings. Young parents in particular wanted a short session on ba sic first aid. To meet this demand Bromley Division arranged for a series of two-hour talks to be given on Saturday mornings covering the essential life-saving techniques The Mayor of Bromley agreed to launch the programme (and this alone guaranteed loc al press coverage). Twenty-five people attended the first talk in bad weather and most have now indicated that they want to learn more.

It was this continual demand from the public to 'learn more, but I'm not prepared to join St John' that prompted our next idea _ The Bromley SI John Club. Our original concept was a s uppor te rs' club which could assist in our fund rai s ing initiatives. However, I was also being asked, especially by t ho se who had taken a first aid at work course, if St John Ambulance provided the opportunity to learn more practical first aid. Clearly there was a chance to develop here, so the Bromley St John aimed at anyone interested in our activities. Some handout s, with a tear-off s lip at the bottom, were produced and given to everyone attending public courses, with our genera l leaflet at displays and to anyone enquiring by telephone. The response, a membership of over 50 in the first two months, has been very encourag in g. Without the club they wou ld not be in contact with St John and who knows, some may be motivated to join. A regular newsletter is produced which details all the forthcoming training evenings and talks, as well as our socia l events, such as meals out. St John Club members are encouraged to come along at any time and there is now hardly a Divisional training evening when a club member doesn't turn up to see what we offer. Club members have also proved useful in distributing leaflets and fund raising campaigns, such as providing bottles for a bottle stall at our Christmas Bazaar. However, to be successful with publicity, a Division must be able to back it up with interesting, well prepared training evenings and efficient and effective first aid coverage of duties The exciting thing about a campaign of the type we are mounting i that you never know who is going to turn up to see you ] also think that our publicity drive has helped our ordinary members in a personal way, as it makes them feel part of someth ing that is worth while and proud to say they are from Bromley Division

Some may think there is nothing new in these ideas. Perhaps there isn't - but I would point out this is the effort of a Division not of an Area or County. I admit I pinch other peop le's ideas, provided I think they can help the Division. Equally, if any Division wants to try the ideas we have used, I would be delighted to help in any way that I can.

Perhaps you would like to see our leaflets, posters and newsletter or know how to start yo ur own St John Club? If so, give me a ring on our Bromley Information Line (see, we don't miss any opportunity to promote it!) on 01-697 6068.

I hope this gives you some food for thought. There is nothing particularly special about Bromley Division, apart from being determined to promote ourselves successfully. and at every opportunity, and being realistic and commercial enough to try and give the public what they want. That's all.

HQ's Director of Public Affairs, Richard Radcliffe, writes: Chris Batten is keeping in close touch with National Headquarters concerning the above idea, which we think

Bromley

St

John CLUB

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FiRST AID - BUT HAVE LIMfTED FREE TiME?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP SI JOHN AMBULANCE - BUT DO NOT WISH TO BE AFULL MEMBER? IS MONDAY NIGHT DIFFICULT OR TRAVELLING TO BROMLEY AWKWARD FOR YOU?

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN OUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES?

THEN WHY NOT JOIN THE BROMLEY St JOHN CLUB?

St John Ambulance Bromley has recognised that a number of people in the area are keen to learn more about first aid, but really cannot commit themselves to regularly attending o ur training evenings at Stepping Stones, 38 Masons HiJJ, Bromley (Mondays at 8.00 pm) or to going on the various duties we undertake in the Bromley a rea providing on the spot first aid cover. Others have expressed a desire to assist St John Bromley but in ways other than first aid - such as assisting on our Flag Day This interest is lOO valuable to los e and so we have sel up the Bromley St John Club.

Anyone can join, and all members will receive a regular newsletter keeping them informed of what St John Bromley has been doing and details of forthcoming events, both related to first aid and social, which all Bromley St John Club members will be welcome to atlend.

There will also be the opportunity for members to practise first aid Perhaps yo u are a first-aider at work but would like to have another go at putting a sling on or at resuscitation. Or maybe you have come across an incident that you were not sure what to do about. Well we have the facilities and expertise to help

We are also always looking for people willing to help with our various promotional and f und raising events. Maybe you have the right contacts or experience.

Membership is FREE so you have nothing to lose - and you could learn a great deal.

To : Roberta Hanna, Divisional Officer, St John Bromley, 18 Bishops Green, Upper Park Road, Bromley.

Please send me details of BROMLEY St JOHN CLUB

Name: Address:

Tel: St John Ambulance Bromley

is excellent. It is also remarkably easy to start and of immense practical use. If every Division started a club and did as well as Bromley, over 150,000 people would have Bromley Div sion s leaflet

come to see what St John is all about. I f you do start a club please let either Chris or myself know so that we can all keep track of how it is going.

Bromley Division,

ORDER AWARDS

Life Saving Medal in Silver

Mr Randolph Erikson, PuLp Cutter, of Ontario, Priory of Canada.

IN THE AFTERNOON of January 30 1983, Mr Erikson was travelling north on High way 105 near Vennilion Bay, Ontario when he arrived at the scene of a car-truck collision which had left both vehicles in flames. He could hear screaming coming from the car and managed to pull open the rear door He saw a boy lying on the floor and dragged him to safety, about 20 feet away. He then returned to the car and pulled another boy out of the flames, but when he returned a third time the flames and heat were roo intense to get near. By this time his companion, who had gone for help, returned in his car and together they placed the two boys in the car. It was only then that Mr Erikson realised that his hands were burned, and his forehead and hair scorched. Of the six people involved in the collision, only the two boys survived.

Life Saving Medal in Bronze

Area Staff Officer Maurice Carter, Eastern Area Staff, Essex.

On July 5 1983 Mr Carter was driving behind a car which became involved in a multiple road accident of two lorries and three cars. The vehicle ahead of Mr Carter turned over completely and he found one occupant, hanging upside down in her seat belt, bleeding very heavily deep head cuts and one ear almost severed. Petrol was pouring from the car, but without regard for his own safety Mr Carter crawled in and cut the seat belt, calmed and reassured the casualty while he removed her from the wreck. He then stopped the severe bleeding and prepared her for the ambulance to take her to hospital. Meanwhile he looked after the other occupants of the car - two children, while their father went to hospital with his wife.

Labourer; of Mistawasis Indian

Reserve, Saskatchewan, Priory of Canada.

On the afternoon of January 31 1983

Mr Daniels was returning to a woodworking shop about 300 yards from his home when he noticed smoke pouring out of the basement window of his house. On running inside, he was told by the babysitter that his two grandchildren, Joanne aged 3, and Clayton aged 3 Y2 were trapped in the basement. As it was impossible to get down into the basement by the inside stairs because of smoke and flames, he rushed outside and broke one of the basement windows, crawled in and felt around in the smoke for the children. He managed to find Clayton and passed him out of the window to safety before he was forced to crawl out himself, unable to breathe because of the intense fire and smoke. At this point Mr Johnstone crawled through the window and tried to locate Joanne, but was forced out again for air. Then, putting a cloth over his mouth, he crawled in a second time to search but was again overcome by smoke, to be forced out before finding the child. Finally, M r Pechawis squeezed in through the window and on his second attempt he found Joanne and passed her to safety. Both children survived their ordeal.

Mr Peter William Melhopt, Superintendent, Timaru Central Ambulance Division, New Zealand

On the night of April 28 1983 a fire started in the engine room of the ship Coastal Trader and a 73-year-old crew member collapsed and became very ill.

A tug set out from Timaru to help the Coastal Trader into harbour and Mr Melhopt was on board. The weather conditions were particularly severe and Mr Melhopt, suffering from sea sickness and with great courage, climbed a ropeladder 30 feet up the side of the Coastal Trader car rying a burns pack, oxygen, scoop stretcher and first aid kit. Unfortunately, when he arrived on board he found that the seaman had died and he was unable to revive him.

Mr John Alexander Hamilton, and Corporal James John Joseph Rouse of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Inuvik, Priory of Canada.

On the afternoon of July 20 1983, Mr Hamilton and two friends were in a motor boat on the MacKenzie River

when they heard people shouting from the bank that a truck which was completely s ubmerged in the river contained two children. Without hesitation Mr Hamilton dived into the fast moving, cold, muddy water to search for the vehicle. After about five attempts he located the truck and entered its cab from the passenger side, but could not find anyone, After divin g severa l more times on the driver's side he found one of the children , pulled her out and standing on the roof of the truck administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until she revived. His friends took her to the shore in his boat while he tried to locate the second child. Meanwhile Corporal Rouse had arrived on the scene. Mr Hamilton was h avi n g difficulty in locating the truck again in the muddy water, so Corporal Rou se dived into the river and eventually found a two-year-old boy floating against the roof in the back of the truck. He hauled the child to the surface to give him mouth -to-mo uth resuscitation on the roof of the ve hicle The boy was taken ashore by boat, and Co rporal Rouse and the ambulance attendant continued CPR on route to hospital. Both children subsequently recovered with no ill effects.

Jason Troy Kraiger, schoolboy, Saskatchewan, Priory of Canada

On the morning of July 31 1983 , a twoyear-old boy , Dustin Lee Dal zie l, had fallen down a sewer hole on a farm near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. The diameter of the c ul ve rt was only 12 inches, which prevented access to the hole by anyone present except his 8-year-old cousin, Jason Kraiger. When the attempts of the adults to go down failed, Jason was asked if he would try, but he was afraid, and when some of the adults became hysterical and tried to force him to, he was so terrifi ed that he finished up with a bleeding nose and cut forehead while trying to pull back out of the hole. However, Jason's aunt explained that he might save Dustin's life if he tried again, and he agreed, if his uncle held his legs. Back down the culvert he managed to search under the water and grab Dustin's arm, while his uncle and a friend pulled them both out of the sewer. Sadly Dustin did not survive.

Mr Jon Warwick Tilley, Staff Sergeant, Opotiki Combined Division, New Zealand

On ] une 26 1984 a helicopter on a hunting expedition hit a power cable and crashed into the Waioeka River, the pilot escaping with minor injuries, but another man was trapped in the wreckage under the water. Mr Tilley, who was a lso hunting nearby, dived into the icy, fast flowing river and recovered the body from the wrecked plane in spite of the problem caused by deer recovery nets in the cockpit. Unfortunately, the attempts to revive the man failed.

Certificate of Honour

Nursing Member Sandra Newnes, Area Pool, Liverpool, Merseyside

One evening in February 1981 N /M Sandra Newnes was on duty at a football match when a young man was attacked by rival supporters and received severe laceration s to hi s righ eye, face, neck and ear. Disregarding her own safety and keeping very calm, she rescued him from the hostile crow d and took him to t he First Aid Post where she applied emergency dressing s to his wounds and t hen escorted him to hospital. He was in intensive care for two da ys and Sandra th e trouble to vis it him at her own expense so that she could inform his parents of progress. The visits went on for two weeks, w hen he had recovered.

Divisional Superintendent Mrs Jean Shields, Strabane A / N Division, No rthern lreland

Just before 10 o'clock on November 4 1983 Divisional Superintendent Mrs Jean Shields was at home when a bomb we nt off, destroying the public house down the road and damaging many houses. She went to the scene and disregarding her own safety, hel ped to get the injured out of the public hou se, alt hough there may have been more bombs inside. She worked continuously for four hour s, giving first aid for fractu res , h aemo rrhage s and wounds, comforting those suffering from shock and finding accommodation for the homeless, until everyone had been looked after.

ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Meritorious First Aid Certificate

Pc S. Feather, West Yorks Police

Mr Alan Walton, Newcastle

Pc Cowey, Durham Constabu lary

Pc Hammond, Durham Constabulary

Mr R. S. Griffin, Suffolk

Dc P. O'Keefe, West Yorks Police

Pc G. Stephenson, West Yorks Police

Mr Philip Robinson, Durham

Pc David Walker, Lanes Constabulary

Mrs J. R. Cummings, Dorset

Mr C. J. Clark, Dorset

Police Sgt R. B. Sumner, Lanes Constabulary

Mrs Jane Nuttall, Staffs

Pc Ross McGhie, West Yorks Police

Pc Michael Naughton, Cheshire

Constabulary

Pc Ronald Billows, Cheshire

Constabulary

Pc Philip Shaw, Cheshire Constabulary

Mr Michael O'Connor, Cardiff

Pc G. Turner, Staffs Police

Mr Bryan Perrin, Staffs

Dc Martin Jordan, Wes t York s Police

Miss Elizabeth Haigh, West Yorks

Mr Dennis Vowles, Cumbria

BRIGADE AWARDS

Meritorious Service Certificate

Nursing Member Thelma Angela Stockwell, Cobham Nursing Division, Surrey

,Letter of Commendation

Ambulance Cadet Steven Turner , St Gregory's Biddenham A / N / C Divi sion, Bed fords hire

Ambulance Cadet Jess Ashpole, Bedford Town A / C Division Bedfordshire

Cadet Corporal Amanda Smoker, Hemel Hempstead Cadet Division, Hertfordshire

Division Secretary Timothy John Carswell, Torqua y Ambulance Di vision, Devon

Nursing Member Debra Morrisey, Norton

Combined A / N Divi sio n, Cleveland

Ambulance Member Stephen Ide, Exmouth Ambulance Division , Devon

Ambulance Member Julian Vincent Ward, Crawley Ambulance Division, Sussex

Ambulance Member Roy Hayes , Crawley Ambulance Division, Sussex

Ambulance Member Jogi Chana, Crowhill Ambulance Division , Devon

Divisional Superintendent John Hurst , Mere and Longton Division, Staffordshire

Nursing Member Dorothy Mantle, Longton

Nursing Division Staffordshire

Ambulance Member Roger John Tomlin , City of Albans Ambulance Division , Hertfordshire

Divisional Superintendent Leonard Clempson, Tamworth Combined Division, Staffordshire

Nursing Member Kathleen Watson, Speke

Nursing Division, Merseyside

HANTS

Also there were the

of Gosport and Havant , and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The parade was inspected by the Superintendent-in-Chief, Lady Westbury and the Mayor of Havant, accompanied by the County Commissioner, Mr R. Ehlen and Area Commissioner Mrs G, Peart.

Mr Ivan Antione Daniels, Farmer and Labourer; Mr Vern Archie Johnstone, Labourer; Mr Harvey Oliver Pechawis,

(Above) The Mayor of Havant Mr Ken Moss at the inspection And (below) receiving a p laque from D Supt Ray O Neill , or Havant Quadr lateral Divis on, (Photo: Portsmouth Newspapers )

MORE NEW YEAR HONOURS

Dr Basil Gilbert, Oldham District Medical Officer, was awarded the OBE. He is President of Oldham St John Ambulance Centre.

Mr Leslie Pateman, of Torquay, awarded a MBE for his services to the Royal Air Force Association, is president of St John Ambulance in Torquay.

Mr Frank Howard, who received a BEM for his work as a parish councillor in Mansfield, is a member of St John Ambulance.

WHO'LL RUN FOR SJ?

Every year the city of Lincoln organises a half-marathon for charity and St John has been chosen as the beneficiary for this year's event. The run, sponsored by the Lincolnshire Echo, is on April 14. There should be 5000 runners and 10ts of prizes.

Would you like to ent e r? So far the entry from furthest away is from the r"sle of Man. Can anyone beat that for St John? If you would like to take part, the entry closing date is March 20. Just phone Lincoln 46130, or write St John Ambulance, The Cardinal's Hat, 268 High St, Lincoln, LN2 lJG for details.

UNDER COVER WORK

Neil Tucker, PRO Guernsey, writes: GUERNSEY'S Commander, Mr Harold Touzeau, was invited by the LieutenantGo vern or of the isla nd to present a deputy pre si dent's badge to Lady Ie Cheminant at Government House The Lt-Governor told Mr Touzeau that he could only spare a few minutes for the presentation , so he had to be there at 6.10 sharp.

The unsuspecting Commander arrived on time and was

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOH N

WHO'S THIS?

the Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Ie Cheminant, was waiting with Lady Ie Cheminant. He was rather s urpri sed to find the Chief Commander, Major General Peter Leuchars, ther e and greeted him with an extremely formal 'What on earth are you doing here? '

The Chief Commander said he was a personal friend of the Governor and invited

SURPRISE FOR

Mr Touzeau to make the presenta tion Afterwards , Mr Touzeau was asked int o an adjacent room for a drink, and as he entered the room he was con fronted by a lar ge gathering of family and friends who where there to see him receive a special ve ll um for 50 years' service in the Brigade.

All present had been sworn to secrecy 10 ensure the surprise nature of the party an d

(Left) The letter from the Grand Prior whi cl greeted Mr Touzeau at his surprise And (bel ow) those involved in the party (L to R Th e Bailiff of Guernsey , Sir Charles Frossard Lad) Frossard; Major General Peter Leuchars: La dy Ii Cheminant; Mr Touzeau Lt - Governo r 01 Guernsey, Sir Peter Ie Cheminant; and M Touzeau (Photo: Guernsey Press

BY THE EDITOR

these even included the Comman der's wife, Mr s Anne Touzeau, and the Bailiff of Gu ernsey, Sir Charles Frossard, who is Pre sident of St John in Guernsey.

When Mr Touzeau had regained his compo sure, he was presented with a special vellum by t he Chief Commander, 'I n r ecognition 'Of 50 years' selfless and devoted service to the cause and ideals of St John Ambul ance.

Major Gen Leuchars remarked that it was 50 years ago to the day that Mr Touzeau had joined St John, adding, 'It was only three da ys before Christmas and if that's not ded ication for you, then I don't know what is! Mr Touzeau also received a letter from the Grand Prior, personally signed by HRH the Duke of Gloucester congratulating him on his achievement. (See photo page 56)

Mr Touzeau is one of the small number of St John members in the British Isles to have served in the Brigade while under enemy oc cupation, and was particularly active in hel ping with the distribution of Red Cross par ce ls during Guernsey's occup at ion during the last war. He was made a superintendent in 1950 and three years later realised his amb it ion to work closely with ca dets as a cad et officer. He was appointed Co mmissioner for the Bailiwick of Guernsey

TIMAR U, New Zealand, Cadet Division, which was formed in 1936, sent us the foll owing facts about themselves, SJA's centenary in the country and details of comm emorative stamps that are (were) av ai labl e.

Greetin gs, in this the centenary year of St John in New Zealand.

As part of our Divisional Centennial celebration s we have taken the opportunity of sending you this souvenir first day cover, with our compliments.

Forma l St John involvement began in Timaru in 1913 after a serious accident in' the railway yards. It was decided to provide a uniformed body of men to assist with first aid in the event of accidents. This was conducted under the authority of the Railwa ys Department. A wheeled litter was purcha sed to convey sick and inj ured to ho spita l. First aid haver sacks and stretchers were also pla ce d strategically throughout the borough, Later, a taxi replaced the litter as an ambulance conveyance. Timaru obtained a motorised ambulance vehicle in 19 16, the first in Canterbury.

Timaru St John members gave valuable service during the Great War by raising

SJA London twins John and Bill Butler who rece ived their medals for 15 years service last October. John (right) is Divisional Secretary of 380 Central Croydon Division, South -West Area and Bill was until recently memberin-charge of 340 Beckenham Division SouthEastern Area

A lucky

in 1973, and ten years later became Commander.

After thanking the guests for attending the surprise party, he had time to reflect on his 50 years' work, and also to wonder why he hadn't suspected something strange when he arrived at Government House for a small presentation and noticed an unusual number of cars in th€ car park!

BEVERLEY BEATS ODDS

TWENTY -FOUR- YEAR-OLD Beverley Rooke is severely physically handicapped. She relies on a wheelchair for getting around and has difficulty speaking clearly. But that hasn't stopped her from going camping and rambling in the Derbyshire Dales, completing a dt:tailed study of wild flowers, selling flags for charity in Tamworth and taking up needlework as a hobby.

with

For these are just some of the activities which have helped Beverley succeed in one of the biggest

challenges of her

obtaining the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Which she took through

a

but especially for Beverley who has also had to

PARTY TIME

TO LONDON

NEW UNIT

of the

Ambulance, and one of a team who

helped Beverley get the award.

'Great fun' is the way Beverley sums up the year's hard work which has led to her being presented with the

'I want what I have done to encourag e other handicapped people to do the award, she said.

Beverley is a member of the local St John Ambulance Helping Hands group, which won the SJA Welfare Cup in 1983. It was with the help of her friends from the Brig ade that she went camping in Ashbourn e, Derbyshire t his year.

Like all other Duke of Edinbur gh youngsters, she slept rough in a tent and studied map reading. She explored the countryside in her wheelchair and while there she became interested in wild flowers and did a project on them for her award.

Back in Tamworth she has taken up needlework as a hobby and is very proud or a delicately embroidered purse she has made for the award. She has also helped rai se money on the St John flag day in Tamworth and by selling raffle tickets.

But for Beverley one of the biggest achievements was something that most Duke of Edinburgh youngsters don 't have to think of - learning to walk.

Following a recent operation, Beverley now faces the possibility that she may one day be able to walk As part of the physical recreat ion sections of the award she took the first steps in the long hard task of mastering walking. Over the year s he progressed so much that s he is now able to get around on her own feet a little, using a frame. Her award assessor, Martin Kesterton from the Royal Air Force, went along to p resent her with the silver medal at the Helping Hands Christmas party in Tamworth

Beverley would have lik ed to go on to the gold award - but at 24, she is above the maximum age limit and therefore probably won't qualify to do it.

But Beverley does qualify for - courage.

HARD GOING

At the 1984 annual Wetherby race meeting on Dec 26 and 27, the Race Committee kindly allowed St John Ambulance to hold a collection on the first day in aid of a mobile first aid unit which Leeds area, who cover the event, hope to acquire. £352 was added to the fund.

But becau se of heavy frost on the second day of the meet, the St John Ambulance Handicap race, which is always held on this day, had to be cancelled. It is, however, going to be run on Easter Monday.

LOURDES

The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta will be from May 3 to 10 this year, and the Brigade has again been asked to organise a team of volunteers to assist with the care of the sick whom they take with them.

Any Brigade members (men and women)

Who would like to be considered for the pilgrimage should write to Alan McKay, St John Ambulance HQ, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW 1X 7EF - stating age and qualifications (SRNs are particularly welcome) and he will forward further information.

WOMEN LEADERS

Thefollowing is reprinted from the St John Crusader, the ma g azi ne of St John Ambulance, Auckland, New Zealand.

Is there a future for women as leaders within St John? How much thought has been given to their role? Are women themselves too mode st or are they not given the chance to air their views or show their knowledge. I do not believe it is their own modesty which hold s them back I do believe, unfortunately, society at large still does not see women as equal. Could St John also be gui lt y of this?

Women now work alongside men on the football fields, race meetings and other previously male dominated duties, but how many get to Management level? How many are in charge of combined divi sio ns, are District Officers, are Heads of Departmen ts,

UNCONSCIOUSNESS

a r e involved in policy-decision making committees?

It is pleasing to see we now have three lady Commissioners (in New Zealand We have two in England, who a re sisters: Lady Elizabeth Godsal, Berkshire, and Lady Mary Holborow, Cornwall) and, without hurting masculine feelings, hope their ranks will increase. Some ladies must have the knowledge, the ability to lead and shou ld have the opportunity to present their points of view at the higher levels of our Order. I am not a modern-day feminist, certainly not anti-male and I am not criticising any men currently at the top I do enjoy the courtesies which gentlemen still extend to ladies, but at the same time believe both men and women should enjoy equal opportunities within St John.

Enid Gini SS St.J. District Officer

• THE COMMON CAUSES OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS

From What is First A id? ARE DUE TO DAMAGE OR DISEASE OF THE BRAIN CEllS

• UNCONSCIOUSNESS MEANSAN UNAWARENESS OF SURROUNDINGS. AS A RESULT THE CASUAL TV CANNOT GET AWAV FROM DANGER

• CASUAL TV CANNOT RESPOND TO PAIN OR ORDERS

Published by St John Ambulance Austr alia

by JIM

Duke of Edinburgh Award

THE LEWIS R Jenkins, the Award

Scheme s Narrowboat based at Skipton , is almost completely booked for the rest of this season, apart from a few mid-week vacancies Hirers interested in a la te booking should telephone the N E Regional Office (0632-625306) regarding possible dates .

Resource pack on Blindness

Looking at Blindness, for the 14-15 year age group , contains : information , le s son suggestions, an audio-cassette, ex amples of a talking book' and everyday sounds, a poster on potential hazards for the visually handicapped, and an enlarged ver sion of t he Braille alphabet, plus a complete bibliography.

Available from: Nina Curtis, Jewish Blind Society, 221 Golders G reen Road, London, NWll 9DN. F ree

'Side b y Side ' competition

This competition aims to stimulate school community in volvement projects that bring young and old people together to share skill s and enjoy projects of their own choosing. A

Cadet Youth Year <:hallenge 1985

YOU MAY remember that in the January R e view I said that I had been granted a sum of money for prizes to be awarded during this year for activities that had been arranged in connection with the International Youth Year. As the challenge for March , April and May, I am asking Divisions to send me details of what they are doing in the community. For this particular challenge I am interested in activities that are undertaken by individual cadets as opposed to large groups, and I am keen to hear reports about any activity wh ich involves ind ividuals in helping other people less fortunate than themselves . Reports need only be very brief and give an outline of the activities undertaken a nd , if possible include a photograph of someone in volved in these particular activities. Three pri zes will be given to the individual s who have displayed the greatest initiative and

prize of £500 for the most original and i maginative project will be awarded to enable the project to continue and develop

The project must run for a minimum of six weeks with profiles of proposed project submitted by May 24 1985

For further information contact : 'Side by Side ' Help the A ged, St Jame s's Walk , London , E CI ROBE.

Neighbourhood Care

Neighbourhood Care Ac t ion Programme have produced a tape-slide / video called Believe it or not - Neighbourhood Care ? which look s at some starting points - using volunteers, groups with a base, skills exchange and tenants associations

Available from Val Schoburgh, London Voluntar y Work Development Centre, 68

ROMFORD GIRLS

commitment to the wo rk th ey a re d o in g within any community. Rep ort s ma y be submitted by cade ts o r a dul ts , bu t a ll should be accompani ed b y a ce rtifi cat e provided by the offi ce r o r member-incharge of the appropri ate Divi sion , confirming tha t the se act i vi ti es have taken place. Entrie s for thi s c halleng e should reach me not later than June 20 1985 and th e results o f th e cha ll enge will be announ ced in th e R ev iew. T here will also be a challenge for th e summ e r months o f June, Jul y and A u g u st. Th is challenge is design ed to help Ca d e t Division s gain publi cit y in th eir loca li ty. Further detail s will be av ail a bl e in next month 's issue of th e R ev iew. H oweve r , the idea is tha t aw a rd s will be g iv e n to the C a det Di vision whi c h en te r ta in s a local cel e brit y t o a meal, e ith er breakfa st , lun c h o r tea, in t h e mo s t unusual place Look o u t for mo re detail s in ne xt m o nth 's R eview

Charlton Str ee t, Lo ndo n, NW I UR. Te l 01-388-0241. Pri ce: £ 1.50 hir e, £ 10 p ur chase

Youth Call Youth Call ha s r ece ntl y p ubl is he d t h ree s tudies by Al ec Dic kso n o f co n trast in g ways of enabling yo un g peopl e to engage in se rvice to the communit y. Exa mpl es have bee n taken f rom three d iffer en t countr ies - Stud y Ser vice in H o ng K ong and elsewhere, th e Cali fornia Co nse r vat ion Co rp s, and We s t Germany 's Zivi ldi e nst. A vailable from Yo uth Ca ll , c / o Social Servic es D epartme n t, Springfie l d , Maid stone, Ke nt. Price £ 1 each.

Communicating with the d ea f I recentl y recei ved a letter fr om M rs

yo ur proficiency su bjects, p

to me about them at the

nd o f he colum n Kodak conserva t io n awa rds The naturalist Sir Peter Scott has beco m e patron of the Kodak Conservation Awar d Sc heme whic h is ru n in conj u nct o n wit h he Wo r ld W ild life Fund. Thi is inte nd ed to be a youth in action project. Eac h yea r 50 groups will receive an awa r d rang i ng from £100 to the top prize of the Sir Peter Scott Award and £ 1,000. If yo u are in terested in fin d i ng o u t m ore about the Award Scheme write to WWF Kodak Conservation Awards, c/ o Hesket h House, 43 Portman Square, London, W I H 9FG. Telephone enquiries may be made o n 01-935-2655. A free manua l together with a newsletter and also a useful advice service will be made availab e to all those groups t h at enquire. The closing date for registratio n for 1985 is Ju ly 19, but to rece ive the fu ll benefits of the scheme it is recommended that g ro u ps register as soon as possible. Another usefu l piece of information that will be sent as a result of your enquiry i a wall-poster whic h can be used to display your interest in the scheme to the Divi ion for their inFormation.

Finance for sports facilities

Under the term of it Royal Charte r , th e Sports Counci l is committed to deve lo pi ng and improving the knowledge and practice of sport and physical recreation'. In or d er to be able to support this policy the Sp o r ts Counc il is pre pared to offer gra nt a id to a number of sports activities. A ve r y he lpfu l leaflet outlining the conditions for t he g r a n t of such loans or fu ll grants is avai la b le fr om the Sports Council, 16 Upper Wo b u rn Pl ace, London, WC I H OQP, pho ne 01-388- 1277

UN's International Youth Year

Readers will remember my ea rl ie r co mm e n ts about the Yout h Year and I a m please d to say I have infor m ation co n cerni ng th e Ro yal

Bank A l ternative Tec h no logy Co mp et it io n

The aim of the co m petitio n is to sti mul ate young people (u p to the age of 25 yea r s) to prepare mode ls a nd draw i ngs of it e m s o f eq ui pme n t t h at will be of assista n ce to deve loping countr ies. In t h e co nt ext of t he co mpeti t io n a lte rn ative tec hn o lo gy impli es basic d evices whi c h ca n b e pr o du ce d b y un s kill ed la bo ur fr o m st r a ig ht f orward dr aw in gs a nd wi ll be of pa r t ic ul a r use to areas o f t he world wit h li m ite d tec hn ica l

ex per ti se a nd fi na nc ia l reso ur ces

P art icipa n ts in t h e Co mp e tition will be di vid ed in to thr ee age g r o u ps, under 16 ,

16-18 a nd 19 - 25 year s o f a ge. Pri zes wi ll be s um s of mon ey up o £ J , 000 a nd furth e r d et ail s ma y be o b ta in ed fro m M rs J O. S inclair, E din bur gh Ga th er in g Of fi ce, C ity

C h a mb e r s, High St r eet, E di nbu rg h E HI

1YJ, Sco tland

Anoth e r eve nt that h as been arr a nge d fo r the In te rnat ional Yo uth Year i n Scotla nd from Jun e 9 to 16 1985 is t h e E dinbu rg h

Ga t herin g D e ta ils o f th is eve n a re ava il ab le from th e addr ess abo ve.

Dettol C arin g A ward s 198 5 sees a n o th er rou nd in t he D etto l Ca r ing

Awa rd Sc he m e an d in t he last year £ 10,000 wer e gi ve n to six f ina li sts. D eta il s of th e sc hem e are ava il a bl e o n D ettol bott les and aga in t he sc h e me w ill be r u n in conj u nction wit h t he BBC P e b ble M ill at One Series with t he he lp of Peter Powel l.

h

Cresce n t, Kett le b rook, Tamworth, St a ffor d s h ir e, B77 ID A.

R ELAY G A MES

T he o ve r and under rela y The te am lea d e r stands to the f ront holding a footba ll. At t h e word 'go' he r u ns to the ot her en d of t he hall a n d back to behind his team. He then

n

and

d of

and so on, until it reac h es t he f ro n t of t he line. He then dashes up the h a ll and returns to the back of the team. T his contin ues unti l he leader is at the front of t h e team again.

Co nt rib uti ons

Contr ibutio ns and entries to competitions in Ca d et Chat should be sent to Jim, 3 Brand r eth R oad, London, E6, 4QB. If you have any ideas for games, training activities or events that your cadets have taken part in an d enjoyed, p lease write because I am a lways in need of m aterial to include in this page. Cadet Chat badges are sent to all who contribute to the page.

Pen friend s I had a lette r so me time ago f rom Miss Di ane Farrant, Nurs in g Cad et Leader of Tamworth i n Staffo rd s hir e, wh o sa id a n u mber of her ca d ets a r e i nt er es ted in o b tai nin g penf riends, e i t her boys or girls, of any age to write to. S he a lso told of some of the ir activities, incl ud in g the Helping Hands Group that they r u n twice a month for handicapped peop le in t hei r Div is io n . Fro m wh at s he te ll s me in the rest 0 f her letter, the Cadets in · the Di visio n a r e ke p t very busy indee d and a pp ear to be e njoyi ng t h e wo r k they are d o in g If a n y bo d y wo uld like Dia ne as a pe n fri e nd , wr ite to h e r at 15 D raycott

St Helens Centre's 100 ye ars

ST H ELEN S SJA Ce nt re, Merseyside (it u se d to be Lancas hire, or course), ce leb r a ted i ts 100t h a n niversary last Octo ber. T h e centena r y cert i ficate wa h a nd e d to t h e Cent r e com mi ttee c hai r m a n , M r K Oxfo rd , CBE Q P M, w ho is Merseyside's Co u n t y Director, at a ce n te nary d in ne r he ld on Oct 19.

Un fo r t unat e ly, m any of t he Centr e's ea rl y re co rd s we re lost in a fir e whic h d estroy ed th e Bri gade HQ in 1976

Ho weve r , sin ce 1945 a n average of 60 0 m e mb e rs of th e p ubl ic have rece ived t heir certi ficat es t hr o ugh t he Centre's co u rses.

In 19 77, t h e mo t s uccessf ul year, 994 certifi ca tes we re awar d ed

In 1970 the Centre was awarded the Coze n s Hardy Trophy as the most progressive Centre in the Lancashire area. Since 1937 (with the exception of 1940 -45) first ai d teams from indu tries in the area h ave co m peted annually for a t r ophy presente d by the then chairman of t he Ce n t r e, Co l Guy Pi l kington T he Centre's lay instructo rs have over t he yea rs reg ul a rl y given f irst aid talks and u nce r tificated courses to sc hoo ls and meeti ng in a ddit ion to t h e many courses wi th ce rt ificates.

MY FOURTH flight into the continent of Africa was the shortest and the saddest of them all. I was asked to accompany a wealthy Arab named Abraham Naiel, who was suffering from terminal cancer, from the Masonic Hospital in London to Libya in order that he could die among his own family.

I reported to the Libyan Embassy at Queen's Gate where I was given a covering letter signed by a senior official authorising the transport by air of such a seriously-ill patient. I took this letter to the head office of British Caledonian Airlines and eventually received a permit to enter Libya, with the necessary flight tickets. Next morning I collected my patient from the Masonic Hospital and could see at a glance that he was a very sick man. He was unconscious and had an intravenous drip running and a nasa-gastric tube in position. He was swiftly transported to Gatwick and strapped on to the aircraft stretcher but then unfortunately, due to a strike of maintenance men, there was a delay of three hours. The flight itself took only three hours and I was able to maintain his treatment throughout without any difficulty. Our destination was Tripoli and my thoughts kept returning to the last time I had been there during the second world war. I remembered watching the Scots Guards parading through the town with their kilts swirling and pipes playing, and wondered if would have a chance to see anything of the town. My hopes were dashed on hearing that the plane was going to do a quick turn-round at Tripoli and refuel on the way back at Tunis. When we touched down my attention was fully taken up with attending to my patient, whose condition was deteriorating rapidly. I could see the ambulance standing by with a doctor and two male attendants, and hastened to transfer my patient and then return to the plane. After only a short while the plane was ready for take-off and I looked back to where the ambulance was still standing on the tarmac. The doctor was standing by it, giving me the 'thumbs down' sign. Had Mr Naiel died already? I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness at the thought that all my efforts might have been in vain, but consoled myself with the thought that at least his family would be able to give him the last rites of their own religion.

Memories

We were soon at Tunis, where I sat in the reception hall during the refuelling operation and looked across at the hills surrounding the town. They looked peaceful enough but had been the scene of much bloody fighting during the war and I had treated many of the casualties of both sides in the RAMC Field Ambulance there in 1943. The airport had not changed much since those days, except that the planes were different of course from the wartime transports and troop-carriers. I would have liked to leave the airport and take a walk around the place that held such memories for me, but all too

62

soon the refuelling was complete and we took off across the blue Mediterranean on our way home to Gatwick.

Sousse

When later I was asked to fly to Sousse, again in North Africa, my thoughts immediately went back to 1942, when the RAMC unit to which I was attached was rushed to the town to deal with an influx of casualties. I remembered it as a bomb-riddled mud-built Arab town with a few Frenchowned houses and a dusty road running through the town to the sea The hospital had been under canvas, handling an average of 500 casualties a day.

Now, nearly 40 years later, as the plane touched down at Molestia airport still under construction just outside Sousse -I was wondering what I would find My task was to bring back a mentally-disturbed young man who had walked out of a private nursing home in Surrey, where he was undergoing treatment as a voluntary patient. I don't know how he had managed to get to North AfriCa but he seemed to have some insight into his condition and, realising that he needed treatment, had entered the clinic at Sousse. The clinic was not far from the airport so I decided to walk there and see

came to a stop on the runway at Gatwick. We walked through the 'Nothing to Declare' exit of the Customs without being checked and then, to my great embarrassment, he saw the ambulancemen waiting for him and, putting his case down to open it, brought out a large box of cigars which he proceeded to shower upon them. I wondered how many more boxes he had · in the case but the customs men seemed as bemused as everyone else by his antics and we were soon safely in the ambulance and speeding towards Surrey. At the clinic he was welcomed like the returning prodigal son and as I handed over his papers and passport to the administrator, I saw him going happily upstairs to his room, being greeted by all the other patients and the staff, and still handing out cigars.

how much of the old town remained. cou ld not recognise a single landmark - the enti re town had been completely rebuilt to new plans In place of the mud building s were well-constructed hotels with bars an d swimming pools, with access to gloriou s beaches, and a marina full of pleasure boa ts.

I walked to the clinic like a man in a dr e a m.

I found my patient standing alone , at t he gate to the clinic, waiting for me He look ed for all the world like Larry Hagman dres se d for his role as the infamou s JR in the T V series Dallas, complete with broad-brimm ed stetson and smoking a big cigar. Sever a l more cigars protruded from his top pock et and was to discover that everywhere he went they were handed out to all and sundr y. He greeted me like a long-lost friend and took me to his room to collect his belongings

The clinic administrator offered to driv e us to the airport and after fond farewell s, accompanied by cigars all round, we set off At the airport the cigar bonanza was repeated and, finding our selves the centre of attention, I tactfully suggested that perhaps it was time for his next dose of pills. He agreed that he was getting 'a bit high' and took his pills without demur, with the result that as soon as the plane took off he settl ed into a deep sleep and did not wake till we

CHESHIRE

PART 7: To North Africa (twice)

(Right) Viscount Leverhulme

REACTION TO MORI

from John Fry, Ambulance Member

Since the results of a Mori Poll were reported in the Review at the beginning of 1984, I have made many totally unsuccessful attempts to gauge the response from those who have the power to initiate changes, if indeed changes are desired. Like many others wrote to the Review immediately following the publication.

Having heard nothing from either my County or Area office for some months, I asked my Divisional Superintendent to check at the next Area meet.ing what, if any action was being taken to ascertain the views of the members. I was advised that a seminar was being arranged at county level.

By November nothing seemed to have happened. As a fairly active member , I meet County and Areas Staff Officers quite often and as none of them had made any comment, I wrote to my Divisional Superintendent expressing my disappointment in the total lack of response and asked him to pass on, or discuss my letter with the Area and County Commissioners. It is now mid December and I have still heard nothing ,

Has anyone, anywhere heard of any activity as a result of the Mori Poll, or are the Counties and Areas burying their heads in the sand?

W eston-Super-Mare

MEMBERSHIP DECLINE

from Mr H. J. Elkins, Divisional Superintendent

John Fry

The variou s articles in the Review about declining membership of the Brigade stimulate me to suggest something that might help. We all know that many people qualify regularly through Association first aid courses, but what happens to these large numbers when they finally receive their certificate?

In my experience this vast army of potential recruits go to ground until they need to requalify in three years' time. The following suggestion to stop our decline in membership might therefore be considered.

Why not have three lines printed on the reverse of the certificate, one for each year until requalification. Each year the person holding t he certificate could visit their local St John unit and under the supervision of an instructor or officer have a one hour refresher on the priorities of first aid and then have the certificate signed. This would lead to possible Brigade recruitment and a useful up-date for the first-aiders, either industrial or public

How about it, Headquarters?

Macclesfield H. J Elkins BOOK NOW OR

from Mr W. H. Goodall, Divisional Secretary

As a result of our second adult first aid course in 1984, thirty-five members of the public received certificates from London District training officer Seamus Kelly at a special meeting at 357 Finchley (Combined) Divisions HQ This made a total of more than seventy successful candidates from the public for 1984 About ten of them are already or will become members of the Division.

At this informal gathering we were shown the Sight and Sound presentation of the Order's Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. This impressive display o r'" the history and, more important , the present day work of the hospital was received with much interest and approval, as well as surprise that St John was involved in such an efficient enterprise. As a result , at the end of the meeting a spontaneous collection produced over £38 which was handed to Miss Veronica Sharpe of the Order's Public Affairs Dept, who so ably presented the programme

This presentation is an excellent method of interesting many inside and outside the Association and Brigade in our on-going work and interest in mankind. It should be shown as much as possible. Miss Sharpe will be only too pleased to hear from you at Headquarters for a booking of the programme.

Barnet W. H. Goodall

FEEDING 1 000 DAILY

from Claire Bertschinger, International Red Cross

A giant RAF Hercules transport plane landed this morning at Mek.ele airport, not far from the hillside where tens of thousands of starvmg Ethiopians sit and wait to be saved from starvation. Life hangs by a thread for these people who have trekked many miles to the outskirts

of this town in search of food , just enough food to keep alive. Man y of them mostly children died here yesterday; and mor e will di e today and tomorrow and many day s a f ter that.

So now you know where· I am, after Lebanon. Gone a r e th e excitement and satisfaction of those months in Leba non w h ere at least we seemed to be able to cope with the situat ion a nd bring relief to the suffering, frightened people H e re it is only sad n ess and depression and, since I arrived in July, I hav e see n a dramatic deterioration in the situation. Yes, much relief has arrived recent ly and an improvem ent is now taking place But it is too late for many and h ow l ong will it last, with many hundreds of newly di sp lace d persons arr iving dail y. As usual, it is the innocent children who suffet the most.

In our present Red Cross centr e we feed, 3 t imes daily, 7 day s a week, an average of 550 c hildren plu s th eir mothers - we ll over a thousand in all. They are given a hi g h energy drink made from dri ed skimmed milk plus oil and s ug a r and e ither ri ce or am bas her (a local bread made with hi g h prot ei n flour and sugar) for each meal. The criterion we use for admission to our feeding centre is ba sed on a rat io between their height and weight. Those below 750/0 of the norm are taken in. In fact the majorit y are around 60%. They a ll su ffer from some sickness - diarrhoea, vomiting f evers, scab ie s, re sp ir atory infections - and man y have tub e r cu losis or die f rom contracting measles.

The International Red Cross is building a new feeding centre in Mekele which will eventuall y take tw ice as many c hild ren each day, but at the moment it is a he art-breaki n g task choosing who to take and who to lea ve - to d ie? They mu st t hink that I am like a god, who with a nod of the he a d can decid e if they are in or out. You see, I have to select 50-70 c h ldr en from over 1200 who are all under nourished and sick in one way or another. All screaming - or lying C aire Berts chinger SRN in too still. Just skin and bones and pu s pouring from infected scabies lesions, and infected eyes and flie s crawling all over them, with t heir parents pleading with me to take their child. The pressur e i s unbearable

I live in the Castle Hotel which is on a rise on the edge of this town of 50 / 60,000 inhabitants and the capital of Tigre province It's a flea-ridden, bed-bugged, run-down so-called hotel. Every night when go to bed I use insecticide spray in my room and in my bed The bed bugs and fleas seem to love it, getting fatter and fatter and hungrier every day, by the number of bites I get. But at least the spray puts me, to sleep. I even have a private bathroom with shower, but hardly any water I have

two buck ets which I try to keep filled, one for washing in and one for the lao But h ave a lo vely view right over the town a nd the countryside. At ni g ht I ca n go out on t o the terrace and see t h e bright coloured li g ht s of the tow n and li ste n to the hyena s how lin g in t h e distanc e And in the ear ly mornin g, a su nri se, ] look o u and see the smo ke from th e fires of dun g and euca lyptus h a n ging lik e a blue cur tain over the area, and I isten for t h e so und of a horn whic h sig n als a d ea th in a family 1 usually h ave a n egg and d r ied bread for breakfa st and every mornin g when I go d ow n at 6 30am I am g reeted b y billows of black smoke The cook is trying to li g ht his wood fire to boil my egg; h e boils it in a rusty t in ca n! T h e h ote l g ive s me three eggs, so 1 keep two eac h d ay to g ve to some of the sick chi ldren. For lun ch I try to get back to my room for h alf-an-hour's peace, and eat some c hee se and b isc uit s, both of wh ich I carry back to Mekele eac h month from Addis Ababa where I go for t h e monthly co nferen ce. In the evenings I might m a ke a soup of a few green leave and a tomato, if I'm lucky enough to find some in the town. Otherwise it's back to my store

iant our pancake which yo u eat with yo ur finger s with chi lli sauce mixed with beans; and f you're lucky, pieces of offal in str ip, the int estines and ga llbladd er being the main delicacy g iven to guest ! You can imagine how

vegetar

LAST autumn members of Grays Divisions were ca ll ed to do ome delicate rescue work at a Sunday duty at Arena Essex Motor Sport Complex in Purfleet, Essex. Racing that day, on the short circuit tarmac track, was for bangers, economy rod and grand prix midgets. A lthough it wa dry and cold, it was rather mudd y under foot. The first race was for grand prix midgets, which resemb le large go-karts with an even larger engine. The driver s its in the vehicle's chassis, with li tle protection apa r t from a ro ll bar and a meta l frame around hi s leg. During t he first ap one mid get hit the fence and on the second two more went into the back of him At this point the race wa st opped in the interest of afety and to a ll ow officials o n to the track. Our ambu lance and crew attended, a lo n g with two other memb e r s, a nd in itia ll y two cas ualti es were fO und Cas ual ty No. was s uffer ing from a blow to t he s h o uld er and after init a l diagno t o eliminat e fracture s and major bl ee din g wa eSCOrte d to the ambu lance. But later he

Casualty three

decided he was not as seriously injured as casualty No.2 and left the ambulance.

Casualty No.2 was partially trapped in his ve hi c le with what appeared to be both leg s erio usl y injured. A fter cutting his overalls, the injurie were found to be more serious than at first suspected. Both le gs were fractured at the lower end of the tibia and fibula, with m ajo r deformity. Both fracture were open, with ext remely large wounds, and one foot in partic ul ar wa a lm a t completely amp u tated. T h e casualty, i n severe hock , was luckily in very li tt le pain, c an idering th e erio u ne of the injurie No other injuries were fou n d.

He was attended by four members of Grays Ambu lance Divi ion Sgt A l an

one, tw then four

Herbert and A I M Robert Price dealt with the legs. A I M Clive Block, a member for only two months, attended to the head, and reassured the casua lt y. Div l Officer an Pod bury drove the ambulance and collected equipment a it wa required.

The ca ual ty was treated in the position in which he was found, before any movement took place. First of all, section of the ve hicle had to be Cut away to enable: access to t h e in j uries. T his was effected with the h elp of marsh a ll , under the upervi ion of SJA member Once the leg had been exposed, clothing and footwear had to be remo ed by cutting. Thi needed to be carried out ery carefully due to the nature

Continued 017 page 69

Mekele,

MOTOR SPORT

Trapped injured driver. (Photos Fr ed Allen)

EVER YONE has heard by now of Parkinson's Disease, but I wonder how many people have actuall y cared for anyone who suffers from it, or know very much about it?

I do not mean the medical side; I am writing more of the effect it has on the lives of sufferers and their families. It is something that could well involve members of 8t John Ambulance and their TLC could well make a tremendous difference to the lives of Parkinsonians, or PDs , as I shall call them. (TLC, tender loving care.)

Firstly , I would like to say that every PD that I have met , and members of their f amily are reall y nice people I have never met a sulky, chip-on-the-shoulder, whyshould-it-happen-to-me PD. They are friendly, cheerful , outgoing and BRAVE, and nothing seems to get them down for long. But sometimes you have to t ake the first two for granted, for often a PD cannot smile or show an y emotion on the face And often it ta kes him or her quite a few minutes to speak. They will look at you and look at you and look at you before the word gets out. So you will not only need TLC you will also need patience and tact to wait quietly till the PD can answer.

Secondly, the most familiar sign of a PD is the shuffle. With head bent forward they will shuffle-run along, and will obviously be liable to trip and fall. Perhaps what is less well known is that their muscles may suddenly f reeze in the middle of a step You try to stop halfwa y through taking a step and you will see how easily it can become a fall, es pecially if y ou have little strength in your arms.

A s a result o f the head being bent forward, and some other reasons , the PD may lose saliva from his mouth - something that it must be very hard for the partner to see when s he remembers him as an upright, physically fit per s on. The shuffle and the dribble together must upset them both, and possibly inhibit thei r going out of the house

A wheelchair?

To us who know and care for PDs , it may seem an obviou s solution to get the sufferer into a wheelchair - and so more mobile, more independent, unlikely t o fall, and not so difficult to move about. But to the partner perhaps it is rather different. Can you imagine relegating your nearest and dearest to a wheelchair? It is the last and ultimate seal .of disability - the acceptance of the future. We may have only known the family si nce Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed, but to them he or she is s till the same person they married or grew up with; the gradual deterioration ha s been coped with, and life ad usted to, slowly. But a wheelchair that's different.

I have left the shake, the shaking palsy, to the last, because for many people drugs can effect a temporary cessation. Pills have to be taken at regular hours (not just three times a day) so that the tremor is controlled.

I have found thi s s omething that hospitals, e tc, find it difficult to accept; they are

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

I feel I am living inside a

concrete eiderdown

inclined to give the pills at the usual hospital times. This is not good enough. They must be taken at the correct time or the palsy comes on again It is distressing for all to watch, not least those who are used to it, and it is extremely tiring So do please mak e s ure you know when to give the pill. Drinking too, may take a long time, as swallowing is one of the functions attacked by PD , and you may have to stand for quite a time holding the cup and straw to the mou t h before you at last hear the swallow w hich means the pill has gone down

Most PDs seem to like ice cream - easy to swallow and tasty But of course it is only possible to have an ice cream when a helper is available to obtain it, and possibly to feed it before it melts.

If the head is very bent, it may be that a PD cannot watch TV. A mirror on the lap carefully angled, might help, or a strap round the chair to hold the head back. Don ' forget that glasses may need replacing (domiciliary visits costs £2).

PD is a tiring and very stres sful d isease; quite often the first thing people say when they come to our meetings is 'Who is going to take me home?' We try to make the meetings good fun, humorous , bu t absolutely SAFE, so that everyone can relax. Even having to take the right money out of your purse if you want to buy a raffle ticket can start people's shakes going.

TLC really comes into its own, calm loving TLC. It really does good And the very fact that we are all there behind the sufferers, at any time day or night, is therapeutic Several times I have been rung up and told of someone's death with the remark 'I wanted you to know first, as I knew you cared and he would have wanted you to be told' Something like that shows, I think and hope, that we have become a valuable, supporting friend.

We in St John have so much to give in the way of visits, help with baths, caring for the bed or chair-ridden, and even cutting the lawn or weeding the flower bed If you s it and look at a garden rapidly going back to

nature it can worry and distres s you an make your shakes and problems that mUQ worse. Also we have aids that ca n be hired out. I tried to explain our work al regional meeting of the Parkinson 's Society and pointed out how import anl was that a ll first aid in st ructor s should the card PD sufferers will soon be carryinl and would they please se nd some to St JOt Ambulance HQ. Also I asked if the y of our d iv is ion s where ai d s for n handicapped co uld b e b orrowed and thai were all trained in the care of the sick an disabled. But I don 't think that PD su fferr confined to their hom es really hear about the ways t hat we ca n and wo uld like to he them The PD Society is cons id ering article on he Order of St Jo hn for one ( its new s letters. If anyone wou ld like to kno more about the PD Society, an d possib their neare st b ranc h , please write to tl Parkin so n 's Disease Soc iety, 36 Portl a Place, Lo nd on W J N 3DG. Bel ieve m e, th r are many, many ways in w hi ch we - a the cadets - can help.

Ex cellent book

T h e Parkinson's Disease Society h produced an exce ll ent book of exe r cise sar help f ul advice; a nd we have tried to pre sr t hi s to our members as something reall y Vii to follow, because unless PDs keep exer cisr t he y may well lose the use of limb s, e:

Breathing exercises are also vital be calf otherwise the PD runs out of breath beflT t he end of a sentence and tries to cram la st few words in to a faili n g sigh, whic h quite un inte lli gibl e, rather li ke trying to Cfl' too man y words in at the end of a line w]J( w ri ting a letter. If only they can keep exercising control over their breathin g, s hould sti ll be ab le to commun icate by woo of mouth, when the shakes prevent tht writing.

Som et im es, sadly, de ter ioration s ud de n increases; a friend I used to sit with beea[ su dd en y bedridden and then ceaSi spe ak in g a ltoget h er. So I used to sing to il (me, sing!) all the old tunes with which s 1 used to charm the b oys when s h e was

But I never knew if she enjoye d it un til o: day she s udd en y said 'That was lovely '. T minutes la ter she died.

But s he did not die of PD - it is no t killer. It ju st gra du a ll y takes away all abil t to co n tro l he initi ate movement, whi e at sa me time it may be causing a hand or a fo; to s h ake un contro llabl y nigh t and d ay. A so meone sa id to me: 'Its like living in side c oncr ete eiderdow n , witho ut b eing able s how yo ur fee lin gs or co mmuni cate at all

They said that on one of their 'good' da)

Don 't let me depress yo u , bu t do le encourage you o exe rci se some of th e ski which we learn in St John - and all 0 natural TLC - for the good of thos e have been cursed w ith the B ibli ca l s hak iQ pal sy. What cou ld b e more appropriate ( u s who wear our Cross with pride?

Pamela McClin fOP President, Purbe ck A rea,

credit to

A Leicestershire town shows how adult and cadet divisions can work together

CO ALVILLE, a town (its name says it) in the midst of Leicestershire's mining area, is justifiab ly proud of its St John Ambu la n ce di visions, in particular the success of t h e Co alville Ambulance and Coalville Nursing Cad et Divisions. The achievements of these di visions can be attributed not only to the sh eer effort and hard work put in by t h e cad ets themselves, but also to the quality of th eir officers, hree of whom have been admi tted to the Order for service to the Br igade. Divisional Superintendent Brian Hind s and Divisional Officer Ted Atk in s, of Co a lville Ambulance Cadet Division, are Se rving Brothers; and Divisional Superint endent Mrs Wendy John son, of Coa l ville Nur sing Cadet Division, was invested as a Se rvi ng Sister in February 1984.

Indi vidual divisions

Although the ambu lan ce and nur sing cadets tec hnicall y operate as i ndi vi dual di vis ion s, a nd competit ion be tween the cad ets is fierce, at their h ead quarter s at For es Road, Coa lville , one is immediat e ly impressed b y the atmosphere of cooperat ion and comradeship that exists between them. Each division has its own meeting night, but the ca dets come together for the completion of proficiency co ur ses and for team training. 1984 produced so me notable triumphs for the cadets an d their officers, es pe c iall y with regard to competitions. The Nur si n g Cadet team , comprising ca ptain Karen Upton, no. 2 Joanne Statham, no. 3 Deborah Jennings , no 4 Wendy Hannabus and re serve Juli e won throu g h the Area, C ounty and Round s to reach the Bri ga de F inals m London Success e lluded them however at

Croydo n but they can be proud of ha ving progressed so fa r in a co mpetiti on which is obv iou s ly the highlight of the ye ar for Brigade t ea ms They did , ho weve r, finish seco nd in the Whitwick Colliery First Aid Com petition . In 1984 , Leicestershire brought a n ew conce pt of co mpeti t ion to c adet s with the introduction of a General Knowledge Quiz which is to be co m e an annual event. Cadet teams of three compete for the Miss Margaret Robinson Trophy. The first competit ion was won by t he Coalville Am bulan ce Cadet team, John Ealing Paul Walker and Alun Tonks, who displa ye d a far wider ran ge of knowledge than simply the first aid and home nursing with which cadets are usually credited. Howe v er , their Coalville Ambulance Cadet First Aid team showed their sk ills when they won the Lou Watret Shield in the Leicestershire Ambulance League, and when placed t hird in the Whitwick Colliery First Aid Competition. Furthermore, Cadet Leader Kevan Atkins was an individual winner in the Ambulance League Competition. In ad dition to their competition work, the First Aid Team give demon st rations to the general public.

Good year

For the Cadet Officers' First Aid Team, 1984 proved to be a good year too. The y finished second in the Leicestershire Open First Aid Competition and won the coveted Centre Shield for the second year in succession. The team, Cadet Leader Kevan Atkins, Div Supt Mrs Wendy Johnson, D O Ted Atkins and Div Supt Brian Hinds, had each to treat a dif fe rent patient in a mock

accident and then participate in a team test. The Centre Shield is held in high esteem by Brigade members in Leicestershire, the shield itself being over 100 years old and wonh in excess of £3,000. Unfortunately its value means that it canno t be displayed at Coalville Headquarter s, but must be stored in a secure place.

Before departing from the subject of competitions, men tion sho uld be made of Ambulance Cadet Juniors D. Kimberlin and J. Knifton, who were runners up in the National Junior Po ster Competition, and to Ambulance Cadet Juniors J. Fern and J. Fairbrother, whose work was highly commended

Ambassadors

As ambassadors of goodwill the cadets of Coalville do an excellent job. One of their prime concerns is service to the community and the number of Service Shields gained by the cadets reflects this. At a recent presentation evening three nursing cadets (Stephanie Smith, Joanne Statham and Wendy Hannabus) and two ambulance cadets (David Fern and Matthew Underwood) received their 200 hours Ser ice Shield ; two nursing cadets (Karen Upton and Debor ah Jennings) their 400 hours award; one nur si n g cadet (Alison Brook) received he r 600 hours award and ambulance ca det Ian Johnson received his 1,000 hours Cer ti ficate - a wonderful achievement. This is not t he first 1,000 hours Certificate to be awarded at Coalville, nor, I am certain, \ ill it be the la st. Other service awards are in th e pipeline', i ncluding a 1,000 hour Certificate for Cadet Leader Kevan Atkin These cadets are all a credit to their Divisions and to the Brigade as a whole.

Another major part of the cadet' life i COl1linued on page 71

NEWS frol11 SCOTLAND

ST JOHN in Scotland is divided into 13 branches, each of which is now in the process of holding its annual general meeting. At these meetings an account of the various activities of each branch is given; officebearers and committee are chosen and fund-raising ' and other events are considered.

Uniquely in the Order, Scotland's chief endeavour is not concentrated on the support and development of an ambulance and firstaid service. By a long-standing agreement

this service is prov'ided by the St Andrew's Ambulance Association. Accordingly other areas of service have to be found for the members in the various branches that make up the Priory to satisfy the Order's commitment to help mankind This has taken many forms, including the provision of comfortable sheltered housing and hospices for the elderly; a holiday home and f1atlets for the blind; a nursing home for both medical and surgical cases offering the most modern facilities and patient care, with subsidised

Mrs N. H. B. Tumilty , OStJ, with her M B.E. medal outside St John 's House in London. It was in the home of Mrs Tumi lty that the idea of form · the Fife Branch of the Order 10 years ago originated at a meeting held t h ere with the then Chan · cellar, the late Sir Andrew Murray and the present Chair· man of the Council of Associations, Mr W Gordon. See last month 's News from Scotland.

fees for those who cannot afford to pay the full charge; cruises on canals for the handicapped; comforts and additional equipment for various hospitals; endowment of beds in a Marie Curie Hospital, and financial and other support for day care centres attached to ger iatri c hospitals. The Association in Dumfries and Galloway in t he extreme south-west corner of Scotland, for example, has made the provision of a new day room within the Dalrymple Geriatric Hospital in Stranraer its main project for some time now and has just recently also provided a new wheelchair ambulance to transport day patients to and from the hospital.

WALES

CADETS of Haverfordwest Division, Pembrokeshire, were recently presented with proficiency certificates (photo right) gained in home nursing, clerical ability, collecting, personal survival, and many more subjects. It is hoped for a Grand Prior's Award in the Division within a few months, as one cadet has ten proficiencies. The presentation was well attended by parents, with refreshments for everyone afterwards. Presentations were made by Mr C. J. Parry, Assistant Chief Commissioner for Wales, and Mr A J. G. Bowen, Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the St John Council.

OVERSEAS

ZAMBIA, in Southern Africa, has the reputation of being a friendly nation. I certainly experienced that friendliness in Nov 1982 and again in Dec 1984, when I was asked to teach first aid there.

My first lesson of my first visit was to be in a Community Centre in the district of Mataro, near Lusaka, the capital. 1 arrived at the centre feeling a little apprehensive. I went into the hall and about a hundred people started to clap in welcome as I was taken to the stage. I sat down, wondering what on earth was expected of me. I soon realised that I was going to be entertained. First, they sang the St John welcoming song

in English (most of them don't speak any English at all) but they had taken the trouble to learn the song and sang it beautifully. Different groups of them went on to sing Zambian songs about the rivers, flowers and fruit. They then demonstrated some of the most spectacular dances I have ever seen and gave me some lovely copper gifts - all before I had done anything!

That set the pace for the rest of my stay.

Each day we would learn a little first aid, then go on to singing and dancing. I learned some African songs and dances. Can you imagine a middle-aged, overweight Englishman teaching a large group of African men, women and children to dance the Hokey Cokey, Gay Gordons and the

Why I joined St John

I WAS SELFISH.

THE PRIORY CHURCH is full of people, and there is a cheerful hum of conversation, not the whispered awe usually associated with a church. More than three-quarters of the people are wearing the black and white uniform of the St John Ambulance Brigade, and from their shoulder flashes I know they come from all over the country. I feel the reassurance of belonging. While I wait to receive my small gilt cross, I wonder how it came about: what were my motives for joining, all those years ago? And why do I sti ll belong?

Reasons for joining are easy. There was a war on and I selfishly thought that if I knew about first aid I might be able to deal with wounds and injuries to any of my family. Having passed the examination, it was suggested that if I intended to practise first aid it would be better to wear a uniform, then everyone would know I was qualified, wouldn't they? As I was joining a new division we were all as 'unqualified' as each other, though some showed more confidence in their ability than was perhaps justified. I undoubtedly share with many in this co ngregation the experience of a first duty in uniform. I remember feeling very consp icuous, knowing full well that I had neither the training nor the experience to deal with, say, a serious road accident - and very sca red t hat t hat was what I would be called

to do. I waited for my partner outside the Odeon cinema in the blackout and a blinding snowstorm, watching the dim lights of buses and taxis - and praying that none of them would collide.

I felt a coward when my partner arrived, and the pair of us slipped through the door of the cinema into the warmth and light, and the prospect of nothing more serious than a faint. I could deal with that (couldn't I?).

Of course there was the hazard of the journey home, in the blackout, and the prospect of an air-raid, but for the time being I was safe A good example of self-delusion. Since that day there have been many duties and a variety of casualties. I have been to places I would never have seen except on duty. I have talked to people and made friends. I have been lucky in that no crisis in my domestic life has forced me to resign, so I still belong. The boredom of an uninteresting duty has been compensated for by the excitement of an unusual one. A clash of personalities, cancelled out by the warm companionship of a shared duty; a frosty reception of 'We didn't expect you' nullified by 'I'm so glad you've come, would you like a cup of coffee?' My experiences must surely run parallel with those of any other member of The Brigade. We have something in common. We belong.

I look up at the banners hung high on the

walls of the church - contacts all over the world. I remember that I had been privileged to visit the Old Church before it was bombed. But I like this new one. I admire its modern design, the feeling of uncluttered space and light. Then I remember that below us is the centuries old crypt - so the modern church is built on good old foundations, just as The Brigade, adjusted to meet modern conditions, has grown from traditions laid down hundreds of years ago. Oh yes, we belong to something old and worth while. I remember being in St Paul's Cathedral for the St John's Day Service, having marched from The Gate with other Brigade members - adults and cadets I especially remember the cadets and how we need them to carryon the old traditions. We were all stirred by the sight of the Cross , the sword and the banners being carried reverently in the procession We were moved by the sight of the Knights and Dames, wearing t heir long black cloaks with the eight-pointed white St John cross so evident. Stirred too by the beauty of the service and the music Then to what for many is the most inspiring part of the service: 'Go forth in the humility of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in faith in Him, to serve nobly and to love gracefully Be of good courage, render to no man evil for evil, strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all men, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.' Followed by The Benediction When I reach the age barrier, and I am almost there, I shall regret not going on duty. I shall miss meeting and talking to other Brigade members, but I shall still belong. I shall belong as long as I live.

Anon

Now let's hear your WHY-I-JOINED story

Charleston? Or can you be lieve that I taught them some of the songs I learn ed from camp fire sing-songs with cadets in the UK - songs like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands, and many others. They were laughing and giggling, and I was meltin g away in the searing heat. We all had a great time!

I think that if HQ St John measured the success of the mi ss ion by the amount of first aid learned, I would probably get the sack. If it were measured by the amount of enjoyment we all had, they will, I sincerely hope, ask me to go again some time to friendly Zambia, the real Africa.

J.

D. Goupil/Of, Durham

MOTOR SPORT (from page 65\

of the injuries; it would have been easy to cut further nesh, or for the foot to be co mpletely severed. Fortunately even though the injuries were so widespread, bleeding was minimal. Wound dressings were applied to the injured area to maintain cleanliness and act as padding for the fractures. In all, four ambulance dressings, with pads ten inches square, were used along with some smaller dressings. The feet were then supported using Cramer (wire ladder) splints, which were bent around the foot and leg. These were tied on with triangular bandages.

I t then became necessary to decide how to remove the injured driver from the wreckage. This required cutting more metal work to allow a clear exit from the vehicle When completed, the driver was placed on to a trOlley stretcher with the leg end fully elevated.

While the wounds were being exposed one of the marshalls became casualty NO.3. He

fainted, and was treated by Nursing Officer Vivian Dickensen, of the Grays Nursing Division, in our first aid unit. He was released an hour later, fully recovered.

Getting the injured driver into the ambulance took 20 minutes, with heavy mental as well as physical strain for our members. The fact that they were being watched by about 2000 spectators didn't help either.

The ambulance left the circuit with casualty No 2 attended by Sgt Herbert and A I M Price and driven by D I O Podbury. As the vehicle entered the pits area a driver was seen to be slumped on the ground. On investigation it was found that this driver had also been involved in the incident but had not made it known that he was injured. Investigation revealed a rib injury and casualty No. 4 was also transferred to hospital.

Both casualties were transferred to Orsett Hospital accident and emergency department, where they were initially

attended by Charge Nurse Gary Jones, who has close connections with St John Ambulance both at divisional level and as a prospective air attendant. Immediately on arrival the casualty was taken into the emergency room, where an intravenous drip was set up and the feet were manipulated to improve blood flow

During the incident administrative detajJs were handled by D I S David Wheatley, which included informing the hospital of the incoming casualty keeping Arena Essex management informed and ensuring a suitable message was broadcast by the commentator.

After the casualty had been attended to at the hospital the doctors and casualty staff congratulated the first-aiders on their first class treatment. By their careful and correct handling, both feet could be replaced and the bones re-set. At the time of writing casualty No.2 has undergone three operations and the hospital staff are optimistic that both feet can be saved.

D. J. W.

News from

. Divisions/Centres

OBITUARY

Reginald Carter, 72, Staff Sergeant, Desborough Division, Northamptonshire. With division from 1928 to 1981 - 51 years. Serving Brother. Members of Division and Area Staff Officers formed guard of honour at funeral. Died December 23 1984.

Dr B. G. Gretton-Watson, MB, BCh, DPH, LIb, County President St John Ambulance Cheshire. Before retirement was the County Medical Officer of Cheshire Health Authority. Died suddenly at home, aged 69, on Januar y 14 1985.

Norman Roberts, Divisional Officer, Whitefield Qu a d Division, North East Area, Bury Corps. His wife Ann e, daughter and son are members of Whitefield Division , carrying on the family s work with St John

CORNWALL: Ret rement party (and presents) f

A credit to (from p.67)

completing proficiency courses in to gain the Grand Prior's Badge. subjects taken by CoalVIlle ca?ets In the year have included canoemg, collectors, homecraft, preliminary child care, preliminary home nursing,. camping and advanced cycling. The divIsions have not been without their share of Grand Badge recipients In 1984 alone, Ambulance Cadets Kevan Atkins, Matthew Underwood and Tony Ayre achieved this award Juniors are encouraged to play their part in the division, and junior subject courses are run for them.

I have no doubt that a wide variety of courses and activities will be staged for cadets at Coalville during 1985, as they have been in the past. The social aspect of cadet life is not ignored and the cadet year culminates in a magnificent Christmas party held at the local Working Men's Club. Cadets and invited guests sit down to a buffet tea, served by a very willing band of helpers, after organised games have been held for the

juniors. Father Christmas pays a visit and each cadet receives a present. Entertainment is given by talented cadets and a disco is provided for members and parents during the evening. A main part of the event is the presentation of the various divisional trophies and awards. It is gratifying to note that, as with most other things, personnel from the Coalville Cadet Divisions are fully involved with the party. It is a delight to see cadet and adult members integrating so well.

We in Leicestershire are proud of the work being done at Coalville and hope that the divisions will continue to go from strength to strength. A promising sign is that 18 new cadets were enro lied in 1984 and several cadets were promoted to the adult sections.

It is these cadets and others across the country who will secure the future of St John Ambulance. Certainly, with the kind of leadership provided by those officers at Coalville, and many more like them, St John Ambulance should flourish for years to come.

Lynne A. Noyland (Mrs) Western Area PRO, Leics.

Accidents:

BOOKS

I ST JOHN FELLOWSHIP

SHEILA Puckle writes: Tour of the Holy Land - Sept 10 to 19 1985

The leader of our Fellowship Tour, Mr George Woodhill, hopes to be present at the AGM at St John s Gate on Wednesday, May 15 1985, to answer any questions. It is also planned to show the short audiovisuaJ presentation on the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. Bookings for the tour are now coming in, but more are needed if we are to achieve a large enough party to lower the cost to £508. Please let me know if brochures are required.

Development of Branches

The annual reports from branche s are now arriving, and I am struck by a feature they nearly all support : to be successful, a Fellowship branch needs to be local. In other words, it must be po s sible for its member s to reach meetings regularly without difficulty. Where branches attempt to cover a large geographical area without adequate pu blic transport so that mem bers can rarely get to meetings and a planned programme is not possible, the branch cannot develop into that integrated group of friends which the successful branches have become

A second conclusion is that the Fellowship needs recruits. Yes, it may seem reminiscent, but just as a Division cannot hope to survive without recruits, so a branch of the Fellowship needs a wide age-span

St John Fellowship

Notification of the formation of a branch Name of branch Branch

or other

The consumption of cigarettes is diminishing

For the first time in the United States less cigarettes were smoked than in the previous year, according to the 1982 returns which showed a reduction of approximately 6,000 millions to 634,000 millions roughly one per cent. The figures of the United States Office on Smoking and Health also show that nearly 34 million persons have stopped smoking. On the other hand 200,000 cigarettes are lit every second and this costs the average smoker 400 US dollars annually (about £6.50 a week). It is said that the United States bus iness world loses some 20,000 miUion dollars each year due to illness caused b y smoking suffered by their employees.

'The Law of Pause' reduces number of weddings

Some years ago Voivodina, a province of Jugoslavia, brought in a law to avoid what had become a high level of divorces. It was intended that the pair 's hould temper their momentary passions' and 'reflect upon h e decision they were about to make'. The law required that a pair hinking to marry should wait a mon th before they would be allowed to marry What were the results? The officials of the public notary state that half the pairs who had given initial notice announced that they had changed their minds.

The best medicine

Recently some scientists who had be en studying t he beneficial effects of the laugh have discovered th.at the effects are similar to those produced b y moderate exercise. 'The

Laugh laugh laugh - for health

muscles of the abdomen, the thorax, t he shoulders and of other parts of the bod y contract; heart-beat and blood pressure increase ,' claims the review Newsweek. 'I n a burst of laughter, the pulse rate can eve n be doubled and the systo lic arterial pressure can go up from a norm of 120 to a level of 200.' A doctor of Stanford University refers to this as a ty pe of 'stationary trotting.' After

laughing the muscles are more relaxed and hear t- beat and blood pressure level off below normal. A psychologist of the Universit y suggests that 'laughter is rela te d in several ways to longevity .'

War in time of Peace

A new book entitled War in Peace, which has been publi shed in London, maintains that, from the end of World War II, some 13 0 military conflicts in more than 100 co un tries have caused the death of more than 35 million persons. 'In the majority of th ese confl icts the four major power s which were originally in the Security Council of the United Nations - Great Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union - ha ve played prominent parts, ' says the newspap er Toronto Star of Canada and indicates that 80 per cent of the mili tary actions which the major powers wer e involved in s ince 1968 have violated international law. Have the se violations been punished? 'Thanks to the veto procedure of the Security Council, ne ver have sanctions been imposed in any instance,' the Star responds. Moreover, 'the great powers, together with other allie of the West, ha ve fomented world appetite for war by having made the production and ale of arms the principal mercantile activity of the world, one which outstrips even that of foo d.'

sen d telegraphic message. (5). 13. Tall and lean in physique. (4). 14. Boy f rom Ludlow, England. (4). 16. A terminal member of the han d. (6) 18 Cleansing, analgesic, sedative, and diaphoretic treatment. (3.4). 21. Not affected emotionally in the same place. (7). 23. Pre entation of the buttocks. (6). 25 Part of valve of heart and veins. (4). 27. Northern capital in Czechoslovakia (4). 28. Rectal infusion. (5). 30. Organ of balance and hearin g. (9). 31. Filamentous epidermal appendages. (5). 32. Applied to get rid of ill-feelings. (6). 33. Itching. (8).

Down:

1. Introduce pathogeni c micro-organisms into the body (6).2. Upper part of the stern um. (9). 3. Tender aiming to mitigate ill-feelings. (5) 4. Real gut becomes tile-Jike. (7). 6. Where to take one's leave. (4). 7. Relative by marriage is a barri ster? (2-3). 8. This bean make s a green liqueur. (8). 9. Mid-day meal in cluding a small vessel. (6). 15. Infection of eyelids from best yeast. (4). 17. Yield to pressure and make a donation. (4). 19. St. Michael turns to seeker of elixir of li fe. (9). 20. Physique quite the opposite to 13 Acros s (8) 22. Do give a song for administering quant ities of medicine. (6). 23 Bromine and other close relative (7). 24 A truss for part of the foot. (6).26. Fatty secretion from t he skin. (5) 28. There could be a former anaesthetic (5). 29. Poke to stimulate. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No .2 (85)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.3 (85) by A. A. Potter

Across:

1. Ability to resist d is ease caused by micro-organism. (8). 5. Part of eye abnormally in tear. (6). 10. 16 Across loses a gram and is more ' slender. (5). 11. Plant of the sternum. (9). 12 Number competent to

Across: 1. Pharmacy; 5. Nausea; 10 Retinal; II. Unaided; 12. Or·al; 13. A·x·le; 14. Tenet; 16. Exercise; 18. F' I' air; 20. Leec h ; 21. Varicose; 23. Thyme; 25. Rash; 27. Sham; 29 Ear lobe ; 30. General; 31. Tagged; 32. Pregnant.

Down: 1. Period; 2. Anti-anxiety drug; 3. Mint; 4. Ca lyx; 6 Ada' pt; 7. Sydenham's chorea; 8. Auditor y; 9 Outer ear; 15 Arch; 17. Inverted; 18. Face; 19. Flat feet; 22. Amulet; 24. Evoke; 26. Sugar ; 28. Snug.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

20 a word (min. £4.00); semi display £20 single column inch (min. £10). Se:d to Driscoll Productions, Wood Cottage, High Corner, Butley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IPI2 3QF.

G[VE YOUR LECTURES THAT FJNAL PROFESSIONAL TOU C Hdetailed colour slid e sets FA J- 0 compre henSively cover. the SJA M anual. d d by Dr Kenneth Leese (County Surgeon GMC). Slide sets £6 95 each, cassettes £4.95 all plus post and VAT. Send for FREE details of teaching aid s for Home and Ro ad Safety to F. C. CU RTIS LTD , 6 MJl etas Place, Lyr-haRl St Annes, Lanes FY8 I BQ.

1974 BEDFORD C.F. ambul a nce, com plet e with troll ey stretc her s, 2 blue beacon & front s, 9 month s M.O.T. very good co ndllion, £900 o.n.o. T el: Peter Kirkham , Milton K eyne (0908) 314614 af t er 5pm.

NORFOLK near Fakenham. Three se lf- co ntained cottages converted from lovely old barn. Sleep 2, 4 and 6. Children/pets welcome. Garden. TV s: Peaceful. Rural v ew. ldeal LOUrin g. From

Reduced price for BULK ORDERS of the St John Review in the UK

Orders of six copies or more sent to one address in the UK are postage free. And instead of 65p a copy (the cover price of the Review), the price ' is 62p a copy - POSTAGE PAID.

FOR THE WfLfARE Of THOSE WITH CANCER

The Fo und a ti o n pro v id es re sid e ntial ca r e in e leve n nu rs in g h o m es , n a tion w id e d o mi c ili ary n ight nu rs in g ,

urge n t we l fa r e n ee ds n kind , c o un se lling fo r p a ti e nts and t h ei r f a mili es, a nd a n e nqui ry b u rea u ; t oget h e r w ith ac t ive p ro gramm es of c a n cer r esea r c h , a nd edu c ati o n in th e profes s i o n a l a nd l ay fi e ld s.

Further n f orma ti on a v ailable on request from the Secreta ry , 28 Belgrave Square,LONDON SW1X8QG Tel:0l-2353325 AN

Ta pe Sl i d e Programme s (35m m slid es + CGlssette ta p e) and Teaching s lide Se ts (with notes, but no tape) are available to h e lp in all a spects of First Aid Training and Hom e Nurs ing, a s vvell O nly simple eq u ip m ent is ne ede d fo r indi v d ual or group use. For hire in th e UK, an d sa e th ro ugh o ut the wor d.

Write tod a y for a leaflet giving full detail s, or f o

.St John Fellovvship

IT IS ANNOUNCED with great pleasure that Marjorie, Countess of Brecknock, DBE, DGStJ, has agreed to become President of the Fellowship.

Members will remember Lady Brecknock first as Controller Overseas, then as successor to her cousin Lady Mountbatten as Superintendent - in-Chief from 1960 to 1970 and then as Chief President until she retired in 1984. hope to welcome her at the AGM on May 15.

At Stamford branch 's first annual dinner

Sheila Puckle writes : I am pleased to report the formation of two more branche s this month.

Gloucester Area Branch, Gloucesterhire: Contact Mr G. C. Miles, 49, Park Avenue, Longlevens, Gloucester GL20EA.

Lonsdale Area Branch, Lancashire: Contact Mrs C. M. Jonietz SRN, 61 Buttermere Avenue, Fleetwood, Lanes. FY78QG.

Congratulations to Stamford St John FellowshIp Group, Lines, on holding their first annual dinner on January 29. The guests included Colonel J. E, Nicholson, Commander St John Ambulance, Lines, and Mrs Nicholson, Mrs A. Miles, County Superintendent, the Lines South Area Commissioner Mr P. Castle and Mrs Castle, and the officers in charge of the Stamford Adult and Cadet Divisions.

The Fellowship members present had given nearly 450 years service to St John between them. Their group which meets bi-monthly has had many interesting speakers and recently visited St John's Gate,

To avoid delays in the mail, may I remind correspondents that the Fellowship is administered from my private address as below and not from St John Ambulance Headquarters at 1, Grosvenor Crescent. 31 Malvern Court, Sheila Puckle Onslow Square, London SW7 3HY National Secretary COVER

1

2. The first-aider is doing a vital test what is it?

(a ) Lis t en ng to the history

(b ) Checking t he patient s breathing

(c ) Watching the patient s stomach

4. Th s position s part of

(a) Test for flaccid paralysis

(b) Sylvest e r s method of artificial respiration

(c) Preparing for fireman s lift

5.

by JIM

Cadet Youth Year Summer Challenge 1985

As mentioned in last month's Revie w, the C h a ll enge fo r t h e s ummer montr.s of June, Jul y a nd August a r e laid down now for Cadet D iv isio n s to work o Pri z es will be awarded to the three be st ideas which are carried out by cadets them se lves during these t h ree month s. You are to e ntertain a local celebrity to a mea in an unusual place, which g ves ho s ts of possibilities too numerou s to mention , and I hop e there will be a lot more than I have thou g ht of. Entries should be submitted to reach me not later than September 15 1985, preferably with a photograph and a brief report giving detail s of the eve nt and how it was planned and

LEWES, the anci e nt county town of East Sussex is s ituated in the valley of the River

Ou se. At t h e 1983 AGM of the town 's Ambulance Cadet Division we decided t o embark on a fund raising project for a s pecial item or items Many ideas we r e put forward, including a minibus and more camping equipment, but in the end the cadets de c id ed that they would like to have canoes, wh ich o f course fitted in well with our location. They made that deci s ion becau s e many of them had already enjoyed canoeing , two on a Brigade Outward Bound Course, and o hers at the county training camp and at Bowle s Outdoor Pur s uits Centre , near Tunbrid ge Well s We therefore se our s elve s the target of ge tting Lewes cadets 'afloat'.

occurred. Make sure when you do undertake this challenge that you invite the local press a nd po ss ibly local radio to cover the event to enable you to m a ke the greatest use of the publicity po ss ibilities as a result of this c h a llenge. This is the first outdoor activity c h a lleng e th at [ have been able to organise for thi s c olumn and [ hope that it will produce a bump er number of entries and therefore make it possible to run further events in the future.

Environmental re s ources

The Conservation Trust, an educational c harit y promoting greater environmental awareness and understanding produces a wide range of study packs, posters and audio-visual programmes. The Trust can also s upply s peak e rs or arrange exhibitions and di sp la ys. All the material held in their re so ur ce bank is on free loan to members (m e mbership £15).

For further information contact: The Conservation Trust, cl o George Palmer School, Northumberland Avenue, Reading , RG 2 0EN

Free wall charts

Concern for the Countryside is the title of a s et of five wall charts illustrating the wildlife found in fi ve habitats being put at risk by careless littering These include h e dg erows motorwa ys, urban areas, woodlands a nd fresh water.

Th e wa ll c harts are a v ailable from Wallchart Offer , Keep Britain Tidy Group,

Cadet Youth Year Spring Challenge

A reminde r that e ntri es for the Sp rin g challenge announced in th e March ss u e are needed by Jun e 20. Th e c hall e n ge s for individual s to h e lp others le ss fortunate than themselves. Full d etai ls in Cadet Chat March R ev iew.

You will rememb e r that the first Challenge in Januar y was to produ ce a report de sc ribing the officer in ch a rge of a Division The three excel e nt reports submitted were from William Hut c hin gs, of West Mer sea; Elaine Horw ood, of Willingdon ; and Hel e n P r ce, o f Rin gmer - well done all thr ee. A pri ze is on its way to each.

27 West St reet, Bri ghton, East Sussex, BN I 2RE. Pl ease e nclo se a cheq u e for £1.00, payable to Keep Bri tain Tidy Gro u p, to cover postage Fire s afety

Here are a numb er of s h ort activ tie to help cadets find o u t more about fire; or you co uld also u se these activities with junior s for part of their Effic ie n cy Award s. Fire needs oxygen to burn For thi s yo u n ee d a jam jar, a candle and a sa u ce r or dish w h ic h wil l ho ld water. The candle s hould be quite a ta ll one to be s u ccessf ul. H av in g fixed the candle to the bottom of the dish, put about 2cm of waler in the bottom Light the cand le and put the jam jar over the candle and re ting on three co in s. Th e name is q ui ck ly put out and some

WITH SUMMER COMING

Levves cadets get afloat

injured at Lewes' famous bonfire n igh! and ever si n ce ha s been thankful for the treatment he received from Lewe St John. It ju st goes to s how h ow what yo u do no w can affect th e future

A loat - li fe ·ja ckete dand alone. That s the way to ea rn fast

I decided that fund raising for this venture s hould be separate from the usual divisional fund rai s ing and to start the ball rolling I wrote to loc a bu s inesses in an effort to gain s upport. About 50070 of the letters produced a response, but only one company, Cloth kits, a clothing manu facturer, came up with a s ub s tantial sum of money. But many s mall busine sses did contribute and within six weeks we had enough money to buy our s econd canoe.

Yes, our second. Because during those six weeks Keith Austin, the local Lions' s ecretary, sa w me in the local hostelry and there and then wrote a cheque for the first canoe. He heard me talking about the appeal and explained that 20 years ago he had been

of th e wa t er is s u cked u p int o thc jar. This littl e experi m e nt s h ows t h a t w h e n t h e candle has used up the oxygen it ca n no lon ge r burn

You mi g ht al 0 n o ti ce that the a ir is abo ut o ne fifth oxyge n because th e jar f inishes one f ft h full o f water.

S moke filled room

Blindfold cadets and tell them that they h ave to go int o a s moke f ill ed room, find a person and bring th e m out. Cadcts have to k ee p their face s c lose to the ground to make be s t use of th e air w hi ch is to b e found here. They s h o uld al 0 use the back of the hand to feel a r ound (the re aso n for thi s precaution in a real f ire s t hat accidental contact w ith a li ve wire wi ll cause the hand to move away, rather th a n grip the e lectr ica l so urce).

Ca rbon-dio xi d e fire extinguisher

You need a cand e, a jam jar and two hou se hold materials, baking powder and vinegar. Put the cand e in the jam jar with some bakin g powder in the bottom, light t h e cand le and add some vinegar to th e jar. On contac the t\ 0 chemical give off a gas ca ll ed carbon-dioxide which results in a mixture frothing up. A the jar becomes full of the ga , th e name nicker a nd die because the cand le cannO l burn in a carbon-dioxide almo phere. Carbon-d io xide cy lind ers are used to allack fire wit h an electrica l source.

Fire fighting game

To make work on fire prevention and safety more intere tin g, why not have a game? Split

your cadets into gro up s of six and each group of s ix has a c h a ir and a pole in fro nt of it at the other end of the hall. Eac h cadet in th e team h as a number and the eader ha s a be ll . T h e leader rin gs t h e alarm bell a set number of t im es and all the boy s count. Th e number of rin gs te ll s the cadets which fireman is to run from each team. The cadets run o th e c h air holding the pole and they then have to s lide down it b efo re running back again. Th e game ca n be made more interesting by having a fi r eman's uniform w hi c h h as t o be put on and a squeezy bottle of water at the end of the room to fight an imaginer y fire.

Co rr ec tion

My apo logies for two mi stakes recentl y.

Firstly, the Pedigree Foods proficiency sets were se nt to all counties for di st ribu tion to Areas and not Divisions. These will be on loan from ASO (Cadets). The Ordnance Survey book Maps and Mapping is available from Ordnance Survey, not Evans Publi s hin g.

Con tributi o n s Contributions and entries to competitions in this column should be sent to Jim, 3 Br a ndreth Road , London , E6 4QB. If you have any id eas about games, training actlvllles or events that your cadets have taken part in and enjoyed, please write because I am a lway in n eed of material for thi co lumn. Cadet Chat badges are sent to all tho e who contribute to the column

WHERE IS HE?

tLeft) Where is he? tRight) All's well This IS jusl part of practice learning how to right your canoe if it does turn over

For the remaind er of 1983, quite chuffed with ourselves, we pl oughed into the public duty seaso n and the waves in our canoes on s pare evenings and weekends.

Early in 1984 I wrote two more beggin g letter s and almost immediately recei ved another c hequ e for a further ca n oe. T hi s was from the Southern Radio C har itab e Tru st and we were one of its first beneficiaries.

We now had three fully eq uipp ed KW 7 canoe s coloured orange, blue a nd red. They were s upplied by C & E Sports, of Newha ve n , with generous di sc ounts on both canoes and ca mpin g equipme nt we also bought there. Th ese ca no es a r e ideal for u s, a s they are sufficiently stab le for th e inexperienced yet still give a n exc iti n g r idin g in the sea. We u se t hem on ri ve r lake a n d the sea. And one person fall s out of them more often than anyon e e lse me. One of our staff officer s ha s join e d u s with h is canoe, s o now more cadets ca n ge afloa t at the same time

We u ed the c raft extensively dur in g 1984, in cl udin g the first public duty, the Lewe -toNewhaven raft race, at which we p r ov id ed first a d cover along the 8-mi le co ur se. We had to re cue the crew of t wo raft, and were called to a t hird that had capsized, although their only cas u a lt y was a barrel of beer!

J ul y saw a very importam date for the Division: presentation evening not only for t h e canoes but a lso for rh e Division's first Grand Prior' s Award in 10 years. The town' Mayor, Cl lr Reg Yarrow, and th e two F reemen of Le we s, Jim Taylow and Maurice Breese, a well as Area Commissione r Bertram S h arp, inspected the Divi ion w h i le Our ca no es were offic ia ll y presented by Mr Keith Austin and Dr Farrah-Brown, a tru stee of h e cha ritabl e tru st. In October a n other etter produced

another ca noe from the Television South Charitable Tru t. But this time we bou ght a kayak, pecially f ini shed in metallic black and wh it e. The sup plier Apo ll o Canoes of Cradle Hill In dustrial Estate, Seaford, Su ex, i owned by Nick Pink, who can s upply canoes and he mets in any colour. He we co m e enquiries from St J ohn unit s.

Now we need

Our need now is a trai ler for transporting our craft, and hopefully our next boat will be a two- eater for training cadets Safety, of course, is very important, 0 we have fo u r qualified li fesavers and eve r yone wears a li fejacke t w h e afloat. This s u mmer the remainder of the Divi ion will take a ba ic life -sav in g course. We sha ll a lso be practis ing o ur r e cue drill in readiness for the next raft race

have been ve ry careful, as already mentioned, not to confuse our canoe fund rai ing with divi ional fund raising , and also ensured that canoeing has not affected time spent on divisional training or that only a few cadet use the canoe The craft are an enormou fillip to our adventure activities, give t he cadets general water-sense, and, as well as giving u another public duty, sho. that our cadet are doing thing that appeal to other youngsters. I thoroughly recommend this type of acti ity to any di v i ion and al 0 the source of our donation - local radio and TV ration, many of whom ha e charitable trusts. Finally, I would like to thank through the Re\ iew all who have helped u make u c h a success of thi s enture.

Tim Fellows, D I O-in-charge, Lewes A I e Division

LET'S LOOK AT ...

Dr Burto n jo ined St John as a cadet with C45 Chingford (Lo ndon Division and later transferred to 132 Chingford (Ambulance) Division before leaving for Medical Schoo at Sheffield University in 1962

BEFORE we can consider diabetes and the emergencies that arise in diabetic patients we must understand the normal control of sugar usage in the body.

The blood sugar

The blood normally contains between 80mgs and 120mgs of sugar per lOOmIs. This is present in the blood as glucose. Other sorts of sugars are taken in from our food but these are converted into glucose in the liver, so in describing the blood sugar we are referring to blood glucose. When we eat we take in several grammes of carbohydrate which is broken down (or metabolised) in the liver to glucose and then put out into the blood for use as a source of energy in the muscles and organs of the body Any excess carbohydrate not used for energy supply is stored in the liver as glycogen which can be broken down again if necessary to give rise

Diabetes

by Dr James A. Burton, SBStJ, MB, ChB, MRCGP, MRCP, AFOM, Area Surgeon, Sheffield

to glucose This complex process in the liver occurs because of enzyme action. The normal glucose leve is maintained within this narrow limit. The amount of s u gar taken in is variable and the blood glucose will rise above this limit unless kept there by the presence o f a c irculating hormone whose effect is to LOWER THE BLOOD SUGAR.

This hormone, produ ce d by the pancreas, is INSULIN.

Insulin production

When food is taken into the stomach the digestive process starts and food is broken down and its elements are absorbed into the blood through the bowel wall. As the blood sugar rises the pancreas is stimulated to produce in s ulin in an amount which will maintain the glucose level within the normal range and will enable the liver to store the rest as glycogen. Insulin is essential for t his storage process too When the pan c reas becomes diseased, the insulin-producing cells may be partially or complete ly destroyed.

This gives rise to the condition of DIABETES MELLITUS.

Diabetes

Let us now consider a patient developing diabetes. His pancreas is producing less and less insulin so the blood sugar gradually rises, initi a lly above 120mg s per lOOmIs of blood, perhaps, to 250mgs over 36 hours, then to 300mgs and so on, perhaps, up to 600 or 700 mgs per lOOmIs of blood.

When the le ve l of glucose reaches 180mg s in the blood, the kidneys allow t he sugar to pass through into the urine Normally there is no sugar in the urine as this level i nOI reached. In the diabetic this lo ss of sugar in the urine has to be in a form which i dissolved in water to pass as urine

Therefore, as the diabetic state develops, th e patient notices he is passing more urine both by day and by night. As a result of the excessive fluid loss to excrete the sugar t h e patient becomes thirsty and so tends to drink more. This is the stage at which they often seek medical advice and a test for s ugar in the urine will be positive. In the absence of insulin the body is unable to utili se the glucose in the blood for energy and is a lso unable to store it in the liver. To obtain

Cadet activities

In

Guernsey's nursing cadets talk to a deaf volunteer using sign language. (Photo: Guernsey Press)

Staff Off ic er Mrs Anne Harvey teaches the ca dets basi c child care skills at a recent open evening (And far right) Und er the direction of Mr Len Collenette, Guernsey's nursing cadets learn basic DIY skills

(Photo: Guernsey Pre s s)

energy in this state the fat and protein of the body is broken down as the energy giving so urce for the function of the muscles and organs. As the result of this the diabetic state proceeds and the patient begins to lo se weight and becomes thinne r. The breakdown products of fat and protein are toxic and the chemica ls circulate in the blood. These are acids and are called KETONES. One of the vo latile acids sme ll s like acetone and can be detected in the breath. As the concentration of these acids increase in the blood they will have a toxic effect on the brain and consciousness will gradually be lost. This condition is called DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS or DIABETIC COMA. The circu lating ketone s affect respiration and cause a deep sighing type of breathing and dehydration and shock follows. Note well that the diabetic coma h as taken several days to develop. The treatment is emergency admission to hospital, insulin by injection and fluid replacement to reverse the process just described. This will lower the rai se d blood sugar and enable the body to store and utilise sugar again. The patient is then maintained on daily insulin by injection to replace that which is not produced by hi s pancreas. The normal state is thus restored but needs carefu l monitoring.

The e tablished diabetic on insulin treatment must balance hi s energy need s against food intake and in s ulin dose Remember that the action of in s ulin is to lower the blood sugar.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

If the patien t has a dose of insulin he must also take in food to enable him to maintain he normal blood sugar. If he does not take in enough food or misses a meal the insulin

will sti ll lower his blood sugar. Initially he will feel hungry and the d es ire to eat, ju st as the normal person doe s when the blood sugar is falling seve ral hour s after a meal. As the level fall s still further, concentration become s difficult and the patient may be confused and swea ting. Still lower the patient may become aggressive and unco-operative and consciousness may soo n be lo st. Thi s whole proces s may take only a co upl e of hours to develop, but may occur more rapidly if the patient undertake s vigorous exercise which u ses up h is blood sugar in muscle work. To re ve r se the condition a sugared drink should be given ea rl y in the process and this will rapidly reverse the situation. The patient w ill often be uncooperative and mu st be encouraged forcibly to take s ugar. [f the patient is unconscious he must not be given anything by mou th and a doctor mu st be called or the patient removed [0 ho s pi ta l. The medical treatment here is to give an injec t ion of a specia l sugar solution into a vein and this wi ll resuscitate the patient very rapidly and dramatically.

I well remember a diabetic young man of 19 years who lived in a students' residence. He had played a game of football unexpectedly on Saturday morning having had hi s in s ulin. He usually ate a bar of chocolate before a game but did not on this occasion. He felt unwell by lunch time and went to his room to bed. His friends found him 'as leep' at teatime and did not disturb him. He did not appear for meals on Sunday and was still 'asleep' at Sunday teatime. I was called to see him in the evening when his friends had been unable to wake him. I had known the patient for two years and I knew he was diabet ic. From the hi story it was clear that he had become unwell over a few hour s

on Saturday morning. This is the pattern of a low blood s ugar. On examining him he was deeply uncon scio u s, cold and had no reflexes. He had very shallow respiration and would soo n have died. An injection of s ugar so lution into a ve in brought a very we lcbme and dramatic impro ve ment in consciousness even before I had finished giving the rather large volume injection, much to the astonishment of his onlooking friends who by now were assisting me to hold the patient down until the blood suga r came up to the normal level where co-operation became po ssib le

The case se rve s to emphasise the s peed with which HYPOGLYCAEMIC COMA occurs (few hour s) as compared with the few days required to develop DIABETIC COMA. Remember to take a careful history of what happens, this alone will often give the correct diagnosis. Remember also t h at diabe tic emergencies are li fe threatening conditions and urgent treatment is necessary.

General considerations

Some diabetics are controlled on insulin injections and diet. Insulin cannot be given by mouth and is always injected once or twice dail y Diabetes developing after middle age ma y be co ntrolled by dieting or tablets. In these older patients, not all the in sulin secreting cells in the pancreas are destroyed and it is possible to stimulate those that remain with tablets which the patient takes several times daily. Remember too that diabetics may become ill with conditions or injury unrelated to their diabetes. As a general rule the insulin requirement of the body increases during an infection or other intercurrent illness.

Do you understand diabetes better now?

COMMUNICATING with the deaf and blind is the latest task undertaken by cadets in Guernsey. Twenty girls from Guernsey' s Northern Nursing Cadet Division have now taken an examination in this interesting and challenging proficiency subject, and all have passed.

The girls' ability was tested by some genuine y deaf people who agreed to help in t h e examination. They were asked to act as 'patients' while the girls diagnosed their illnesses by examination and by asking questions u sing sign language. The youngsters also, of course, had to understand the answers and explain in sign language what treatment they were going to perform

As their Superintendent, Mrs Pam Bartlett, said, 'People who are genuinely deaf provided the best test of the girls' sk ill s, and also helped them realise that people who are deaf are not necessarily dumb - they

si mply haven't had the chance of hearing normal speech. They now have a far better understand in g of the problems experienced by deaf people .'

Mis s Anne Diamond, of the Deaf Christian Fellowship, who was tutor during t he course, was impressed with the large amount of sign language learned by the girls and also by the way they used it. 'It is good to know of young people working so hard in the different activities which St John organise,' she said.

Some of these activities were displayed to members of the public at a recent open evening held by the nursing cadet division. Apart from communicating with the deaf and blind, there were first aid, nursing and child care demonstrations, and of particular interest to the visitors was the handyman course being run for the cadets Basil.. carpentry, electrical work and household tasks were being undertaken quite capably by the girls, proving that DIY skills can be accompanied by beauty! Next time I need a plumber I know who to phone!

Neil R. Tucker Public Relations Officer

NOTTINGHAM, Sept 20 to 22

The annual meeting will be held at the University of Nottingham from 1600 hours on Friday, Sept 20 to 1300 hours on Sunday, Sept 22 1985. The meeting is open to all members of St John Ambulance who will be most welcome.

Programme

There will be an interesting programme of lectures, with presentations, discussions and social gatherings, with the usual disco / dance on the Saturday evening and the interdenominational service on the Sunday morning.

Charges

Although the University has had to increase its charges for 1985, we intend to offer attendance at 1983 prices:

a. Residential: Friday supper to Sunday lunch inclusive - £40.

b. Non-residential Day Attendance: Saturday morning coffee, lunch, tea, supper, disco / dance; Sunday morning coffee and lunch - £25.

Booking

To secure your place at Nottingham 1985, please book through your County / District office as soon as possible. For reasons of catering and administration the University cannot accept casual attendances. We must therefore pre-book both residential and day attendances.

JERUSALEM SCENE

The 1985 edition of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital's newsletter is now available from the Public Affairs Dept, Order of St John, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWIX 7EF, or phone 01 235 5231.

ON THE BOX

Friday December 14; the end of another term for Richmond and Watney Mortlake Nursing Cadet Division. Now I can look forward to a quiet Xmas and completing my BF1!

BY THE EDITOR

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

The photo that appeared in

Who's this?

. The photo (left) you will remember appeared in our March issue with the offer of a fiver for the first person to send in the correct identity of the busy gardener (who, incidentally, supplied us with the picture) The sharp eyed reader was Mr H J. Lak e, of Forest Gate, East London, who wrote: 'Is Lady Westbury? would recognise her anywhere. God bless her.' Another reader who correctly identified the rear added: 'But don't tell her if I'm wrong.'

Lady Westbury, the Supt - in - Chief, as most of us " know her

The phone rings. Michael, my husband answers it. It's a male voice he recognises but cannot put a name to.

'Hello Angela. It's Tom Gibson here. ' (London District PRO)

'Hello,' say I, innocently wondering what he wanted me for. Had one of my cadets hit the headlines having performed some brave deed?

'Are you free next Sunday, the 23rd?'

'Er yes,' I say. 'Why?'

'I've had a call from the BBe. Do you watch Bob's Full House?'

'Yes,' I reply, starting to panic.

'Well, Bob Monkhouse wants to do a speci a l Christmas Show u s ing four uniformed charities and he wan ts S t John to be one of them. We have arran g ed for four of you t o go to the TV Centre tomorrow afternoon and one of you will be picked t o take part in the programme I ll meet you in th e reception of TV Centre at 4 o'clock. We ' re to meet Marion Hor t on Smith - she's th e contestant re searcher for the programme.

Tom managed to con v ince me that I'd be capable of doing it if I w a picked (it wa s n ' really that difficult!) and] spent the next few hours wondering what I ' d let myself in for.

4pm Saturday, BBC TV Centre. No sign of Tom. Soon I see him appear with my fr iend Jayne Vines from Brixton Division. We chat to one another nervously while we wait for the other two t o turn up. Tom tells us that the other two will not be coming and we realise that it between Jayne and me. Upstairs we are given a cup of the famous BBC TV tea; not to be confused with BBC radio tea which we were informed is something very different!

Marion chatred to all three of us and found out a lot more about St John than she knew before We were given a run through of questions which we would be likely to have in a programme situation and we both had similar scores. Marion said that she did not want to have to make the choice between us and so she would leave it to the producer of the programme, John Bishop, to choose, so we both had to produce a photograph of ourselves and fill in a form giving a potted history including any amusing incidents! Marion explained that the object of the game was like bingo except that all the cards have a number in each corner. The first round involved lighting the corner numbers by answering questions on the buzzer. The second round involved the second line which has five numbers on it but to light these numbers you answer questions in certain categories and the third round was to fill the rest of the numbers on the card, ie, a full house. Each number we lit up would win us £10 for our charity.

Jayne and I managed to write a short autobiography and find a photo and took them to Tom for him to take to the BBe.

On Tuesday afternoon I was informed by Marion that r had picked the short straw and would be taking part in the programme! She explained that a car would pick me up on the

A I M Jogi Chana, - of West Devon s Crownhill Division, receives a letter of commendation by the Cin-C from Mrs Mary Miner, Area Commissioner, for his prompt action at a road accident last May

Sgt Robert Hunt and Dr Peter Young examine a casualty at the National Youth Judo championships at Bracknell. At first it was thought his neck was broken, but closer examination showed this was nat so !Photo Bracknell News)

Mrs Yvonne Coveney·Boyd, Brigade Training Officer in British Columbia, presenting a 50th anniversary plate to the Chief Commander and Lady Westbury in London. The plate was designed to commemorate the formation of No 18 Combined Cadet Di vision, the rst Nursing Cadet Division formed in Canada in 1935 (Photo: Veronica Sharpe) Radcliffe (Bury Corps) Division s first aid team capta n Frank Green gets tied up by his team (Mrs Mab e Willis Mrs Jean Wardl e and Mrs Margaret Pollitt) aft

GLOS (Below) Major Nick Warry, Commander SJA, presses the button to start the new heating system at the County HQ installed by the Youthforce scheme supervisor Vic Bonsor (left) and trainee Lee Davis 16. (Right)

The retiring chairman of Bolton's Association Centre , Mr K F. Burgess (right), receives a plaque to mark 10 years in the chair from the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Barbara Hurst. Centre , is the vicechairman and treasurer, Mr W. R. Morris CStJ

Sunday afternoon and would take me to the TV Centre. I would need to be there from about 2.30 and the programme would be recorded at about 7pm.

Sunday 1.30, the taxi arrives to pick me up. A quick check to make sure I have all my lJniform and off I go. Arriving at the centre I am met by Marion and introduced to the other contestants. Muff: A staff nurse from Bristol, at least we could talk shop!

Bob: A fireman from Isleworth fire station. I could rack his brains about fire fighting courses for the cadets! Clifton: who was representing the RNLI and came from Southend. I wasted no time and tapped him for a look around the lifeboat and the station!

Over tea and biscuits we met the producer John Bishop and also Bob Monkhouse. They were extremely nice. Bob put us at our ease and went through what he would say to us on the programme. Next, we watched a video of an old programme to give us an idea of what we would be up against. Then it was downstairs to watch a rehearsal with extras taking our places. It was strange to see the

set all made up 'with our names in lights'.

After this, Muff and I went to the make up department; the wardrobe people had starched our caps and ironed our uniforms.

Because our hats were white we had to wear them for the rehearsal so the cameras could be adjusted accordingly. Usually, when nurses are on the television, their caps are made in 'BBC White'. Next was a dummy run. We saw the prizes we would be playing for. I made up my mind which prizes I would pick for each round and wrote them on the card which Marion had given me.

_ During the rehearsal, Muff had won the first and second rounds, and I had won the third, so Bob and Clifton were beginning to get rather nervous!

After we had changed into our uniforms it was time for some sandwiches and a glass of wine. I stuck to the mineral water! '

After we had eaten, it was time to go down for a quick touch up in make up and then into the studio to record the programme. We had been allocated 8 tickets to see the recording and it didn't take me long to find my row of supporters in the audience

Round one started and finished without me scoring but it was too early to be disheartened. Bob won the first round and a television set.

Round two. This was the line which had

four mystery prizes hidden in it. Muff won a day at the sales; Bob a weekend on a health farm; Clifton tickets to a pantomime; and I won candlelit dinner for two in Little Venice. In this round I started to catch up I needed one more square to win the round No knowing that Paderewsky was not only a composer but a lso Prime Minister of Poland cost me a telephone answering machine. Clifton knew the answer and won t he round.

- Round three. Now I'll show them! I wa s still losin g, having only four squares alight on my board. These questions were to be answered on the buzzer and I managed to pull ahead, needing only one square to win Clifton started to catch up and we both needed one square when Bob asked 'What is the name of the Ewing family home in Dallas?' Eagerly, I pressed the buzzer and Bob asked for the answer 'Southfork'. 'Ye " replied Bob, 'and you've won Bob Full House'. Now I had to choose my prize. Would it be the television, the video, or th e grandfather clock? I chose tlie clock

Winning the third round entitled me to take part in the Golden Card Game and po ss ibly win a holiday I would have on e minute to answer 20 questions and to pick the numbers from the board to determin e where the destination of the holiday would be One very long min ute later, I was on my way to Holland and St John was £248 richer.

I had also won £150 on the full house. Bob announced that all the charities would be benefiting by the full £150 and the credit s rolled on to the screens.

What's this - a punch up?

Well, no, not exactly. It 's nursing members of 368 Barnet Combined Division getting some tips in self defence from Special Constabulary'S' Division. SJA and the Special Constabulary are often on similar duties, such as football matches. Hence the liaison. Getting together, believe it' 5 called.

To round off the evening we were presented with a gift of a hamper from the top people's store and were invited upstairs for a glass of wine by way of a celebration

We finally left the BBC at Ilpm, very tired but with many memories to keep for the grandchildren!

The programme was screened on Boxing Day and at last I could find out if all t he things my audience had said about me were true!

Angela Gibbons, Nursing Officer London District

NEW UNIFORM

FOR AMBULANCE AND NURSING PERSONNEL

Simpler, less costly, more practicable, and - yes girls - frillies are BACK!

SIMPLIFICATION o f styles, lower prices, fewer trimmings and more practicality; protection and comfort in all weathers, su itability for all types of duty, outdoors and indoors. These are the aims of the newly designed St John Ambulance uniform.

The views of HQ officers, a working party, county representatives, professional and lay officers and members ha ve all been taken into account in producing these new styles which we hope everyone - well, nearly everyonewill like.

The result

By introducing new items, retaining others and making modifications, we now have mix-and-match items of uniform which can be acquired separately and added to as necessary.

The general rule is that all members (Ambulance or Nursing) on a duty will be dressed alike.

With due regard to Dress Regulations, commissioners and county s uperintendents may authorise a combination of garments most suitable for duties performed within their county or by a division.

Badges

1. Badges will be known by their Supplies Dept product number, eg cap and hat badge 78 previously, now BO 2650 (Ambulance) and BO 7800 (Nursing).

2. Variety reduced; eg Officers (N) badge 3655 replaced by BO 4100 and now worn by all officers, NCOs and nursing members.

3. Metal replaced by cloth where prac t ical and cos t effective

4. Badge positions have been standardised on ambulance and nursing uniform as illustrated in diagram (e g position 2, both arms, county flash and county emblem . Top of flash 1/2inch from shoulder seam, top of emblem t o touch base of flash.)

9 4 - 4

Badges of rank

Cloth badges of rank on material slides which slip over the shoulder straps of uniform and are easily transferable from one garment to another. Black slides are worn by officers and NCOs (A and N).

What ever their Brigade appointment, scarlet slides are worn by all medical practitioners and gre y slides by all nurses on the professional register.

New Dress Regulations

The new Combined Ambulance and Nursing Dress Regulations are available from Supplies Department. Send for your copy now! Product number P11360 price £3.65 (incl postage). See Supplies price list for uni f orm s.

of SJA in Cleveland, Lady Gisborough, on a trip to Germany with

husband , visits Johanniter Unfall Hilfe (SJA's equivalent in Germany) in Munster to see how their organisation works. One

All PHOTOS BY JON HARRIS

AMBULANCE

ORDER INVESTITURE

FOR HOT WEATHER

Ambulance and Nursing Special Duty Uniform

The new T-shirt and short -sleeved shirt which may be worn by ambulance and nursing personnel.

Optio n a l Items for special needs include:

Reflective belts and slip-overs, weather-proof jackets and trousers, boiler- suits, safety helmets.

Many thanks to our models, , John, Jennie, Sharon and Tracey, ,

who so willingly co-operated in 'getting it right' (particularly Sharon and Tracey, from HQ Examinations Department, who had never before worn the uniform),

(London SWJ)

(Derby)

S ebbings (Derby

(Berks)

(Essex)

Andrews (Suffo lk)

Joy ce, Miss Ashby (Surrey)

Char es Peregrine A bemarle benie (Berk s)

(S

Perc y Blum 1B E (Durham)

Wing Co mmande Denni s C laude Charlier, MC riCO (SuITo k)

Richard Chrislopher Larkin Charvel, RD (Essex)

Robe n Geofrrey Course (Essex)

Da vid Roy He nry ounne ll (London EIO)

May, Mi ss Ford (C he hire)

Joh n Gadd (O\on)

Frank Griffin, BSe CcnEd (N York s)

Commander (MS) M alco m George H arper ( H anls)

The Revd Malcolm Franci s Jon es

M ervyn James Lewi (Leicesler

Doug as Joseph McCa ki ll (Grealer Manche l er)

An hony Benram Merrick (Che hire)

John Elder Nan ce ( l erseyside)

Eileen Mary, Mi s Nonhwa y RRC H am s)

Surgeon Cap ain Ro na d Wi lli am Fordyce Pau (Hanl )

an Alexander Rennie (Surre y)

Aubre y Perc y Rid ey-Thomp on, TD, DL (Derby)

Mary, Mr de Schwarzburg-G u n her (London W II

Cyril Dougla Wheeler (HanI S Glenys Mary, Mr s William s (C wyd)

SE RVI NG BR OT H ER o ER VI NG S IST ER

Maurice Ro n a d Arie s (Middx)

A be n A kin on (C eve and)

Wa ler Philip Charles Ba kwi ll L ondon SW II )

Roben Hu gh Bal inger FCA (Buck s

A ndrew Barber, FCA (Wark )

Eil ee n M rs Ba ll (Berk )

Capi T he H on E d ward Nichol as Ca n n i ng Beaumonl.

MVO (Be r k )

Ronald Be ll (Co Durh am )

Cora Pa r c a Daw n M r s Bex ( Bucks)

Wa ll ace H aro d Bexo n. LMSSA, M RCGP ( Du ham )

Nidan A nhu r B ackman (Ke nl

Jack Buck ley (Ches hir e

Dia na Da il ey Pope , Mrs Bur de n (Avon)

Na ncy Joa n M r Ca n no n (Tyne & W ea r)

Kev n Ll ew ell y n C hapuis (L o nd o n NW4)

Georfr ey Geo r ge C ark (A vo n)

Do ug as Geo r ge C lowe ( Essex John M chael Coo per (L ancas er) continued on page 93

ABDUL Ibram, aged 34, was the only son of the manager of a Middle East oilfield. His father had brought him to London for treatment for a malignant brain tumour but, in spite of surgery in a special unit in Wimbledon, his prognosis was hopeless. His father decided to take him home to Tehran for the last few weeks of his life and I was asked to act as escort. This was in September 1979.

The flight to Tehran was fully occupied with the care of my patient. He was deeply unconscious and had several deep pressure sores. The sister in charge of the brain surgery unit had given me a supply of drugs and Clinifeeds and these had to administer by means of an intra-gastric tube every 2 to 3 hours. His position had to be changed 2-hourly and the pressure sores re-packed with special dressings. As usual, the stewardesses were very helpful, and I had sat the patient's father at the front of the plane as he could not speak a word of English and his obvious distress only made my work more difficult. I was relieved to see an ambulance waiting on the runway at Tehran airport and lost no time in handing over my patient, together with his drugs, case notes, etc, and seeing him and his father on their way to Jam Hospital.

At this stage I wouU normally )lave heaved a sigh of relief that the stressful part of the trip was over and I could now relax and enjoy a bit of sight-seeing before returning home. But those were the days soon after the overthrow of the Shah and the setting up of the revolutionary regime led by Ayatollah Khomeini, and there was an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty throughout the city. My hotel room had been booked in advance and the clerk at British Airways advised me to go there by taxi and that the fare should be 400 rials I had no difficulty in finding a taxi but when I arrived at the hotel the driver demanded 1,000 rials was used to bargaining over prices in the Middle East, so stood my ground and refused to pay so much, at which the driver removed his jacket and prepared to fight me for it. A crowd was beginning to gather and the situation looked nasty, so I sent :someone to fetch the chief porter. He was very apologetic but explained th:lt, because of the soaring inflation in Iran at that time, prices were going up hourly. He that 700 rials was a fair compromise and the driver eventually accepted this and went away, still grumbling.

I went to reception to hand in my passport, as is the rule, and to find out about the accommodation that had been booked for me. It was on the 13th floor, which did not worry me until I was told that, due to the 'emergency', all electricity in Tehran was switched off between 7.30 pm and 7.30 am and, as the dining room was in the basement and the lift not working during those hours, would have to plan my meals accordingly.

Finally I was handed my keys and a candl e for use after 7.30 pm. I looked at my watch and wondered if had time to do any sight-

PART 8: Under the shadow of revolution

seeing or souvenir-hunting befor e it started to get dark , but some Americans who were sitting around in the lounge warned me t h at foreigners were very unpopular in the city at the moment and I might find mysel f in trouble if I wandered around on m y own, especially as I did not speak the language.

It was disappointing to be in a place I had always wanted to see, with time on my hands, and yet have to stay within the bounds of an hotel which in it se lf was no different from hotels all over the world. But discretion seemed the better part of valour so I decided to have an early dinner and retire to my room before the electricity went off.

It was a very nice room but without lights, air-conditioning and cooling system, radio or TV, it seemed more like a prison. I was so tired after the strain of the flight that I thought I would be glad to sleep for hour s but, after a short sleep, I awoke and lay in the dark, wondering what so rt of fire precautions there were , and where the nearest emergency exit was. After all, I was on the 13th floor and t he hotel was full of people with candles. Perhaps some of them had been drinking and were reading in bed! With my imagination running riot, I lit my candle and set out to explore the corridor but found no signs of an emergency exit or any printed fire r eg ulation s and, fearing that I sho uld lose my way back to my room, I retreated there and tried to go to sleep again. That

before obtaining permission to take off. At last I could relax and enjoy the sce nery when we were flying low enough. We made a brief refuelling stop at Kuwait, wh ere I was g lad to stretch my legs and then, all too soo n I was on my way back to Taunton and my usual humdrum existence. Not long after that flight there bur st upon the TV screen pictures of the siege of the American Embassy in Tehran a nd, wat c hing the howling mobs outside the Embassy gates, J realised I was lucky not to have been involved in any serio u s trouble during my flight to Iran

Night express to Copenhagen

Strangely enough, one of the most interesting trips I made for the Aeromedical Service was not by plane but by train and ferry to Denmark. The patient I was escort in g was a Danish sea man e mpl oyed by the Dan Gu lf Shipping Company who was in a n advanced stage of renal failure, which meant that he cou ld not travel by air. The shipping company provided a car to take us from the Dreadnought Ho pital to Victoria Station, whe re we were given priority to board the train and the Sea-Link ferry to Ostend. It was a very rough crossing and I was conce rned for my patient but he and I were among the few passengers who were not seasick. I realised later that we were caught up in the tail-end of the gale that caused so much damage and loss of life in the Fastnet yacht race that year.

We were late docking at Ostend but the train was waiting for us and we had a

night was one of the longest I have ever spent.

Next morning] was informed that the currency had been devalued overnight and there were now 400 rial s to the £1 against yesterday's 150 rial s, was thankful that my hotel acount had been paid in advance but there was still the problem of the taxi to the airport. I just managed it by giving the driv er everything had in Iranian currency.

At the airport I found ut te r chaos. One of the leadin g Ayotollahs had died overnight and the usual Muslim custom of chanting prayers and wailing for the dead was be ing broad cast from loudspeakers all over the airport. There was a demonstration of some kind going on and hostile-looking crowds were shouting and shaking their fists. It seemed to m e that their anger was directed as much against Europeans and Americans as against their fellow Iranians who had remained loyal to the Shah. (The British Airways staff told me that recently only 2,000 Iranians had flown into Tehran, while 32,000 had flown to England, most of them stating their destination as Kennington London, so they must have been setting up a loyalist colony there).

There was a long delay at the airport due to the fact that the electricity supply wa s frequently cut off for an hour at a time, bu t British Ai rways allowed us to board the plane early and we sat there for two hour s

carriage to ourselves as we sped through Belgium. After the rigour s of the sea crossing we did not feel like dinner, which was a good t hin g as the prices seemed exhorbitant. The flat, monotonous land scape and the s tation name s fla s hing past reminded me of the two wars that had been fought on the Continent during my lifetime. The customs check at the Belgian border had been a perfunctory affair, but when we crossed into Germany it was a different matter.

The tra i n see med to b e full of troops and police and when it came to my turn to hav e my passport checked I had a momentary feeling of unease, although I knew that everything was in order. ] guess I had been watching too many wartime escape stories on TV. The officer concerned had t he sort of eyes that look right through you but after scrutinising my papers and c hecking all my equipment, he duly stamped my passport and that of my patient, then stood back and saluted me. The SJAB uniform is certa inl y a help in crossing frontiers!

All this had taken a long time and we were glad to be on our way again. Quite a lot of people had boarded the tra in and we were now sharing our compartme nt with six Swedish travellers who had been touring Europe on cheap rail tickets and were on their way home to Stockholm. We had an interesting talk before settling down to sleep and I awoke to see a glorio us sunrise over the lake and forest scenery of Northern Germany. The next thing [realised was that the train was running on to the ferry to cross

Seven for Bristol

A ROAD accident even year ago, in which their ll-year-old son lost the sight of an eye and had to fight for his life, encouraged a family of seven to join St John Ambulance in Bristol.

The Bookham family, George, a class I HGV driver for Imperial Tobacco Ltd , Eileen, and their five sons - Graham (22) a warehouseman for a jewellery firm, Kevin (20) a forklift t ru ck driver, David (19) a gardener at the famous Bri tol Zoological Gardens, Derrick (17) a warehou eman at a cheese farm, and 15- year-old schoolboy Paul - are all members of the Hartcliffe Division. D er rick 's accident occurred near hi home in 1978 and he was treated at t he road id e by Tony Fro t a m embe r of Bri lin gton Division. Mr Fro t later visited Derrick and told the family about the work of the organisation. A year lat er Derrick decided to join the local cadet division in the hope of repaying his gratitude for Mr Pro t's knowledge which undoubtedly saved his life

Eventually the other four brothers joined after being impr essed by Derrick' enthusiasm. George and Eileen dropp ed in on a divisional meetin g to check their sons' progress Then came the inevit a bl e que tion: 'would you like to join a first aid course?' The examination successfully completed,

The Bookham family at Hartcliffe Division s latest open evening , when they all rece ved awards. (L to R back) Kevin , Graham George Dad).

(Front) Derrick , Eileen (Mum) and Paul (Photo Myra Meredith )

another two Bookhams joined the family of St John in 1979.

Eileen i the full time housewife who looks after all the uniforms and the endless stream of white shirts which need washing and ironing who still made time to do 1,000 hours

SJ A duty last yea r. With husband George and so n Kevin she is often see n crewing one of Bristol's ambulances. The family, who co ntributed 3,000 hours

over to Denmark and I joined other passengers on deck to admir e the view. On arrival in Denmark there was another brief check of passports and after another two hours' travelling the train drew into the little station of Naestved, my patient's home town. The platform was deserted except for a little old lady in black who turned out to be my patient' s mother. She had been sitting there waiting all night and embraced him with tears running down her cheeks. Peeling slightly embarras se d , I made my way to the booking office and made arrangements for a taxi to take us to the local hospital. We were expected there and my patient was soon settled into bed while was greeted very warmly by the ward sister, who sent for a nurse to act as interpreter. I was taken to the canteen for a meal and then on a tour of the hospital, which impressed me with its gleaming modern equipment, bright, airy wards (I was interested to see that they were all mixed wards) and, above all, its happy atmosphere. After saying goodbye to my patient and his mother, I found my way back to the station and caught the next train to Copenhagen. had stayed there before on a nur sing scholarship exchange visit, so knew my way around and did some shopping in the old market place, where I noticed the English ' drop-outs still sitting around, and then vis ited the Tivoli Gardens. All too soon it was time to catch the coach to the airport and after a 2Y2 hour flight I was back at Heathrow ; a much quicker journey than the outward one, but not nearly so interesting, duty in 1984 enjoy working together on Brigade duties , but feel it is essential to join members from other division s in variou activi ties.

In addition to public duties, Graham, Kevin and David are Grand Prior badge holders and Derrick recently received hi special service shield for 200 hour of dut How's that for a SJA Family?

Myra Meredir/7 , PRO

THANKS

DR BURTON

from Mr V. S. Helmore

I congratulate Dr James A Burton for his article on Shock (Feb Review. I have used this central heating theory with diagrams for years, but have been c ritici zed for doing so by doctors. I have even used this subject when requalifying as a lay instructor and was still criticized.

Dr Burton is the first in my 47 years' experience, 40 as an instructor, to put p e n to paper in support of my own efforts. Subject to his approval, shall certainly quote this article in all my future lessons. My diagrams are over 20 years old and comply exactly to hi central heating explanation.

Chorley Lanes V.S. Helmore

MEDICAL BOARD REPORT

from David Symes, Area Commissioner

mu st comment on the report on he future role of St John Ambulance by the SJA Medical Board (Feb Review). If my perception of the recommendations is correct, they would spell disaster for the operational function of many Bri ga de units.

Point I: Training: We should of course accept the need to hold the statu tor y certi ficate as the basic le ve l. Advanced Training. This is essential for the future. We must keep up with advances in medical technology. The public have a right to expect expert primary aid. Training should be extended, not restricted.

Point 13. Ambulances: The Brigade has a very valid role in support of the full time servic e. We must , when equipped ambulances with trained crews are available, continue to transport patients treated by us at public duties. We should, of course, not attempt to supplant the f ull time service in normal operations. I feel, however, that it is vital to our role as an independent AMBULANCE organisation that we continue to undertake an ambulance function. Much public money has been raised to purchase vehi cles and members t ime spent in training. This great in vest ment must not go to waste as it represents an enormous potential for the public good.

I feel that to su rvive we must move with the times, accept new concepts and techniques, extend our training as the changing needs dictate, and above all we must reject bureau c racy that would restrict our legitimate function

Lymington, Hant s David Symes

CENTENARY YEAR

from Mr C R. Davis, Public Relations Officer

May I ask that our long serving members (45 to 50 years), who have devoted almost a lifetime of service, not be forgotten in Brigade centenary plans. Many are still serving, and remember these are the people who by their service and self-sacrifice made the name of St John Ambulance the envy of many others.

A slogan for centenary year could be: BY OUR DEEDS ARE WE KNOWN.

Wool/on Bridge, Isle oj Wight C. R. Davis

MISSING OUT

from Paul Cockram, Ambulance Member

As an Association member of 35 years service and more recently a member of the Bri ga de coul d I ask please that St John recogni se such past service in rewarding the various bars to the Long Service Medal?

In all respect s the re-examinations based on the St John manual is the same as one takes in a division, so as an Association member 'one mis ses out'. There must be many others in the sa me situation. Weston-super-Mare Paul Cockram

CONNED?

from M r W. H. Rich, Divisional Superintendent

I fully su pport the of Keith Ward, Dronfield (Nov. 1984 Review) with some further comments re the FA Wand HSE. I think our 'powers that be' have been really conned over this issue. Who are the HSE to tell us how we have to run our courses and bring our premises up to certain sta ndards to give in st ructional courses in FA W? Are they going to finance all thi s? They are a government dept and are supposed to be organising FIRST AID AT WORK for which in most cases members are compensated in some way or other. We are and still will continue to be volunteers doing duty as and when required anywhere other than our HQs, and we s hall do it in the same efficient way as we have always been used to, whether we ha ve FA W certi ficate or not, if the occasion arises.

As a good percentage of our members are in the upper age group] feel it is inflicting unnecessary strain on them to have to endure embarrassment while marking multi choice papers, etc. It is much easier to rende r fi r st aid on sight than to put it in correct order on paper, which

carries no significance at all in a person's capabilities. I think it is one way of getting older member s out instead of putting them on the retirement list, when in most cases they can and are willing to put in more time in the week when others are at work.

Rushden, Northants

OUR PROBLEMS

from John Springer, Divisional Superintendent (A)

W H. Rich

I wonder if other officers-in-charge of Brigade unit have the ame problems as I have in filling in their 1984 BFls?

Following the HQ stateme nts in the Review and Brigade Order, 1 conducted Statutor y Cerli ficate (FA W) courses which most mem ber s took.

These caused few problem s but filling in the BFls did. have ent written s tatement s to m y poor Area Supts (A) and (N) to try to help them.

Problem one: My se lf, Oi v Supt, Male of what wa a combined bUl now a quadrilateral di v ision No examinations in 1984, a I am the FA W i nstructor. Yet I failed my nursing examination in 1983' So where do I stand in 1985 ?

Under Bri gade Orders (above) no nursing re -exa ms were held. W e needed all the time we could get for the s tatutory co urse anyway.

One A / M not re-examined. His stalutory certificate i dated Ma y 1983.

One N M not re-e xa mined for sa me rea on. One N/ M failed nur ing reexamination 19 83. Several N / Ms not yet qualified under Brigad e Regulations as we ran no nursing course in 1984.

We only run a nursin g co urse when we mu s as we find no publi c demand for them By the time we have paid for adverti ing and hired a room we s u stain considerab le lo sses on cour es with only four to ix candidates. My ex-nursing officer hated continual work on ubjecl s required only for Brigad e re-examination purposes (We are too bu yon 140 public duties a year for 20 adults to go in for competitions.)

HuddersJie ld John Springer

CAN YOU HELP?

from Mr W. J. Bailey, Brigade Co-ordinator

I am compiling a philat e lic / postal co lle ction of the Order of St John and would appreciate any s ui tab le donations. I especially need cacheted busines s covers from Branche s, Councils or Headquarters; covers with St John Ambulance meter marks or slogan cance s, wartime postal cancel s on letters and cards, souvenir covers, post cards and the lik e. Il ems can be sent to the address above marked personal, please.

S, John Ambulance HQ 6111 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada W. J. Bailey

Do you know your manuals? (Answers)

I. (a) Sternal artificial c he s notch at the top respiration 10 Responds only (b) Inter sec tion of 5. C - Slapping vague ly to rib margin s at on back to remove question bottom cbstr uction II. Cramp in the 2. B - Checking 6. Stove-in-chest hand the patient' s 7. Hiccups 12 Fireman 's lift breathing 8. Bleeding from 13. From h e bed

3. Modified the ear to a chair recovery position 9. Penetrating 14 Second

4. B - Sylvester's wound of the 15. Asthma

AT THE END of November, I received a phone call from our County Superintendent, Mrs Glenys Duke, asking if I could work out a few ideas for a fun weekend for all the ablebodied helpers from Hampshire and Berk s hire of the A von Tyrrell holiday for the disabled (See Review Feb 85.) Thus Exercise Snowdri ft was born [was'as s ured that most of the group knew each other and were very capable. Armed with this information I wrote detailed plans for the exercise. Joining in structio ns were sent out to all concerned, which in itself caused a few frantic phone calls to Glenys Duke. Most t hought it was going to be a quiet weekend with a few old friends. How wrong t hey were! And so me were a little sceptical as to what to expect.

Saturday morning was an early start for some of u s as we carried pioneering poles and other equipmenr to the various part of the grou nd s. After breakfast, teams (a mix between Hampshire and Berkshire) were given food, stoves and 'billy pots'. (They had been to ld that lunch would be provided! I t came as quite a shock to some to l earn they had to cook it themselvc But more about that later.)

Team lead ers were fully briefed on the day's activities and introduced to their team supervi or. With equipment distributed among the team, everyone set off for their fir activity.

The activities were designed to enhance leader hip, co-operation and team spirit. Noone shou ld have been overtaxed by t.hem but, as expected, team made heavy work of some things, a s the activities all required considerable mental and physical exertion.

Lunch proved interesting, to say the least! Some team had little or no problem in organi ing themselves properly and produced a substantia l we ll -cooked meal eaten in some comfort. Others didn't have a great deal to eat. Lunch shou ld ha ve been hot-pot smash, baked bean, bread, cheese, Mars bars and an apple. How it was mixed was up to YOLI. One team made a complete horlicks of it (no pun intended). Their lun ch con isted of sma h soup, followed by liquid hot-pot, and then co ld baked bean. r didn't actually see it but I heard (reliab l y) that the hot-pot was fortified with mars bars! How about that for a la carte? I don t know about the 'carte', but I do know that most of the meal went into the lake

One activity involved ca rrying a cas ualty on a stretcher across a riv er. This proved intere ting, especially when one team member sat down in the river With the air temperature at about -2°C, a quick dash was made back to the house to c h a nge. I also didn't know there were so many different ways of roping a person on a stretcher. That is, of course, if you bo t her to rope them on at all. One team decided not to bother, and their s upervisor just stopped them as their patient was about to slide 0 Ff. Ironically, there was very little snow in the New Forest on Feb 15 / 16 / 17, but as most of the rest of the country did have snow, An

HAMPSHIRE'S EXERCISE SNOWDRIFT

Fun weekend for Disabled Holiday helpers

'S nowdrift was an apt name for our exercise. The weather, although cold and 'win d y, was very kind to us, with clear blue skies and glorious sunshine. This d i d much to add to the day's success. Morale was kept high by the frequent hot drinks supplied from the back of a Landrover driven by Trevor Ehlen and crewed by Glenys Duke.

Lady Elizabeth Godsal, Commissioner for Berk hire, spent an interesting day at the various activities seeing how teams coped with the problem s. I hear that the group she had lunch with put on a superb hot-pot and mash. I nearly didn't get any lunch , a team had either j ust f inished, ruined it, had too many guests already, or hadn 't startedwhen 1 was on the scene. But I did manage to find orne in the end, which wa ju t as well, as I wa beginning to feel pecki h. A video was shot of the da y's activities and played back in the evening, with everyone voting it comedy of t he year

Throughout the day everyone remained cheerful despite the cold. Some team

worked well from the start, while others took a little time to get going. At the end of the day most felt they had achieved far more than they thought they would.

After Sunday breakfast a group photograph was taken, followed b y football or management games. About a half opted for each. Management game tCLxed the brain a little , and encouraged group activity and communica ion. It was refreshing to see just how much effort the e young people put into sol ing the various problem Many al 0 said how much they enjoyed the \ eekend, having learnt something about one another and indeed about them elves. Some said they achie ed more, becau e of team spirit and co-operation, than they thought possible.

The 1985 Avon Tyrrell disabled hoUday should be another great uccess with helpers of the calibre een on thi weekend. The handicapped will certainly be well looked after. And that is what the holiday is all about. K e n Billington, Assisrant Training Officer, Hams

NEWS froRl SCOTLAND

ONE OF Scotland's younger branches, Strathkelvin St John Association, were privileged to have the Prior as their guest. of honour at their recent annual general meetmg held in the Marie Curie Hunters Hill Nursing Home, Springburn, Glasgow. Members were also pleased to welcome Mr W. Gordon, chairman of the Council of Associations in Scotland.

Before the meeting commenced arrangements had been made for an early evening meal in the delightful surroundings of Cadder Golf Club, Bishopbriggs, after which the company went on to Hunters Hill Nursing Home. On arrival the Prior was taken on a tour of the Home by Dr Walsh and Miss Clinton, the Deputy Matron. Some three years ago Strathkelvin Association

WALES

WORK GANG charge-hand Martin Bee, of Caernarfon, remembered what he had been taught in a first aid at work class when a fellow worker collapsed from an epileptic fit at Lianberis, Gwynedd.

Mr Bee, aged 30, of Glan Peris, did everything according to the book. He placed the unconscious victim in a recovery position, checked he could breathe properly and was not in any danger of harming himself.

By the time the doctor arrived the patient had recovered and was all right again.

Mr Bee and seven fellow workers employed by the Gwynedd Branch of the National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders received first aid at work certificates following a course in January.

Presentations were made to the men (right) at Plas Pengwaith, Lianberis by the instructor, Paul Jones of Caernarfon. First for Scoutleaders

NINETEEN Newport, Gwent, scout leaders (right) are the first in Wales to be trained in first aid to statutory level. They were awarded their First Aid at Work certificates and badges by the Mayor of Newport, Councillor Cyril Summers, after two weekends training at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

The instructors on the course were Keith Dunn, Occupational First Aid Training Officer for Wales, and the Training Adviser for Gwent, Mrs Cynthia Duggan Dr George Mi tc hell, Director of Association for Wales, told the Mayor that the Scouts were the first in Wales to be awarded the certificates, which comply with government regulations.

The Prior (third from left ) presenting the cheque to Dr Walsh

'adopted' Hunters Hill Nursing Home as the main beneficiary of their fund-raising efforts and by courtesy of the matron now hold their meetings in a most attractive room in the Nursing Home.

On completion of the business side of the meeting, the Prior addressed the assembled company on his great interest in the work of all branches of the Association, of the variety of fund-raising projects carried out in Scotland and of his thoughts for the future.

After his address the Prior was invited by Mr

Instructor Paul Jones of Caernarfon presenting FAW certificates at Uanberis. Mr Bee remembered what he had learned

Tom Pin-ie, the new chairman of Strathkelvin Association, to present a cheque 10 Hunters Hill to endow another bed in the Home, the hird suc h bed in three years. In doing so, the Prior also took the opportunity to congratula t e Strathkelvin on t h e excellent result of th eir flag week h e ld la t August.

To round off the evening the chef at th e Nursing Home had prepared a deliciou buffet tea, and during thi the Prior wa able to move among members chatting informally_

Northern Ireland

Our Chaplains FOR THE PAST ten years, our Junior Chaplain, The Very Reverend Samuel Crooks, Dean of Belfast, has sat outside hi s Cathedral from 8_30am to 5pm on the nine days preceding Christmas Eve, except Sundays - and during these ten annual 'sitouts' he has collected the magnificent sum of £165,200. All this money has been given to local charities - and none of it has gone to Cathedral funds.

When asked how he kept out the cold, he replied 'I'm in my long johns and thermals, my ordinary clothes and an extra pullover; the balaclava of course, and this marvellous waterproof suit which was a gift. It's umbrella weather today too.' Be cause of his black waterproof suit, he is affectionately known as 'B lack Santa'. A local Indian restaurateur also h e lped him keep out the cold by providing curry for his lunch es.

Dean Crooks is retiring next September, so he wanted to try to beat his previous year's collection of £35,000. He set him elf - and the people of Northern Ireland -a target of £50,000 for Christmas 1984 He easi ly beat his target by collecting £56,750, which he has distributed to 75 charities. St John Ambulance has been included several years in his distribution, this yea r receiving £1 ,000.

Apart from these nine days each year, he has worked very hard for hi s Cathedral. In the last 12 years, with [he help of indu try and friends, he rai sed £ 1 Ysm to complete the Cathedral by the addition of the North and South Transepts; the Nave having been built 80 years ago, and the East End and Ambulatory in 1956.

Senior

Our Senior Chaplain, The Very Rever e nd Dr Jack Withers, who preached in St Paul's Cathedral at the Annual Service in 1983, also got front page cover in the lo ca press recently. At the time of the St Paul's Service he was suffering from a painful hip He lat er had an operation from which he ha recovered so well that, at the age of 73, he has joined the small number of go lfers who have sunk their FOURTH hole in one.

Down Area

Down Area held their first residential training weekend in the Abbey Lodge Hotel, Downpatrick, on February 2 & 3. The venture was well supported by area staff, officers and 'members from Banbridge, Bangor, Comber, Newcastle , Newtownards and Portaferry Divisions. Northern Ireland District was represented by the Commander St John Ambulance, Colonel J Hughes, and District Superintendent Miss B. Boyce. Representatives from Armagh Area included Mrs F. A. Murray, Area Superintendent (N). After Area Commissioner, Mr W F. Ellis, welcomed everyone, Miss B. Boyce, with a

Down Area's first residential training weekend (Above) We're listening (Right) Front L to R: Mrs F A Murray, Armagh Area Supt (N) Mr W. F Ellis Area Comm; Col J Hughes Commander SJA; Miss B Boyce Dist Supt ; Mrs E M. Ellis Area Supt (N). Back Mrs V. T Kyle Area PRO ; Mr P. Ward.

a Dame of Grace in the Order of St John by the Grand Prior.

This was followed by a film entitled 'Co uld you ave a Life', which brought home the fact that a little knowledge can save a life. The Commander then took for his theme The Brigade in the Year 2000, stressing that the world would not stand still and wait for St John; he gave a very inspiring talk on how everyone in St John should work and what to aim for in the future.

After lunch Miss B. McCrum, coordinator of Ul ter Cancer Foundation, showed lides and a film and spoke of the different problems facing people who had had a laryngectomy operation. Miss McCrum wa accompanied by colleagues, Mr Thoma McIvor and Mr John Shephard, who both had the operation and used different means with which to talk.

Station Officer B. Cunningham, HM Coastguards, showed a film, Men and Metal, about the oil rig Orion going ashore on the island of Guern ey.

This was followed by a talk on coronary pulmonary re uscitation by Mr A. Murray, Assistan Am bulance Training 0 fficer, Eastern Health & Social Services. Mr Murray also gave a demonstration on the use of a Resusci-Anne manikin , with most of the memb e rs taking part.

After dinner there was a dance.

On Sunday morning, after a Community Service conducted by the Rev D _ Hanna of Ballywalter, Miss D_ J. Gillings, District Nursing Officer, poke on the role of the Nursin g Officer in St John.

Dr R. Ormonde, Area Surgeon, speaking about accidents, emphasized the urgency of first aid treatment. When showing slides he made the point that the majority of lives could have been saved if a trained first-aider had been present.

Mr A_ Anderson, Leading Ambulanceman, gave a practical demonstration on The Transport & Handling of Patients , using orthopaedic stretchers and other equipment.

OVERSEAS

WED

(Below) The Mayor of Newport Cllr Cyril Summers, hands over a First Aid at Work Certificate and badge to Mr Clive Berry (Newport District Scout Commissioner ) With the Mayor is Doctor George Mitchell , Directo r of Association for Wales. (Photo: South Wales Argus)

The Commander SJA and chairman of Council in Jamaica.

Mr Rupert Williams, with his bride rJ1iss Lorna Lazarus after their wedding in Jamaica on

News from Divisions/Centres

Visit your doctor by telephone

The majority of persons who telephone their doctor to ask advice or in order to set their minds at rest with regard to a specific health problem 'do not know how to use the telephone efficiently', declares Dr P. Bruno. How should one prepare oneself to talk with the doctor on the telephone? In the review

Self the following six suggestions of the Pulmonary Association of Brooklyn, New York, were published.

1. Take your temperature before telephoning.

2. Make a list of your symptoms and when you started to feel them

3. Furnish information about symptoms without making your own diagnosis.

4. Be specific in giving information.

5. Make notes of what the doctor says

6. Speak directly to the doctor on each occasion whenever possible; do not expect a receptionist or secretary to act as intermediary.

Eating themselves out of a job

The Peabody Museum of Natural History of Yale University has strange employees on its staff insects! For the last 20 years Yale has availed itself of the beetles which feed on carrion 'to de-flesh the skeletons of disembowelled and dried-out animals' in preparation for exhibition, according to the review Parade. The zoologists have recognised, for a long time, that the beetles can be far more efficacious than humans in

the cleaning of small and delicate animal cadavers. These worker beetles only take a few hours to remove all flesh from the skeleton of a small animal kaving it entirely clean; they take several days to do t hi s on a large animal's corpse. Are they scrupulous in regard to what t hey eat? No, but they prefer shellfish to serpents. And who can blame them?

Acupuncture without holes

A certain doctor trained in Germany, who directs the Centre for the Control of Pain in New Bedford Massachussets, has combined the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture with the mo st recent technical innovation, the laser beam. He states that irradiating the points on t he bod y commonly used in acupuncture with intermittent laser rays

alleviates, on average, about 80 to 85 per cent of the pain caused by arthritis, migraine and other painful afflictions. The doctor, who is authorised to practise acupuncture, says that the laser is 'more certain and much easier to use than the needles', reduces the damage caused to blood vessels and nerves, does not le ave a n y scars or dead tissue and does not hurt.

Tea is good for the teeth

Two dentists of Hamburg, Germany, ha ve discovered that drinking tea without sugar can help to combat dental decay. This is due to tea, especially that which is grown in Java and Kenya, being rich on fluorine. But they warned that drinking tea is no substitute for the custom of regularly brushing the teeth and visiting the dentist.

is out of balance (3). 16 The be st conceivable in sulphonamide allergies. (5).17. Characterised by painful, superficially-infected loss of tissue. (9). 20. Feeling that one is light-headed and unsteady. (9). 22. Cut palms in a devo tional song. (5). 24 Curve of re-modelled car. (3).25. Showing signs of advancing years. (4) 26. First-aid bandage for fracture of mandible. (6). 28. A daily act can produce congenital absence of digits. (9). 29. Pleas for a minor failing in duty. (5). 30. Humbug pres cribed in the ophthalmic department. (7). 31. May be psychotherapist or chemist. (7). Down:

1. Contaminating and corrupting. (9). 2 With h eat at heart she is to encase the blade. (7). 3. Incision comp lete y turning TUe. (3).

4. Mitigate pain (4). 5. Container for patient requiring frequent injections? (6-4). 6. Pennsylvania politician with a South American plain. (5). 7. Aid surgeon by withdrawing tissues for access to operation site. (7). 8. Nape of the neck. (5). 12. Six return ill in fatabsorbing structures of small intestine (5). 15 Offensive state of wellbeing? (4-6). 18. Skin eruption of tert iary syphilis is up in turbulent air. (5). 19. G ive n to protect and soothe irritation of mucous membranes (9). 21. Disorder cleared to end the innings or make trumps. (7). 23. A reward of victory is wasting of a part of the body (7). 24. Produce great surprise by a perplexing situation. (5). 25. Cavities in facial bones from malignant rash. (5). 27. Anatomical vessels. (4). 29. Ale upset in a meadow (3)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO.3 (85)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No.4 (85) by W. A. Potter

Across: 1. Small blister typical of herpes and chickenpox. (7) 5. Functional unit of the kidney. (7). 9. A pleasurable experience is to apply remedies for disease. (5). 10. Traps mice for a cord of male reproductive system. (9). 11. State of immunity in which body produces its own antibodies. (6). 13. Parasite from leaf. (4). 14. Wing-like process of bone which

Across: 1. Immunity; 5. Retina; 10. Finer; 11. Gladiolus; 12 Cable; 13. Lank; 14 OW'en; 16. Finger; 18. Hot bath; 21. Unmoved; 23. Breech; 25. Cusp; 27 Oslo; 28. Enema; 30. Labyrinth; 31. Hairs; 32. Remedy; 33 Pruritus.

Down: 1. Infect; 2. Manubrium; 3. Nurse; 4 Tegular; 6. Exit; 7. Inlaw; 8. Absinthe; 9. L·a·unch; 15. St·ye; 17. Give; 19. Alchemist; 20. Muscular; 22 DO'sing; 23 Br'other ; 24. Tarsus; 26. Sebum; 28. Ether; 29. Prod.

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ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL OF ST JOHN

Volume 58 No 5 May 1985

Contents

Help us to help you p 97

Do you know your manuals? by Bruce Coltman p.98

Let's look at ' Epilepsy by Dr James A. Burton p .1 00

Why I joined St John p.100

Marathon time. p 102

New adult (yes) Division flour ishes p.103

Around and About by the Editor p.1 04

Cadet Chat by Jim p.108

SJA Music Makers p 109

New Sherpa Freight Rover for Grays p 110

Order Invest iture, March 21 p 112

Our Presidents p 113

Readers view p.114

Gtr Manchester p 115

News from Scotland - Wales p 116

Northern Ireland - Overseas p.117

News from Divisions / Centres p.118

First Aid for Drivers (in Canada) p.119

St John Fellowship p.1 20

WHEN sending material to the Review for publication, please give the name and address of sender and also any day or evening TELEPHONE NUMBER so tha t last minute queries on the material can be dealt with by phone This is absolutely essential.

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Help us, please, to help you in the thousands of names and addresses we have on our files. The account number is the name and address to whom copies are sent. Please always refer to it with payment or any correspondence.

Questionnaire

If any reader did not receive a questionnaire with the March Review, please let us know Editor

2.

7.

4.

Dr Burton joi n ed St John as a cadet with C45 Chingford (London) Division and later transferred to 132 Chingford (Amb ulance ) Division before leaving for Medical School at Sheffield University in 1962.

NER YES t hroughout the body conduct impulses along their fibres to and from the brain. The impulses cause chemical changes in the nerve and brain cells which produce a minute but measurable electrical current.

In the brain, this electrical activity can be observed by placing electrodes on the surface of the scalp and recording the deflection of a needle on a moving paper; this is the electroencephalograph (EEG). The normal pattern of the EEG varies only slightly from one person to another and if abnormal may be diagnostic of brain disorder.

The function of the various areas of the brain have been worked out and if anyone

Why I joined St John

Epilepsy

by Dr James A. Burton, SBStJ, MB, ChB, MRCGP, MRCP, AFOM, Area Surgeon, Sheffield

of these areas is stimulated by an electrical stimulus the brain will respond according to the area involved. In the occipital region, when stimulated the visual cortex will give the sensation of flashing lights. The auditory region, usually in the left hemisphere of the brain, when stimulated will give the sensation of sound Similarly, the motor area will give rise to movement of the area of the body corresponding to the region of the motor area stimulated. The nerve fibres coming to and from the cord travel in the spinal cord to the base of the brain. It is at this point that a cross-over of the fibres occurs to the opposite side of the brain. Thus, fibres from the left side of the body cross at the base of the brain to enter the right side of the brain and vice versa for right sided nerve fibres. Epilepsy

This is the condition which occurs when neurological problems arise as the result of

Becaus e of my secret.

FROM THE age of five, I have had major ep ilep sy. I'm one of the lucky ones, however, who are controlled one hundred percent of the time for the last twenty years with regular medication. I lead an absolutely normal life, provided of course that I do not reveal my condition to anybody, even St John co lleagues; the traditional fear and prejudice is still very much alive, unfortunately. But back to the story. During the twelve years of misery I did suffer before the condition was brought under control, was very nearly killed twice through wellintentioned by-standers carrying out wrong first aid (if I may abuse the term briefly) and I swore that, as soon as I was able, I would learn the correct treatment and tell other people so that fellow 'EPs' would not suffer as I did. The years rolled on and I left school, on medical grounds because of the condition, knowing that I would continue my education, somehow, later on when was able to.

Having resisted two attempts to persuade me to take a job in a sheltered workshop for the mentally handicapped (and I'd had a public school education) and having fought

an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. It may arise as the result of damage to the brain substance during birth or injury later in life. It may arise as the result of developing cerebral tumour, abscess, infection or cerebral haemorrhage. Epilepsy is classified into several types, the commonest of which are major and minor epilepsy.

Minor

Minor epilepsy; there is an abnormal EEG showing a particular wave form. Attacks of petit mal (minor epilepsy) are not accompanied by loss of consciousness but the patient may lose concentration momentarily or may nod the head once or twice or there may be a flicker in a muscle, dependin g on which part of the motor area is stimu lated. The attacks may occur in rapid succession and may not be apparent to an observer. In children, petit mal may be diagnosed only

when the child fails to progress at school or later develops grand mal epilepsy, though the latter does not always follow petit mal. The usual method of control is by anticonvulsant drugs.

Major

Major epilepsy; this is episodic in nature, the patient being quite well between attacks. The EEG may be abnormal between attacks and certain stimuli, eg, flicker of flashing lights , may induce the c hange s in the EEG that one may see in an epileptic attack; indeed an epileptic attack may be induced in patients by these stimuli, eg, di sco st roboscopi c lights, driving along an avenue of trees in low sunlight or the flicker effect of adjusting the television set at close range. The 'AURA' of the attack occurs at the onset of the abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may constitute an abnormal sensation which the patient may recognise as the onset of an epileptic fit and he may have learnt to take safety measures when he recognises this. It may take the form of a particular sme ll , vis ual phenonema, a voice or sound of music, a feeling of warmth or tingling, the actual sensation depending upon which area of the brain is involved As the focus of electrical activity discharges, the stimula tion spreads to other areas of the brain. In the next phase of the epileptic attack, the 'TONIC PHASE', consciousness is lo st and the patient falls down. The motor

area of the brain is stimulated and all the muscle s are held in strong contraction, breathing stops and cyanosis and facial conges tion occurs. The tongue may be bitten a long the sides if caught between the teeth of the clenched jaw. The stiffness relaxes and is followed by the 'CLONIC' phase. A convulsion occurs and the limbs s hake due to the intermittent contraction and relaxation of opposing pairs of muscle s. This may last for several minutes. The shaking may start in one thumb and then travel up the arm and then involve one entire side of the body before spreading to the opposite side as well.

Final Phase

Final Phase the convulsion stops and the patient gradually regains consciousness; he may complain of headache, he may be disorientated in time and space and is usually stuporous for some time after an attack. He may need to sleep Incontinence of urine commonly occurs during these attacks and is a diagnostic feature. Some patients may exhibit automatic behaviour after an epileptic attack and may need special care to prevent them from getting into trouble. I remember one patient being brought into hospital by the police who had found him undressing in the market place after a fit. He was a known epileptic who developed automatic behaviour after his attacks. Clearly epi leptic patients are not allowed to drive or operate dangerous machinery, go

swimming or participation in dangerous sports (eg, mountaineering or caving).

Epilepsy is controlled by drugs taken by the patient two or three times daily Good control depend s on regular medication and loss of control is associated with several well recognised factors, the commonest of which is failure to take the drugs. Other factors include excessive tiredness, alcohol ingestion, a fever or other intercurrent illness.

In epilepsy the mainstay of first-aid treatment is to prevent the patient injuring himself during the attack, paying particular attention to the airway in the unconscious state, and to hand the patient over to a responsible relative after the attack if removal to hospital is not indicated. Most recover without complication and it may be advisable to recommend that the patient sees his doctor to reassess the medication.

Warning

A word of warning. STATUS EPILEPTICUS occurs when epileptic attacks follow in rapid succession and the patient does not regain consciousness between attacks This is a life threatening condition because the patient rapidly becomes exhausted and urgent admission to hospital is essential. This is a true medical emergency and good first aid may be life saving.

Do you understand Epilepsy better now?

'We all know the "do's" from the Manual, so from the EP's viewpoint please let me emphasise the "don'ts".

I) Never forcibly restrain a casualty or, worse, sit on his chest. I nearly suffocated and did sustain severely bruised ribs in this way.

100 furiously for a decent job with good prospects, I eventually became a craft trainee with a college course thrown in. In the process I temporarily forgot my intention to learn first aid Two years later, having qualified, I still was unable to get employers to take me seriously so I was obliged to cut my connections with all friends and most of my family and move far away. I concealed my condition from everybody, except two people who became close friends, and my career took off.

two colleagues I'd come to know extremely well. Their reaction was astonishing. One went scarlet and promptly changed the subject; the other will not to this day speak to me unless he has to. The friendships are now long finished. Oddly, the two friends I'd earlier confided in were members of the Red Cross.

In the course of this, collided with St John Ambulance -literally. An ambulance member was dealing with a lady casualty in the town centre in a carvinal event, and I fell over him. This had a two-fold effect; firstly I was made aware of my dubious character and doubtful pedigree; and secondly it awakened myoid intention of learning first aid. The following week found me at the local divisional headquarters 'signing on'. I have had a number of years service, but, sadly, I must report that the fear and prejudice against 'EPs' is almost as bad in the Brigade as it is out. After ten years had elapsed, I made the mistake of confiding in

Finally, my chance to realise my long-held promise came when after four years service I became an instructor, later requalifying, and joining the Instructors Association. I do my best to dispel the mythology regarding epilepsy, but will never again let slip that have it. Surprisingly enough, in the last fourteen years since I qualified I have no t myself treated one single case of epileptic seizure, even though at one period I was firstaider for the local branch of the Epi lep sy Association (I didn 't tell them either!)

Membership of St John did bring about one unexpected bonus - marriage! was called to treat a young lady who had collapsed in the street: never again will I question 'love at first sight'. She recovered but I didn't! We now have two beautiful children and a marriage second to none.

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to have a brief article published in the Instructors Association journal which I entitled 'First Aid for Epilepsy' and I feel that it would be appropriate to conclude my reason for joining SJA with an extract from it:

2) Never try and force a pad or anything between the teeth. Teeth may break but bites will heal. A swallowed pad will do little to assist breathing. This also happened to me.

3) Never, never talk about your casualty in his presence. The hearing is the last sense to go and the first to return and comments such as "I wonder which nuthouse he' s from" do little to endear the good Samaritan to his casualty. I, for one, can repeat word for word unkind conversations clearly heard when I looked "out".'

Finally to all instructors: make sure your get it right. Epilepsy can hit anyone at any time and their next casualty just may be you.

Country Cousin

Now let's hear your.

WHY-I-JOINED story

FOR RACHEL it turned out to be to help save

LIFE

A new adult (yes) Division flourishes

YES, not only a new Division but a new ADULT Division, which grew from a series of public first aid courses held at Mumbles, West Glamorgan, which is on the edge of the Gower Peninsula and well known for its outstanding natural beauty.

Here there is a great need for a SJA Division to provide first aid cover at the many events which take place in this busy seasi de community - open air theatre, annual carnival, fishing competitions, sports meetings and surfing championships are but just a few of the activities which call on Mumbles Division to come and stand by in case anything goes wrong.

Talks on the work of SJ A are also often requested and the local Scouts and Guides now know where to get first aid instruction.

The Division also mans a first aid post on one of the popular beaches which is opened on a rota basis during the summer and deals with over 200 cas ualties

To help create even more public awareness of their work the Division held an exhibition in the Community Centre where they meet eve ry week. Panels illustrating the his tory of the Order, together with other intere sting items for display, were loaned by the Order Museum in London. Other exhibits were borrowed from the Priory in Cardiff, including a replica of the Sword of Slebech, the original of which was found in the gro unds of the old ruined Slebech Co mmandery in West Wales.

Research locally into Order history resulted in a series of photographs of Gower ch urches which were endowed together with land to the Order during the 12th and 13th centuries. And to help stimulate public interest in the present day work of the Brigade there was first aid equipment on show and demonstrations of home nursing together with information on all aspects of Brigade activities.

This all means that the new Mumbles Division is convinced that good community relations are essential if a SJA unit is tv nourish. Essential not only for enrolment for courses but to encourage others to share and partcipate in this enthusiasm for serving the community in which they belong. A Community where members are demonstrating that .st John Ambulance is very much alive.

IAbove) Commissioner for West Glamorgan Lt Col John Humphreys, opens the exhibition (Rig ht) This one feels nice and heavy ,' says Di visional Nursing Officer Mary Greaves (the Swansea Bard to readers) with bankers on flag day which was during the exhibition (Good timing here)

D / O-in -charge Ann Parkyn lauthor of report ) and N / M Valmai showing an old illustrated triangular bandage

Photos South Wa es Evening Post

FUN AT FOOTBALL?

Football holliganism ran amok at Luton Football ground on March 13, as we all know. Here is the local SJ A report of the scene:

Members on duty: Area Supt (A), Area Supt (N), 1 Div Officer, 13 ambulance members, 6 nursing members, and 3 cadets.

Casualties treated: 35 plus. A large proportion of these were hospital cases.

There were many more than this number, but the County Ambulance Service were also there in force, including six ambulances from Bedford.

BY THE EDITOR

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

LOOKING AHEAD

6 May: Bank Holiday - HQ closed

13 May: 6.30 pm Florence Nightingale Service, Westminster Abbey

18 May: Cup Final, Wembley

23 May: Investiture, Grand Priory Church

26 May: STS Winston Churchill sails Pembroke Dock arriving Southampton June 8 (two A Cadets)

STS Malcolm Miller sails Leith arriving Southampton June 8 (two N Cadets)

27 May: Bank Holiday - HQ closed

28 May: Four Star Golf Tournament Dance, Grosvenor House

Types of injury:

Various stages of unconsciousness from blows to the head.

Deep cuts requiring stitches, mainly on faces and heads.

Bruising to legs from kicks and iron bars, mainly on policemen. Fractured cheek bone, policeman. Majority of patients were extremely frightened and required a lot of reassurance.

Diagnosis was in many cases hindered due to the large amounts of alcohol consumed.

St John members hurt: 1 fractured wrist. 1 injured back from being kicked.

Several nursing members had bottles thrown at them but fortunately escaped with only their hats being knocked or kicked off.

On several occasions the order was given for all St John members to retreat to the first aid room for safety.

Several members were thanked personally by the Police for their efforts in helping fellow police colleagues. One St John member from London heard the report on

the radio and stopped at the ground to give assistance (after first asking permission to come on duty). Unfortunately we were unable to get his name.

Comment: This is not in any way typical of all Luton Town football matches, but we do tend to experience a larger number of casualties when London clubs are playing I will be sending a personal letter to all who were on duty that night to thank them for their courageous effort. They all worked very hard and even the most inexperienced member was put to full use. I noticed that with all the publicity

afterwards, St John Ambulance was not mentioned. However, I would like to suggest that some of these facts could be used as the basis for an article in the 51 John Review to show the rest of the country how Bed fordshire flies the flag.

Tony Jarvis A rea Supt S. Beds

LIFE SAVER

Mark Taylor, an ll-year-old from Wirral, was recently presented with a Gold Award by the Daily Star newspaper. The award, presented at a lunch at which the Prime Minister was guest of honour, was given for outstanding achievements. (Photo on previous page). Mark's father, Ken, has worked for British Rail for 30 years and took a first aid course at a Special Centre. He encouraged his son to take one of SJA's courses at summer camp in Minehead

Soon after, Mark found his 5-month-old brother unconscious and not breathing in his cot. He quickly gave mouth-to-mouth ventilation and saved his brother's life. For this achievement, and for being calm and efficient, he was given this special award_ Other winners this year were Sebastian Coe, for his courage at the Olympics, and Bob Geldof for his wonderful efforts with Band Aid - so Mark was in good company!

THEY TRIED

A kilometre is a long way when it is made up of coins that touch each other. For that was the fund-raising target of Burton-onTrent Cadet Division, only to be thwarted by the weather. The event was run in March, to avoid clashing with other activities, but old man weather decided it was not to beor not completely. Biting cold wind, hail, rain, sleet and snow all convinced organising officers to call it a day when only one-quarter of the kilometre of coins had been collected and laid out.

Div Supt Mrs Joan Dunham said that local shoppers were too busy trying to keep dry and warm to donate more cash. Soon after lunchtime the cadet helpers were so wet and cold that, despite their protests, the order rang out: 'Enough is enough. Pack up!' Cash was scooped up from the marker boards to be taken away and spread out to dry. Such an event had to be held outdoors and because of the weather a good publicity display was impossible. But they tried, and that's the main thing, And £200 is better than nothing!

Trying

• Cornwall's Commissioner (above) Lady Mary Holborow presents the Cup (for outstanding achievement by a cadet) to ll-year-old Simon Haberland of St Blazey,

Investitures at SJA Dartmouth s HQ during March.

(Above) Lt Col Richard Webb, former president Dartmouth Association Centre, is appointed Officer by chairman of Devon SJ Council, Capt W. G Peck.

(Right) Rear Admiral W. A. (Bill) Haynes , SJA Commander Devon, becomes a Commander of the Order. Congratulations, gentlemen

(Above) Bristol Omnibus Co s managing director Michael Wadsworth presents a [2 750 cheque, raised by the company s carol bus to Lady Wills county pres dent. The money will go towards equipping a new ambulance.

(Photo George Gallop)

Burton - on -Trent cadets picked the wrong day (in March) for their fundraising let's - make -akilometre-of - money - it rained, snowed and blew so h ard that the exercise has to be abandoned early. But - you can't win .emaiL they said. See story THEY TRIED

GAIL KNEW ...

Cadet Leader Gail Payne, then 16, of East Howe Combined Cadet Division, Dorset, was on her way to school a year ago this month when she saw an accident in which a boy was hit by a gravel lorry and dragged along the road. Gail went to a nearby house and got bandages, and, having made sure it was safe to do so, she and some other people present crawled under the lorry to where the boy lay screaming, obviously badly injured. With the help of another person, Gail calmed the boy and managed to control a very severe flow of blood from a head wound.

Another member of her Division, Cadet Andrew Turtle, came on to the scene and offered assistance. Gail told him to go for an ambulance. When he returned he helped to rescue the boy from under the lorry and Gail diagnosed lacerations to the scalp and suspected fractured base of the skull.

The ambulance arrived and took the casualty to hospital, where it was subsequently confirmed that the boy had severe lacerations to scalp, fractured base of skull, and - a fractured collar bone.

This was the report of Gail's action for which she recently received the 5t John Council for Dorset Cup for the most outstanding act of first aid by a cadet during 1984. The Bailiff of Egle, Lord Grey of Naunton, presented the cup to her.

LIFE ON THE OCEAN Neil Bridges, of Dawley Division,

(Left) Dorset's coo Gail Payne, now 17. receiving the Dorset Cup from Lord Grey of Naunton, the Bailiff of Egle See story GAIL KNEW Shropshire, was a cadet for four years, during which he was 'first-aider of the year' and also received his shield for 200 hours of service to the community. Another achievement was completing the 4-day Nijmegen March in Holland in 1983, which involves walking 40 kilometres a day.

Home is the sailor, Neil Bridges, excadet but he ll be away for a long cruise soon. See story LIFE ON THE OCEAN

Plymouth to Gosport to start training as a mechanical marine engineer. Completing this co urse, he is now an assistant writer at HMS Centurian, Gosport, until his posting to the new Ark Royal in June. After the Queen has commissioned this new s hip at the end of June, Ark Royal will be on sea trials until early 1986, then leaves for a II-month world cruise.

Lucky Neil. (Left)

BROTHERLY

At 16 he went to the adult division, spending a lot of the year studying for '0' Levels, but he still found time to train again for the Nijmegen March, which he took part in for the second time as a team leader. A few weeks after his 17th birthday, Neil joined the Royal Navy. During his initial training in the Navy, his division won the Guard of Honour (for drill and smartness), which meant that they were guard of honour at his passing out parade, of which he was extremely proud. He then moved from (Left) Meet Coventry Area's Mrs Vera Usherwood (ASO) and her daughter, Mrs Ann Sawyer (right), a Div/Supt Ann followed in Mum's footsteps during March when she came to London to be invested Serving Sister,

(Right) St Helens (Merseyside) Combined Division 's D S James Darwin and AIM David Hobin who won the county ambulance team competition recently David 18, was only promoted from the Cadet division in Jan.

Thought you might be interested to know (problems with your HQ wiring, ambulance won 't start, etc) that Lady Westbury, our getup - and - at -em-energy Supt - inChief, has recently been made president of the Electrical Association for Women A live wire, indeed

And lifeboat crew

A

BLOW FOR FIJI

Immediately the news of the hurricane in Fiji during February was seen on British TV, SJA London, who are affiliated with St John in Fiji, sent £1000 for medical supplies. The Commander London, Derek Fenton, has since received a letter from the Commissioner in Fiji, Richard Herman, sayi ng thanks and enclosing a full report on the heavy commitment of St John members following the disaster.

AMBULANCE COVER

Mid-Berks Area is producing a special one day postal cover for the ambulance rally to be held in Royal Windsor Safari Park on Saturday June 29. Limited to 2000 copies, the covers can be obtained for £1.S0 each from ASO E. Hearne, 3S Devereaux Rd, Windsor, SL4 1JL, or £2 on the day.

Cheques and postal orders only please, made out to Ambulance Safari.

CORRECTION

Unfortunately there is an error in the book

'Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals' (P1900S) published by the Supplies Dept recently. The correction is on page SA-3, in the 12 line from the bottom of the page, against Army Emergency Reserve Decoration: insert on the right of the page the letters 'ERD'.

Four members of SJA Cornwall are to be invested as Serving Brothers at a ceremony at St Michael's Mount in June. They are: Mr A Beckerleg, Vice President of Penzance Ambulance Division for over 20 years; Mr R. C. Day, of St Austell, who is deputy Area Supt for Cadets, East Cornwall; Mr E. H. Jewell, of Bodmin, who joined St John in 1918 and recently became a burgess of Bodmin; Mr J Stockley, Div Supt of Truro Combined Division

Congratulations, men of the West Country.

Merseyside

Wallasey cadets Paul Size and Martin McDonald, both 13, raised £21 from a disco (average age 11 years) for the Ethiopian famine appeal.

David Smithers, a Liscard cadet, wrote the fo llowing about a visit with Wallasey cadets to the Wirral toy library for h andicapped children:

'T here were about 20 children, 3 to 9 year aids, at the toy library the day I was there. The library also has a room for the mums, so that they are available to help if necessary. The toys the library supplies are educational as well as for fun, such as a telephone, musical instruments, and a special tree to help blind children to learn by touch. A local man makes many of the toys. There are also two outdoor areas, with a sand pit and swi ngs.

'One boy, with a large head and small body, suffered from mongolism ; a girl had suffered a brain tumor. Their mums help in many ways, including making bean bags .'

A M Edgar Reed (leftl, of Moreton Combined. receiving his 45 years certificate from Area Comm J Akehurst

Presentations at (right)

Moreton, and (below) at Wallasey

Outdoor

Geotr ArKlt:::>::. IHvu,ltameenng IS a specialist organisation aimed at people who wish to learn or improve skills in a variety of outdoor pursuits . In overall charge of the activities is Geoff Arkless, one of Britain's best known mountaineers and one of the few qualified British mountain guides. Also employed by the organisation are a number of very experienced climbers and mountaineers.

Courses are run for groups of various numbers at assorted centres throughout the year, making this an ideal way for cadets to learn rock climbing or caving techniques.

The centres range from the Tamallt centre in the Snowdonia National Park to the somewhat uninviting terrain of Cullin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Accommodation can be anything from dormitories or chalets, to tents or mountain huts, depending on the centre.

The organisation runs a basic training weekend for any party that makes a ·firm booking for one of their courses, the format of which obviously depends on the particular course that is to be taken. The charge for this training weekend is nominal and seeks only to cover the expenses incurred by the

organisation in running it. All the courses at the Tanrallt centre can be booked without accommodation.

Booking forms and a full programme of the courses are obtainable from Geoff Arkless Mountaineering, Liverpool House, Church Street, Beddgelert, Gwynedd.

Dead easy

It's not a very nice statistic, but over 70,000 people are either killed or injured on the roads each year A large percentage of this figure are motor-cyclists and, more often than not, these motor-cyclists are in the 17 to 20 age group. In light of this disturbing fact The British Insurance Association has produced a film which highlights the need for training to be undertaken prior to being let loose on the streets on a motor-bike.

Far from putting people off motorcycling, the 23-minute long film follows a number of people's biking activities, from the long-haired rocker to the commuter, and from police motor-cyclists to the average 17 -year-old whose first bike is as powerful as a mini. Full emphasis is placed on the fact that professional training is essential to help you cope with the busy roads of the 1980s.

In fact the title is taken from the words of the young know-it-aU who keeps failing the test, thinking he can train himself. His words 'it's dead easy' are repeated throughout the film and echo around the audience in the closing sequences as he lies by his crashed motor-cycle on an unlit · road.

This is a superb film. The message is clear and well presented in a down-to-earth fashion. Its length makes it ideal to show at meetings, as it can easily be followed by discussion on the law governing,road users.

This latest in a series of excellent films covering many aspects of safety is available together with a list of others from the BIA.

The films are available on 16 mm Sony Umatic cassettes, Betamax or VHS video cassettes and are on free loan providing the film is returned undamaged and without delay after the lO-day loan period.

The

First

Grand Prior Awards - the first for Somerset's East Brent Combined Cadet Division, which was founded in 1 981. (I to r) Cpl Selena Thomas, Victoria Batten, Cpls Samantha Ross, Lucy Haynes and Sharon Crandon, N/M Allison Vowles and Sg Cheryl Tincknell

Youth Year Challenge

May is the final month for cadets to take part in the first challenge. I am waiting to hear about activities that cadets have undertaken in the community, together with photos if possible. Closing date is June 20.

The summer challenge is to entertain a celebrity to a meal in an unusual place. Closing date is September 15, and entries should be sent to me at the address given at the end of Cadet Chat. Prizes worth £100 are being given away in both these challenges.

Full details of the series, plus additional literature to accompany each film, are available from The British Insurance Association, Aldermary Hquse, Queen Street, London, EC4N 1TU.

The Wild Town Files Town societies may seem strange places for those interested in wildlife, but ledges, derelict sites, parks, and even back-yards support a host of growing, running, Oying, slithering, living things. The Wild Town Files are about this doorstep jungle. They are also about wildlife and people in towns, especially young people, about what they can mean to each other and how they can be involved, whether through drama, photography or through binoculars, by creating a treenursery out of a packing case or a pollution kit out of net curtains and wellies. The files are for young people. You don't need to be an expert to crack these files, you don't need tons of gear or the right overalls . But you do need to be concerned about where you live and what it can offer you.

The Wild Town Files are available at £2.50, including postage and packing, from The Council for Environmental Education, School of Education, University of Reading, London Road, Reading, RGI 5AQ, or CEE Youth Unit, Zoological Gardens, Regent Park, London, NWI 4RY Enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to CEE with your order.

The price is right

This game could help youngsters appreciate the cost of things. It could be food, clothes, equipment or whatever. Number the teams and place three chairs at the end of the room marked A, Band C. Show the cadets an article or a picture and suggest three possible prices, each given a letter A, B or C. On the word 'go' the cadets have to choose which chair to stand behind. Those behind the correct chair get a point for their team. If you find they start to copy each other, try this variation. First, the cadets stand behind any chair at random. When the leader blows the whistle, they have to jump behind the chair of their choice, after which nobody can move

Wyke

and Lisa Muggeridge. !Photo: Dorset Newspaper s)

Table-top dodge

Find a sturdy table, preferably an old one. A cadet kneels on the ta ble and is blindfolded. Under t he table is hi s opponent, who must keep his fingertips over the edge of the table all the time. The aim of the game is for the cadet on top to s lap the fingers of the cadet underneath, whose fingers will have to move quickly around the edge of the table to avoid losing the co nte st. Clearly care must

be taken to avoid everyone ending up in a heap on the Ooor.

Youth Hostel Association

A new video to help those thinking of taking a party hostelling for the first time is now available. Although produced in the Peek Region, it is an ideal introduction to hostelling anywhere in England and Wales. The video is available in VHS, Beta or V2000 on freeloan from the Peek Regional Office, YHA, 38 Bank Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NF. The national office of the Youth Hostels Association has also assembled a pack of 18 colour slides, together with notes, to form the basis of an introductory talk about YHA, which includes a variety of activities plus views of hostels in scenic setti ngs and interior shots to show the

facilities.

The

ALl 2DY.

Contributions

Contributions and entries to competitions in this column should be sent to Jim, 3 Brandreth Road, London, E6 4QB. If you have any ideas about games, training activities or events that your cadets have enjoyed, please do write because I am always in need of material to include in the column. Cadet Chat badges are sent to all those who contribute to the column.

SJA Music Makers

in Readers Views of this issue.

The election of officers resulted in the following Federation national committee for the year:

Chairman Secretary Roly Gillam (Southwick)

Vice-Chairman Brenda Knight (St Audries) Treasurer /

(Sout

- David Minney (Southwark) and Tim Ogden (Surrey)

New band

to David Minney for the Southwark Corps of Drums

THE Band Federation's 6th annual general meeting which took place on March 16 at West Midlands County HQ was attended by its President, Mr Gerald Easton, the Deputy Commissioner-in-Chief. Bands represented were: Banbury, Barnsley, Dronfield, Northants, St Audries, Southwark, Southwick, Southport, Surrey and Wilnecote.

Reports were received from the North, Central and Southern representatives and from these it would appear that bands in the North and Central Areas are reluctant or frightened to join the Federation. A letter from our chairman on this subject appears

Under any other business, discussions took place on annual inspections membership and public relations , together with the question of the annual St John's Day parade, at which until now the same two bands have paraded for the last two years, alternating in leading the adult and cadet contingents. It was felt, however , that a recommendation be put forward to Headquarters that bands do one year only, thus giving more bands the opportunity to participate in the parade over a shorter period of time. Only bands that are members of the Federation and have passed their annual inspection would be considered fo r this event. The two SJ bands for this year's St John Day parade arc Wadebridge and Northants. The band performing at this year's Royal Tournament will be St Audries of Somerset.

On the question of public relations, all bands were invited to send material to David Minney for inclusion in the Review , accompanied where possible by black and white or good quality colour photographs.

understand that a new SJ band has been formed in Kent. It is the Sittingbourne and Milton St John Ambulance Cadet Band and is under the direction 0 f Mr A. J. Baker The band was launched on October 19 1984 and comprises percussion and valved brass. From an article in the East Kent Gazette it appears that their efforts in equipping the band is going very well. They have been presented with two trumpets and a trombone by the Sittingbourne Carnival Committee We hope it will not be too long before we can welcome them into membership of the Federation.

Southwark Corps of Drums

Three items of news from the Corps. On March 13 the Fanfare Trumpeters played a fanfare for the arrival of the Duchess of Gloucester at the Royal Film Premiere of Carmen. At the end of last year the corps was presented with two leopard skins by Mrs Dawson, the wife of their Area Commissioner Dr Dawson, for use by the bass drummer. By the time you read this the corps will have entered their first competition on valve instruments at the 5th Kingston Youth Band Contest. They're hoping for the same success as they achieved on their Eb Cavalry trumpets. We're hoping so too. David J. Minney, 12, Aragon Road, Morden , Surrey, SM4 4QF. 01-337.6778 (home) 01-6482006 (work).

Regis (Weymouth) nursing cadets are presented with a resuscitation practice dummy by Weymouth Round Table chairman Michael Biles and carnival chairman John Runyard with DfSupt Mrs Ann May and senior cadets Judith Pitman (who received her Grand Pr ior Award that evening)

Mrs Dawson presents two beautiful leopard skins

LAST February Grays Divisions of Essex were presented with a new ambulance by the employees of Blue Circle Industries pIc's Woodham Depot at Grays after the company had carried out much research to find the best vehicle for conversion into an ambulance to replace the Division's aging Ford Transit. The £15,000 for the vehicle came from the sale of the Depot's social club.

The vehicle chosen was the Freight-Rover 3.2 metre wheelbase, high roof, 3.1 tonne van, the conversion being carried out by Pilcher-Greene Ltd of Burgess Hill. At the time very little sales information was available on this v€hicle, since it was a new addition to the front line ambulance range undergoing trials with the Regional Ambulance Services. Various alterations were made, however, to the original specification to meet the Divisions' requirements.

The vehi,cle has a 4-cylinder petrol engine which uses two-star petrol, a 5-speed gearbox

and carries two batteries. A battery isolator and fuel cut-off switch have been fitted. The suspension was modified to give a smoother ride and the exhaust pipe discharges to the off-side.

The treatment area is separated from the cab by a full height bulkhead with a sliding door glazed and fitted with blinds. There is a box-type folding step at the rear entrance with two detachable handrails. Headroom is 5 feet 10 inches, so most people can stand upright in the treatment area. The walls are lined with mineral wool insulation material and covered with laminated wallboard; bump pads are fitted above all entrances. A York 4 trolley stretcher is carried forward of the wheelbox on the offside, with attendant's seat at the foot of the stretcher. Next to the seat are stowed two D-size spare medical gas cylinders, and the F-size oxygen cylinder for piped oxygen. The Pneupac resuscitator is also fitted to the wall at this point. On the near side a York 2 trolley is positioned over the wheelbox. Both stretchers have padded backrests and seatbelts for lying and sitting cases. Forward

New Sherpa Freight -Rover for Grays

of the near-side stretcher is a full-height cupboard containing linen , inflatable splints. maternity pack, burn kit, first aid kits, and other small items. A large drawer contains a good selection of dressings, with a flap which drops down to form a working surface. A Laerdal aspirator and an Entonox set are fitted at the head 0 f the trolley. On the near-side there is also stowage for a scoop-stretcher and a carrying chair, while on the off-s ide is a spinal board and a loading lamp. Over the near side stretcher is a blanket rack (the carrying sheet poles forming hand rails) which also contains a Frac immobiliser, Crammer ladder sp lint s, and Hines cervical splint. Each trolley has a roof-mounted infusion rail, with piped oxygen available for both patients, and the Pnuepac resuscitator can use the same outlets. Four Laerdal suction unit power points are fitted, also an incubator terminal. An 8kw-heater gives ample warmth, while lighting is by four

fluorescent strip lamps fitted with a dimmer switch.

The exterior of the vehicle has a 1 '12 inch rubbing strip along each side. Front and rear fog lamps are fitted and two blue repeaters are set in the front grill, the roof beacons being diagonally mounted. High visibility yellow tape is on the sides and rear doors. There are mud flaps at front and rear.

The ambulance carries a Brigade frequency radio, two-tone horns, warble siren and public address system. The cab, with a fire extinguisher and clock, also contains a first response satchel, quick release knife, torch, maps and a tool kit.

Grays Divisions are proud of owning an ambulance which gives an extremely comfortable ride for patients and in design is comparable to the latest vehicles being delivered to the Statutory Services. For which they are very grateful to the employees of

Joint Exercise

COUNTY HALL in Truro , Cornwall, was

the scene of a major simulated disaster during March, when over 100 casualties were treated i n 4 hours by combined teams from St John Ambulance, the Red Cross and the WRVS, who were working together -in this area for the first time in 'O peration Crashpoint'

Walking wounded and stretcher casualties arrived in large number s at the three improvised first aid posts, where they were received, assessed, treated and documented to test the efficiency of the combined voluntary organisations in setting up and operating first aid posts and handling mass casualties.

The WRVS provided the documentation and general welfare services, while combined teams from St John and the Red Cross treated the wounded or transfered them to waiting ambulances

Casualties and stretcher bearers throughout the day were provided by the organisations involved, together with volunteers from local miners' first aid teams and cadets from the A TC.

The assessors included members of St John and the Red Cross together with Dr Ansari of the Casualty Department Truro City Hospital, Colonel Harvey Mason, Commander of Army Medical Services for the South West of England and Wing Commander Ron Redding, Cornwall's Emergency Planning Officer.

Following the exercise, Wg Cdr Redding said: 'The exercise was very impressive and the manner in which the three organisations worked together proved without doubt that their contribution to the emergency services in a major disaster would be invaluable.'

Mr Ian Gardner, of Blue Circle Cement, presents th e vehicle to County Commissioner Charles Sparrow

Blue Circle Cement, Grays. Any Division requiring f urther details on this vehicle s hould get in touch with Grays

Assessor Mrs Marie Tregaskes closely watches members as they go into action

(Below) Cadets were thereWendy Holland and Sharon Symons of Cam borne Division put training into practice. (Right) An exercise but D S Rayond Sprague (Red ruth) and Mrs Elaine Fillingham (Camborne) reflect the attitude of members to the exercise. The patient is Maj· Gen Richard Jerram Deputy

CORNWALL

Di visions HQ, College Road, Grays, Essex RMI75PB. A.C. Herbert Di v Secretary

ORDER

INVESTITURE

Maurice Fox MBE, Staff Officer to SJA Commander, Avon, with 45 years' service with St John (and the same period as a volunteer with the Bristol Royal Infirmary s Accident and Emergency Dept), is invested Commander by the Lord Prior, St Maurice Dorman

Mrs Diana Lewis, retired CSO (Cadets) Hampshire and now chairman of the county's Appeal Committee (everyone's very generous to us, she says, but she would prefer to be in SJA field work again)' becomes an Officer of the Order

COMMANDER

John Lorrimer, secretary of Kirklees Centre, W Yorks, and Brigade Pool Officer, with 32 years service, becomes an Officer. Mr Lorrimer's father and mother were in the Brigade, his wife Nancy is Supt Ravensthorpe & Mirfield Combined Division, and son Stephen is also a member

Mrs Maria Celba, for 10 years a Brigade secretary at SJA National HQ, London, becomes a Serving Sister. Married with four children (a daughter works in the Cadet Dept)' Marie is very interested in writing fiction and two of her short stories have appeared in the Evening News

by the Lord Prior, London, March 21

Margaret Gertrude, Mrs Ball (Beds)

Ronald Henry Bishop (S u ffo lk)

Reginald Crewe (Leicester)

Maurice Fox, MBE (Avon)

Eric Raymond James, QPM (N Yorks)

Thomas Ingham McNish CN Yorks)

Frank Robert s (Non hampton)

Royce Arthur Sullivan (S Humberside)

OFFICER

Kenneth George Beresford (Berks)

Sir Albert James Mcqueen Craig, GCMG (Lo ndon SW I)

Geoffrey Pryce Edwards (Essex)

Angela Katherine, Miss Hanley (Midd lesex)

Diana, Mrs Lewis (Hants)

Elinor Nancy, Mrs Lillington (G los)

John Keith Lorrimer CN Yorks)

Kenneth Hirst Ogram (Bucks)

Lt Cmdr William Henry Parker, RN (Hants)

Major Roy Arthur Penny (Kent)

James Stuan Reeday (Lancs)

The Revd Daniel Shakespeare (Norfolk)

SERVING BROTHER or SERVING SISTER

Gordon Abbott (Herts)

Verna Elizabeth, Mrs Abbott (Herts)

Robert Andrew (Lancs)

Hazel Margaret, Mrs Ashford (Middlesex)

Leonard Norman Ashton (Surrey)

Frank Cyril Bate (S Yorks)

William Robert Bell (Kent)

Alice, Mrs Bevins (Warks)

Richard Andrew Black (No r fo lk)

Anthony John Blowers, JP (Surrey)

Peter Woodruff Blunsdon (Lancs)

Harriett, Miss Boorman, SRN, SCM (Suffolk)

Daphne Irene, Mrs Briggs (Kent)

Marie, Mrs Ce lba (London SW II)

Joan Evelyn Caroline, Mrs C halk (Hants)

Marjorie Irene Mrs Chapman (Northants)

Diane Margaret, Mrs Clarke (Essex)

Patricia Anne, Mrs Clarke (Suffolk)

Michael Bernard Coleman (Northants)

Maude Eileen, Mrs Collins (Kent)

William Henry Stanley Collins (Kent)

Jean, Mrs Cosby (Northumbria)

Jack Coulling (S Humberside)

Saville Cowley (S Yorks)

Marion May, Mr s Creasey (Leics)

Nancy, Mrs Cregg (Staffs)

Edward Henry Davies (Middlesex)

Mary Catherine Frances, Mrs Dunn (Berks)

Frank Victor Ellard (Hants)

Farrell (W Sussex)

Colin Thomas Faulks (Leicester)

Arthur Looker, Ambulance Member of Farnborough Division, Hampshire , who joined Brixton Division 30 years ago, is invested as Serving Brother A semi-professional entertainer in London, Mr Looker tells us he saved a horse from bleeding to death

Bertha, Miss Nason, SEN (Shropshire)

Michael John Newbould (Surrey)

Joan Ida Mrs Nicho ll s, SRN (Herts)

Fanny Elizabeth, Mrs Nickless (Shropshire)

, William Leonard Nimmo (Cornwall)

Bertram Arthur Peckham (Kent)

Roy Phillips (Leicester)

John Phillipson (Tyne & Wear)

Reginald Arthur Philpott, BEM (Lancs)

Betty Joyce, Mrs Pollard (Kent)

Kathleen Lillian, Mrs Quail (Warks)

Grace Ann, Miss Reay (London NW2)

Lily, Mrs Reynolds (S Yorks)

David Rogers (Lancs)

Joan Isabelle, Mrs Rylands (Hants)

Esme Wootton, Miss Salkeld (Middlesex)

Audrey Ethel, Miss Sheffield (Shropshire)

Alice Edith, Mrs Simpson , JP (London N21)

Kathleen Hilda, Mrs Speakman (Warks)

Roy Spencer (Norfolk)

Veronica Anne, Miss Spoorc (Middlesex)

Alan Streeter (Surrey)

Barbara Mary, Mrs Styles (Kent)

Kathleen Dora, Mrs Symons (Hants)

Jean Margaret, Mrs Thompson (Warks)

Peter Carter Thompson (Warks)

Edith, Mrs Townsend (Manchester)

THE biennial Presidents Conference held in London is to be replaced by regional conferences, which it is hoped will be easier for delegates to attend. These new conferences, which in no way restrict county or other local presidents meetings, will be held every two years in each region, with a different county president being responsible for organising them. Conference dates will appear in this column as and when we receive them.

Region 1: (Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria) May 14 1985 County President: Lady Barnard (Durham).

Region 3: (Derbys, Lincs, Notts, Leics and Northants) Octobers 6 1985

. Region 4: (Cambs, Norfolk, Beds, Essex and Herts) Oct 13 1985. County President: Mrs Lloyd Owen (Norfolk).

Region 10: (Cumbria, Lanes, Gtr Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and Isle of Man) April 12 1986.

Char le s Forster (Surrey)

(Herts)

(London

Daphne Sheila, Mrs Fraser, SRN (Essex) Lynn, Mrs Freeman (Devon) Mary Jane, Mrs Garfoot (Co Durham)

Reginald Alfred Gillman (Leicester)

Michael Hall (Norfolk)

Miss Hardie (Merseyside)

Eric Harrison (S Yorks)

Elizabeth Jane, Mrs Holden (Lancs)

Robert Leonard In sley (Staffs)

Monica Lillian , Mrs Jeune (Jersey)

Raymond Henry Greenwood Jones, JP (Lancs)

Michael E Lambell, MIFireE (Kent)

Elsie May, Mrs Laud (N Yorks)

Kenneth Hume Lawrence (Norfolk)

Arthur James Looker (Hants)

Major John Robert Mackenzie, TD (Tyne & Wear)

Ursula Catherine Mrs Mather (Kent)

Kathleen, Mrs McFarlane (Herts)

Mary, Miss Middleton (Kent)

Shei la Mrs Millen (Kent)

Terence A lan Millington (Staffs)

Shirley Violette Frances, Mrs Mizzi CNilts)

Dennis Harold Morgan (Hants)

Noel Richard Morris (Shropshire)

OUR PRESIDENTS

Regional meetings to replace national conference

An idea

The Chief Presidellt, Mrs Harold Phillips, writes:

It might be helpful for presidents to organise something on the lines of the committee which the President for Derbyshire, Mrs A.W. Hilton, has been successfully running since 1970. It is a superb scheme for getting all facets of St John together and overcomes the lack of communications from which we all suffer.

Mrs Hilton is chairman of the committee, which consists of her deputy county president,' two county vice

Gwyneth

Ivy

Peter

Joan

Horace

Valerie Ann, Mrs Wilson (Kent)

Jean, Mrs Woods (Lancs)

Walter Richard Woods (Lancs)

William Woof (Northurnbria)

Dorothy May, Mrs Wythe (Suffolk)

COMMANDER

Mrs

Charles Higgs, of Leytonstone, London.

ESQUIRE

Sir Leslie Monson, Knight of Grace, presented hi s personal Esquire, Captain Mark Houghton to the Lord Prior.

Colonel D B Long, Knight of Justice, presented h is personal Esquires, Adrian Philip Bayley Long and Christopher Myles Hottenroth-Roffey , MA to the Lord Prior.

presidents, four area presidents and their vice presidents , vice president of St John Council, county president of the Association, president of St John mounted divisions and the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer of the county president's committee (who is a divisional president and a bank manager). Note that the secretary of this committee is quite separate from county secretary.

All Derbyshire Brigade members know that if they have any particular need they can write to the committee, who study the request and, where they can, mobilise help. This committee also holds an annual Presidents ' Day, which aims to raise at least £1000 each year for county funds. Brigade members are fully involved in the day on displays , etc. The committee is a real and active success, and apart from raising thousands of pounds it has created a sense of 'togetherness' among all members and found a truly successful method of achieving very rewarding results.

Is this an idea for your county?

Percival George Tutte, FRICS, MIAA (Hants)

Gladys Victoria, Mrs Vale (Hants)

Barbara, Mrs Varley, SRN (Cheshire)

Beatrice Joan Mrs Walker (Dorset)

May, Mrs Wannell (Surrey)

George Waterman (Hants)

Elaine, Mrs Whitaker (S Yorks)

Roland White (Hants)

Margaret Collins collected the insignia of Commander awarded to her late father, Alfred

FEDERATION OF BANDS

from Roly Gillam, Federation Chairman I have just been returned for a second term as chairman of the Federation of St John Ambulance Brigade Bands at the recent AGM in Birmingham. The Federation consists of a wide variety of bands - geographically, in size, style and ability They vary from first class concert silver bands to others just starting; from marching display bands that can hold their own in Earls Court arena at the Royal Tournament, to units struggling to lead their local church parade

Having attended every meeting of this Federation for the last seven years, when it was formed, one topic has always been to the forefront in any discussion: rules and regulations The Brigade has rules and regulations covering every aspect of the organisation, including bands. These band regulations are probably unique in the organisation, having been arrived at as a result of democratic discussions between Headquarters and the Federation. For several years now the discussions, often very heated, have centred on the non-compliance and flouting by some bands of these rules and regulations, apparently with the sanction of local commissioners.

As chairman, I am tired of having to discuss this situation every time the Federation meets and I would like to try, once and for all, to clarify the relationship between Brigade HQ, the Federation and the implementation of Brigade policies and regulations concerning all Brigade Bands. I am using the medium of the Review in the hope of reaching a wider readership than by writing direct to commissioners and bands.

Firstly, the Federation can be likened to the St John Association, which as we all know is the body responsible for the teaching and standards of First Aid and kindred subjects. While everybody accepts the Association as the authority responsible for these functions, there is resentment and resistance to the Federation when it comes to matters concerning inspection and standards of all Brigade bands. The Brigade has decided that the Federation shall be responsible for a sse ssing all bands operating under the name of St John.

Secondly, the Federation naturally encourages all Brigade bands to become Federation members and to participate in the dialogue with Headquarters on the activities of Brigade bands. We do not wish in any way to bully bands into joining; it is their free choice. Nonmembership, however, does not in any way relieve St John bands from the responsiblity of complying with the requirements of Brigade rules and regulations.

Thirdly, I often hear references to 'Federation style uniform' and Federation inspections'. There are no such things. They are Brigade 1 style band uniforms and Brigade band inspections, just like other aspects of the Brigade organisation.

Lastly, if members of the Brigade generally do not wish to comply with the rules and regulations of our organisation, they can always resign from our voluntary society or be made to resign. Commissioners or other responsible people who authorise non-compliance with the appropriate regulations for bands under their jurisdiction, would not I am sure make similar authorisation on other matters, or indeed be allowed to get away with it if they did.

I only hope this letter clarifies the situation. But if anyone has any questions or points they would like to make, I would be only too happy to hear them. Below is my home address and phone number. I am even prepared, if it is really necessary, to visit any part of the country if it helps to sort out this problem once and for all, subject of course to family and my own band commitments.

95 Applesham Way, Portslade, Sussex BN4 2LN. Brighton 416983 Roly Gillam ANOTHER TRY?

from John F. E. Bent, Area Commissioner (R)

After many years of reading the Sf John Review and the Gazette before that, I still find it of interest. The Commander -in-Chief's recent summing up of the Brigade in the year 2000 makes me wonder how many of the ideas will in fact materialise. I personally feel that the Brigade still has a great future and will carryon with the work of the foundation, ie, to teach first aid and nursing, enabling members to attend to the requests of the public at functions and sports, etc. As a divisional superintendent some 30 years ago, I wrote to a certain motor company suggesting that all cars and other vehicles should be

fitted with a first aid kit, so that in accidents equipment would be to hand, and even if the driver was unable to use it there may well be others who could. I also thought that if drivers had first aid kits they would seek advice on how best to use it, which would lead to first aid classes and possibly new members for St John. The reply was dismal. The extra cost on a car was the deciding factor. About 15 years ago I tried to influence local headmasters to include first aid teaching in schools, which they then found impractical, but I now read with delight of such achievements. I wonder would it not be worth another try with the motoring industry?

Another field in which I feel the Brigade could shine is to involve itself in the training of field hygiene. As a former member of the Army School of Hygiene and a Fellow of the Institute of Public Health Engineers, I was able to organise and execute a class in public health hygiene which was a huge success, and if nothing else the members who took the course were prepared for hygiene emergency as well as first aid.

Dudley John Bent

SACK-CLOTH AND.

from John Springer, Divisional Superintendent (AI

Until I saw a nursing memb.er divisional superintendent wearing the new style nursing dress as supplied by the Supplies Dept, I had thought that 'sack-cloth and ashes' referred to Biblical characters of Old Testament times.

Huddersfield

John Springer

AREA COMPS

Greater Manchester

14-year-old Clare Elkins of Brand le sholme and Ramsbottom Quad Division has taken the Corps Nursing Cup, the first year Uniform Award , AND firs prize in WOODWORK in the inter-co untie s handcrahs co mp etition

EWS from SCOTLAND

THE MacRobert Arts Centre, Stirling University, was the setting for a very special occasion on Thursday March 7. This was a Royal Gala Performance in aid of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem, graced by the presence of the Grand Prior of the Order, HRH The Duke of Gloucester. Dame Janet Baker, who was the star of the evening, enchanted the audience with her singing at this the first of a series of concerts. Mr Gordon, chairman, and June Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, musical adviser of the St John Musical Society of Scotland, hope to arrange one important. event annually.

WALES

MRS ANNE McDougall, wife of the Chancellor of the Priory for Wales, recently organised a gala concert on behalf of the St John Musical Society at the St David's Hall, Cardiff, in aid of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital. Sir Geraint Evans, patron of the concert, obtained a galaxy of stars to perform. The orchestra of the Welsh National Opera was conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras, soloists were Marie McLaughlin, Della Jones, Dennis O'Neill and Phillip Joll, and the Pontarddulais Male Choir.

The concert was honoured by the presence of HRH The Princess of Wales. A number of civic dignatories and distinguished St John people were among the audience of some 1350 people who enjoyed a feast of music superbly performed.

The concert, sponsored by the Wales and the Marches Postal Board, is expected to produce several thousand pounds for the hospital.

Northern Ireland

News from Divisions/Centres

OBITUARY

Major J. R. Middlehurst, Area President of St Helens and Knowsley, Merseyside. Joined Brigade in 1937 and was No. 4 Area Commissioner, Duke of Lancaster District, prior to Area President. Officer of the Order. Died March 19.

With summer coming, the roads of Britain and Europe will bring many accidents

First Aid For Drivers

A new St John Ambulance 'safety orientated' first aid course in Canada

AT THIS very moment, someone in Canada is involved in a motor vehicle accident. Also alarming is the fact that almost one-half (490/0) of accidental deaths in Canada occur in traffic accidents. Many of these deaths - perhaps as many as one in three - could be prevented by simple on-site first aid measures The severity of accident injuries could also be reduced significantly if more Canadians on the road had first aid training

St John Ambulance ha s recently completed the development and testing of a new first aid course designed especially for the Canadian driver. In just four hours the student learns the basic first aid skills and procedures that a driver needs until professional medical aid arrives at the accident scene. The student also learns what to do first - how to manage the accident site and prevent further accidents, how to send for help quickly , as well as how to evaluate multiple injuries and establish priorities for treatment of those injuries.

Another important feature of First Aid For Drivers is that it is des ig ned (like all St John first aid courses) to motivate students to adopt a mor e positive attitude towards safety and the pre vention of accident s.

It has been proved conclusively through several independent research studies that people trained in St John Ambulance Safety Oriented First Aid are more alert to danger, in other words , more safety conscious.

For exa mple in a FACTS (First Aid Community Training For Safety) study conducted by Dr. Robert N. Hunt of Grand Prairie Regional College, the Peac e River District in Alberta experienced a 26.4% decline in motor vehicle accidents following mas s first aid training. There was also an astounding decrease of 83.3% in the number of reported deaths due to traffic accidents. 2

St John Ambulance has been teaching first aid in Canada for over

Books

Bailliere's Abbreviations In Medicine, by Edwin B Steen (5th edition) Bailliere Tindall, London (£3.75)

The Arthritis Book, by Ephrain P Enge lm an and Milton Silverman Penguin Original. (£1 95)

What is to be done about illness and health? by Jeannette Mitchell. Penguin Original. (£2.95)

Pregnancy after Thirty by Dr Mary Anderson (Faber & Faber) Paperback £2.95

St John Fellowship

Notification of the formation of a branch

Name of branch

Branch Secretary or other contact

100 years and today trains more Canadians in first aid than any other s ingle organisation. This wealth of experience is the reason why St John Ambulance courses are the most effective Intere s ting and dynamic course design contributes to the success of St John Ambulance first aid training and First Aid For Dri vers is no exception Two films 'Cry For Help' and 'Safety Orien ted First Aid For Drivers illustrate the various first aid technique s and v ividly recreate the proper handling of a realistic accident scene. The film sequences are supp lemented by practical exercises, lectures / demonstrations and class discussions This mul ti -med ia approach 'to training greatly enhances the student's retention of his newly acquired-knowledge.

Another factor which must be considered is the econo mic consequence of motor vehicle accidents. In the pro vi nce of Ontario alone, a 1978 study estimated the annual monetar y

To: National Secretary, Miss Sheila Puckle, 31 Malvern Court, Onslow Square, London SW7 3HY

ST JOHN REVIEW

(Left) AVON Sarah Cameron, 11, is enrolled with eight other cadets at Shirehampton Division by Brig Geoffrey Hutton, county commissioner

AVON: Major John Greener (right), Commander Avon, presents the golden anniversary vellum to DIS Clifford Pardy, of Kingswood Ambulance Division, with members (Photo: Myra Meredith) (Photo: Myra Meredith)

WE WELCOME two new Branches this month:

Norwich, Norfolk: Contract Mrs A.A. Ettridge MBE, 24, Meadowbrook Close, Norwich, NRI INN. Halifax, West Yorkshire: Contact Mrs A.S. Unsworth, Strathmore, lOA Savile Park, Halifax HXI 3EA.

Norwich Branch is the first in Norfolk, while Halifax is a long-established group (1973) which is the fourth in South and West Yorkshire to register as a branch of the Fellowship.

The 2nd AGM of the St John Fellowship to be held at Sf John's Gate on Wednesday, May 15 1985 Agendll

I. Apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the first AGM held on May 18 1984 to be approved

3. Matters arising

4. Adoption of the Annual Report for 1984/5: - Proposed by the Chairman, Seconded by the Vice-Chairman

5. Adoption of the Central Accounts for 1984/5: - Proposed by the Treasurer, Seconded by the National Secretary

6. The Central Committee Approval of the following nominations for 198516:

President - Marjorie, Countess of Brecknock DBE

Chairman - Major General D. S. Gordon, CB,CBE,DSO, JP, DL Vice Chairman - The Lady Moyra Browne, DBE

Treasurer - Gordon Monro, FICA National Secretary - Miss S.C. Puckle, MBE, TO Branch Representatives: Mr S. Bunker - Bucks.

Mr E. G. Groves* - Cambs. Miss Mary Holley* - Hants Miss Lilian Riley* - Lancs. Miss Evelyn Boocock* - Leics. * new representatives. There being no other nominations for Branch representatives by the closing date, March 15 1985, and since the number of nominations matches the number of vacancies, the above-named will be declared elected unopposed.

7. The Chief Commander

8. Branch Items a. That guidance be given on the responsibility of Branches to account for funds which may be raised on behalf of the Order of St John or other charities as distinct from funds raised for the Branch's own use. - Proposed by Miss Nancy Sale MBE, Amersham, Bucks.

b. That Branches which have succeeded in attracting new members since their formation should say how they do it.Proposed by Rep, Kent Branch.

c That a national newsletter be published occasionally, since few members see the monthly Fellowship item in the St John Review Proposed by Rep, Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield Branch, West Midlands.

9. The Lord Prior of St John

10. Any other business

31 Malvern Court, Onslow Square, London SW1 3HY

Sheila Puckle

National Secretary

Editor: I understand many Fellowship members find the St John Review too expensive for them.

are built. (4). 12. Parts of mandible and pubis. (4). 13 Limits for cooking. (5). 15. Any pill in home produces drug of great value in asthmatic attacks. (13). 20. The workers in the Department of Anatomy? (8 5). 24 Alternating current re ver sed are in Ghana (S)

27 In ill-health and vomiting (4). 28 Chroni c skin condition common in adolescence (4). 30. Clot. (9). 31. Narrow part o f trunk between thorax and pelvis. (S). 32. Time and place to consult one's general practitioner. (7). 33. Concerned with improving heredited qualities of future generations. (7).

Down:

1. Itches for the moral code of the profession. (6). 2 Shed dead skin or bone in layers. (9). 3. Aluminium therefore is likewise. (4). 4. Painful condition affecting muscles and fibrous tissues of back. (7). S. Brawny in physique and obstinate in mind. (7). 6. Readily digested and absorbed energy-providing foodstuff. (5). 7. Memorise to gain knowledge. (S). 8. Act three has tube used to withdraw urine from the bladder. (8). 14. Liver secretion aiding digestion of fats and elimination of waste. (4). 16. Chess technique used in orthopaedic surgery (3). 17. Metal protecting against ionising radiation. (4). 18. Invasion by pathogenic micro-organisms. (9). 19. Heel bone. (2.6).

21. Depository for the bones of the dead. (7). 22. Conceal what a gland does. (7). 23. Infected by micro-organisms causing putrefaction (6).25. University professorship. (5) 26. Verbally attack a transport vehicle with note. (5). 29. Drink in large draughts. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.4 (85)

_---L_-L._-L-_...L-_.l...-----l_--I

Across: 1. Vesicle; 5. Nephron; 9. Treat; 10. Spermatic; 11. Active; REVIEW CROSSWORD No. 5 (85) by A. A. Potter

Across: 13. Flea; 14. Ala; 16. Ide'al; 17 Ulcerated; 20. Giddiness; 22. Psalm; 24. Arc; 25. Aged; 26. Barrel; 28. Adactylia; 29. Lapse; 30. Eyewash; 31. Analyst.

I. Structure containing the vitreous and aqueous humours. (7). S Arm vein often used for intravenous therapy. (7). 9 Petulant fits playing draughts? (5). 10. Speak iII of a worker for tumour spreading locally and producing metastases. (9). 11. Unit from which all body tissues

120 Down: 1. Vitiating; 2. S·heat·he; 3. Cut; 4. Ease; 5. Needle-case; 6. Pa'mp'a; 7. Retract; 8. Nucha; 12. Vi·lIi; IS. Rude health; 18. R· UP' ia; 19 Demulcent; 21. Declare; 22. A· trophy; 24. A · maze; 2S. Ant'ra; 27. Vasa; 29. Lea.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

20p a word (min. £4 00); semi display £20 single column inch (min. £10).

Send to Driscoll Productions, Wood Cottage High Corner Butley Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3QF. " G IV E YOUR LECTURES THAT F INA L PROFESSIONAL TOU C H

NATIONWIDE RAFFLE

Counties KEEP ALL THE PROCEEDS from ticket sales

Once again the Public Affairs Department at National Headquarters is organising a nati.anwide raffle in aid of the Order of St John. The draw will take place at the St John Royal Ball In London on 4th December, 1985.

There is a first class set of prizes:

FIRST PRIZE -A BRAND NEW TOP OF THE RANGE TALBOT HORIZON GLX 5 SPEED CAR

SECOND PRIZE - £2,000 OF BRAND NEW CARPET OF THE WINNER'S CHOICE

There will be a number of other prizes including Gl foreign holiday. Watch out for more details in next month's Review.

Tickets will sell at 50p each and will be available in books of five, from mid -June. Please apply for as many as you want from: The Public Affairs Department, The Order of St John, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, LONDON SW1 X 7EF. Tel: 01-235 5231.

THIS IS A VERY GOOD FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL ST JOHN COUNTIES AND DIVISIONS AS YOU KEEP ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE TICKETS YOU SELL!

ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL OF ST JOHN

Volume 59 No. 6 June 1985

Contents CO V E R

Cover: Top flying award for Air Wing p.121

Do you know your manuals? (3) by Bruce Coltman p.122

Overseas Seminar: Hong Kong p.124

Two years in the life of Cadet Richard p 126

Around and About by the Editor p.128

Cadet Chat by Jim p.1 32

Tales of an Aeromedical Nurse by F. W Murkin p 134

Thanks from Marathon runners p.135

First aid competitions - worthwhile or not? p.136

First aid quiz p .137

Readers' views p 1 38

Why I joined St John p 1 39

News from Scotland - Wales p.140

Overseas p.141

Just a phone call away p.142

St John Fellowship AGM p.143 Crossword p.144

Top Flying Avvard for Air Wing

THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE Air Wing has won the top annual award made by the Royal Aero Club.

At the Banqueting Hall, Whitehall, on May 1, HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip presented the Britannia Trophy to the St John Ambulance Air Wing for outstanding service to humanity in transporting by air more than 700 hearts , livers and other organs, and medical teams, by 165 voluntary pilots since its inauguration in 1972. (Cover photo)

Without this service hundreds of organ transplants could not have taken place.

Once removed from the donor organs have a life of a maximum of 8 hours. The flight control centre manned by unpaid St John volunteers at St Margarets Hospital, Epping, is o n call 24 hou-r-s a day. All flight arrangements , destinations and road ambulances are co-ordinated from this centre. Flights are made to all parts of Europe as well as the UK. In 1984 alone over 90 flights were carried out and since 1972 o ver 300,000 miles have been flown.

It is in recognition of this truly exceptional voluntary dedication of the pilots and the service of the St John Ambulance Air Wing that this trophy has been awarded.

The Chief Commander of St John Ambulance, Major General P. R. Leuchars, said, ' This is one of the many parts of the charitable work of St John Ambulance which goes unnoticed and it is a great honour to be awarded the Britannia Trophy.'

Squadron Leader Pat Pattison, Air Operations Coordinator, and Mr W. H. Bailey, one of the most active pilots who has flown 59 missions, accepted the award on behalf of the St John Ambulance Air Wing. With Her Majesty in our photograph is Mr B. Snook, chairman Royal Aero Club. The Britannia Trophy was first awarded in 1913. Alcock and Brown won it in 1919. It is only the third time since 1913 that the award has been awarded to a 'gro up ', The first time was 111 Squadron RAP (1959) and, second, the Red Arrows (1965) The Britannia Trophy is awarded annually to the British aviator, or for aviation accomplishment, which in the opinion of the Royal Aero Club Council is the most meritorious performance during the preceding year.

THOSE AROUND the arrival point at Kai Tak airport on Sunday March 24 will have noticed a uniformed contingent of the Brigade dealing with a steady influx of assorted and distinguished looking citizens convergi ng on Hong Kong from all points of the compass for the second Far East Regional Seminar. The first seminar, and also the first of the whole series, had been held in Singapore almost exactly seven years previously, in March 1978. At the conclusion of that meeting delegates had unanimously called for a repeat performance in the not too distant future, and so it was that, thanks to the willing agreement of the Hong Kong St John Council, delegates from those same countries were assembling again. These comprised Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong (of course), India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands (a most welcome addition to the St John family since 1978), and Sri Lanka. An equally welcome 'o ut of area' delegation was that from South Africa. They had been invited with the specific purpose of making a presentation on the outstandingly successfu l Cape Flats community health project in Cape Town, inspired and directed by Dr. T.M. Corry, Receiver General of the South African Priory, who attended as one o f their delegates. The U.K. delegation, comprising the Chief Commander, who chaired -t he ope ning sessions, the Director Overseas Relations, the Chief President and the newly appointed Director General, again acted as co-ordinators.

Each succee ding seminar in this series co nform s closely to the laws of nature and tends to be noticeably more expensive than the last. In this context grateful

acknowledgement is made to the Commonwealth Foundation for their generous grant, without which the seminar could never have taken place.

The seminar was conducted in an excellent conference room at the Lee Gardens Hotel in Causeway Bay, and most conveniently delegates were accommodated in the same hotel. Travelling was therefore reduced to a minimum. A press conference was called on the Sunday afternoon, with perhaps disappointing subsequent coverage, and the opening ceremony was performed the following morning by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Edward Youde, who is President of the St John Council in Hong Kong. Then it was down to work. There was no overall general theme but much emphasis was laid throughout on the part that St John Ambulance might play world-wide in the field of community health. A major part of

this cen tred around the Cape Town project already mentioned, to which a lm ost a whole day's discussion was devoted and the opening presentation which sparked off great interest was on the subject of First Aid in the Community given by Dr. George Choa, Director of Association in Hong Kong and an eminent ENT specialist. On a imilar theme the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr. Rudy Khoo, provided some intere sting details on t he development of medical services in Hong Kong during his talk.

Delegates also showed particular interest in a presentation by the Director General on the First Aid in Schools project, for the introduction of which in the UK he had been responsible. Many of them expressed the intention of lookin g closely at the possibility

SJA HQ Hong Kong (left), which includes a dental clinic which gives a unique service below

of starting a similar scheme in their own countries. Dissertations on the first-aid training in Australia and New Zealand also provide much valuable food for thought as did the projected re-organisation of 'command' structure being co n s idered in New Zealand, presented by the Priory Receiver General.

Certainly another highlight of the week was the profoundly analytical and instructive talk given by the Director of the Saatchi and Saatchi office in Hong Kong on the tortuous problem of public relation s and fund-raising. His style of presentation was rivetting and those wise enough to heed hi s advice could not fail to benefit from his expertise so ably put across.

Extra-curricular activities were, as is so often the case on suc h occasions, many, various and spectacular in their generosity.

An evening visit to the District Headquarters, housed in an impre ss ive building conveniently situated clo se to he business centre of Hong Kong, s howed u s the dental clinic at work. This is a unique service, provided free to disabled and disadvantaged children, performed by Dental Surgeons who also make their services available free of charge.

Our tour of the building also took in a bedmaking practice session, followed by an enjoyable drink in the nursing officer's mess on the top floor, accompanied by delicious c hine se 'appet ise rs' that were a familiar feature of the whole week. Other socia functions, hospitable in the extreme, induded a buffet lunch hosted by the Laerdal Co. & Goodwin Health Care; dinner at the Jockey Club, hosted by the Chairman of Council & Mrs. John Marden; and two s umptuou s ch ine se banquets provided by members of the Council. To most of the western delegation s these were a novel but memorable experience and saw them strugg lin g, with varying degrees of success, to master th e art of demolishing the dozen or so succu len t dishes with the aid of little more than a pair of chopsticks. The real gour met' s delight on both occasions was ge nerally accepted to have been the shark'sfin soup, upon which it fortunately seemed to be cons ide red 'de rigueur' to use a spoon! (For those not accustomed to such treats, it should be recognised that any resemblance to these dishes and tho e normally encountered at Chinese restaurants in the UK would be a coincidence of s izeab le proportions).

And so, after 3 Y1 days of lively debate it was all over. As has always been the case with any such assembly, as much va lue was probably derived from informal chats between delegates outside plenary session as in formal discussion A sp irit of great cordiality pervaded the whole period and it is hoped that progres s was made towards solving problems which, betwe en widely separated countries, are surprising in their simi larity. Perhaps the occasion also served to reduce the feeling of isolation that may at times be felt in SOme of our far-flung outposts, where so much good work is done - In the Service of Mankind.

to R) Leonard Manson Priory Secretary, South Africa Mrs Hilary Broughton chief training officer Solomon Islands; and Mr & Mrs Ken Treanor, director of train ing , New Zealand

The opening ceremony. (L to R) Mr John Marden, chairman SJ Council Hong Kong HE

The Governor , Sir Edward Youd e and the Chief Commander (Photo South China Morning Post Hong Kong)

(Above) The Very Rev Dr Paul Clasper, Dean of St John's Cathedral Hong Kong, and (right) Dr George Choa, Dir e ctor of Association. Hong Kong

(L

Dr Raymond Mok Principal Surgeon, Hong Kong

(Left ) Mrs John Marden, wife of chairman SJ Council HK and Director General Bob Balchin and his wife

L to R) Rusi B Gim i, c hairman West Be ng a State Centre Chief Commander and Robert Chua sec etary of Council Singapore

(Left) Dr Teh Peng Hooi Dep Director Singapore

Mr E. Paramasivam vice-chairman Council Malaysia (centre) and John Marden , chairman Council Hong Kong

IN DECEMBER 1982, when details of the Sail Trainin g Association's crui ses were published in Brigade Orders, 15 -year- old Li ve rpool ca det Richard Priestley was asked by his divisional superintendent, Tony Morley, if he would be interested in applying for a place on a St John sponsored cruise. Richard, the young est local recipient of the Chief Scout's Award and always keen to try anything new, readily agreed.

Nothing more was heard about the cruise for a few months and life for Richard continued its usual busy course. He shared his 16th birthday with his great -grandad, · who was then 90, won a gold medal in a rifle shooting team competition, and was in the winning team of the Area cadet first aid competition. He also managed to fit in some study for his GCE O-level exams. In May he heard that he had been accepted for a cruise in October 1983. June and July were devoted to exams, managing to pass six at B or C grade. The annual county church parade was held at Liverpool Cathedral and Richard was in the colour party. At the final rehearsal for the parade he spoke on local radio from a unit parked near the cathedral, giving St John a good plug.

Richard was also busy job hunting and was lucky to be offered an engineering apprenticeship with the Metal Box Co. He explained about the ST A cruise and they agreed he could have time off for it. His j ob was to start at the beginning of September 1983, so he spent the summ€r holidays working as a volunteer on the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauage st€am railway in the Lake District.

National HQ, Merseyside County, Sefton Area, and Maghull Division all contributed to the cost of the cruise, the Division raising the remainder from jumble sales, coffee mornings, etc.

The cruise started on a Sunday aft ernoon from Shoreham-on-Sea, Sussex. Not knowing the area very wel1.and with Sunday travel sometimes difficult, Richard decided to travel on the Saturday, and asked the Area Commissioner for Sefton, Terry Baldwin , if it would be pos s ible to contact a St John member in the Shoreham area to arrange overnight accommodation Within two days he had the name and address of a family who were not only members of the St John, but also had a son sailing on the same cruise, and they were willing to supply bed and breakfast. They very kindly collected Richard from the station, took him to a disco, and on the Sunday afternoon delivered both boys to the STS Sir Winston Churchill, their home for the next two weeks. Thank you very much , Mr and Mrs White, and John.

Most of the boys had never been on a ship, so Sunday afternoon and Monday were devoted to learning the 'ropes' and terminology - heads for the 100, deck for the floor - and discovering the 'happy hour' is cleaning the heads and doing all the dirtiest jobs on board. Unfortunately the weather was very rough and Richard soon learned

Two years in the life of

He just doesn't understand those people who say: 'I'm bored. There's nothing to do'

how his stomach worked - from the inside out. But after three days his system got used to the pitch and roll of the ship and he started to enjoy life The ship visited ports on both sides of the English Channel and they returned in very calm conditions to Southampton.

The cruise seemed to cure some of the trainees of afflictions and bad habits One youngster was very nervous at the beginning and, through fear, lost a stutter, and then began to enjoy himself. Richard stopped biting his nails because of the salty taste always present through handling wet ropes!

At the end of the cruise the trainees are sent a report on how they coped with life on board, with copies also going to their parents and sponsors, with details of how to apply for future cruises Immediately he arrived home Richard decided he would like to apply again and noticed from the programme that the Tall Ships Race was to finish at Li verpool. He decided to try to get a place on a ship in the race He was offered such a berth, but then he had the problem of ra ising the nearly £800 fee. The Sail Training Association gave him some hints on finding sponsorship and through the generosity of the Philip Holt Trust, Metal Box Co, Ormonde High School, Maghull, and many friends and relatives, the money was soon raised.

To Denmark

So in July 1984 Richard set off for Denmark to join the STS Malcolm Miller. They sailed over 1600 miles and finished second in their class in the race A bonus of the trip was meeting all the other cadets and trainees from other countries. In each port, special events were organised for the s hip s' crews. At Fredrikshavn, Denmark, an intercrew tug-o-war was held. The Malcolm Miller's team, with Richard pulling at number one, reached the final to be beaten by the Danish Navy. In Greenock, on the Clyde, there was an official reception and disco, and then all ships exchanged so me crew members and sailed in convoy to the Mersey. On board the Malcolm Miller were young men from Poland, Sweden, Germany, and Sasha from Leningrad. Although Sasha spoke no English, and Richard no Rus sian, the two soon became good friend s, to swap badges and souvenirs. Richard was one of the group of lads interviewed by Granada TV, who covered the race.

One of the highlights of their arrival on Merseyside was a parade of crews through the streets of Liverpool. By now the ships that had sailed from Denmark had been joined by the really big tall ships that had sailed from America in the Atlantic race

Cadet Richard

One crew member was heard to say that it was a shame that politics should take over as so many nations were mingling in a co mmon love of ships and the sea At the end of the Mersey visit there was a gra nd parade of sail as all the tall ships put to sea, with th e Queen watching from the Royal Yac ht. Richard was very proud to say that the Queen actually took HIS photograph! After the hustle and bustle of s ummer 1984 - passing hi s driving test, duties at Liverpool Playhous e, the Grand National (where at the Canal Turn Richard assisted the only lady jockey in the race), th e International Garden Festival, and most weekends at the Garden Festiva l railwayRichard was delighted when he was invited back by the STAas a watch leader. He went back to sea, this time on the Winston C hurchill , in November 1984, in c ha rge of thirteen tra in ees. Just made it

The County Cadet Officer, Mrs M McKay, asked Richard to give a talk on sail training at the county cadet conference. But it turned ou t that the conference was on the day that the cruise ended in Southampton. So after coming off watch at midnight, Richard got up at 5am, comp leted hi s duties on board the ship, and caug ht the 8.30am train. He phoned from Crewe stat ion to arrange for someone to meet him at Liverpool station and arrived at the conference in Birkenhead five minutes before hi s ta lk was due to begin. He had a broken thumb and split lip from throwing his kitbag over his shoulder at the station, but he gave a very interesting talk illustrated with slides taken during the Tall Ship s race. Let's hope some 0 f the cadets who heard the talk, or read this article, will also get bitten by t he bug to go a'sailing.

And now, has life s low ed down for Richard? He has just celebrated his 18 t h birthday with great-grandad, who's now 92. Next week h e's off to London for an STA reunion. Then there's a reunion of the Garden Festival Railway crews. And yes, he's returning as a watch lead e r in November fo r hi s fourth STA cruise. So come on all you 16 + cadets and young adults - have you got yo ur applications in yet? You just don't know what it will lead to. From the like s of Richard, th ere's one phrase you'll never hear : 'I'm bored! there's nothing to do .'

Editor: Now an ambulance member; Richard would be only too happy to give a sail training talk to any SJA group. Contact Richard Priestley, 286 Southpont Rd, Lydiate, Liverpool, phone 051 526 2555.

Out on the yardarm and (below) pulling for his ship in Denmark

Ri cha rd and the sail training schooner Sir Winston Churchill on which he made his first cruise (Right) Bir t hday time for Great Grandad (an almost unbelievable 90) and Richa rd (16)

Ri c hard and narrow gauge diesel engine Shelagh of Eskd ale at the International Garden Festival. Liverpool

75 YEARS SERVICE

Co ngratul ation to Mrs Veronica McDermott, 90, a former resident of London's St Pancras who now live s in Zimbabwe, on comp let in g 75 years service with St John. Yes, 75!

In 1914 she was a SJA member doing duty at Kings Cross tube station and in 1918 at Euston's Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital during the influenza epidemic that followed t he Great War. Since she has been involved with St John in Canada, Wales, South Africa and Zimbabwe, where s he now lives in Harare, the capital.

LOOKING AHEAD

5 Jum Ministry of Defence FA Competitions, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

6 Jun: BP Chemicals FA Competitions, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

13 Jun: Fund Raising Dinner, Osterly Park, Middlesex

15 Jun: Trooping the Colour Horse Guards Parade

21 Jun: 1030 am Foundation Conference, County Hall, London SEI

21 Jun: 6.30 pm the Lord Prior's Reception, National Army Museum, Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3

22 Jun: 1030 am General Assembly, Mansion House, London

22 Jun: 2.30 pm Festival Service, St Paul's Cathedral, London

24 Jun / Wimbledon Lawn Tennis

7 Jul: Championships

27 Jun: Fire Brigade FA Competitions, Moreton-in-Marsh

As Veronica Delaney she took her first examination in first aid in 1913 at St John's Gate. Recently Mrs McDermott received a special long service award from Col D. H. Grainger, chairman of St John Council, Zimbabwe.

FILM PREMIERE

Many well known celebrities were in the crowded Lumiere Cinema in London's St Martins Lane recently

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

Royal Film Premiere of Francesco Rosi's Carmen (by Bizet) in the presence of the Duchess of Gloucester. Through the generosity of Virgin Fi lm s, the premiere was arranged by Sylvia, Lady Wilkinson, for the Order of St John Musical Society. Before the performance, which will benefit the funds of London District, a royal fanfare was sounded by the trumpeters of SJA Southwark Band. Among those presented to the Duchess of Gloucester were London District's Commander, Derek Fenton, (extreme right, photo above) and Princess Helena Moutafian, Deputy President (second from right).

KATRINA'S DAY

London District trains some 3000 FA W students at their Central London (Left) London DNO Shiela Jackson selling raffle tickets to the Duke (London District President) and th e Duchess of Westminster at the Ball organised at Claridges

headquarters, with two classes each week for 46 weeks of the year. An innovation a few weeks ago was to hold a competition to find a FA W Champion for the Year from among the 12 monthly winners who had achieved top marks during their respective months.

The championship final, which covered several hours during the day, meant the contestants were given the day off by their employers, who sent senior executives along to ensure the day was put to good use! With families present, too, the contestants took six different competition tests dealing with bleeding, fractures, resuscitation and included two staged incidents, one of which involved three casualties after an explosion in an office.

The eventual winner was Katrina Buck, who works for Barclays Bank in the City of London, with a close runner-up in Carol

B OJ

BY TH E EDITOR

LET'S CLEAR UP THIS

Some officers of Cadet Divisions may be experiencing a certain amount of confusion with'regard to the distribution of the Animal Care Package for use in the Proficiency Scheme and activities for juniors.

I would like to reiterate that the generous donation of these packages by the Pedigree Petfoods Education Centre was on the understanding that the free issue was made direct to divisions (cadet, combined cadet and quadrilateral). The intention being that these attractive items reach as many of our young enthusiasts as possible.

All Counties/Districts have now been supp lied with the correct number of packages for distribution.

regret that you may have been inconvenienced by apparently ambivalent information contained in Cadet Chat in the Review suggesting that these were documents for Staff Officers.

Jennie Eaves Staff Officer Cade t s

Bridgland of the Royal In surance Company in Croydon.

The trophy , provided by the Duke of Westmin ter London District Pres ident, was presented to Katrina by Lord Grey of Naunton, The Bailiff of EgJe. (Photo previous page.)

ROM FORD'S BRIGHT GIRLS

The annual First Aid / Nursing Quiz competition for London District, now in its fifth year, was held in March with the District finals at Edwina Mountbatten House, Marylebone.

After preliminary rounds in which they beat both Combined and Ambulance Cadet teams, the final was closely contested by two Nursing Cadet team s - CN 50 Romford and eN 194 Lea Valley (Enfield) The Romford ca dets received the Princess Helena Moutafian Trophy from David Jacobs, the radio and TV personality , and will now represent London in the National Finals at Croydon on July 6. With David Jacobs in the photo (right) are (from L to R) Nicola Young (13), Kim McWilliam (13), Jackie Fosker (15) and Joanna Hemmin g (14).

ON RUGBY TOUR

[ hear that 402 Edgware and Mill Hill Division's ambulance accompanied the Mill

Mrs Georgina Phillips, Chief President (right), in Hong Kong meets cadets at the HQ during her visit for the Overseas Seminar On her way home Mrs Phillips stopped off at Sri Lanka and attended the 1000 members of Southern Province on their annual parade at Galle She was very impressed by the immaculate turnout, with everyone identically and faultlessly dressed. Shall we see this in England at our forthcoming centenary celebrations? (Below)

(Right) For outstanding achievement in Cornwall during 1984 Mrs Lillian Whitehead (left received the Furley Cup for Indian Queens Division (for replacing their ambulance, rebuilding their HQ and increasing membership). And Mr s Denis e Hick s received the Metheral Cup for Helston Nursing Division I for local community work in nursing).

Awards we re presented by Mr Alan Coleman , chairman district health authority

Romford nursing ca det team which won London District 's qu iz. (See story

ROMFORD'S BRIGHT GIRLS)

15,

Hill rugby football club's team on their 4-day Easter tour of South Hams, Devon

Crewed by D / O Terry Staniford and Corporal Phil Rees , and joined by Div President David Williams for the last two days, the members treated sixteen casualties, four of whom were taken to hospital.

Brixham rugby club were so pleased with their help that they are to send the Division a donation.

DUTCH VISIT

I hear that a group of nine Dutch first-aiders from Arnhem, Holland, visited Machynlleth, Wales, during April as a result of a link

The money goes towards a new HO, costing £30,000 established between the two towns during the Second World War.

The superintendent of Machynlleth's Bro Ddyfi Division, Mr Oswald Davies, was a stretcher bearer with the Seventh Royal Welch Fuseliers when Arnhem was liberated in the last war.

He made a number of Dutch friends at the time and still corresponds with one family. Mr Davies visits the cemetary at Arnhem four times a year and it was during one of these visits that he met the local first aid group. As a result, four of his nursing members visited Arnhem for the 40th anniversary · for the famous battle last September. And now the nine Dutch firstaiders have come to Wales, It was his wartimes experiences in Holland

(Left) This is not a joke. Four of these metal St John signs disappeared at April's Medical Conference at Nottingham Has anyone

that led to Mr Davies starting the local SJA Division. 'Things that happened in the Netherlands,' he said, inspired me and I pledged to start a St John division if I s urvived the war.'

The Di v ision now has nine adults and about 30 cadets. It is the only one in Wales that trains cadets in Welsh.

NEW MOBILE UNIT

A new mobile first aid unit for London Di strict was dedicated a few weeks ago. (See photo next page.)

Specially designed and built in Northampton at a cost of more than £36,000, t he unit replaces a converted single-decker bus which has given goo d service for the last 17 years. It joins a fleet of more than 80 ambulances and mobile units used at community events in Greater London and will be attached to Eastern Area, who will provide the crew of doctor, nurse, unit leader and four trained personnel. It is equipped with the la test resuscitators and is able to treat five sitting cases and two stretcher cases at the same time.

The unit, previewed at the opening of Eastern Area Headquarters in the Royal Victoria Docks, was first used operationally at the London Marathon, being stationed in the Is le of Dogs where a large number of

runners need SJA assistance.

During 1984 London District treated 40 , 000 cases of which nearly 7,000 were at major events s uch as the Marathon, Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon Tennis, Chelsea F lower Show, Notting Hill Carnival and the New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

FAREWELL

Presentations, I hear, fi gured prominently at the annual general meet ing of the City of Leicester Area, St John Ambulance, held at its Regent Road headquarters in April.

Frank Barton , a Senior Staff Officer, retired after 27 years with the Brigade. 70-year-old Mr Barton joined as an ambulance member in t he Leicester Co-op Division. He became a qualified instructor, giving many hours of instruction within the Brigade and with outside organisations. Later he was appointed Co-op divisional

officer

rtificate of appreciation by Area

Superintendent Gordon Shaw

At the same event Mrs Joan Vines was presented with a travelling case, handbag and cheque to mark her retirement last year a s Area Superintendent (Nursing) after 44 years with the Brigade. Mrs Vines started as a nursing member with the Leicester St Mary's Division. The presentation was made by Mrs R Simpson, Area President.

A further ceremony to mark the retirement of a long serving member took place at the annual inspection of the North Evington Quadrilateral Division. Area Superintendent G. K. Shaw presented a carriage clock to Councillor Arthur Hardisty, who retired on December 30 1984 on reaching the age of 70. Mr Hardisty joined the Levershulme Division, Greater Manchester, in March 1961. In April 1965 he transferred to the

and there

was given the responsibility of training boys and girls wishing to join the Division. 13 years later many of those young recruits remain as very active adult members of the Division. For many years he was a member o f the divisional social committee.

In 1983 Mr Hardisty was elected a councillor of

Cranleigh SJA twins, nursing cadets Anita (left) and Caroline Diplock,

have both been chosen as Surrey Cadet of the Year.

(Photo: Surrey Advertiser)

At that Luton v Milwall match when hooliganism reached such a pit c h that the whole country said: Stop

Merseyside s Assist Commissioner, Mr

by JIM

HERE are some more games.

I will / Y ou will

The cadets sit in a and a ball is pass€d around while some music is played. When the music stops, the cadet holding the ball has to pay a forfeit. He can actually pick the forfeit and then he approaches a bowl which contains two wooden spoons. One spoon has 'I will' on th€ back of it, the other has 'You will' but the spoons are positioned in such a way that the cadet cannot read this If the spoon he picks is 'I will , then he has to do the forfeit. If it says You will , then one of the must do it.

A nother game to involve Lead€rs is to rig up a blanket so that they can hide behind it. Leaders have to poke both feet underneath the blanket and the cadets have to guess whose feet they are. Tickling is allowed and the game is made more silly if two L€ad €rs each contribute a foot.

On the theme of using a blanket, rig the

blanket and have lots of pieces of string coming out from underneath it. The strings should be attached to various items of clothing, the sillier the better. The cadets sit in a circle and pass a dice around. -If a cadet throws a s ix, he is allowed to come out and pull one of the strings . He then has to put on the item of clothing he receives, no matter how silly it may be. Include wigs, a large pair of shorts, Brownie or Girl Guide uniform, flippers and so on.

The crab relay

Everyone knows how to play crab football , but for this relay you adopt the same position and try to move quickly to the other end and back. T r y i t ! It s not as easy as you might think.

The kangaroo relay

Normal relay formation but the team leader holds the football between his ankles and has to hop the length of the hall and back without losing the ball. The rest of the team follow suit and anyone who does lose the ball begin again

The obstacle relay

Place a line of chairs across the hall , then a line of tables , then in front of each team a skipping rope. The object is to go under the chair (between the legs) , over the table, skip five times, then return by the same route to touch off the next cadet.

The chain relay A simple relay but one that is always enjoyable. The team leader runs down the hall and back Number 2 grasps the leader at the wai s t and off they go down the hall again. Number 3 hooks on, and so the relay continues until the whole team charges down

IN CAMP

1 4-year·o

WE ALL know the Code of Chivalry, but to put it into practice, with 15 cadets under canvas on a cold, damp weekend in September, was the question.

A t the pre-camp officers meeting it had been decided that a cadets own service would be the most appropriate way of answering that question Two 45-minute sessions were siotted into the programme one for each syndicate, the other syndicate being busy cooking, etc

Ea c h syndicate was instructed th at they most choose a hymn (from a pre-recorded tape), write and read their own prayers and

Youth Challenge Year

T he closin g date for the first challenge cadet community activities is June 20 don't forget.

The summer challenge, to entertain a celebrity to a meal in an unu s ual place

(put your thinking caps on), must be s ubmitted by Sept 15 Entrie s to be sent to me at the address given in the final paragraph of Cadet Chat.

Prizes worth £100 are bein g given away in both of these challenge s

and back to finish it. A good game which should find out just how fit everybody is. As usual with relays, the team hasn't finished until it is standing in a n e at row with everyone quiet.

Mouse trap

Equipment: Four broom handles or staves , seven lengths of lashing cord and a mouse trap for each group

Object : Groups attempt to move the mouse trap across a three metre course without setting foot on it (c ourse not the trap) They s tart with 20 point s and lo s e one point ever y t i me they sp r ing the t rap. The y must only touch the t rap with the equ ipment provided.

The School Garden Book

An introduction to nature and growing things for 9-13 year old, this book uses indoor and ou door project s ugges tions , a cros s word , recording s heets , obser v ation exercises, etc, to introduce basic biological and ecological topics.

Available from : The Rural P r e s er v a t ion

Association The Old Police Station, L ark Lane , Liverpool 17 . Price £ 1.00 each ( incl p & p) for up to 30 copie s, reduced rates f or more than 30

To serve God

make an item for the altar. Sunday morning dawned wet and cold, although not actually raining, so it was dedded to hold the service inside instead of outside , as originally planned. The altar was prepared with the cadet cloth and a beautifully made wooden cross, complete with greenery and two candles in handmade holders. The boys in each syndicate had really done well! The stage was set. The Templars syndicate took the first hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' to be f ollowed by five lovely prayers, each thanking God for camp, the Brigade, the reasonably good weather, etc. Next came the Hospitallers. 'Onward Christian Soldiers was their choice of hymn, followed by four very similar prayers. And then it happened. 14-year-old Jane Haswell read h er prayer and the entire camp became silent as we listened with growing certainty that here was something special. The natural

Environmental Film Directory

Thi s directory is a guide to 1,000 film s on all aspects of natural history, the environment and conservation A brief description of details of length, year, source, age range and hire charge, if any, are given.

Available from: Tom Cairns , CoEnCo Zoological Gardens, Regent' s Park, L ondon NWI 4RY. Price £2 50 (incl p & p)

Contributions

Contributions and entries t o competition s in this column should be sent to Jim, 3 Brandreth Road , London E6 4QB. If you have any ideas about games, training activities or event s that your cadet s h ave e njoyed, please do write because 1 am a lway s in need of material to include in the column. Cadet Chat bad g e s are s ent to ali those who c ontribute to the column.

history lesson of the day before suddenly took on a new meaning. Here was someone, usually so quiet and not very forthcoming, talking to God and we we r e s pellbound

Dear God, (began Jane) Thank you for the gift of Nature

Whose trees and plant s litter the earth with beauty

Whose creatures roam its surface

Each living their own lives

Despite the interference and destruction of man

Lord, Thank you for blessing us with these gifts Although we are totally undeserving May they remain to give pleasure

For generation after generation Amen

Each of us will have different memories of our summer camp I hope we will all remember Jane' s prayer.

NOTTINGHAM '85

meeting will compri se a n in teres ti ng program m e of lect ur es, p r es ent a tion s, d isc u ss ions a nd s o c ial g a th e rin gs There w ill be t h e u s u a l di s co / dan ce on the Saturda y evening a nd th e nt er d e n o mina t iona l servi ce on the Sunda y morning. The progr am m e is o utl i n e d b e ow

C harges

A lthough the Univer s it y has had t o n cr e as e its c h arges for 198 5 , we Saturday m orning coffee, lun c h tea, s u pper , di s co / dance ; Sunda y m orn ing coffee and lun c h Boo

BY THE MID-SEVENTIES holidays abroad

were no longer only for the privileged few, as the advent of the package tour had brought them within the reach of the man in the street. The tour companies have built huge concrete hotels and restaurants in previously unspoilt Spanish resorts, such as Valencia and Alicante, and the lovely little island of lbiza and between March and October each year they fly out thousands of holiday-makers seeking the warm sunshine and golden sands of the Mediterranean With so many people on the move, there are bound to be casualties, whether from medical emergencies or from accidents, and the SJA Aeromedical Services are kept busy during these months. It is a good thing that holiday-makers are now fully insured, as medical treatment abroad is very expensive, and the insurance companies naturally want the casualties brought back as soon as possible.

£150 a day treatment

Two of the patients I brought back had been receiving treatment in the same clinic at £150 a day each. They had, incidentally, both been staying at the same hotel and both had slipped on the highly polished floors, one sustaining a fractured femur and the other a fractured coccyx. A more unusual casualty was the young man who walked in his sleep and woke up on the concrete path outside his hotel with a fractured pelvis and hand. After a week in a clinic at £200 a day, he had still received no treatment apart from an Xray The tour couriers have the responsibility of arranging transport, collecting personal belongings, etc, and my only duties in such cases were to escort and, if necessary, treat the patient on the flight home. In this particular case I was still waiting at the airport with the courier five minutes before take-off when the ambulance, manned by a driver only, came tearing up to the runway and screeched to a halt with the poor patient hanging on for dear life with his one good · hand. My knowledge of Spanish is very limited but it did not take an expert to know what the courier was saying to the driver! I always carry triangular bandages with me so I was able to make the patient more comfortable for the flight home although I was disappointed to find that the aircraft did not have a blanket in which to wrap him. This would have been a comfort to him, travelling from the heat of Ibiza to the chill ' of Luton in a slightly shocked condition.

Another young man I brought back from lbiza had unfortunately had a mental breakdown and after a short stay in the state hospital at £200 a day had been moved to a charity hospital run by Sisters of Mercy at half that price. I had been asked by Aeromed HQ to find out whether the patient could be brought home on a schedule passenger plane or whether his condition was really as severe as suggested by the report from the state hospital, which said he needed several people to restrain him. The courier took me to the charity hospital and introduced me to the Reverend Mother, who apologised for the 134

Thanks from Marathon runners

THE A-TEAM, as St John first-aiders were dubbed in the programme of the London Marathon , have every reason t o be highly satisfied with their efforts on Sunday, April 21.

T he assistance they gave to nearly 2500 of the 17 000 runners mu s have played no small part i n keepin g many of the runn e r s going and enabling 95070 plu s to co mpl ete the co ur se. Th e wea ther h e lp ed, too -a dry, sunny day with a light b reeze. Twenty-three mobil e first-aid units were placed strate g icall y along the rou te, with a mbulan ces po sted nearby, and despite ha ving to be treated for the normal marathon Photograph s by Ni ck Oakes, London E2

At the end of the day London District's Co mmi ssioner, John Gerrard, said: 'T he arrang e m ents went we ll. Th e depl oyme nt of 950 SJA personnel, in cl uding 30 doc to rs, 80 nu rsing members, wit h som e 70 vehicles, ensure d that the burden on hospital services was minimi se d. None of the six people taken to hospital had serious injuries, which is a much lower figure than in previous years.' To complete t he picture, 71 members of the public were treated but f ortunat e ly none of t hem n ee d e d to go to hospi ta l.

PART 9: Holiday Casualties

fact that the young man had had to be restrained because he had injured three of her staff She led me to a dark basement room, where I was horrified to find th is young man tied by his wrists and ankles to the bed and raving like a lunatic I hurried to the phone to inform the Director of SJA Aeromed Services that he could not pos si bly travel by passenger plane and went to the airport later that evening to meet the consultant psychiatrist and mental nurse who had flown out by executive plane.

Severe convulsions

When I returned to the hospital with them we found the patient having severe convulsions and the doctor immediately sedated him with an injection. The Sisters of Mercy were relieved to have him taken off their hands and as they waved goodbye wished us 'God speed' on our journey. Now that I had professional help, I was able to relax and enjoy the comfort of the executive jet for the flight home

We landed at Li.verpool, where an ambulance was waiting, together with the patient's parents, doctor and a JP, ready to proceed with certification and then the plane went on to Luton airport where I was provided with a car to take me to

Paddington. I arrived there at 3 am and, as the first train to the West Count ry was 7.50 am, the station master very kindly offered me the use of his office for my first rest in many hours He woke me at 7 am with a cup of tea and a newspaper and so ended a most exciting tour of duty Mo st of the flights I made to bring back holiday casualties were not as dramtic as thi s They were usually routine trips, which could be even enjoyable, although t here is always a feeling of apprehension until the patient has been safe ly brought hom e. I brought home two elderly gentlemen who had had st roke s, fortunately not severe, and one of these journeys resulted in an extraordinary and very happy coincidence. I had flown out to Madeira and, after admiring the magnificent view from the airport, which is built on high land overlooking the harbour where white luxury liners ride at anchor on the bluest of seas, I urned to the reception lounge to look for my patient. He was sitting with his wife and as I went up to him, he said, 'I know you! You were the instructor at the first aid cOllrse I attended in Colchester in 1950 'We exchanged reminiscences all the way back to Gatwick and parted with the promise to meet again next time I was in Essex It' s a small world!

First Aid Competitionsworthwhile or not?

A HOARY old chestnut. Hoary means white or grey or old. Old is old Chest n ut is reddy brown. Confused? A tautological ambiguity? Are competitions good training or are they a waste of time from that point of view. Are good competition teams good at 'real' first aid? Why is there a difference between real first aid and competition first aid?

The running commentary' is universally co ndemned, but still gains important 'marks' for astute team captains who frequently outwit the judges and 'con' the casualties with designed manoeuvres engineered around the stopwatch.

Twelve minutes to arriva of ambulance'

Haemorrhage ceased for 3 minutes 35 5 seconds' (Quartz era!)

'Stop rea ss uring him. Time to blanket the st retcher'

'3 0 seconds to go, never mind his fracture - load him!'

(There might be 6-10 marks out of the total for 'loading')

Mariipulative and inventive test-setters and judges can out-manoeuvre these tempora l

National First Aid

asks a doctor reader

conjurers with devices of their own For example:

Test card

You are in a space ship travelling at nearly the speed of light, and therefore all watches are running fast (or is it slow?) and so do not represent real time.

Or You are in a delicate electronic research laboratory, and all devices with batteries or springs will be confiscated.

No amount of innovative circum diction in the test setting can evade the self-righteous attitude of the first aid team themselves who have abrogated the study of first aid to replace it with the need to build a points score. Such c riteria produces a set of standard rejoinders:

'In real life, I would have noticed '

'In real life, I would have

'In real life

For many years, enthusiastic and dedicated first aid train e rs, casualty simulators, individual s and or g anisations, have pressed for more realism in competition settings, both the s tories and c asualtie s.

How do competitor s res pond to this?

Idea 1. The accident occurs in the first aid training room Team ru s h(!) in see resuscianne on the floor , and Number 2 (resuscitation expert) sets about CPR. Protests t hat it is a resuscianne and not a casualty fall on d eaf ea rs!

Ideal 2. A casualty with an old stroke (three years ago) s supposed to hav e fall en and injured hi s pa rt iall y paralysed leg. In spite of t he obvious 0) paralysis, half th e teams don't find out, perhaps because so man y of our casua ties appea r partially paralysed, a nd those teams who notice his paralysed leg a nd arm in si t t hat h e li es down and waits fo r a 999 ambulance

Idea 3. A real fish hook in a real arm The first-aider 's j ob is merely to r emove it as per pa ge 163 of t h e manual. Realism'in real li fe' The first-aiders in s is that the

casua lty 'would be' 'shocked' In spite of the cast iron evidence in front of them, they invent fast pul ses , s weaty brows while the casua l ty argue s that all he want is t he flippin' hook out of his arm Do t he firstaiders remove the hook? No! Why not? Because it would hurt, be ca u se it is not s imulated! Because real skin is tougher than the bread paste and pla s ter with which they prefer to work

The preceding three events are not figments of my imagination. They all re ally happened.

Real life

'Real life' events do no t improve the i m age of the competition becau se t he y a r e h and led like a co mpetition. I sub mit t hat we all, that is organisers, test-sette r s and judge s, are being duped by the co mp et i to r s them e lv es, who haven't told u s their rul es.

Team te s t a re a fiasco The leade r e nt e r s - Is there dan ge r to m yse lf or the team?' Who i s th e re to ask? Does it have to be ve rbatim to get the two m arks? The team sp lit s up Numb e r 4 goes to dial 999 with an immedia te precis of the number of casua lties. This manoeuvre ga in s maximum time in case the ambulance take s fif teen minutes to arrive. When in a c ri sis did you last ask h ow long until it ar ri ves?' a nd ge t the a n swer 'eleve n minut es'?

Phone calls

I f her e are marks on the heet for a d eta iled diagnosis in t h e message to the a mbul a n ce service, Number 4 s prepared to return to th e telephone later and tran s mit the information, th e r eby gai nin g maximum time by the fir st call, and maximum marks for detailed data in the seco nd cal l.

Number 2 'does resuscitation if necessary, and otherwise h e lps with dia g nosi s, reportin g c hange s in cas u a l ty state to Number w h o prattles int ermi n a bl y. 1 notice that this casualty ha s had a convulsion, h e would be jaundiced, cya n ose d, pale and flushed , with a s low fast pulse, a nd do I see a n y swe llin g or dampn ess?'

Change

There is no point in putting on 'real istic' tes ts, with well simulated wounds, and t raining casualties, unl ess we change the co mpetitors th e m selves b y a lt eri n g the means by which the mark s are a lloc ated.

No marks for dialling 999 unl ess a serious diagnosi s is established (it co ts ratepayer s £200 each time).

No marks for de sc ribin g physical s g n s which ca nnot be see n on the casua lt y. Devise tests which penalise the 'timers' and 'clock watchers ' t he 'chatterers' (try giv in g a running commentar y when you ha ve to do CPR for the whol e twenty minut es) a nd why, s implest of all, can't we do away with one feature - the limit of 10070 on dedu c tion s. Let's have 100070 deduct a ble point s, and actually take all the points off for devised first aid which is unreal THAT will oon change the competitor.

A.F.H.

FIRST AID QUIZ

from Leicestershire, Western Area which is used for publicity and recruitment

Complete thi s puzzle s o that the fir s t letter of e ach answer s pell s out our messa ge to yo u

Where two or more bones meet.

Vital gas for breathing

Avoid thi s by taking care.

R espo n s ible for our se n ses.

Out for the count! I I

May be u sed to c arr y a patient.

Used to clean cuts. I

Feeling of s ickne ss

May be a ster il e one.

Learn first aid in order to save these.

Used at home to cover a sma ll cut.

A dull , co ntinuous pain

We d o this if breathing ha s sto pped. I I

The time t o le arn first aid.

This is a broken bone.

It m ay bite or st ing.

A first-aider aims to promote this.

Injur y at the ankle, perhaps

You might swa llo w this w h e n unconscious.

A major blood vessel.

C ut mad e by a s urg eo n.

Make this and follo w our s logan.

Our Ad ult Section caters for all adults, male and female , aged o ve r 16 yea r s old. Our Ca d et Section ca ers for all yo un g people from th e age of 8 to 16 yea

A SERVICE FOR YOU

from William C. F. Best. Area President

As president of South Western Area, London District, I am responsible for organising an annual service of commemoration and rededication for members on the Sunday nearest to St. John Day. This yea r the service will be held at St Andrews Church, Ham Common, Richmond, Surrey, at 6.30 pm on Sunday, June 23. The order of service includes the St John rededication prayer which gives an opportunity for those unable to attend the national service in St Paul's Cathedral to commemorate the birth of St John the Baptist to rededicate themse lves to the work of the Order.

All members of the Brigade including presidents, are welcome to this service at the conclusion of which refreshments will be served in the Church Hall where there will be displays of first aid equipment. Uniform without medals may be worn The church is half-way between Richmond and Kingston-upon-Thames and is on the No. 65 bus route.

To help catering, anyone intending to be at the service should notify me by June IS. Mr William C. F. Best, 3, Dickerage Road, Kingstonupon-Thames, Surrey KTI 3SP, telephone 01 942 7039. Surrey W Best

NEW UNIFORM

from Mr R W. Phypers

The impression I got o f our New Uniform (April Review) for ambulance members, stated to be simpler and less costly, was that it was associated with the now disbanded C i vil Defence organisation.

The new-style tunic or jacket, with button tabs to hold the haversack in place, means that the buttons have to be unfastened to remove the hav€rsack. With a belt, the haversack can be easily moved round to the front of the uniform to get to its contents.

Perhaps it should be borne in mind that for busy, active members purchase of additional uniform during the year is not uncommon, as uni forms can become so soiled that replacement is necessary and items such as ex-police jackets are less costly That can now only apply if our already over tolerant wives are prepared to do a new-style conversion 'job each time.

One assumes that it is contemplated that all members will change to the new-style uniform as soon as possible and it would be appreciated if details of any grant / aid to meet the cost to individuals is available.

Surely the type of uniform we should be asked to wear should depend, mainly, on the kind of duties we are attending? I feel that changes are long overdue in the St John movement to update some of its outmoded traditions. I also feel very strongly that these questions should be discussed with ordinary members, who will be most affected, and may be able to offer more practical advice.

We are, after all, volunteers, who are frequently abused by the public we serve, trying our best to do a worthwhile job within our ability and at a cost which does not become too great a burden on our family budget. I think this subject will cause as much controversy as the FA W package has done since it was introduced.

Essex R. W. Phypers

MILITARY IMAGE

from Major W K Jewell, RCT County Pool

While several letters in the Review have decried our so -called 'military' image, they have not been too specific as to what aspect of our organisation is military, or why this is bad I believe that they may get. a shock if they read carefully part (v) of Brigade Regulation 7, which says that one of the objects of the Brigade is to give assistanee to the Armed Forces at times of emergency in peace and in war. It will be seen in historie s of the Brigade that many members have done this with distinction in past wars.

Let us look at a couple of aspects of our organisation and see if they could be considered too military.

Is it our rank system?

May I point out that most uniformed organisations have discovered a need for one system of rank marking or another. Apart from the

Armed Forces the Police, Fire and Ambulance services wear rank or markings, as do such diverse organisations as airlines, British Rail and the AA.

Rank markings are not worn for the glory of the individual but that the wearers level of responsibility can be recognised by those with whom they have dealings, usually the general public. Whatever the system adopted it must have the one merit of being easily understood.

I contend that some sort of recognisable system continues to be necessary in St John. As a serving soldier (as well as, I hope, a active St John member since the age of 12) I am perhaps biased ID favour of our present system. I would not, however , object too strongly if we were to change our system provided the new one adopted was either already well known to the public or instantly understandable.

I believe that the BRCS do not have the right idea with their appointments spelt out on 'name tapes'. One has to know the structure of their organisation to recognise who are the leaders. OK for insiders, no good for the public We could though take a leaf out of their book by using 'DOCTOR' etc to show qualification. Our present system of coloured bars and piping is also one for insiders rather than the public.

Is it our uniform?

I discount entirely any suggestion that ours be an un-uniformed organisation. To be recognised in a crowd a uniform of some sort is essential. One could hardly say that our ambulance members uniform is any more 'military' than, say, a local authority ambulance driver.

I entirely agree with Mr J. E Smith (Aug 84 Review) that the 'trade mark' of the Brigade, the way we are recognised, is by the white hat band and the white haversack strap. We must at all costs keep that trade mark or we will be lost.

Our officer uniforms lack our 'trademark' and look similar to the police. (Ever seen the reaction of other drivers when driving a civilian in uniform?) Our staff officer uniform is perhaps too imposing With gorgette patches and silver peaked cap. There is much scope for simplification here (and reducing costs). Such adornments should be reserved for commissioners and the higher echelons. Fewer embelishments on more junior staff officer uniforms would make them look more functional and less important. After all, staff officers are less important than officers in divisions My message here is simplify officer uniforms and give them our 'Trade Mark'.

I understand the very real need to get our uniforms cheaper,but not cheap looking It must be smart enough to be proud of on parade and such duties as the Lord Mayor's show. (We already have a special duty uniform for dirty duties.)

I am .convinced that we need a rank structure in the Brigade, but by makmg the junior staff officers' uniform less grandiose and giving to officers uniforms the white cap band and cross belt, we can do a lot to make our image less formal and less military.

N. Ireland

Why I joined 5t John

W. K. Jewell

To fulfil a vow of long ago.

by an ex-prisoner

of war

BRITISH prisoners-of-war captured in Belgium and France in 1940 soon learnedas I'm sure all POWs did - that their chances of survival depended on the food, medical supplies, clothing and blankets that were sent out from Britain

But the prisoners, like the one whose photograph is shown here in Stalag VIllB Lamsdorf, were not to know of the frantic efforts that were being made in London by the British Red Cross and Order of St John War Organisation to get the supplies out to them as quickly as possible By December 1940 food in the shape of those life saving Red Cross parcels began to trickle through. As with many other prisoners, the one in the photograph vowed that if he survived he would in some way repay St John and the Red Cross for this support. He did survive those five long years as a POW and returned to a hospital in England Then, discharged from hospital and the Army in August 1946, he went home and joined the local St John Division.

In 1958 an opportunity occurred to begin to repay; he was able to help by acquiring much of the material and fittings required to build a St John divisional HQ.

In 1970 another opportunity arose He was asked by the Association if he would consider forming a Special Centre for a speci fie industry. He started the Centre and within 12 years it had issued 7,500 certificates and had a substantial bank balance.

His local Division had, like so many others, slogged away to obtain a new HQ but found the task almost impossible. So a joint project was set up between the Division and the Centre for the erection of a HQ to house

• ••

both the Brigade and the Association. With help from the local authority to obtain land, plus a grant, together with a grant from District HQ, it was possible by pooling their resources for the Division and the Centre to build a superb new HQ free of debt and its future financially secure.

The ex-POW, for whom those Red Cross and St John parcels had been a life-line more than 40 years ago , had said 'Thank you'.

PROCEED WITHOUT FEAR

Approach the patient - Look around Stimu late and hark to sound, Breathing you m a y not hear a all , Watch the chest for rise and fall. No respiration? - s airway clear? Proc eed to ne xt step without fear Pinch th e nose, extend th e jaw Remember school and what you saw

NEWS frol11 SCOTLAND

THE s prin g general meeting and dinner of the St John Association in Central Scotland, held in the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling, was attended by over 100 distinguished guests. A mong those present were the Viscount of Arbuthno[(, Prior of Scot land, and Lady Arbuthnott, the Earl and Countess of Mar and Kellie, Viscount Younger and Dr and Mrs William A P Jack, Chancellor.

The principal speaker was the Viscount of A rbuthnot! who proposed the toast to the Order. He referred to the great tradition of the Order in caring for others and spoke of his aspirations for the future, particularly in the f ield of health care and work among young people. In reply Dr William Jack, Chancellor, spoke of how indebted everyone was to the Prior for the way he had led the Priory of Scotland in its many varied char itable endeavours throughout Scotland since taking office two years previously. He paid tribute to the late Dr W Macfarlane

WALES

Dr Mitchell, Direct Association Wal es (leh)

han d ing a plaqu e to Butlin 's Dan Da y (See first story)

DAN DALY, training officer for Butlin's Ho lid ay Centre, Barry Island, receives a St John Ambulance plaque from Dr G. M. Mitchell, St John Ambulance's Association Director in Wales (left). The plaque was awarded to the Centre in recognition of its cont inued promotion of staff training in first aid. In add ition to the required medical staff on dut y at the Centre, 17 other staff hold First Aid at Work certificates with a further 10 employees having attended an appointed persons co ur se. A s Dr Mitchell said a t the presentation, 'T hi s means that someone is likely to b e nearby to administer first aid whereve r it is n ee ded on s ite.'

Dan Dal y sa id it was his intention to get as many staff as possible trained in first aid.

Gra y, the first chairman of Central Association who had died durin g t h e yea r and to the tr e mendous co ntribution mad e by the Order and the Association in Centra l

Branch in raising money to build th e Sir Andrew Murray Home in Strathyre - a hol iday home for the blind and di sab le d Scotland.

Adventure g roup , A. Williams.

Clywd are LO act as ho s ts to yo un g Brigade m e mber s from M a lt a a nd K e ny a in Ju ly after t he Priory of Wales International gat hering when m embers fro m J 4 overseas co un t ri es will be pre se nt. As a part of their progra mm e four young memb e r s w ill atte nd a specia l tra inin g day at Con n a h 's Quay

Focus on OUTREACH

Togetherness CADETS from Wrexham Divi s ion, C lw yd, are

18 Newport scouts who are nine pairs of brothers including four sets of twins, are the fir st scouts in Gwent to ece ive th e n ew Essentials of First Aid certificates. They and 16 other scouts were train e d and received h ei r certificates f rom Keith D unn, SJA's occ upa tional first aid t ain in g officer for Wales Here he is wi h the twins (L to R r ont)

St ep h e n and Matth ew Keen 1 1 ; Charles and Edward Pri ce, 12 ; (back ) James and Richard Hicks , 14 and Rhys and Owain Harrhy 13 (Photo South Wal es Argu s)

Clywd

Is this a record? Last December's Review refers to the Cefn Mawr Divi s ion in Clywd and their successes during 1984 The Divi s ion is now improving upon that re co rd. They have again won the Lord Aberdare Shield for the Cadet Divi s ion in the Priory of Wales gaining the hi g hes number of Special Service Awards for the sec ond year in success ion

Their 'bag' included an impre ss i ve total of 34 awards of either s hield or silver and gilt stars.

Additionally, we beli eve that t hey hav e now set another record by winnin g the a llWales final competition in both the ambulance and nursin g cadet sect ion s, enabling them to represent Wale s in th e forthcoming National finals.

The nursing cade t team we re Mark Pryce, Julie Humphreys, Neil Robert s, Angela Price, and Ashleigh Sharpe. They are only in their fi r s t seaso n toge th er as a t ea m.

International Youth Year INT ERNAT ION AL Youth Year was officia ll y lau nch ed in C lwyd on March II when t h e President of the IYY Wales, fo rmer Wales ru g by player Gerald Davies, addressed a me e tin g of some 500 yo ung adults from he co unt y at Ysgol Bryn Hyfryd, Ruthin. R ep r ese ntin g th e Brigade a this meetin g were Commissioner of C1ywd, Maj D. J Griffith; Deput y Co mmi ss ioner E. R Eaton; As s is t a nt Co mmis s ioner, T. Bilsborough; Leader of th e C lywd Adventure group, E. Burt; a nd Deputy Lea d e r C lywd

C M Campbe ll Area Staff Officer and Sgt George Hogg, driver

Hong Kong

THE family as a c lo se -kni t unit is traditionally treasured and preserved by C hine se cu tu re and family reunions by Chinese people are often emphasised, especially during the big fe tival s of the Lunar Ca lendar. Of these bi g festivals, the Lunar New Year is the mo s significa nt. A nd in these day s of eve r -increas in g pressure on ch ildr en at schoo l it is not uncommon for parent to comp la in about their chi ldr en devoting toO much lim e for extra-curr icular activities and voluntary work. Misunderstanding may be created by a lack of communication between the ch ildr en and their parents, but mi appre he n ions may b e avoided if opportunities are provided for parents to ga in an understanding of their children'S activities, especia lly if the c hildr en are St John cadets.

Because of this, the Cadets' Fami ly Day was organised on March 3 1985 (Luna r New Year for the Chinese) with the objec ti ve of introducing St John activities and se rvices to fa mili e , teac h ers a nd classmates of t he cadets, It a s o gave parent s a nd teachers an Opportunity to s ha re with th e cade t s the satis fa ct ion and fruits of t h e ir effo rt s over t h e past year.

OVERSEAS

T h e Family Day was marked by an open in g ce r e m ony to which Miss Mina Gode nzi, Miss Hong Kong 1984, was invited. Over 2000 cadets, their fami li es, friends and teachers spent a joyful day at District HQ. All the events of the day, including a lion dance, sta ll ga me s, displays, demonstrations and stage performance s, were o r ga ni se d by

Mr F. Soaki the cadets themselves

This year's Family Day was extremely successful in that not only was it supported by the cadets' families but also by various local organisations such as the Ro yal Hong Kong Regiment the International School, the TV company and man y others who made generous dona tions to the cadet section.

Cutting the ribbon at Hong Kong's cadet family day (Ce ntre ) Miss Hong Kong and Mr J. L M a den, c h airm an of SJ Council with cade officers and p esident of Lion's Club

JAMAICA The new Land - Rover ambulance, bought by the Brigade In Jamaica and shipped out from London in November 1984, outside the Kingston HQ (L to R) Mr Bruce Barker, vice - chairman SJ Council; Mi ss I Chang, Principal Nursing Officer; Mr

SOLOMAN ISLANDS: The Governo r General Sir Badde ey Devesi and Lady Devesi (centre) re ceived their Order insignia as Knight and Commander Sister respectiv el y from the islands Director Association, Mr P. O Ca llaghan (2n d from right). Mrs Hilary Broughton SJA Chief Training Officer (right) and (Ieh) ADC and Briga de Commissioner

SITTING, relaxing at home in front of the TV, having just watched the tennis from Wimbledon, the shrill ringing of the telephone in the hall brings me to my senses.

My caller quickly identifies himself and then goes on to say there has been a terrorist attack resulting in an unknown number of civilian and military casualties. The emergency services cannot cope and our assistance is req uired.

Having noted the time of the call, 7.50 pm, I then phone two members of the Division who will in turn pass the message down the line . Pausing only to pick-up my clipboard with details of our emergency plan, I head for the car and on to the ambulance station.

Arriving there, I am greeted by one of our members who lives within walking distance. Together we open up the station and begin to prepare the vehicles. The sound of tyres on gravel heralds the arrival of other members of the Division. Quickly and quietly each reports and is detailed to a particular task. By 8.15 pm fifteen of the sixteen members who were at home when the first calls went out have arrived and by now three ambulances are parked on the forecourt, equipped and crewed ready to move out on the instructions of the incident controller. Others are to remain to set up a casualty clearing station and to establish our communication links.

Arriving at the scene of the incident, the ambulance crews are greeted with smoke billowing from various armoured vehicles, with casualties calling for help, while others run around in a sta te of s hock, one clut ching his ears and temporarily deafened by the explosion. During the next hour our members sweat, huff and puff a s they scramble under, in and over various armoured cars and tanks searching for casualties, diagno s ing their condition, treating and evacuating them from the scen e

Just a phone call away

Or there's more to SJA than fetes and theatres

Sweat was the right word to use Just you try to get someone out of a tank through a small hatch when they have a broken spine. After initial assessment and treatment, the casualties are transported back to our HQ for further treatment. Here the golden rule of first aid - improvisation - came into play when in the absence of drip stands metal coat hangers were used suspended from the rafters. At HQ each casualty is checked, further treatment given where necessary, and documentation completed prior to dispersal elsewhere.

By now you may well be thinking I don't recall reading anything about this in the papers, or through the St John grapevine. Well, you wouldn't have done, for at 10 pm that evening a voice called 'End Ex!' What had taken place was the first trial run of Han t s Ash Vale Division's major emergency call-out plan.

Having released our casualties, fifteen tired members each clutching a can of beer s lumped into chairs to await the po s tmortem Surprisingly, we are first greeted with a compliment for the speed of our turnout, there are criticisms s uch as the time it takes to turn round an ambulance at HQ.

The whole point of the evening was of course to see what would happen should we get an emergency call-out and without criticism we cannot improve or know where we went wrong. The following Monday at our usual training night a further discussion took place helped by watching a video that had been made of the evening. The major improvement needed in our emergency procedure were admir:istrative rather than our expertise in first aid. After all, there is not much point in all our vehicles having radios if on occasions such as these they cannot communicate with HQ because there is no spare receiver.

All in all it was a very useful and instructive evening. Yes, there is need for a little polish here, an improvement there, but I feel that our members have the confidence that should the call be for real they could stand alongside their colleagues in the emergency services.

An evening such as this takes a great deal of planning, help and co-operation from many people. It would be wrong not to finish this report without thanking an ex-Ash Vale member, ASO Tom Meade, for preparing our call-out plan and the incident night itself. He was ably assisted on the night by his colleagues from the RAMC at Keogh Barracks, some of whom even volunteered to act as judges and casualties. Tom's wife Wendy checked our nur s ing care. Other ca s ualties were provided by our friends and colleagues from Guildford Corps, who took the opportunity to get their own back on us for th e in cid e nt ni g ht we put on for them at Guildford Univer sity. Lastly, but not least, I would like to thank those members of Ash Va le Divi s ion who lef t the comfort of their homes to an s wer The Call' , I was proud of you all.

Chris Mann, OjJicer-in-Charge, Ash Vale Adult Division

Weymouth's AMs

AS THE Fellowship celebrates its second birthday, the number of Branches reaches 43. The two latest ones are: High Wycombe Branch, Bucks

Contact Mr L. Sharley 148 Havenfield Road, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP12 4SX York Branch, North Yorkshire

Contact Miss M. O. Taylor, 22 Rossett Park Road, Harrogate, N. Yorks. HG2 9NP

We welcome the fourth branch in Bucks and the first in N. Yorks.

Facts from the Annual Report

There are about 1000 Fellowship members, the branch with most being Birmingham / Sutton Coldfield with 74 members

91 members attended the 1985 AGM at St John's Gate.

The national secretary, Sheila Puckle, visited s ix branches during the year.

Branch reports

Thirty reports have been received from branches. Most meet monthly, 27 of them at a St John Ambulance headquarters or centre. This enables them to keep in touch, and allows each side to help the other.

A number of branches publish a newsletter, listing local St John events as well as the branch programme The Northern Area Branch, London District, includes progress reports on sick members. This branch may be the first to have joined the Friends of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem as a corporate member.

Fund raising is general, via raffles, bring and buy sales, bazaar stalls, etc. The newer branches concentrate first on giving themselves a sound financial basis; later, many branches give funds to St John and sometimes to other charities. Maidenhead Branch raises money to buy Christmas gifts for invalid members; Amersham (Bucks) hold their monthly meetings while the local Division is running its coffee morning in the same building, and so boosts the divisional funds with their elevenses The majority of branches also hel p on St John flag day.

Branches report happy meetings, with speakers from within and outside branches. The variety of interests is boundless, from button collecting to steam trains, from service in India to making crackers , and someone can always produce slides from an exotic holiday abroad. It would have been fun to hear the memories of 'The Day War Broke Out' from the St John Guild, Western Area, Hants

Nearly all branches held a Christmas party. Stamford and Leicester Branches each

had a dinner, attended by the County / Area Staff. Sheffield Branch had the happy idea of giving a diamond wedding party from the branch.

Members everywhere retain their interest in first aid. Many branches held session s on resuscitation under an Association instructor. After one of these, eight members of Amersham Branch ordered the 4th Edition of the First Aid Manual.

Outings were popular in the summer. There were a number of visits to stately homes or gardens, and West Berks Branch must have had a very satisfying afternoon at the Mars Bar Factory.

Only 12 branches located in nine counties reported activities in support of St John Ambulance, other than fund raising. Of these, five helped at competitions, either as stewards or by catering. Halifax Branch fed 200 Brigade members at their Area Competitions. Sidesmen from two branches assisted at county church parades, and Central Area Branch , Hants, provided stewards at garden openings in the summer. Catering seems the most favoured role Maidenhead, Har row and both the Hampshire branches mention it. Humber s ide Branch helps at the annual nursing weekend at Bridlington and also provides another valuable service, attending the funerals of Brigade members.

However, the primary object of the St John Fellowship is to keep in touch. Ther e is general agreement that this is best done over a cup of tea. For success, it is evident that a branch needs to be easily accessib le to its members, to involve them all in an interesting and amusing programme - and to leave ample time for conversation

• NEW S8alion Show

• NEW Children's Play Area

• NEW Birds of Prey Show

• Vintage Ambulance Rally

• Special One Day Postal Cover

• NEW Outdoor Barbeque

• Killer Whale It Dolphin Show

• Po rrot Show

• USA High Dive Spectacular

• Walk through Deer It Wallaby Forest

INDSO.. SaFa.. paRI(

ST

JOHN

AMBULANCE ON SAFARI 29th JUNE 1985

Make sure you invite all your friends to what promises to be the best ever fun day yet , held at W I N DSOR SAFARI PARK.

All inclusive price of £2 25 for adults and £1.75 for children entitles you to see all the shows and drive through the animal reserves as many times as you like!

ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE ON SAfAR I, 29nd JUNE 1985

Gr oup (name) Address

Gates open at 10 am and we recommend you book early and arrive early There really is a lot to see and do in one day

So please send the form off quickly and encourage as many people as possible to join us "ON SAFARI!"

Planned in conjunction with St John Ambulan c e Brigade

T o la l no. in party :.. Adults , Children) Total amount of cheque PO enclosed Payable to: Windsor Safari Park Ltd (prices Inclusive of VAT). Estimated Time of Arrival

Minimum of twenty in party to qualify for special rate and we regret that no refunds will be given

When completed please return to Windsor Safari Park, Winkfield Road Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY

hormone controlling function of adrenal cortex. (4). 20. A furtive glance both ways. (4) 22 Prim in manner and rich in carbohydrate. (6).25 Intestinal ob struction (5) 27 Mathematical solution for part of lung, nerve, or tooth. (4). 28. Spleen with modified line. (4). 30 Patron saint of dentistry. (9). 31. Bone of lower limb in vital use . (5). 32. One may be on it when disciplined by the boss (3). 33. Irish dope as mixture for perspiration. (11).

Down: 1. Herpes zoster involving shin and fractured legs (8) 2 Art form has point in protein constituent of connective tissue (8). 3. Area in which care requires modi f ication. (4) 4. The doctor's art. (7) 5

Deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin. (7). 6. Prepare for a trade or profession (5). 7 Healthier epileptic? (6) 8. Gi ven the correct mark, but is infested by insect parasites? (6) 14. Ready for incision and drainage. (4). 17. A drop of the secretion of the lacrimal glands for a laceration (4) 18. Sick in pains in tendon of heel. (8) 19. Sleeplike state induced by suggestion of practitioner. (8) 21. Part of alimentary tract communicating with oesophagus and duodenum. (7). 22. South American fish inflicting severe bites. (7). 23. Amputate a limb to reduce likelihood of war? (6) 24. Porter provides record passed over on change of ward staff. (6). 26. From beginning of spring, a lad produces cold meal of vegetables and herbs. (5). 29. Commotion in prison? (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 5 (85)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No. 6 (85) by A. A. Potter Across: 1. Eyeball; 5. Basilic; 9. Huffs; 10. Malign· ant; 11. Cell; 12 Rami; 13 . Range; 15. Aminophylline; 20. Skelet o n staff; 24. Ac·cra 27. Sick; 28. Acne ; 30 Coagulate; 31. Waist; 32 Surgery; 33. Eugenic Across: 1. Depressed and needing to consult a cardiologist? (4.2.5).

7 Em bolism complicating fractures. (3). 9. Not one of the working class (5 ). 10. Tranquillising drug at a centre of Arctic. (9). 11. Proceed wit h sm all advertisement to irritate (4) 12. Resolute industrial o rgan isation (4) 13. Point to nice change for a female relative. (5).

15 Levelling out at the close of day. (7). 16. Chat turns initially to

144 Down: 1. Ethnics; 2. Exfoliate; 3. AI· so; 4. Lumbago; 5. Bullish; 6. Sugar; 7 Learn; 8. Catheter; 14. Bile; 16. Pin; 17. Lead ; 18. Infection; 19. Os calcis; 21. Ossuary; 22. Secrete; 23. Septic ; 25. Chair; 26. A'bus'e; 29. Swig.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Reduced price for BULK ORDERS

the St John Review

Orders of six copies or more sent to one address in the UK are · postage free. And instead of 65p a copy (the cover price of the Review), the price is 62p a copy - POSTAGE PAID.

YOUR HEART

is in the right place

What about your ST JOHN FUNDS?

DO YOU have any St John funds invested in an account earning an unexciting rate of interest or (heaven forbid) do you have a handsome sum in a current account?

Would you consider investing your St John funds in your own St John account, which gave you high interest but which allowed easy access in an emergency?

It is usually the case that to gain a high interest rate you need a great deal of money and if you suddenly need some cash you either cannot get it or you pay an excessive penalty.

The St John 7-day Money Fund gives you all the advantages without the catches. All you need i's a minimum of £50 to open an account.

Phillips and Drew, the City Stockbrokers, have offered us this exceptional package:

* Interest is at 0.50/0 below interbank rate, which on the day of writing this (May 28) was 12.75%.

* You can add funds whenever you like (minimum amount £50).

* To withdraw money you phone our Phillips and Drew contact - tell him how much you want (once again a minimum of £50) and one week later you will receive a cheque.

* Your interest is paid gross so you don't go through the hassle of reclaiming the tax back from the taxman.

* You are in total control of your account and deal direct with Phillips and Drew. It is as safe as your local bank - you just get a much better return on your money.

* To open an account you simply fill in a form which will be distributed to you soon, send a cheque (minimum £50) to Phillips and Drew made out to 'Phillips and Drew Trust Ltd - Order of St John'. You are then given your account number.

The scheme is open to any St John Unit, however small or large, as long as you have £50 to invest.

Statements are issued quarterly and all transactions are confirmed.

It is so straightforward and highly beneficial.

Do keep your eyes open for the leaflets which will be issued in July. By gaining this interest rate, it is equivalent to free fund-raising!

Henry Cottrell Receiver-General

ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL OF 5T JOHN

Volume 58 No. 7 July 1985

Contents

Nationwide Raffle p 145

Do you know your manuals? (4) by Bruce Coltman p.146

Cornwall's Cadet Day p.148

Let's look at Obstructed Airways by Dr James A. Burton p 1 50

Reviewing the Review p 150

St John Fellowship p 1 51

Around and About by the Editor p.152

SJA Music Makers p 155

SJ Family Rally p .1 55

Cadet Chat by Jim p 156

MASH of Goodison Park p.1 57

Tales of an Aeromedical Nurse by F. W. Murkin p.158

Our Presidents p 1 59

Readers Views p.160

How to guide a blind person p.1 63

News from Scotland - Wales p.164

News from Divisons / Centres p 166

Counties keep all the proceeds from ticket sales!

APPLY for as many raffle tickets as you want as all Counties and Divisions keep ALL the money from the tickets they sell! This is a marvellous way to fundraise without incurring any costs.

There is a growing list of prizes for our raffle. So far we have:

FIRST PRIZE: A brand new top of the range Talbot Horizon GLX 5 speed car

SECOND PRIZE:

£ 2,000 worth of new carpet of the winner's choice

THIRD PRIZE:

A one week holiday for two in Malta

FOURTH PRIZE: A J.V.C. portable colour television

There will be other prizes added to this list. Watch out for details in next month s Review.

Tickets sell at 50p each and are available in books of five, from: The Public Affairs Department, The Order of St John, 1, Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1X 7EF. Tel: 01-235 5231.

SO APPLY FOR YOUR TICKETS NOW! AND REMEMBER - YOU KEEP ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE TICKETS YOU SELL!

1.

(a)- The

2

(a) Boredom

4

(a)

The Revd. Canon R L. Ravenscroft conducts the service of re-dedication on the lawns of Trewithen House

(Left) Major-General E. M Hall , CB, MBE, DL High Sheriff of Cornwall presents D S Mrs J. Dore of Torpoint Nursing Cadet Division with her 15 years long service medal. (Below)

Cadets with Major-General Hall after receiving their awards, including (f ar left) Michael Harvey of Wadebridge Division, who received the Ann F an Ach evement Award, presented by the Duke of Edinburgh County Panel for his progress towards the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

The perfect summer setting for the Wade bridge SJA Band who provided music throughout the day

CORNWALL'S CADET DAY

THEY JUST NOT GO

WITH THE temperature up in the 70s, Cornwall Cadets open day and rally, held at the beautiful Trewithen Gardens, near Truro, on Saturday May 18, was so well attended that many of the events and cUsplays continued until well after the official closing time. Nobody wanted to go home.

The day started with a service of rededication conducted by the Revd. Canon R. L. Ravenscroft, with the address by the Venerable T. Barfett (Sub-Chaplain of the Order), and was followed by the annual presentation of awards which were made this year by Maj-Gen E M. Hall, High Sheriff of Cornwall and a Knight of the Order.

The most popular attraction - apart from the ice cream vans - was the opportunity to test drive one of the new Sinclair C5 electric verucIes, which produced queues of up to 20 people waiting to pay 20p for the chance to try their hand. Of particular appeal to the younger age group, including many of the cadets, the only problem was coping with the change of batteries to keep these little vehicles on the move!

Another big attraction was the personal appearance of TV's Michael Newman, the presenter of the popular BBC-TV series Antiques at Home, who operated an Antiques Road Show t hroughout the day

Although no Ming vases were discovered among the many items people brought along for valuation, a number of owners went away more than surprised at just how valuable some of their possessions were.

There were also demonstration s by the Devon & Cornwall Police Underwater Search Unit of method s used to rec over objects from deep water; by the Cornwall Coastguard who operated a very popular breeches buoy across the lake ; and stands by Cornwall Fire and Ambulance Service , RAF St Mawgan and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

A simulated incident which involved a vehicle crashing into a bus queue and causing six casualties gave St John members an opportunity to show the public how they respond in a road traffic accident situation, which also involved the participation of the County Ambulance Service.

Stalls and sideshows were operated by Cadet Divisions from all over the county. There was a marching display by the Wadebridge SJA Band, a canoe display by the Fowey Division and a supersports competition by the Redruth Division.

A particular vote of thanks for all their hard work is due to Mrs Marie Tregaskes and Mr Malcolm Moyle (area superintendents cadets, for East and West Cornwall respectively) and also to the St John Council for making the venue possible.

WOULD HOME!

(B elow)

of the St John Council in Cornwall.

ral Sir Peter Hunt enjoys a joke with member s of Helston Divis ion who operated the balloon stall (

Dr Burton joined St John as a cadet with C45 Chingford (London) Division and later transferred to 132 Chingford (Ambulance) Division before leaving for Medical School at Sheffield University in 1962.

THE FIRST RULE to remember is that we cannot normally hear ourselves or others breathing Even in a large group of people we are normally unaware of breathing. If you can HEAR BREATHING, there is a RESPIRATORY OBSTRUCTION.

Obstructed Airways and Asthma

by Dr James A. Burton, SBStJ, MB, ChB, MRCGP, MRCP, AFOM, Area Surgeon, Sheffield

Obstruction may occur at any level of the respiratory tract and will produce a noise. Som€body snoring in bed has noisy respiration due to obstruction at the back of the throat. Sometimes the noise if sufficient to wake him or make him change position, so that the obstruction is relieved and breathing becomes silent again, usually to be followed by further s noring when the obstruction recurs as sleep becomes deeper It is worth remembering this rule because in an unconscious patient the obstruction needs urgent attention if the patient is to survive.

Obstruction due to spasm of the vocal chord s when somebody has accidentally inhaled a foreign body ('food gone down the wrong way') is certainly accompanied by a noise that is easily recognised. This noise is called STRIDOR. A similar noise is heatd ticularly in children who develop infection of the larynx and trachea and have obstruction at the vocal cords in the larynx due to

Your answers to our Questionnaire

Reviewing the Review

THE MARCH issue of the Review included an insert called 'St John ReviewRead€rship Survey'. We wanted your views so that we can initiate improvements in your magazine 263 readers replied, not the greatest response but it gave us something to go on . However, we were rather alarmed not to receive any replies from Durham and Humb€rside - so what are you up to in the North?

W€ don't want to become complacent, but the results showed that most people were relatively happy with the Review (why do we get so many complaints normally?). However, t here were a number of helpful suggestions together with some constructive criticism.

Results

Question 1 - Asked whether readers wanted more or less coverage of all subjects already covered: The overall reaction was LESS - honours and awards, conference reports, overseas news and jokes.

It was strongly felt that more coverage was needed on medical matters (610,70), training

swelling of the cords (croup); they too have Stridor and breathing is easily heard. Obstruction due to inhaled vomit in an unconscious patient similarly causes noisy respira ion We have thu s considered here and we read in the First Aid books of physical obstruction of the airways which causes noisy breathing

Mucus

The trachea, bronchi and alveoli of the lung are tubular in structure and are lined wi t h glands which secrete mucus Th e

bronchi and alveoli have muscle in their walls and can be narrowed by the contraction of the muscles which may occur as the result of chemicals liberated within their walls The narrowing of the airways by this chemical means, which may be accompanied by the secretion of excess mucus which remains in the tubes, has the effect of partially or completely OBSTRUCTING the airways and as such the breathing CAN BE HEARD This is heard as a high-pitched wheeze because air is moving along partially obstructed small tubes. The cause of the noise is bronchospasm and is seen in the condition of ASTHMA. Bronchospas m is usually accompanied by a variable amount of breathlessness because the air only moves in and out of the chest with difficulty and oxygenation of the blood may be incomplete. A severe asthma attack is a very frightening experience for the patient. From the firstaider ' s point of view it is important to stress that it is also a life threatening condition and many patients die each year in an acute asthma attack.

Heart failure

The high death rate is due to the high incidence of heart failure in acute asthma It must be realised that the lungs do not work in isolation from the circulatory system and the heart rate is usuaJly markedly ra ised in an asthma attack. The pulse rate is a useful index to watch to see if the attack is coming under control, as it will become slower as

publication - 80% wanted the Review to continue to be a monthly publication

THERE ARE two new branches this month: Herefordshire. Contact Mrs P. Applebee, 18 Manor Road, Hereford HR2 6HN. Cromer, Norfolk. Contact Mrs A. Coles, 19 Greenway Close, North Walsham, Norfolk.

normality is restored and the right ventricle of the heart is less stressed Certain factors are well recognised to precipitate asthma, the commone s t being a respiratory infectiona cold which goes to the chest. Psychological upset , eg, impending examinations or allergy are other cau se s. The combination of summer examinations and hayfever is particularly unfortunate for many young asthma sufferer s and poses real problems for their doctors too!

Aerosol inhalers

Most asthmatics are treated with aerosol inhalers which either prevent the spasm occurring or relax the bronchial walls once the spasm is present. Clearly the treatment of infection, if present, is of paramount importance Cigarette smoking causes excessive mucus production and will contribute to the obstruction by producing chronic bronchial irritation and cough, known to smokers as 'smokers cough' rather than chronic bronchitis , because it sounds less serious!

A s thma attacks may be induced by ex ercise, a situation commonly seen in adolescents and fortunately readily prevented by careful drug therapy

Patients with an asthma attack are usually mo s t comfortable sat up and leaning forward Their face must be unobstruc t ed as they are usually very anxious and an oxygen mask may be intolerable . If oxygen is administered, hold the mask near the nose

St John Fellovvship

and mouth but not over it. The patient will probably have taken his u s ual medication to stop the attack, but if there s no t r apid (within minute s) impro v ement , med ical attention must be sought u r gen t y Y ou ma y reckon that a patient in an a s thma attack is in real danger if the puls e ra t e is 120 or more per minute and more so i f t here is cyanosis or he is becoming ex hau st ed Urgen t treatment is essential i f the patient is to survive this medical eme r genc y. STA T US ASTHMATIC US is a prolonged exhausting asthma attack which has a high mortality rate at all age s due to cardia c fa ilure It is essential to recognise t

Question 2 - Asked what other subjects you wanted covered, again all types of training were suggested. Uniform changes (please note April issue) Brigade regs and orders were also high on the list. A multi-purpose column for holiday exchanges/pen pals, etc, was a popular idea which will appear in the Review shortly.

Questions 3 and 4 - Asked if you liked the shape and size of the Review or would you like it changed to a glossy-type newspaper. A staggering number of respondents (95%) liked it in its current form.

Question 5 - Asked the best frequency of

150 (68%) and county activIties (56%) would improve the Review. National HQ has already increased medical matters and will increase training articles. However, with county activities it's all up to you. If there are any interesting duties and photographs, tell us about them. If you have brilliant ideas on how to revitalise divisions, tell us about them. We've often said the Review isn't 'from' National Headquarters. It is YOUR magazine and the best way to improve it is for you to send in interesting articles.

Question 6 - Asked for helpful suggestions / comments. Firstly, we will not tell Avon to submit less material to the Review! Why don't you all submit better and more material than Avon instead! There were many requests for action photos. Come on County PROs, get hold of them from your local papers. No, we won't give the Red Cross their own column! Finally thank you for the compliments

Conclusion

The results were quite encouraging and we can't believe only those who like the Review replied, but all your helpful suggestions will be taken into account and we will increase the coverage you asked for.

Let us also remember that the Review is run on a shoestring and yet it is still in existence The world of publishing is a dodgy one and many 'house' magazines are going down the drain, regardless of the fact that their budgets are five times ours.

While we have the Review, let's stop complaining and make the most of it. Let's ALL contribute to it. You, sitting reading these words, must have something interesting to tell us all. It doesn't have to be about first aid. So please put pen to paper so that we can then give everyone a good read.

D.P.A.

The second AGM

134 members were at the second AGM of the Fellowship which took place on Wednesday, May 15, at St John's Gate We were also delighted to welcome the Lord Prior , Sir Maurice Dorman, the Chief Commander, Major General P. R. Leuchars , the Secretary-General, Sir Peter Hudson , and Mrs Ruth Parks , recently retired as matron of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital, Jerusalem. Our President, Lady Brecknock, our Vice-Chairman, Lady Moyra Browne and Mr E G Groves, Branch Representative for S . Cambs were unfortunately unable to be presen t

The proceedings began with a service in the Priory Church, conducted by the Rev Dr B. A. C. Kirk-Duncan, after which the church was rapidly tran s formed for the AGM as our numbers were too great for Chapter Hall.

The chairman, Major General D. S. Gordon, welcomed the guests and members, many of whom had travelled from the North of England. He read a message of good wishes from Lady Brecknock, and paid a special tribute to Mrs Parks, who was greeted with applause. Proposing the adoption of the

Annual Report, General Gordon praised the hard work and enthusiasm of all who had formed new branches during the year. The total of branches was now 44 (news of the formation of one at Cromer, Norfolk, was received dur i ng the meeting) He hoped aJl would keep in touch with St John Ambulance in t heir counties and would be able to help their local Divisions through fund-raising and other acti vities.

The chairman referred with regret to the death of Mr J Hall , Branch Representative for Preston , Lanes. who died suddenly in September 1984 He had contributed much to a meeting of the Fellowship Central Committee only for a for t night earlier.

After the Central Committee Accounts were adopted the Chief Commander was invited to speak General Leuchars congratulated the Fellowship on its progress in two years, and s aid he was pleased to see in the Annual Report how many members were keeping up their interest in first aid He then gave a resume of recent Brigade activities, and of plans for the celebration of the Brigade centenary in 1987, in which he hoped the Fellowship would participate. In 1984 he had asked members to raise money for St John; this year he urged them to spread the word about the Brigade , which

and th a t accounts should be audited . Subject to t his , the FelJowship Badge could cert ainl y be used After further discussion the c h a i r m a n invited the L ord Prior t o speak. The Lord Prior welcomed the membe r s to St John's Gate , a nd hoped the y w ould t our the museums and public rooms o f the building whi c h had been the home o f the Order in England befo r e Henr y VIII had dissolved the mona s teries He was proud to have been Chief Commander of St John Ambutance and felt tha t St John had an exciting story to tell the publi c; he hoped t he Fellowship would make it more w idel y known Finally, the Lord Pr ior asked members not to underes ti mate the importan ce of the religious background to our Order. As we had sung earlier le t u s remain in 'Fellowship with Thee' Mrs M. Bowler (St John Guild, W. Area, Hants.) then proposed a vote o f t h a nk s, a nd members moved to the C hapter H a ll fo r tea and reunion s with old fr iend s

CHARLIE'S ANGELS

The SJA ladies of Glynneath Division returned home to West Glamorgan to a civic reception and a football -s tyle victory tour of their town in an open-top bus.

The team, nicknamed after their trainer, retired industrial nurse Charlie Richards, was celebrating its success in an international first aid competition held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The ladies were asked to represent Wales against Commonwealth teams including Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Australia and Fiji,

LOOKING AHEAD

24 Jun l Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Charn-

7 Jut: pionship

4 Jut: 2.30pm Investiture, Grand Priory Church.

6 Jul: Brigade FA Competitions Finals, Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

7 Jut: Lord Prior opens Weybridge HQ, Surrey.

10 Jut: Garden Party, Buckingham Palace.

10-27

Jut:

13 Jut:

23 Jut: Royal Tournament, Earl's Court, London.

Brigade Display (St Audries School Band) at 2.30pm performance, Royal Tournament. Musical Society Concert, Mansion House, London.

following its record of being British champions for the past three years.

In the competition, held to mark 100 years of the St John Ambulance Brigade in New Zealand, the' Glynneath girls won three of the five top trophies - the overall best team, best captain and best individual competitor awards.

The Angel s are team captain, Mrs Bette Joseph, a store worker, housewives Mrs Valerie de Lloyd, Mrs Christine Good, who won the best competitor award, Post Office clerk Mrs Janet Davies, and reserve Mrs Mair Boyd, a dental receptionist.

When they and their 66-year-old trainer Mr Richards arrived back at Neath from Heathrow Airport they found bunting lining the streets in a surprise civic reception laid on by Neath Borough Council. Later they transferred to an open-topped bus for a

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

BUT

victory tour around Glynneath, where local children were given time off from school to join with well-wishers who cheered the team home. 'We were overwhelmed by the welcome. It made all the hard work very worthwhile,' said Mr Richards.

In New Zealand, the team had to do vigorous first-aid tests, including team and individual competitions, one of which featured a mock jousting contest in which competitors were treated for simulated injuries.

'We had a wonderful welcome from everyone and we had no idea how we had done until the results were announced by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. It was

Major Nicholl (right) with members of the Priory of Scotland at the opening of the 'Scottish Suite at the St John House Club.

(L to R) William Smith (Priory Secretary), William A. P. Jack (Chancellor and Registrar) and Duncan Shaw (Librarian)

fantastic and I can still hardly believe it's true,' said Mrs Bette Joseph. The announcement of the results brought a spontaneous standing ovation from the spectators in Christchurch, 'I only wish that everyone in Glynneath who helped to send us to New Zealand could have heard the applause,' said Mr Richards

Our photograph (above) shows the team and trainer with their trophies (L to R) Christine Good, Bette Joseph, Charlie Richards, Valerie de Lloyd , Mair Boyd and Janet Davies.

SJA BAND

We are delighted to hear that the St Audries SJA Band is to play at the Royal Tournament, Earls Court, during the afternoon performance on July 13.

SCOTTISH SUITE

The 'Scottish Suite' at the St John House Club was officially opened by Mr W. A. P. Jack, Chancellor and Registrar of the Priory of Scotland on May 22.

The suite is the first part to be completed under the major refurbishment programme which is being carried out at the club. The Priory of Scotland generously donated £2,500 towards the work.

All six twin-bedded rooms will soon have bathrooms en suite and the whole club is being redecorated. The club's standards of

FUN RUN

BY THE EDITOR

comfort and service have risen dramatically since coming under the management of Major and Mrs Nicholl. Cutlery, clocks, chairs and other sundry items are still desperately needed. If you can help, please contact the club.

BLIND RUNNER AIDS SJ

Freda Horrocks of Putney, London, who is blind, ran in a IOkm fun-run organised during April by the Trent Park Trotters, an Enfield-based running club, in aid of St John Ambulance Northern London area. (Photo right). Freda was one of about five hundred runners who took part in the event. She completed the course and was presented with a special prize by GLC chairman Iltyd Harrington. Aweek later Freda was seen by millions on TV receiving her medal for completing the London Marathon.

As a result of this run, which the Trent Park Trotters hope to make an annual event, Northern Area hopes to purchase a mobile radio system which will be capable of controlling ambulances and mobile units throughout the area, which is one of the largest in London - covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, Hackney, Haringey and the City.

ROME DUTY 1983

The Sovereign Military Order has now issued a Special Medal to be awarded to those members of either Order who were on duty

ON THE ROAD

at the First Aid Post in St Peter's Square, Rome, during the Holy Year 1983. 84 members of St John Ambulance are eligible, and lists of their names and addresses have been sent to Count Czernin, Hospitaller of the British Association of the SMOM.

Will any Brigade members eligible for this award, who have moved house since they were in Rome, please advise Alan McKay at Brigade HQ , 1 Grosvenor Crescent, of their new address as soon as possible to ensure that none of the medals go astray.

SPANISH TANKER DISASTER

Just after 1lam on Sunday May 26 1985, a major accident occurred in the Bay of Gibraltar, when two tankers exploded at the Algeciras oil refinery in Spain. Calls were received in Gibraltar for urgent medical aid and for fire · fighting teams to assist the Spanish authorities The local St John Ambulance were among the first to respond to this call, turning out half a dozen first aid teams and their newly acquired ambulance, a converted Ford Cortina estate.

A number of casualties were dealt with by the first aid teams, two of which were conveyed to the local Spanish hospital. The operation was co-ordinated by the Commissioner, Mr H Paya s , Di v Supt Mr R. Evans and Div Off Mr M. Thompson

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

The Deputy C-in-C writes: I attended the Adventure Weekend at St

The Lady Mayoress (left) and Mrs Lucy Key, also a SJA President

Peter's School , Exeter, on Saturday May 4, and found it to be a most useful exercise for furthering training of cadets. The subjects were mostly those that required instructors with particular expertise and would therefore be difficult to arrange at divisional level.

They were: Archery - taught by the Exeter Archery Club; Judo -P .E. instructors from Royal Marines; Weightlifting - P E. instructors from Royal Marines ; Outdoor (backwoods) CookeryBrigade; Casualty Simulation - Casualties Union; Hairdressing - local Beauty Expert; Makeup -local Beauty Expert; Art Work ; Roller Skating; Football; and Handball

I understand that on the Sunday an exercise was structured by the Police and the Fire Service of a road accident complete with damaged vehicles. The 'rescue' and first aid were carried out by the adults and senior cadets - an example closely followed and appreciated by the youngsters.

All in all a broad spectrum of activities, obviously enjoyed by all and not least the officers . Organisation in an ex-army camp,

now a running-down anne x to the local school, was excellent and conformed well with regulation staffing standards for camps and it would be inv id ious to s ingle out an y one person to compl i ment on s uch a success ful event.

On the Saturday the Mayor of E xeter attended and entered in t o sever a l of t he sporting activities which were well co vered b y the pre ss. The co s t o f £ 5 per head was largely due to the cooperation provided by the Headmaster and staff of the school.

BLOODLINE CAMPAIGN

BBC Radio London and the National Blood Transfusion Service have joined for ces in a major blood donor campaign to encourage Londoners t o give their blood Thi s is th e fir st time that the BBC and th e N BT S ha ve collaborated on a promotion of t hi s na t ure The campaign, called th e Radio London Bloodline', was laun ched on- a ir on May 28. Among the Radio London staff pl edging thei r support - and blood - are John

T his is the special one day postal cover for the SJA Safari at Windsor S afari Park on Jun e 29. The c overs are available fr o m M E L E. He arne , 35 D evereau x Road, Windsor phone 07535 69924

Waite, co-presenter of Rush Hour and Rosanne Green , secretary to Tony Blackburn.

Said Radio London's Station Manager Derrick Amoore: 'We hope the Radio London 'Bloodline' will attract at least 10,000 new donors in the next 12 months. That's the target we'll be setting our listeners , who will simply be required to phone the Radio London Bloodline direct on 01-200 0200 in the first instance , to pledge their blood After that, their local NBTS Centre will send them details of their nearest Blood Transfusion venue, together with date s of the next blood donor session.

FOR FUTURE NURSES

Details of summer school courses for future nurses are ava i lable from the Nurses' Christian Fellowship , 277a Ewell Ro a d , Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7AX

ONE TOWN SHOW

Devon's County Cade t Competition s, held at Exeter on March 30, were in danger of be coming a one town show , I hear

In the ambulance cadet compeitions, Newton Abbot received the Ellis Cup as winners, and then cleaned up the Sid Nicholson (highe s team te s t), the Pomeroy (highest individual), and the Uniform Cup In the nursing cade t competition things evened themselves out with Newton Abbot collecting the Stuart Nicholson Cup as winners, and sharing the Thomas Cup (highest bed making) with Barnstaple The Lady Imbert Terry Cup (highest individual home nur sing) went to Sherwell, and th e Uniform to Barnstaple.

The runners-up in the competitions were: ambulance cadet - Lee Moor, nursing cadet - Colyton.

The presentations were made by Mrs Angela Moody, wife of the County Commissioner.

So with two teams through to the Regionals at Swindon, obviously Devon's competition teams have their sights set flrmly on a trip to Croydon.

MANUAL HANDLING

T he Materials Handling Research Unit of the Roben s In s titute of Industrial and Environmental Health and Safet y at the

University of Surrey are holding a 2-da y residential course entitled 'Efficienc y and Safety in Industrial Manual Handling Sy s tem s ' at the Univer sity on Sep t ember 24125 1985.

The course will provide an up-to-date review of current thinking on manual materials handling based on international research Topics to be covered include: Techniques for investigating manual handling problem s Methods of impro ving the work environment

Ergonomic and physiological aspe cts of materials handling work

The use of aids in the manual handlin g system

The place of training in manual handling

Current and proposed legi s lation relating to manual handling

The cour se has been designed for those in industry, the NHS, and local authori ti es wh o are concerned with aspect s o f safety, trai njng and de s ign

Details of the course ma y be obtained from : Mrs C Barlo w Roben s In stitu te, Uni versity of Surrey Guildford , Surre y, GU 2 5XH.

SJA Music Makers

FIRST , apolog ies for no report in last month's R ev iew, bu t again bands are being very slow with news of their activities. Come on , bandma s ters , you mus t be able t o send me something on your bands, parades, pr og r ess you're making, photographs, etc.

At present I'm relying on the Public A f fair s Depar t ment at Headquart er s to send me clippings of newspaper stor ies.

A s mentioned in m y June report , Southwark Corps of Drum s have now performed at their first band contest on their valve instruments and I am pleased to report t hat they took the cup for best turnout (against stiff opposition from a number of pre -s ervice bands) and the British Home Stores Cup for best drill and deportment. Overall they were placed 3rd in their class, with the percussion section taking 2nd place, bell lyres taking 2nd and the wind section taking 3rd. It was good to see the Corp s back in competitions They are now looking forward to competing in the Faversham Youth Band Championships in July Still on Southwark (sorry, but if bandmasters don't send news I have to write about my own Corps), watch out for their performance at the Brigade Finals, Fairfield Hall, Croydon on July 6.

Congratulations to Wadebridge SJA Band on the article entitled Youth in Action in the Cornish Guardian on April 11. How about copies of those two good photographs for inclusion in this spot together with a writeup, Ken?

Also SJA Accrington Pipe Band have been the subject of articles in three local

newspapers recentl y. It would be ni ce if t he y could let me have copies of the photographs and a write-up What about it Accring t on , come and join the f old. You won 't be disappointed.

Don 't f orget St Audries Nursing Cadet Band are pla ying at the Royal Tournament on Saturda y, July 13, at the afternoon performance Try to go along and support t hem

Contact has also been made with two new SJA band s be ing formed at Weymouth in Dorset , and at Hull North Humbers ide We

look f orward to re cei vi ng them into the Band Federation very soon. Unfortunate ly, the price increa se bug ha s struck us Band Ba dges with effect from June 1 1985 , will be £1.60 inclusi ve , and t he y are a vailable from Ken Robin son , 17, Ev ely n Way , Irchester, Northants Please n o t e Ken 's new telephone number - 0933-56698. Southwark Corps of Drum s ha ve fo r sale t wo premier metal hooped tenor drum s, in black (the Corps crest can be easil y remo ved ) price £40 each.

D J. M inney

ST JOHN FAMILY RALLY

THE St John fa mily caravan and camping rallies have been so successful - members from nearly 20 countries were at the las t gettogether - that a new adjunct of St John Ambulance , the St John Family Rally, has been established with the blessings of the C-in-C Its constitution , which is ava i lable from CSO Ian Phipps (addres s below) , aims to encourage members and their families to meet on a social basis through camping and caravanning , and it is open to all members of SJA, SJ Fellowship Friends o f St John , SJ Au xil i aries, the Ladies Guild, and the Order

Next Rally

The 4th and next rally will be held at Landbeach Marina Park, Cambridge, on Sept 6 to 8 1985. This se lf-catering weekend

is open to all St John members and their immediate families who have a touring or motor caravan, trailer tent or tent. C a det s who bring their families are welcome , but unaccompanied cadets or chaperoned cadet group s are not permitted since the accent is on the family, and on a social weekend where people can meet.

One pit ch refers to a caravan or tent , regardless of how many ' people occup y it ! There are no application forms - just send £7.50 per pitch plu s a stamped addressed envelope to:

Ian Phipps, County Staff Officer, 7 Bow Cottages , Station Road , Sutton-in - the-lsle, Ely , Cambridgeshire CB6 2RN. Phone (0353) 778171. Sounds g ood fun.

(Above) Staffs Northern Area President, Alan Key (2nd from left) , who has given first aid to many road accident victims in the city, received a special civic honour from the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Mr Jack Dimmock (right)

by JIM

Guinness Book of Records

THIS NOW famous book by Norris McWhirter is published each year. It contains many fascinating facts about the shortest, the tallest and the longest of hundreds of different things from all over the world.

No doubt at least one of your Division will have have received a copy as a Christmas present. Ask someone to bring the book to your next meeting and find one of the record s to challenge Even better, if you can find something that isn't in the book and write to Norris McWhirter , your Div ision could achieve a ne w record and get themsel ves into nex t year's edition!

A day in tbe country

A guide to · countryside recreation for disabled people has been published by the Country Landowners Association Charitable Trust listing more than 400 recreational facilities in the countryside for use by disabled people.

The 192-page guide is intended to help those who are physically handicapped to take part in a variety of activities ranging from simple country walk s , fi shing and bird watching to boating and sailing, garden

visits, nature trails and farm visits. Details of self-catering accommodation in rural England and Wales that is suitable for the disabled are also included.

Copies of the guide entitled 'A Guide to Countryside Recreation for Disabled People' are available free of charge from the Country Landowners Association Charitable Trust, 16 Belgrave Square, London, SW16 8PQ.

Aquapack

The Royal Life Saving Society, in conjunction with the Leeds Permanent Building Society, has recently launched a new scheme to encourage swimmers and nonswimmers to improve their skills. The scheme is divided into two sections which can, if required , lead progressively to the current RLSS training programme.

Aquapack One is a progressive training programme for non-swimmers. There is an initial Water Safety Award with four further stages to complete Aquapack One. An official Basic Resuscitation Award can also be gained As the steps are gradual and a certificate and badge are available at each stage, the non-swimmer is encouraged to become a swimmer.

In Aquapack Two the basic swimmer is encouraged to increase his skills by progressing through Safer Swimming and Rescue Skills stages, to the award of Aquagold. Those people whose interests are in rescue skills will find that they have a good foundation for entry into the current RLSS proficiency awards.

In addition to the colourful posters and teachers packs , there is a supporting 20-minute video in VHS or Betama x formats, which is available on free loan through offices of the Leeds Permanent Building Society. The video shows the danger s of act ivities on or near the water and explains the background to the Aquapack scheme.

The Aquapack training scheme will be of interest to many Leaders looking for method s to encourage reluctant youngsters

BRIGADE ORDERS Cadet Haversack

It has been suggested that some Ambulance Cadets do not like wearing the white haversack.

From June 1 1985 the haver sack will be retained for Review Order and Public Duty Order , but for occasions such as training days or travelling to and from Cadet Evenings, etc, the haversack may be dispen s ed with providing the regulation Pocket Pack is carried

t o be both s wimmers and water-safet y conscious

Aquapack One costs 40p , Aquapack Two 75p, Teachers Kit One £3.50 and Teachers ' Kit Two £5.00. All are available with woven and pin-on badges from Aquapack , Award s Processing, PO Box 3, Studley , Warwickshire , B80 7BR

PR booklet

The Scout Association has produced a new 28-page booklet entitled Guide to Development and Publ ic Relation s, whi ch is available price £1.75. It could be ver y useful to SJA Divisions.

The booklet offer s advice and guidance on the use of publicity and public relations in support of lo cal Scout development programmes , togethe r wit h ex amples and details of materials and publicity aids that are c urren tly a v ai l abl e f rom S c ou t Headquarters.

Orders for the bookle t, togeth er w it h cheque or postal order made payable to The Scout Association ', should be sent, or pre sented a t the ti me of collect ion to ' Development and Public Relations' , BadenPowell House, Queen 's G ate, L ondon , SW7 5JS.

MORE GAMES Stand up

The cadets sit in pairs, back to back with

TOPS IN NORTHUMBRIA

We beat lem! ...

Our Cadet Di vision challenged the adult Division to a mixed game of football and on a cold, we t Eas ter Sunda y the two teams met on the field. Their team was aged between 17 and 30 while ours wa s between 12 and 16, quite young in comparison. The match started at 10.30 am and by 10.45 the a dul ts were one goal up But by the final whistle - surprise surprise - the cadets had pulled back to beat them 4 goals to 3!

Which just goes to show, don't you think, that senior s are no t senior at everyth ing?

SJA Chichester

(left) is best cadet in the county and Fay Smith best cadet of Blyth Divi sion Well done, girls!

We hear of fi r st aid at a Merseyside football ground

M.A . S . H. of Goo dis on Park

G OODI SO N P ARK, the ho m e of Everton

F ootb a ll C lub, is a name akin to mag ic for f ootb a ll fa ns t h e wo rld over. To SJA m emb ers it is a class ic examp e of h ow the publi c sees us 'at t he matc h '. It is imp ossi b le to say h ow ma n y ho u rs, cas ualt ies a n d matc h es St John of Me rseysi d e have atten d ed over the years at t his famous ground.

Our fi rst aid post, once a storeroom, is now t h e common meeting p lace of m emb ers, police and photographers, for i t is si t ed close to t h e players' entrance, a b onu s for t he ca d ets always keen to get au t o grap h s of famous players. The Me rseys id e Police s h are our room at ha lftime a nd jo in us for a welcome cu p of tea.

O ur re lat ions hip with them is exce ll ent, base d on years of co-o p eration and trust.

elb o ws inter linked an d t h ey t hen try to stand u p Th at's the easy part ! T h e ca d ets fin d ano th er pa ir and make an interli n ked q uartet, t hen try to stand up Not so easy. T hey t h en j oin wi th another fo u r ca d ets a nd al l eight try to stand up. That's the diff icult bit.

Tou ch it

T h e ca d et s wo r k in team s an d h a ve to t o uc h thi ngs m e n tioned by the Lea d er. For ex ampl e: p lastic, wood, meta , red p a in t, glass a nd so on. If the re is so m ething d if fi cu lt t o re a c h , t he cade ts wi ll ha ve to h e lp ea ch oth er.

As hotag

H Knight & T. Gilbert

T hi s g ame is a variatio n of leapfrog a nd is id eal for gro up s wit h a sma ll number of cadets. One ca d et bends over a n d a sm al l soft obj ect - fo r examp le a hat - is p u on his bac k. T h e cadets take t urn s t o leapfrog ov er the ca det without kno c king the o bj ec t o ff hi s back A nyon e who fa ils b ecomes t h e stoop i ng cad et.

We have treated them for injuries and they stand by us when we have a 'stroppy' casualty. We often marvel at their courage.

Our first team is a great band of dedicate d m em bers, inclu d ing cadets, who atten d all he home matches at Goodison, o u t on the pitch in all weather. They have treated every conceivable type of injury at the ground, including severe burns caused by a fan's scarf deliberately set on fire. There has been a miscarriage in the stands but not a birth as yet. We have, however, played midwife to the team's cat! Medical emergencies dealt with have included brain h ae mo rr h ages and heart attacks.

Unfortunately a new weapon has emerged this season The Stanley knife, the results of which can be horrifying. During a recent match 17 fans were taken to

Add to it

The cadets stand in a circle and one is chosen to make an action. The next cadet repeats the action and adds one of his own. Each ca d et in turn repeats the previous actions and a d ds o n e, u ntil someone forgets an action. The seq u ence then starts again.

Dodge

T h e ca d ets walk around the Headquarters.

W h e n t hey mee t face to face with another cadet, t hey take two steps to the left and pass b y. No-one m ust touc h another person dur ing the ga m e. If ca d ets touch, move too slo wl y or st o p during the game, they have to stand st ill and become extra hazards.

Animal noises

T h e cadets sit in a circle with one slttmg b lind fo ld ed in the centre. The blindfolded ca d et goes to anyone in the circle and says the name of an animal. The cadet then has to m ake t h e noise o f the animal and the blind f Ol d ed o ne h as to guess who he has chosen.

h ospi tal, so me wi th

nife wound s, and over 50 m ore were t rea t ed b y nu rsing mem bers and three SR Ns after ref using hospital treatment becau se they di d not want to miss the match!

Now t h e season is over, we look b ack on some mem o rab le m atches, some co ntaining excitement, others tragedy. But most of all we hav e learnt to p e rform first aid efficient ly, we hope, in difficult circumstances, a n d trust the experience will stand us in goo d stea d for next season.

Mrs M. C. Hunter D I S Maghull Quad Division

Gi a nt lea p fr o g

Try a giant leapfrog Wh a t is the maximum dista n ce your ca d ets can cover u si n g all the gro u p o n e after anot h er. Why not write in an d te ll us?

These games have been a d apted from 'The Great Pl ay Times G arn es Kit' (price £3.00 inclu d n g p a ck a ge a nd po sting) from The Natio n al P layi n g F iel ds Association, 25 Ovington Squ a re, Lon d o n SW3 lLQ. The kit co n ta ins 25 0 ga m es pri n t ed on individual cards for easy reference.

Cont r ibutions

Contr ibu tio n s an d ent ri es t o co mpe t itions in this col umn sho u ld b e sent to Jim, 3 Brand r eth Road, Lo nd o n , E6 4 BQ. If you have a n y i d eas ab ou t games, training act ivit ies o r eve nts t h at your cadets have enjoyed , pl ease d o wri te bec au se I am always in n eed of m ate ri a l to includ e i n the column. Cadet C h at b a d g es a re sen t t o a ll t h ose who co ntri but e t o th e co lumn

Blyth Northumberland, cadets Julie Walker

Unmistakably New York

Part 10: Illegal Immigrants

UNDERNEA TH Heathrow airport is a huge complex of offices, workshops, etc - almost a small town in itself - and down there are some small rooms known colloquially as 'The Pens' In these rooms illegal immigrants or people who have passport irregularities are held until clearance or deportation. Sometimes, in order to postpone his deportation, one of the deportees will claim that he has a medical condition which would debar him from flying and then, after a medical examination, the SJA Airmed service will be called upon to provide an escort. I had two cases of this kind.

The first was as far as the patient was concerned bu(provided me with my first trip to New York. (The man concerned had claimed that ne sometimes had epileptic fits when travelling, but he was perfectly all right during the time he was with me.) I was met at a side entrance to Heathrow and taken underground, where after a walk of at least a quarter of a mile I reached 'The Pens', where I met my patient and also two plain-clothes guards who were to travel with us. After another long walk we came up into the fresh air again only a few yards from where the plane was waiting on the tarmac. The patient and I were told to sit in the next to back seats in the plane, with the guards immediately behind us. I began to think that my patient must have done something really bad to be under s uch close guard all the time, and was rather taken aback when the immigration official at Kennedy airport simply stamped his pas sport and told him to 'p ush off'. He must have noticed my surprise for he said, 'He's an American citizen - he can do what he likes now .' My patient lost no time in making himself scarce, which left me with a whole 24 hours to myself in New York.

A re se rva tio n had been made for me and the two guards at the Lexington Hotel on 48 Street, which is the hotel always used by British Airways crews, and in the evening the crew took us to their club in the centre of Broadway.

The next morning I was up early, enjoying the prospect of a whole day in which to explore New York. It was Good Friday and I felt I would like to begin the day with a visit to a church, and was fortunate to find a lovely modern church, St Peter's, nearby in Broadway. The service being held that morning was exactly to my liking - a simple service but with beautiful music sung by a good choir - and afterwards the very friendly congregation offered me coffee and told me where to go in order to make the most of my day's s ight- see ing I was able to visit the United Nations Building and watch a session in progress, then go to the top of the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Institute. The New York skyline is every bit as fantastic as it is claimed to be and I felt, not for the first time, that I was taking part in a film -I had seen that skyline so many times in the cinema. All good things come to an end and it was soon time to join the rest of the crew

The most bea utiful aircraft in the skies for our flight back to Heathrow -a very happy and relaxed flight, being treated as one of them'.

It is always less of a strain to be escorting a patient on the outward leg of a journey, rather than the other way round, as once you have arrived at your destination you can relax and perhaps do some sight-seeing before enjoying the flight home, so I was quite pleased to hear a short while after this that there was another illegal immig,ant to be escorted home, especially as this flight was to Rawalpindi (now Islamabad) in West Pakistan -a name which conjured up all sorts of exciting pictures of life on the North West Frontier. Unfortunately things did not turn out as I hoped

My patient was a young Pakistani lad in his teens who was mentally retarded and epileptic. His father had died recently and his uncle , a high-ranking officer in the Pakistani Army, had not wanted to be burdened with him, so had sent him to a married brother in England, ostensibly for a month's holiday. After two months had gone by, with no sign of his returning to Pakistan, the immigration authorities caught up with him and he was ordered to return. His uncle had sent a message to say he would refuse to accept him ba ck, but the immigration authorities were adamant, so he was put on the plane at Heathrow and I was told to make sure that he did not return to England I felt very unhappy about things as we alighted at Rawalpindi in the early hours of a very cold, bleak: morning. Waiting in the arrival lounge were two members of the British Consulate and a very angry senior Army officer, who I took to be my patient's uncle. As soon as he saw us he ordered me in impeccable Eng lish to return my patient to the plane. At this, a heated argument broke out , with everybody around joining in, and I did my best to console the poor young lad, who had been looking forward to returning home.

The consular staff advised me to leave the airport building at once so that there could be no question of the lad being put back on the plane, so I made a hasty exit but then found that I could not board the plane as it was being cleaned and refuelled , so I sat on a crate, watching the dawn break over the mountains in the distance. It was a breathtaking sight and I felt so disappointed that my trip was going to end so suddenly like this. I had no need to hurry back to England and Aeromed HQ had told me that if everything went smoothly and I could fix myself up with a hotel for the night, I could stay for some sight-seeing and come back on the next available flight, but it was obvious that this was now out of the question. The British Consulate wanted me out of the COuntry as soon as possible. I did not even

feel free to wander around the airport, as it was seething with military personnel and most of the planes on the runways were Pakistani Airforce fighters There seemed to be an atmosphere of tension and foreboding over the whole place , perhaps b eca u se of the fighting over the border in Afghanistan, and it was with a heavy heart that I reboarded the plane as soon as it was ready.

More travels in North America

Over the years I made several trips across the Atlantic and, looking back on them, these were among the easiest and most relaxed of my flights in spite of the long distances involved. I suppose this is due to a common lifestyle and language - apart from the occasional misunderstanding over words like 's ide-walk', 'elevato r' and 'gas'. The only thing that did bother me was the lack of a National Health Service over there, and the high cost of medical treatment.

afte r my trip to New York with the illegal immigrant I had another flight there and once again I was escorting a patient so I was looking forward to being able to spend another day sight-seei ng But first I had to fulfil all my duties to my patient, who was a stretcher case and needed a lo t of attention.

I could not help a momentary smile when I read his case histor y; he was a man in his eighties who had recently married a young girl and brought her on a sight-seeing trip to London. Visiting the Houses of Parliament, he had slipped and fractured his femur and during a six-week stay in hospital had developed severa l complications. He was semi-conscious and very restless so had to be heavily sedated for the flight. His attractive young wife was very charming to me

throughout the journey but I felt rather embarrassed b y the big difference in their ages and once or twice found myself about to say 'your father' instead of 'your hu sband'. An ambulance was waiting for us at Kennedy Airport, but the d river and attendant refused to load the patient until they had been paid the $200 fare for the short journey to the hospital. in the back with the patient and hi s wife and the two ambulancemen sat in the front, sounding the siren all the way to the hospital and calling out the registration numbers of cars through a public address system, shouting at their owners to move out of our way. It was a like a scene in a 'cops and robbers' film a nd certainly not justified by my patient's condition. I was glad to leave him and his wife at the hospital, thankful that I did not become involved in any discussion of fees. Now I was free to enjoy another 24 hours in New York. Because of my previous visit I felt a lmo st at home there as I looked out on the lights of the city from my apartment in a first class hotel in Park Lane. I spent the who le of next day revisiting the United Nations Building, Rockefeller Institute and Times Square. In the theatre world, reminiscent of Leicester Square, cinemas were showing as many as eight films at a time and the department stores were all bigger and brasher than the ones in London's West End. The who le pace of life seemed quicker and more exciting but at the same time more tiring, so I was quite exhausted b y the time I arrived back at the airport, and slept most of the way back to England. Shortly after my arrival at Heathrow I was thrilled to see Concorde fly in and hoped that one day I would have the chance to fly in her.

OUR PRESIDENTS: Berksh!re conference

BERKSHIRE held a Presidents and VicePresidents Conference at the Twyford home of Lady Elizabeth Godsal, the County Commissioner, on April 26. Twenty-five presidents and vicepresidents, as well as the County Commander, County Commissioner, Director Association, and President and Chairman of the St John Council, were at the conference.

The meeting was opened by Lord Rootes, County President , fo llowed b y Lady Elizabe t h Godsal, who stressed the important role played by Divisional Presidents. Captain

The Hon. Nicholas Beaumont , President Mid-Berks Area, outlined the challenge of fund-raising and the problems involved in promoting the local public ima ge of individual Divisions

After lunch, Mrs Harold Phillips, Chief President o f St John Am bulance stressed

among other things the impor tance to the organisation of the Cadets, emphasising the necessity to keep them interested in the activitites of the Brigade by means of social events which they might consider to be fun as we ll as (he natural emphasis on training and first aid.

The other guest speaker, Mr Balchin Director General of the Association, outlined its work and aims. This was followe d by syndicate discussion and Lord Roote s summed up the day 's events as a most successful and constructive conference.

Regional Conferences

Further dates for regional Presidents Conferences are:

Region 2: (Humberside, N Yorks, and S & W Yorks) May 1986 County President Mrs In gham (S & W Yorks).

Region 11: (Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Guernsey, Jersey) April 5 1986. County President Mrs Leschallas (Ken!).

NEW UNIFORM

from Ian G. Simpson Area

Staff Officer

I am sure that most Brigade members will give a warm welcome to the new Dress Regulations and will be pleased to wear the revised uniform, which is much more practical and provides a range of dress from which suitable items can be chosen for each type of duty.

However, I am sure that I am not the only staff officer who is disappointed to find that there is now no method of distinguishing between count y and area staff officers, or between staff officers grades 4-6 and officers at divisional level. Perhaps this was intended , but the fact the Headquarters and c orps officers wear distinguishing marks would indicate otherwise.

I should like to suggest a simple amendment to the Dress Regulations by which this omission could be rectified. On page 53, the paragraph headed 'Corps Superintendents and Officers' should be deleted and the following paragraph inserted:

Count y, Area and Corps Officers Grades 3-6

County, A rea and Corp s Officers Grades 3-6 will wear a rhodium silver metal bar O. 64cm ( Y4 in) above the base of their shoulder strap slides. If qualified for an y other bar, the silver bar will be worn immediately above it

anticipate a r eturn to the Sam-Browne belt! Crawley

County Officers will wear blue backing (B07400) to the Headdress Badge Area Officers will wear green backing (B0 7450) to the Head-dress Badge.

Your readers may care to comment on this suggestion, which would provide the required distinguishing mark s at minimal co s t. Oxford Ian G. Simpson

from Mr S. R. Strange, SRN, Divisional Superintendent

The full extent of the new uniforms are now apparent, and they leave me asking all sorts of questions! The new uniform for the men appears cheap and far from smart (my opinion); sorry if disagree with the recent Mori Foil. In ,a few years from now I can foresee the complete disappearance of a dress uniform as we know it and in its place will be just an overall

I am acutely aware of the cost of the old style uniform, but it must be said that at least it was made to last and, in my opinion, was smar t.

This new material I am sure will not last half of the life of its predecessor , and looks cheap and shoddy without buttons or belt. Where then is the saving ?

As to the question of rank markings , cloth rank stars on a sleeve look cheap and nasty, except on pullovers and shirts. The new officer 's hat is a prime example of a shapeless and cheap looking accessory, while being no more comfortable than the type it replaced.

I am con v inced that almost every officer who is a doctor or nur se (but not a Surg eon or Nursing Officer) will feel appalled at the thought of wearing scarlet or grey slides. What is the reason, I ask, for what appears a nonsensical change in dress regulations? The public do not recognise the grey slides, yet the majority of the Brigade can or rather could tell the difference between a Nursing Officer SSP and a Superin t endent.

Cap peaks also leave me asking the question, why the change? I c an accept the lo ss o f t he additional b a rs f or g r ade two staff off icers and above , but to commence the one bar peak at grade two level appears pointless. In the armed forces (I realise to some that they are dirty words ) t he rank of major (crown rank) upwards wear a single bar peak. Only very senior officers change their pattern I was further horrified by a message from my Divisional storekeeper this week that all deliveries from supplies would take 28 days. If however we wish to have an earlier delivery we could pay £3.25 extra! Surely thi s s a joke, St John Ambulance attempting to rip-off its own member s hip Up t ill now I have had a high regard for the work carried out by Supplies, but additional payments for urgent orders is not somethin g which I believe we should expect from our own organisation

These changes were the most drastic for many years. Surely a greater level o f consult a tion with the membership through the Staff Officer s would have produced more acceptable results?

Oh well, it took only about 20 years for the nurses to get their storm caps back Roll on the year 2005 and a possible return to a smart a mbulan c e uniform, with proper rank stars, though I will not

160

S R. Strang e

CHANGING ST JOHN from Concerned

I have recentl y given much thought to dragging St John i n o the 1980s. The answe r , I feel is t o dismantle the organi s ational app a ratu s o f the 1880s and gi ve the power of decision making to hose at t he sharp end of St John - the Di vision s . I s ugge s t th a t a ll level s o f c omma n d between HQs and di v isions be scrapped A County Office could remain as a poin t of contact w ith the public and the authorities , but it should have no power over divisions, but merely be a point of communication with the public.

Divisions should be the decision makers I think groups of sa y six divisions should be formed throughout the country and each group would have an elec t ed leade r who would b e t he servant of h is six superintendents The leader would liaise with HQs and w ould organi se group activities. F or ex ample, ambulan c es and r ad ios ma y be a group responsibilit y. A meeting ever y two months o f Supts w ith t he g roup leader could develop ideas and p ass them on to HQ , and al s o dea l with ide as c oming f rom HQ

Once or twice a year a conference of group leaders w it h HQ s ta ff could decide on a n y alt e rations to rules and regulation s, and debat e areas of interes t put forward by groups on behal f of the d ivis ion s.

This would mean better communi cation s between HQ and di v ision s, thereb y avoid in g mi sc on ce ption s and prob le m s ari si n g su c h as we ha ve had wi t h F A W. It w ould also , I' m s ur e, ea d o a mor e mod e rn St

John

T he si de e ffe cts wo uld be a be tt er u se of r eso ur c es, as a g r o up of six divisions could jointly purchase ex p e n s ve item s of equipment. Th ey could jointl y se t abou t fund rai sin g and ad v erti s ing f or membe r s , and pool resour ces for holding course s and display s f or the publi c

The effect of such a change in organi s ation would greatly redu ce the number of chie fs, bu t t hi s would be no b il d t hing a s w e ar e o ve rburdened with officers , man y of whom are outda t ed in th ei r outlook and no longe r t ake an active part in dutie s T h e ch a n ge would a ls o dispel our mili ta r y image a s ne a rl y all r a n ks w o uld di sa pp ear, but our ability to oper a te in a major emergenc y would v e r y likel y be enhanced due to close divi sional co-operation

Such a vision of a new St John is just that - a vision ; but unle ss we tackle the problems that are facing us membership will continu e to decline, our image w ill s u ff er , and new or g anisations will offer a better if no t a v oluntar y serv ic e.

We need to make some sweeping changes. But our presen t organi s ational system prevents u s f rom ta ckl ng the problem s wh ic h are steadily undermining the Brigad e . Humberside Concerned

EPILEPSY

from Clayton Freeman, Area Staff Officer (Cadetsl

I have found the articl es by Dr. James Burton , Area Surgeon, very interesting and in particular the la s t one - Epilep sy. I have, in fac t, heard lecture s by Dr Burton which were organi sed by the Centre

Sec ret a r y f or t h e Ass o ciatio n o f Lay I n st ru c o r s a Sh

t in g lec tur e r s o n th e subj ect of H e alth E du cati on for t ea ch e r s On e s u c h lectur e r was f r o m th e Ass ociati o n o f E pileptic

of the c om p la in - n o t ju st mi n o r' a nd m ajor'. Eve n indi vidual s w ho h ave n ev er been di ag n ose d as s u fferi n g fro m ep il

n e in teres ti ng story was a b o ut a Ro y al Nava l e n g in e erin g o fficer wh o su ffere d from e pilep sy, but it w a s n ever of a severe d eg r ee an d a lwa

sion

t h

R.N W h e n see n b y t h e M.O. it was diag n ose d as ep il epsy an d h e was co mp e ll e d to resign hi s commission, notw ithstand in g t h at he w as a brilli a n t engineer! Th is was n ot b ecause h e h a d ep il e

When

ch ild re n and gave

examp le of how a te a c h er may label a child as stup id He spoke of a class ea rni ng their times ta bl es (not done in this mo d ern age of m aths, I h asten to a dd ) a nd h e d ia log u e went: C lass ' three th r ees are n ine; four t h rees are twe lve; fi ve t h rees are fifteen; s ix t h rees are One boy suffered mino r e p epsy for a second or so, whi le the class went o n with seve n- threes and eightthrees and at nine-threes the ailing boy regai n e d h is senses and heard 'twenty seven'.

Later, the teacher checked the class Teacher : 'Robert (the epi lept ic), what are s ix threes?'

Ro bert 'P lease Miss, twenty seven.'

Teacher : 'You stup id boy.'

Was he stupid? Of co u rse not. A ll he h eard was 'six threes are twenty seven'.

Gone are the days when we read that we had to p l ace a covered knife -h andle between the teeth. But it appears t h at some teachers had passed their first aid examination 'sometime' and h ad NOT kept up with modified treatment. The lecturer spoke of two insta n ces. One when a ball-point pen was p laced between the teeth. It was snapped in two! T h e other occasio n was w h en a teac h er pu t - of all things -a twe lve inc h ru ler between the tee th In this case h e r ul er was forced t h rough the c h ild's cheek!

The audience were abso utely s h ocke d w h en h e lec tu rer gave the estimated force that could be generated by epi eptics: 200 Ibs per square inch! One has j ust to think of the press u re of car tyres to appreciate the magnitude! This is, of co u rse, w h y one m u st not restrain epileptics because t h e same force may cause further injuries.

In the mean t ime I look f o rwar d to read i n g mo re fr o m D r. Bu rton. Barnsley Clayton Freeman

TA BOO IL LN ES SES

fr om a Fellow Country Cousin

I would like to comment on W h y I Joine d St Joh n (R eview May) b oth as a mem b er of St Jo h n a n d as a fe ll ow E P.

Fear and prejudice: wit h members of the public there is often a level of fear, b u with Brigade (and Assoc iation) m e mb ers th ere should b e a hig h er leve l of u ndersta n d i ng to overcome t hi s fear.

Reactio n of St Jo h n co ll eagues: I h ave fo und no a d verse reaction, d irectly. Perhaps I am lu cky in hi s par t of th e co un try, b u o ur country cous in does n ot say h ow o n g he left i t b efo re d ivul g in g h is cond it io n to hi s co ll eagues.

Not letting it s lip: I feel h e sh o ul d te ll so m e peop le (ie, fellow mem b er s of St John) because, a lthough h e h as b een free f r o m attacks for twenty years, t h at does not mean h e will n ever h ave an o t h er. W h at happens if he is o n d u ty, wit h a co ll eague unaware of h is h istory, and he h as another attack? Wo u ld h ei r react io n b e any di fferent t h a n if the y k n ew a b o ut h is pas t a tt acks? I t h in k h is co ll eag u es wo ul d fee l he d o es n o t tru st t h e m a s I wo ul d. Sur ely th e ir res p ons ibil i t y as fi rs ta id er could b e co mp r omi se d ? W h at a bout at w or k? S ur e ly, f o r h is o wn safety, so m eo n e s h o ul d know, s u c h as th e manager or forema n , in co n f ide n ce? He s h o uld o u t lin e to t h e m t h e poss i b le occ u rre n ces a nd th e actio n to b e taken,

DEVON SHOW

SJA in Devon now ha s a permanen marquee site at the annual Devon County Show. This is an equally shared operation between the Association and the Brigade, the Association promoting FA W courses and membership, and the Brigade advertising their work and recruiting members.

The sale of many St John items, such as tee-shirts, sweatshirts, scarves and ties, helps to defray some of the costs, but the nominal cost involved in running the marquee is s mall compared to the wide publicity and excellent public relations ach iev ed. We are very pleased with the interest shown in joining the Brigade and the requests for information from vis itors as well as other exhibitors. Every stand in the show was covered personally and leaflets , application forms for FA W courses and membership left with the manager or representative. This approach created considerable enthusiasm and enabled the Association staff to discuss the St John Ambulance organisation in detail. Brigade participation in uni f orm was a good attraction, particularly during the Schools Day which traditionally is held on the Friday Adult ambulance and nursing members and nursing cadets were well represented and did a splendid job in selling the Brigade.

County Shows are ideal for telling our stor y to the public and in Devon this has become an integral part of our yearly marketing programme. Of course it always helps when we have the presence of a member of the Royal Family and this year we we r e honoured by HRH Princess Anne, Mrs Mark Phillips, our Commandantin-Chief Ambulance and Nursing Cadets.

M. J Malcolm County Director

should the need ever arise.

If close friends really are friends would they think any different of him? I think not, if he is honest with them. It can only be in his own interest for some people to know.

It is not until the public at large develop a more mature understanding of such taboo illnesses that an improvement in attitude will result. We have a responsibility in St John to educate the public, not merely to treat after the event.

Fellow Country Cousin

AT THE MARATHON

from Mrs J. Roberts, Area Staff Officer INC)

Early on a Sunday morning I was awoken by my 8-year-old son who was eager to watch the London Marathon on TV - need I say I was not thrilled by the thought. But, surprisingly, as I watched I found an interest stirring. The jostling crowds, the music, entertainers dancing, and the officials working hard for a smooth race.

The stewards and the marshalls were wearing clearly labelled tabards, the police in their black uniforms wore 'hump-hats', while the ladies of the force were easily identifiable by their white hat bands. In an emergency, one would know instantly who to contact But who would be contacted in a medical emergency? SJA or the Red Cross? Sadly it was sometimes difficult to detect our ladies in their black overcoats, because they blended too well with the crowd, yet (and it's a big yet) our ambulance members stood out clearly. Their white bags and shoulder straps were easy to see, well spaced about the crowd and readily available.

I've heard panicking patients say: 'Thank goodness for the white bags!' Now I know why.

Well done, lads and lasses.

Walsall J. Roberts

IMPRESSED

from Mr J. W. Humphrey, Divisional Superintendent

I have recently returned from England where I had the chance to meet members of the Surrey Divisions at competitions held at Cobham. was suitably impressed with the magnificent effort put in by the various competitors at all age levels But I was most impressed by the efforts of the organisers and it was obvious from the enthusiasm shown by the adjudicators, stage setters and other helpers, that this was as enjoyable as it was a training activity.

I congratulate all competitors on the way they participated without any animosity often shown in competition activities. That the losers enjoyed the day's activities as much as the winners is a credit to the fellowship shown by all St John members.

Through the Review I would like to thank the officers and members of the Farnham Division for their hospitality to my wife and myself during my holiday in the UK. And I would like to extend to any St John member a similar welcome if they ever find themselves in this corner of the world, and would also welcome any contact by letter from any St John members.

Lot 11, The Crescent, James Humphrey Mt. Evelyn, Victoria 3796, Australia

ROTTEN LOT

from M. Coombes

I feel that nursing members in St John are discriminated against and it appears to me that St John is very much a man's world.

While on duty women are there merely to make tea and look after the first aid area and if and when a casualty does arrive the women deal with all th; run-of-the-mill injuries. But if something serious occurs then the men take over, especially if it is likely to need an ambulance. On winter days the men sit in a warm ambulance or first aid post, and leave the women standing out in the cold, braving the elements.

On returning from duty the women again make the tea, clear everything up, etc, and at other times clean and make the divisional hut tidy. And they do the sewing, washing of blankets, etc.

Many women are palmed off with excuses when they want to crew on the ambulance, such as: 'Oh, you wouldn't be able to lift', 'You'd panic too much,' 'We don't want you nattering all day.'

So girls, stand up for yourselves and let's hear more of your views!

162

I am not a man hater, believe me. I just feel that St John is too male dominated. Give us nursing members a chance!

M. Coombes

Editor: The writer's real name and address were supplied to us, but we're not giving it to you, fellas

Competitions

from Mr D. J Dwight

With reference to the recent London District first-aid competition finals, I would like to make some constructive criticism.

To begin, why have the teams to arrive at 11am when the competitions are not scheduled to start until 2pm? I appreciate that it is worth getting the teams registered before the start, but three hours?

Second,is support for the teams (parents, team trainers, divisional colleagues, etc) wanted or not? If so, would it not be a good idea to provide proper viewing areas for the various tests from where the actions of the teams can be seen and their comments heard, rather than having a void of 20 to 30 feet between audience and incident?

The only purpose of this space seemed to be for various District, Area and other officers/officials to parade up and down and generally spoil what little chance those watching had of seeing anything at all! How can trainers improve their team's performance if they can't see or hear what the team is doing in the competition?

Moving on to the tests themselves, why does St John present the Finals in a beautiful hall, as we had on the day, and then use an incident which is better suited to an outdoor setting? Much better, don't you think, to have a typical indoor incident if the competition is indoors?

I look forward to seeing other members' views in the near future and, as I said, I hope my criticism will be taken in the light in which it is written: to improve the standard of first aid.

London E13 D. J. Wright

MISSING OUT

from William Kirby

I read with interest Paul Cockram's letter MISSING OUT (April Review) and agree with what he says. I joined the Brigade in 1926, served for 47 Y2 years, and retired from active service at the end of 1973. I received my Brigade awards, including my six bars to the Service Medal (up to 45 years' service). then did another 2Y2 years in the Brigade until I retired. I moved from Slough to Swindon and joined the North Wilts Association Branch early in 1974. Since then have assisted at many lectures and examinations, and passed examinations as a qualified instructor, also for the First Aid at Work grade B, and am still doing this now. By March 1986 I will have completed 60 years of continuous service to St John and so far as I know there will be no recognition of any service since my 45 years Service bar, awarded in 1971.

Swindon William Kirby

SURPLUS BADGES

from David Minney, PRO Federation of Brigade Bands

The Brigade has decided to change uniform shoulder flashes so that the county name and the eight pointed cross are on one badge, but a number of Brigade bands will continue to ttse the old style of shoulder flash with the separate name flash. Supplies Dept has told me that they can still supply the half-round St John flash but not the name flashes.

So I would be extremely grateful if anyone who has any county name flashes, in particular London District, would let me have them so that I can distribute them to bands in the Federation who require them.

12 Aragon Rd, Morden, Surrey SM4 4QF David Minney

BOOKS

Principal Drugs by S. J. Hopkins, PhD, FPS. An alphabetical guide to modern therapeutic agents. 8th edition. £1.95. Faber and Faber Ltd.

Cataract by Philip Awdry, MA, FRCS and C. S. Nicholls, MA, DPhil. £5.95 (cased), £2.50 (paperback) Faber and Faber Ltd.

The Deaf CAN Speak by Pauline Shaw. Faber. Paperback, £3.95.

How

to guide a blind person

The grip or linking position

Stand by the side of the blind person with your arms straight, fingers pointing to the ground. Now ask him to take your arm. His hand should grip your arm just above the

However proficient at travelling alone, blind people sometimes need help from the sighted. On such occasions, embarrassment and frustration can occur for both parties; the sighted guide is unsure how to help - fusses - and inevitably overdoes things; the blind person feels foolish or murderous depending upon his temperament! These Sighted Guide Skills provide practical means of overcoming the problems. They are designed to give the maximum safety, freedom and relaxation both to the guide and his partner, but like most skills they need to be practised.

elbow, so that his fingers are on the inside of your arm and thumb on the outside. Hi s elbow is b e nt. The grip allows the blind person to be half a pace behind you and he can detect when you're turning, by the movement of your bod y. There is no need to move your arm. Check that the blind person's toes are pointing in the same direction as yo urs - if not yo u could be partin g com pan y ! From now on we will refer to the Grip Arm, and Grip Hand, which are the ones linkin g you and yo ur partner together.

Walking si ngle file

You often need to do this in s hop s, restaurants and most busy, congested areas. Your partner walks behind yo u. Indicate the need to step in behind you, by mo ving your gri p arm to the middle of your back, keeping your arm straight. Maintaining his grip above your elbow, the blind person sho uld step behind you, checking that his arm is straig ht - if it isn't he will step into your shoes! If your partner feels uncomfortable with his arm in t his diagonal' position he can change hands e.g. if he was grippi ng your left arm, he can drop his right h a nd and grip with hi s left and vice versa. When there is room again to walk two abreast, return your arm to the normal grip position i.e at your side, and your partner should step in beside you again.

Changing sides

You may need to do this when coming to a doorway - you'll see why in the next paragr ap h. While you remain in your position, your partner, keeping his hand in contact with your back, slips behind you and transfers his grip to your other arm with his Walking single file

other hand. The important thing is tha t he doesn't los e contact. Changing sides can be done in a stationary or a moving position.

Doorways

This ski ll is a li tt re more comp licated You w ill go through the door first and your partner will follow, closing the door behind you both. Take a look at the door. if the hinge is on the left, the blind person should be on yo ur left s ide with his left hand free. Describe it as " Door Left ". If the hinge is on the right, the blind person should be on your right side with hi s right hand free. Describe it as " Door Right". Positioned correct ly? If not Change Sides (as above). Normal arm grip? Now as you turn the handle and move the door, the blind person can distinguish whether the door is moving inwards or outwards. At the sa me time that you start to walk through, your partner moves the back of his free hand to the door, slides it along and contacts the handl'e While you he walks through and slipping his hand round to the other handle closes the door

Alternatives

If the blind per son has a long cane or guide dog it may be easier, after indicating the position of the door handle, for your partner to release his grip on your arm, until the door ha s been closed. If it is your

GOOD IDEA

external cardiac compression.

It was 15 minutes later after an ambulance had taken Mrs Harris to hospital that the two men looked up and realised they knew each other - the former sergeant had taught the constable first aid.

Honorary Fellow County Councillor Philip Squire, OBE, CBE, has a record of public service second to none in South Wales. He is chairman of the South Wales Police Authority, chairman of the Mid-Glamorgan Education Committee, and, of particular interest to readers of the Review, he is also an Officer of the Order.

Councillor Squire will be made an Honorary Fellow of the Polytechnic of Wales, Pontypridd, this year and will join a very distinguished list of honorary fellows that includes Viscount Tonypandy, Sir leuan Maddock and Sir Rosser.

NEWS froRl

SCOTLAND

Assist Commissioner of MidGlamorgan, Mervyn Syvret, and daughter Julie

WALES

BEM for THE ASSISTANT Commissioner of MidGlamorgan, Caerphilly-born Mervyn Syvret, first joined the Brigade as a lO -year-old cadet in 1936 after a schoolmate had broken his arm. This convinced Mervyn that he should know more about first aid to help others and now 'my life revolves around St John', he says. 'You become dedicated over the years It becomes a way of life. I'm now involved with the organisation all the time and my wish is to see more young people come into the Brigade so they can eventually take over from us'

164

AS REPORTED in the May Review, the inaugural concert of the St John Musical Society in Scotland was held on March 7 in the MacRobert Arts Centre of Stirling University, in the presence of the Grand Prior of the Order, His Royal Highness the

Duke of Gloucester. There was a good response from members from all over Scotland and as a result of this one event the Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem has benefited to the tune of some £3,000.

PC Kenneth Leverson

Mervyn is this year's chairman of the Hospitallers' Club of Wales and his services to the community at large were recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal. The medal was presented by the MidGlamorgan County Lieutenant Mr Douglas Badham, who is a Commander of the Order and president of the Mid-Glamorgan St John Council. The citation says of Mervyn: 'He is a warm character with a friendly, affectionate manner which invites youth to turn to him for advice as a counsellor during difficult teenage years.'

The pride and admiration of his associates is seen in the eyes of his daughter, Julie, in our photograph.

Awards for A Gwent policeman and a former police sergeant who spent 15 minutes trying to save the life of a pensioner who collapsed with a heart attack in a Newport, Gwent, street have received awards.

And Mr David NOrman received certificates of commendation

Kenneth Leverson and David Norman were presented with certificates of commendation by St. John Ambulance in Wales by the chairman of Gwent County Council, Cllr Viv Etheridge, at a special ceremony at Cwmbran in May

It was not until days after their rescue bid in December that they found out that their mission was successful. 'The victim's son came into the police station and said it was his mother we had attended to,' said PC Leverson. 'I said "Sorry, we did our best." Her son said his mother was still alive and it was only then that we knew she had survived.

75-year-old Mrs Rachael Harris of Newport was shopping in the town just before Christmas when she had a heart attack.

Former police sergeant Norman, of Pontypool, saw her collapse and started giving her the kiss of life. PC Leverson heard a scream, ran to the scene and carried out

(Below) Mr Marchesi general manager

Llandrindod

(Right) Sir Monty Finniston, Chancellor of the University of Stirling, escorting the Duke of Gloucester into the MacRobert Centre past a guard of honour formed by the Denny cadets. (Above) The Prior, Viscount of Arbuthnott, introducing His Royal Highness to Mrs Marion Gordon, the wife of the chairman of the Musical Society, and to June, Marchioness of Aberdeen, the Society's Musical Adviser

News from Divisions/Centres

Lancashire

March 12 1985 was a very special day for Forton Nursing Cadet Division, Lanes. The Division was f-ormed in 1982 and held meetings in various places until they officially moved into their permanent headquartersat

Methodist School - on March

this year. Hence that special day. To celebrate the occasion the inspection, awards and enrolment ceremony were held on the same evening, before parents and friends.

Prizes and awards were presented by the Area Commissioner, Mr E. J. Whitthread and Area Nursing Supt Mrs Towne, and ASO(NC) Mrs Miller enrolled cadets. Cheryl Barton received her warrant as sergeant. Also present were the Division's President and the Nursing Officer. Unfortunately, the Divisional Surgeon was called out on an emergency.

The evening ended with tea and cakes. (Photo left). A very special day at Forton Nursing Cadet Division, Lancs , which was formed in 1982 (See Lancs report above.) AVON: Following the Shirehampton A & N Divi sion AGM, presentations were made by

MARK is an attractive , ener getic l1-year-old boy with dark brown eyes and hair. He has a ready, impish smile, and enjoys hugs. He ha s an e nquiring mind and can be an enjoyable companion. Mark likes to b e bus y; however, when frustrated or bored he is intoler a nt, angry and quite a handful.

He is a boy with plenty of energy who enjoys all sports and is a valued and talented member of the local football team. Mark is intere ste d in computers and likes all board games He is very ambitious and competitive but is now learning to accept the occasional defeat. Mark is se nsitive to beautiful things; he likes animals, the countryside and watching things grow. At school, Mark is of average ability; because of his need o achieve, he tries hard and works well.

Mark came into care at the age of three after an unsettled early life. In care he has experienced five different placements, including a foster home. Intermittent and unreliable contact with his moth e r has been a major factor contributing to his problems. However, for the last five years, he has been in a small children's home where he has been helped to overcome the insecurity and emotional damage caused b y hi s earlier li fe.

He now wants a permanent family w ho can provide him with love and under sta nding, companionship and security The parents will need to be mature, reliable, toleran t people who can share his interests and willing to cope with aU aspects of hi s behaviour and give him clear guidelines As he is a jealous boy, it is important that the family ha s no other dependent children. Mark has developed close relations hips , both in the children's home and the community where he lives, and will need a lot of help transferri ng to a new home.

If you feel you might be able to offer Mark a home, or would like more information please contact Andrew Cobley, Fostering Officer, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, 145 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 OQL. Tel: 01-603 2164.

FOSTERING

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REVIEW CROSSWORD No.7 (85) by A. A. Potter

Across: 1. Hissing sound heard on auscultation of the chest in bronchitis. (7). 5. Speech defect. (7). 9. Inability to v oid urin e (9). 10. Deadened the sound from many a poor duet. (7). 11. In a stressed state of mind. (5). 12. Principal waste product of protein metabolism.

Down:

1. S mall wound is no hand icap (7). 2 Instruction not to declare trunc heon. (5). 3. A clean arrangement to in c ise and drain an abscess (5). 4 Capture a cerebro-vascular accident. (7). 5. Sub-name for a shaft of so lar radiation. (7). 6 Fighting force in lumbar myalgia. (4).

7. More times for intestinal flatulence. (9). 8 Oxygen carrier of the blood (3.4). 14. Blood vesse ls (4). 16. Heat piece producing minute haemorrhages in the skin (9). 17 Underground in Bute. (4). 18. Sailor returning for a mamm a l. (3). 20 Part of ear and heart. (7). 22 Outermost foetal membrane. (7). 23. Ear ly s ign in otitis media. (7).

24. Medication given to buffer gastric secret ion s. (7). 27. Fruit in cheap form. (5). 28. Nothing extends part of the body in West Indian dance (5) 29. Positive sign. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No.6 (85)

Across: 1. Sick at h eart; 7. Fat; 9 Idler; 10 At· ar' a . ctic; 11. Go' ad; 12. Fir m; 13. Niec'e; 15. Eveni ng; 16 ACTH; 20. Peep; 22. Sta rchy; 25. Ileus; 27. Root; 29. Lien; 30. Apo llon ia; 31. Ta us; 32 . Mat; 33. Diaphoresis.

Down: 1. S hingl es; 2. Co ll age ·n; 3 Acre; 4. Hea ling ; 5 A naemia; 6. Train; 7. F i tter; 8 Ticked; 14. Ripe; 17 Tear; 18. A c h·ill·es; 19. Hypnosis; 21. Stomach; 22. Piranha; 23. Disarm; 24. Report; 26. S' a ' lad; 29. Stir.

168 (4). 13. Hard connective tiss u e. (4) 15. Abnormally low core temperature of the bod y (1). 19 Suffering disease. (3) 20. Diphtheria prophylactive appears to b e suitable. (3). 21. Presence of pathogenic micro-organisms in the blood (II ) 25. Applied to foodstuff ha v in g a high amount of fat. (4). 26 Embittered by an acidi c taste. (4) 27. Small-scale aviator. (5). 30. Common co ld (5) 31. Bloodless due to cutting off of the arteria l supply. (9). 32 Proteolytic ferment of the intestinal j u ice. (7) 33. Hit dome in bone of base of skull. (7).

Reduced price for BULK ORDERS

of the St John Review in the UK

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AND SEND YOUR BULK ORDER NOW TO:

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His uniform and First Aid Kit cost around £100.

He sometimes pays for them out of his own pocket

He helps the public with ailments ranging from mild headaches I to massive heart attacks. ; He's put through a tough course to start with.

He then has to pass a refresher course every year.

He and his friends spend 4 million hours a year on their feet in all weathers.

How much is he paid to do it!

Absolutely nothing.

He probably had to pay his own bus fare to get here today. Watch out for lunatics like this.

One day you may need him.

ST JOHN REVIEW

_,._. _.J'IaL , @ilfififi)

Pilcher-Greene has now added the wide bodied Freight Rover Sherpa 310 ambulance three yersions - welfare, and front hne -to Its range of conversions which already includes Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen and Bedford variants as well as four wheel drive ambulances on Land Rover One Ten and Range Rover chassis. Optional interiors are available to clients' specification.

Formed in 1925 to fulfil the increasing demand for emergency service vehicles, Pilcher-Greene pioneered the development of specialist mobiles. Today Pilcher-Greene continues this lead with the building and conversion of all types of vehicles from the smallest cross country ambulance or fire fighting appliance to the largest mobile operating theatre. Pilcher-Greene vehicles are designed for demanding situations throughout the world - in difficult terrains and varying climates.

Birthday Honours p.l 69

St John's Day p 170

The Lesson of Brussels p.172

Black Day for Football p.172

Guernsey p.174

Around and About by the Editor p.176

Cadet Chat by Jim p l 80

Tales of an Aeromedical Nurse by F W. Murkin p 182

Order Investiture , May 23 p 184

Why I joined p 185

St John Fellowship p 185

Readers' Views p.l 86

Greater Manchester p 187

News from Scotland - Wales - N.

News from Divisions / Centres p 190

New Division for Cornwall p 191

HONOURS 1985

THE FOLLOWING honours have been awarded to memb e r s o f t he Order of St John for public ser vices not necessarily connected wi th the Order

CBE

Dr A. J. Blowers. For services to the communit y in Surrey, includ ing his presidency of the Addlestone Ambulance and Nursing Di vision which led him to being made a Serving Brother earlier t hi s year He is about to join the Association as Assistant Director-Gen e ral. Mr D. Stephens, QC. Formerly Commander St John Ambulance , Northern Ireland_

OBE

Mrs V. G. Booth. Mrs Booth has served with dis t inction f or m a n y · years as our County Superintendent in Sou t h and West Yorkshire

Major R. C. Carr-Gomm. Representati ve Knight on Chap t er -General and former Assistant Director of Ceremonies. Founder of Abbeyfields Homes for the Elderly.

Dr J. H. H. Oliver, TD, DL. Commander St John Ambulan ce Hereford and Worcester, for his services to the county

MBE

Mr N. G. Crossley. County Commissioner, Lancashire , for his man y years of service to the community and St John

Mrs G. M. Earp-Haward. Divisional President Utto xeter Nursing Di vision, for her service to the community and St John

Mr R. J. Towers. For his services to St John and the communi t y in New Zealand.

BEM

Mrs F. C. A. Cox. Divisional Superintendent , Highwo rt h Quadrilateral Division, Wiltshire , for her services t o St John and the locally disabled and elderly.

Mr T. Jarratt. Ambulance Member, Wellington Ambulance and Nursing Division, Somerset , for his service t o St John and the local youth organisations.

CVO

The Lord Napier & Ettrick, MVO, DL. Former District President , London, for his services to the Royal Family.

AIM of this advertisement,

ST JOHN'S DAY

ILeft) The Lord Prior and Lady Dorman, preceded by the Sword of the Order and followed by the Lord Prior's Esquire with his personal Banner leave St Paul s Cathedral after the Annual Service of Commemoration and Rededication

IAbove) The S t John Ambulance parade arriving

The Lesson of Brussels

THE SHOCK and horror of the thirtyeight deaths in the Hysel Football Stadium disaster will remain in the minds and hearts of all British people for many years to come. We have to li ve with a collective shame whatever the explanations we seek about policing, segregation of fans, and inadequate crowd barriers.

But one explanation for the deaths should emerge. It seems, as this stage, to be fact that over forty minutes elapsed before effective medical aid arrived on the scene. Certainly there seemed to be no first aid at any time.

How often on public duties have we in the Brigade wondered why we were there, when 'nothing happened' - even on major duties, football matches, motor races,

public ceremonials, point-to-points, fun runs and marathons? The scale of casualties is then, happily, minimal. And rare is the need for the basics of first aid (expired air resuscitation and external cardiac massage).

The les son of the tragedy of Brussels seems to be that lives could and should have been saved by such first aid; and with the types of injuries which cause death even the recovery (coma) position certainly would have been effective. Some could also have been saved by the simple procedure for stove in chest, page 57 of the First Aid Manual.

We have to learn the lesson that basic first aid training can and does save lives. Never should we be bored when, yet again ,

Black Day for Football

SJA's Diane Buckle was attacked

SATURDAY May 11 was a black day for football in the UK. At Bradford stadium a fire killed over 50 people, and at Birmingham rioting fans caused the death of at least one 15-year-old supporter. Here are details of the day's events at the Birmingham v Leeds match, reprinted from SlA West Midlands magazine Link Up.

The day started at about 12.30 pm for St 10hn members from four divisions of the Birmingham and Sutton Area - Nelson Transport Combined Division, Queensway Combined Division, Yardley Quadrilateral Division, and Harborne and Winchester House Division.

Casualities started to arrive at our first aid centre from 13.30 onwards, with one of our two ambulances at the ground leaving for hospital at 13.40 with a casualty with a broken arm. Soon after the first ambulance returned, the second left with a casualty who had been pushed through a plate glass window and sustained a large wound to his forearm.

Ten minutes from the end of the first half, Birmingham scored and all hell was let loose by the Leeds' supporters, who started throwing coins and bricks at police and Sl personnel. Then fans started rioting, using advertising hoardings, refreshment bar doors, bricks, bottles and anything else they

172

could lay their hands on. An invasion of the pitch soon followed, with the police sustaining most of the injuries, including one officer slashed from ear to chin, and bleeding profusely, being rushed to hospital. Fans were also coming in with severe head injuries from thrown missiles.

All nursing personnel were withdrawn from the pitch and sent to assist with the overflowing first aid centre.

A disabled person was knocked to the ground and police horses were led away with cuts, one requiring 20 stitches, from thrown bricks and bottles. After 35 minutes and about 100 casualties later, order was restored by police in riot gear and the referee resumed the game. All went quiet with just a trickle of casualties now coming in for treatment from the violence.

During the battle of Birmingham so many casualties were transported to thr ee of the city's hospitals - Birmingham Accident, East Birmingham, and Birmingham General - that two more St 10hn ambulances were called in to help from other quieter duties around Birmingham and Solihull.

This meant that approximately 40 St 10hn personnel were now on duty, with three ambulances from Birmingham and Sutton Area, and "one from Solihull Transport Division, of Soli hull Area

our in structors say: 'Tonight we will practise resuscitation. Clear and maintain the airway; use expired air methods and cardiac massage when appropriate. Is he breathing? Is there circulation? Is he conscious?'

Bradford

The Review understands that much gallantry and initiative were shown by the members of the SlA Division who were on duty when the fire occurred at the Bradford football stadium. They were from the Eccleshill Combined Division, South and West Yorkshire. We hope to be able to publish a report of their action shortly And Birmingham

The Review is happy to be able to report that the young nursing member, Diane Buckle, who was kicked in the chest while attempting to rescue a boy crushed under a collapsed wall, has fully recovered (See report below.)

N L.P

The final whistle blew to signal the end of the match but the start of another battle Bricks, chairs, and anything else to hand, including a Furley stretcher abandoned by members who were stoned in the first half , were thrown at police lines

Hal f an hour later the police charged the c rowd sending fan s running f or cover. But in stead of co ver, so much pressure was put on a 12-foot high wall that it collapsed, trapping fans under the rubble Police and St 10hn alike fought to free the injured One 15-year-old boy was crushed under th e bri c ks , sustaining severe injuries which resulted in his death in hospital eight hour s later. A policeman received crushed legs , arms, chest and back injuries after jumping in front of two girl s when the wall fell

While looking after injured supporters a nursing member, Diane Buckle, was attacked b y a supporter and had to be taken to ho s pital, where she was kept over night with severe bruising to che s t, arm and hand

After the casualties had been cleared, a casualty figure was estimated, as there were so many injured it was impossible to get names and addresses. The total was 200 injured, St 10hn taking about 55 to hospital, while the Metropolitan Ambulance Service took about 20 more.

D I S Dave Belcher was in charge of the day's events so far as St 10hn was concerned. He and all members on duty that day did a fantastic job and we re praised by the police.

St 10hn lost a Brigade radio through vandalism, and an ambulance was stoned while on its way to hospital with casualties.

Corporal Paul Cook commented: 'I too was at the match, doing my bit. But on behalf of DIS Dave Belcher, I would like to thank Wes t Midlands Police for all their help , also Solihull Transport Combined Division for their assistance and the West Midlands Metropolitan Ambulance Service '

Saturday afternoon sport ·

GUERNSEY Competitions. . . like a holiday vveekend

REGIONAL COMPETITIONS are difficult enough to organise but when they are held on a lump of rock poking out of the sea close to France, and measuring only six miles by nine, they are even more difficult.

The problem was that 150 competitors were involved, with 22 judges, more than 30 actors, and 50 stewards and organisers, and a great many of these had to be imported on to the rock, which is usually known as Guernsey, for the one day's events.

To make it worthwhile, Guernsey members laid on the sort of hospitality for which they are well known: a welcoming party and buffet on the Friday evening , with enough food to feed a regiment; a beautifully sunny Channel Islands day so that some of the tests could be held outdoors; and a dinner and dance on the Saturday evening, with time to see a little of the island on Sunday before returning home. It always seems a pity that when everyone has enjoyed themselves one team has to be selected winner, but such is the nature of competitions. By the time the results were announced, the majority of people were complainng that they had lost pounds in weight due to the heat of the afternoon, and maybe that explains (partly) how the home team won both the ambulance and nursing sections For those who may start thinking that that smacks of favouritism, the judges of course came from all counties, and the cadet sections, ambulance and nursing, were won by teams from Sussex .

And a nevv flag brings out the crovvds

IT ALL DEPENDS on your point of view. Some might be interested because it was the first day on which the newest flag in the world was flown, and a British one at that! Some might be interested because it was the 40th anniversary of the liberation of British soil from German occupying forces. But for most people in Guernsey it was certainly a day to remember. And for St John - both the professional St John Ambulance & Rescue Service and the voluntary St John Am bulan ce - the programme looked well, full. This is how it read:

There was also a parade of decorated floats, a Parachute Regiment deathslide, a funfair, a 21-gun salute, a marching display, a reenactment of the original liberation ceremony, a 1940s-style hangar dance with the Beverley Sisters and big bands, a church service, a flying display by vintage aircraft, a street party ;- a road race All of which needed first aid cover, of course. And on the one day! Such was the atmosphere of the occasion that Guernsey's members coped with all the duties and managed to join in the festivities as we ll!

Neil R. Tucker, PRO

So on to the national finals go the Northern Nursing Division and Northern Ambulance Divisions from Guernsey, and the Ringmer Quadrilateral and Bognor Combined Cadet Divisions from Sussex And back home goes everyone else after an enjoyable, almost holidaylike weekend.

The voluntary members provided first aid cover for the crowds watching the cavalcade of vehicles and floats, for the re-enactment ceremony, the hangar dance, the disco , and just about everything else they could get to. In addition they entered a 30-feet long float of their own in the cavalcade, and provided a St John band to lead the large float class in the parade.

The Ambulance & Rescue service sent their ambulance launch Flying Christine II to look after the marine activities, and one of the Service's inshore rescue boats took part in the air-sea rescue display with a Sea King helicopter while providing rescue cover for the other waterborne events. The Service had an ambulance on the shore looking after the crowds, another following the visit of HRH the Duchess of Kent, and also had to send one to cover the helicopter landing site and the crowds watching the fireworks display in the evening. Yet they still managed to decorate the Flying Christine with coloured lights and flags so that she could take part in a parade of illuminated boats. Incidentally, the fireworks display was even more effective than planned when an arriving Sealink ferry joined in the carnival atmosphere by letting off

flares from its stern. Within minutes, scores of visiting craft were doing the same!

The day had started with the sounding of the 'All clear' sirens, and it finished with the last firework and final musical note. Visitors from the continent, UK, America and other countries had come to the small island especially for the event, and 15,000 people had a day to remember - singing, laughing, celebrating, drinking, dancing and enjoying every minute.

The only people up at the crack of dawn the following day seemed to be men of the Ambulance & Rescue Service going to work and a few diehards still making their way home.

What about the new flag? It's the new flag of Guernsey, officially approved by the Queen, who is, of course, Ie Duc du Normandie as far as we in Guernsey are concerned. It's the red cross of St George, representing England (the country we conquered in 1066 when we were part of Normandy!), with the gold cross of William of Normandy superimposed upon it. And the College of Arms has just announced that the gold cross is to be officially called the Guernsey Cross. So now you know!

Photos: Guernsey Press (Above

(Right) Casualties from sailing accident

Ambulance & Rescue Service's inshore rescue boat plucked the second casualty from the sea. Photo : Guernsey Press)

GueTnsey's St John Band escort the first of the St. John floats in the Liberation Day cavalcade (Photo : Guernsey Press)

Neil R. Tucker, PRO

The newly approved flag of the Bailiwick of Guernsey

HEADQUARTERS

New appointments at national HQ are Mr Michael Wainwright becomes Director of Services on the retirement of Mr 'Dick' Madeiey.

Brigadier R C. Middleton OBE becomes Chief Secretary on the retirement of Brigadier Peter Body Farewell - and welcome.

LOOKING AHEAD

3 Aug: Lowther Driving Trials, Penrith.

6-7 Aug: Isle of Wight HQ and London District Camp.

10 Aug: Wiltshire Cadets, Camp for Handi ca pped

18 Aug: Regional Cadet Camp, Weymouth, Dorset.

26 Aug: Bank Holiday, HQ closed.

29 Aug: Norfolk Cadet Camp, Holkham

MAGIC

At an East Cornwall motor cycle scramble at the end of May, two SJ A mem bers were called to give the kiss-of-life on two occasions - successfully saving the life of one of the riders but unable to revive a spectator who had collapsed in a second, and unrelated, incident.

Lucky-to-be-alive bike racer was 30-yearold David Howells from Liskeard who crashed while avoiding another rider and said afterwards, 'I am damned lucky St John Ambulance was there. If they hadn't been , I wouldn't be here now. They were magic.'

His life was saved by D I S Malcolm Bent, of Liskeard Division , who gave Mr Howells the kiss-of-li fe for between two and three minutes immediately after the crash.

Terry Penharwood , also of Liskeard Division, who assisted Malcolm said: 'Mr Howells is an extremely lucky man. Fortunately we were on the spot, otherwise he could certainly have died.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

BY THE EDITOR

In a second incident later in the day, an emergency call was answered by the Launceston ambulance crew when a spectator collapsed and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was given by John Conway and Dave Townsend, together with Area Staff Officer Michael Kemp, but unfortunately the team were unsuccessful, in spite of all possible effort.

These two events created a great deal of local and national publicity, particularly in the national motor cycle magazines, and credit is due to both the training and standards of both these East Cornwall Divisions and the members concerned. Excellent.

CADETS SAY FAREWELL

After the Presidents and Vice Presidents meeting in Gloucestershire during May, the Chief President, Mrs Harold Phill ips, received an engraved cutglass goblet as a momento of her visit from the County Commander, Major Nick Warry. (Photo: Cheltenham Newspaper Co.)

The accident happened during practice at one of the most difficult parts of the circuit known as the ski-jump. Mr Howells arrived at the jump to find another rider had fallen immediately in front of him and in an effort to avoid him he cut his throttle in mid-air landing on the front wheel and hitting ground head first with tremendous force.

Terry Penharwood, 34, and Malcolm Bent were in the r'ight place because of training and experience.

Said Terry: 'We were walking round the course to pinpoint the high risk area s for the event and without question the ski-jump was

FAMILY AFFAIR

ca using the most problems. Fortunately Mr Howells crashed right in front of us and we were able to attend to him immediately He was unconscious and had stopped breathing. I took off his crash helmet while Malcolm gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for two to three minutes until he started breathing again. We still had a pulse, so there was no need for cardiac massage.'

An SJA ambu lan ce took the rider to the main road where he was transferre d to a county ambulance and taken to Liskeard Hospital before going on to the Plymouth's Free dom Fields Hospital for X-ray.

St John cadets formed the last group of people to be presented with awards by the retiring Queen's representative in Guernsey, writes Neil Tucker, PRO Guernsey.

The Lieutenant-Governor of the island, Air Chief Marshall Sir Peter Ie Cheminant, is President 0 the Council of St John, and has served as Her Majesty's representative in Guernsey for the last five years. His last official presentation before leaving the island was that of Grand Prior awards to 12 nursing cadets.

Sir Peter commented that the last five years had been extremely successful for the St John organisation on the island, and the St John cadets represented the best of the youth of today. It was only a small minority of youth who obtained bad publicity, he went on, and St John in Guernsey performed an excellent job in directing the energies of youth into a worthwhile and meaningful pursuit.

TAKE 12 GIRLS

Twelve girls each with twelve proficiency cert ificat

At his official presentation before retiring as the Queen's representative in Guernsey , the island 's Lt - Governor presents Grand Prior s to twelve Nursing Cadets. Also in the picture is the Bailiff of Guernsey , who is President of St John in the island (Photo: Guernsey Press)

The Deputy Commissioner - in - Chief, Gerald Easton inspecting the 900 members from all over Staffordshire who were on parade for the Order Service at Lichfield Cathedral on June 2 The parade, for which there was a fine day, was led by the SJA Wilnecote Band

HQ Staff Officer Harry L ake, an instructor and examiner with 48 years service (he is also deputy public duty officer, London Distri ct), presented certificates to staff of The Care Trust, Tower Hamlets, a 24-hour electronic surveillance system for the elderly and infirm Th e instructor with Harry is D S Miss

SJA

Cornwall's DI S Malcolm Bent (left) and Terry Penharwood, of Liskeard Division, had a busy time at a motorcycle race meeting when one of two attempts to save a life succeeded. (See story SJA MAGIC)

(Right) Richard Burrows chairman of the organising committee of

IN THE FOOTSTEPS

The Order of St John is organising a tour in 1986 to the islands of Rhodes and Kos with a visit to Bodrum on the Turkish coast.

The tour will be from July 29 to August 12, 1986 and while in Rhodes will visit Rhodes town (including the Street of the Knights, the English Tower, the Grand Master's Palace, the Old Hospital of the Knights and the Ramparts), the Hot Springs at Kallithea and the Valley of the Butterflies, Lindos, Feraklos and Monolithos. While in Kos the tour will visit the Crusader Castle and take a day trip to Bodrum on the Turkish coast to visit the Castle of St Peter and the English Tower.

This tour is available to all members of the Order and St John Ambulance, and full details may be obtained from the Secretary

100 YEARS

OLD TODAY

WELL DONE GIRLS!

of the Order, St John's Gate, Clerkenwell, London, EC1 M 4DA (Telephone 81-253-6644).

CHELTENHAM HONOURS.

In appreciation of his 49 years of service to the public as a member of SJA, Area

Commissioner John Laurence Wilkinson, of Cheltenham and North Cotswold Area, has received Cheltenham's highest award - the Ch€ltenham Medal of Honour, (Photo below).

Mr Wilkinson, who joined the Brigade in 1935 and progressed through the ranks to be appointed Area Commissioner in August 1976, received his bar for 50 years efficient service in the Brigade last May. Congratulations, John.

NURSING BURSARIES

The 1985 bursaries for SJA members are: Smith and Nephew Award - £500 - for professional nurses serving in the Brigade.

National Federation of I8-Plus Groups Professional Award - £250 - for professional nurses (registered or enrolled) serving in the Brigade.

National Federation of I8-Plus Groups (for other than professional nurses) - £250 - for other adult Brigade officers or

Civil Defence Courses

County/District Headquarters have been advised of forthcoming vacancies at the Civil Defence College, Easingwold, North Yorkshire, as follows:

a. Course 86/2: Jan 6-10 86 (General Course) Aim: To fit officers to assist in the development and execution of civil deFence plans. (1 vacancy for a senior Staff Officer).

b. Course 68/4: Jan 20-24 86 (National Health Service Officers' Course). Aim: To help prepare officers to discharge their responsibilities for the planning and operation of the wartime health service. (2 vacancies for Surgeons).

c. Course 86/13: Mar 24-27 86 (Joint St John Ambulance/British Red Cross Society Course). Aim: To give members an understanding of civil defence and their contribution to it. (30 vacancies for a ll appointments down to Divisional Superintendent)

Nominations are to be made as soon as possible through the usual channels.

Allocation of places on these courses will be made by Brigade HQ from Lists submitted by County/District HQs.

members, male or female, who hold a valid nursing certificate.

The bursaries are to enable winners to study a subject of their choice to broaden their experience. The money awarded is to be spent on the project. It is hoped that this

Area Commissioner John Wilkinson receives the Cheltenham Medal of Honour from the Mayor Cllr Peter Pennell, Serving Brother of the Order (Photo: Cheltenham Echo)

will directly or indirectly benefit the Division, Area or County.

Application forms for the bursaries are available from National HQ. Each applicant will receive with the form suggested topics for a short essay which should be submitted to The Chief Nursing Officer, St John Ambulance HQ, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1X 7EF, envelopes marked 'Nursing Bursary' in the top le ft-hand corner. Closing date for applications is December 31 1985.

We regret there was an error in the answers to Do you know your Manuals? number 4, July Review. The answer to question 10 should have been Hypoglycaemia, not Hypoglycalmid, as published.

SJA Music Makers WHAT WENT WRONG AT

THE ANNUAL St John's Day parade to St Paul's Cathedral featured bands from Wadebridge, Cornwall, and the Southwark Corps of Drums, from London, who replaced the Northants band which had to pull out at short notice, Both bands put on excellent performances before and after the service.

The SJA Band Federation can claim that the presence of the Wadebridge Band is a success for both the organisation and the annual inspection procedure. In 1983 this band did not really want to know about the Federation, as they felt very iso lated from the rest of the country and that the Federation could do little for them. But they were persuaded by the chairman to allow him to visit them and carry out an inspection. He was so impressed by their standards and potential that he said they could well soon be considered for a booking at St Paul's. After the inspection, they themselves were convinced that the Federation was a valuable asset after all and remained members Vicechairman Brenda Knight inspected the band in 1984 and reported a continued improvement and that they were ready for consideration for a national event. After a national committee meeting the chairman was asked by Mr Easton to invite the band to London in 1985.

Wadebridge Supt Ken Rillstone at first wouldn't believe this wasn't a le g pull, bu t eventually, after consulting Bandmaster Derek Hooper, the invitation was happily accepted. With encouragement and support from county, town, friends and members Wadebridge SJA Band was on its way to a

date in London that I hope they will remember for a long time. They were able to make a weekend of it, thanks to help with accommodation from Slough Division.

Is your band a mem ber of the Federation?

If not, then why not? For this could well have been the story of your band.

New drill manuals a waste of time?

Unfortunately, as with most St John parades, the organisation of this year's annual St John's Day parade was chaos Has anyone read the new Brigade Drill Manuals (basic and ceremonial)?

The orders for the day stated that fall-in was at 12.40 and the parade would march off at 1pm. In fact the parade fell-in at 12.55pm, fell-out at 1.1Opm, fell-in again at 1.20pm, and moved off at 1.25pm. The reason for this order / counter-order was that an order had been received from someone at St Paul's saying that the parade was not to arrive until 1.30pm. Where then was the liaison before the day? The fall-in itself at Smithfield Market reminded me of Sgt Wilson and his men of 'Dad's Army'. There were no specific words of command, just 'Will you fall in, pleas e.' I s uggest that before next year's parade someone studies the drill manuals and briefs everyone concerned prior to the day, including officers and markers, etc It was left to two staff officers, one from Surr.ey, the other Northants, and myself to decide who was to march off the cadet conti ngent. I under stand the parade is under the control of London District. My own Corps prides itself on smart drill and turnout, and being in London District our services are offered should they be n eeded. If St John

Ambulance is to parade as an organisation , then it should be done properly or not at all.

Overheard in St Paul's 'I'm sorry we can't put anything in the collection, as we don't have any pockets in our specially -m ade uniform. Now we know the reason' for the design. I thought it might be to avoid bulges.

Welcome!

The Federation welcomes the Sittingbourne and Milton SJA Cadet Band, Kent, as a new member. It has been formed over the last year by Bandmaster Alan Baker, whose experience includes three years on euphonium and tenor horn with t he RAF Central Band, Sittingbourne's ATC Band, visiting keyboard teacher with the Kent Education Authority, and playing dance music on clarinet and saxophone. Sittingbourne's Supt Cyril Willer is exSheerness (now Isle of Sheppey) , so he's no stranger to the trials and tribulations of Brigade bands.

Sittingbourne and Milton band has been inspected by the chairman, who reports much enthusiasm. We shall watch their progress with interest Meanwhile it was nice to see Maurice Taylor, Sheppey's bandmaster, and some of the mem bers giving help and encouragement (and also probably sizing up the opposition).

Busy Chairman

Our chairman, Roly Gillam, reports a very busy ten days in early June when he covered nearly 1,000 miles visiting and inspecting bands in the Southern Area.

D J Minney

Fourteen members of 386 Southall/Norwood Division, London, walked the 10 miles from Denham to their

HERE'S

A tricky little puzzle to try at your next meeting. Come to think of it, it might keep many a leader quiet for half an hour or so too! The solution will be given next month.

The answer to the puzzle is composed of six letters which, when rearranged, form six totally different words. Can you find them?

We're worn by priests of his estate -

The letters change and then we state -

That clockwork functions we achieve -

Then change again and y ou'll perceive -

That now a fighter I 'v e become -

Another change (we're not yet done)

Some penalties I might mitigate -

T hen one more change, and happier fate

I speak of good deeds one has done -

Last change of all, my race is run,

For titles proud in vain you'll scan

I m just an ordinary man.

Good Health

Each cadet has a counter which is placed on the middle rung of a ladder drawn on a piece of card.

The cadets take turns to take a card from a pile made by the leader. On each card there is either something good or bad you can do for your health and a number one to three

Having read the card, the group have to decide whether it is a good or bad thing to do. The cadet then moves the counter up for good or down for bad for the number of rungs which is written on the card. Cards might include the following:

Brush teeth at nigh t

Change

Sniff

Eat

The winner is the cadet who reaches the top of the ladder first - but of course the discussion about good health is the most important thing.

Cadets

Teeth are of many different kinds. Some are for catching and tearing, like the sharp front teeth of a dog or cat. Others are for spearing, like the long teeth of an elephant which are called tusks and are the longest teeth in the world Other kinds of teeth are for poisoning and have a channel running through them which contains venom or poison. These belong to the poisonous snakes. 180

Ask your cadets to find what the difference is between a cow's teeth and a tiger's teeth, and why this is so. Taking teeth as a theme for an evening, the following programme is just something to get youstarted.

During the previous week ask the cadets to bring their own toothbrush, toothpaste and hand mirror.

Game - Our mouth

Use the compass points for the position of the teeth;

Incisors - all run to the north

Tonsils - all run to the south

Canines - all run to the north-east or north-west

Molars - all run to the west or east

Wisdom - all run to south-west or south-east

Fillings - all curl up on the floor

Tongue - all stretch out flat on the floor

Circle Game

Cadets stand in a circle representing teeth.

One cadet (the germ) stands inside the circle and another cadet (the toothbrush) is outside the circle. The toothbrush chases the germ, and the teeth try to prevent the brush from reaching the germ If the toothbrush breaks through, the teeth quickly allow the germ out and so on

Relay Game - The upper jaw

Equipment per team of six: one upper jaw made of coloured card and a set of teeth made of white card.

A leader first shows the cadets how to place the teeth in the correct positions. The upper jaw and the set of teeth are jumbled up and placed at the top of the room in front of each team. Cadets run up, one at a time, to place one tooth in position until the set is complete.

Health visitor

Perhaps he or she would give a short talk using visual aids and maybe give a demonstration of the correct way to clean teeth using a toothbrush and a set of false teeth!

Activity

Cadets are given a disclosing tablet to chew which shows up the plaque and are then sent to clean their teeth. The dentist could then examine their teeth.

After each team has added up its points

RACHEL WINS

First prize in Cadet Chat 's Spring Challenge (for work in the community, you may remember) goes to Cadet Rachel Attwell. of Cheltenham No. 1 Cadet Division, for her work with the mentally handicapped at the Cheltenham Adult Training Centre She has been very involved with helping trainees to master · self-help skills, such as cooking in this photo A prize value £25 is on its way to her Well done, Rachell

ANY TAKERS?

Dear Jim

Ringmer Quadrilateral Division, Sussex, will represent the ambulance cadet sectio n of Kent / Surrey / Sussex and the Channel Islands in the 1985 Brigade Finals

The No.4 in the team is aged 11 years and 6 months, which s urely must be the youngest competitor ever to have reached the finals in SJ A competitions? It would certainly be interesting to know if there has ever been a younger finals competitor. I hope that through your Review column we may find out.

Ringmer Quad Division

Carole O'Donoghue D / O

and taken away any it has lost, why not ask your visitor to present the winning team with a small tube of toothpaste each?

Resource material:

Write to the General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, London, WIM 8DQ, who supply models on free loan. Also available are single copies of posters, booklets and leaflets which are supplied free. For sa le are animal posters, flannelgraphs, filmstrips, models of teeth and so on. Always enclose a stamped addressed envelope or an addressed and stamped sticky label with your request for materials.

Ice hockey

A team is seated on either side of the hall and numbered off. A larger than average ice cube is placed in the centre of the room along with two rolled up newspapers A leader calls a number and the two cadets with that number must rush forward, grab a newspaper and attempt to propel the ice 'puck' through the legs of their team's chair (the two chairs must be placed at opposite ends of the haU).

Bicycle checklist

This year many of Britain's young cyclists will have safer bikes - and their parents will know how to keep them that way! The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is providing a new publication for local authorities organising the National Cycling Proficiency Scheme -a free bicycle

checklist. It also provides a boo st for RoSPA's latest scheme for cycl ists, the National Bike C lub

Already all of the 300,000 children who take part in the National Cycling Proficiency Scheme every year have their bicycles checked for safety befo re taking t he test.

RoSPA's new lea ne t is aimed at helping road safety officers, police, teachers and other helpers check all the bicycl es s imply and effectively, and to explain to parents how they can correct any dangerous faults and keep the cycle fit for the ro ad in future.

The checklist s only available t hrou gh safety schemes and covers a ll the major faults to look for on a basic examination. There are 28 points in all a nd the child is given a list of the faults to take home to his parents plus a cycle maintenance guide.

The leaflet is sponsored by the National Dairy Council, who are invol ved already in cy cling through the Milk Race. It conta in s an application form for the National Bike Club, which is a new organisation set up by RoSPA It provides advice, third party insurance and legal a id to cyclists and is backe d by the Cyclist'S Touring C lub.

Parent s will find that j oining the National Bike Club is a wise step for the young cyclist who ha s taken a cycling course and is ready to sta rt using the bicycle as a se rious means of transport.

National Bike Club membership is £6 for those under sixteen and £8 for ix tee n-yearolds and over. Family membership is £20. Applications s hould be sent to the National Bike Club, PO Box 41 Sutton Coldfield,

West Midlands, B73 5UX.

Food for thought

Did you know that cows eat more food than they produce? Or that over ten million people in Great Britain do not have anything to eat in the morning?

Reports have it that children's performance at school is greatly impaired by them not having any breakfast, as they are effectively fasting for approximately 18 hours . With this in mind, Kelloggs, the breakfast cereal manufacturers, have produced a very colourful booklet ca lled 'The Grains are great foods'. This 32-page illustrated booklet describes the history of grain harvesting and production and covers the importance of having a weB-balanced, nutritional diet.

Copies of the book, along with details of the range of other literature produced by the company, are available, free of charge, from the Consumer Service Department, Kellogg Company of Great Britain Limited, Park Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 8RA.

The Kestrel Awards

Win 50 voles and you will receive a special Kestrel Awards certificate and possibly a mention on the BBC's Wildtrack television programme!

But how does one possibly go about winning voles?

Simple, as voles are part of the points system for a new conservation project which has been launched by the Young Ornithologists Club, the junior section of the

(Left) The new centre at Grassington, N Yorks. (Right) County President, the Marchioness of Zetland officially opens the Centre, with (L to R) he Commissioner, Mr Ted Broughton , Div Supt Steven Burke, and County Commander, Lt Col J H. Mar c hant - Smith

A NEW SJA outdoor activities centre, the Grassington Field Training Centre, North Yorkshire, was officially opened on May 12 by the Marchiones s of Zetland in the absence, due to illness, of the Marquis of Normanby.

The County Commiss ion er, Ted Broughton explained that the training centre was owned by the Brigade and becam e available when t he local ambulance and nursing ca det divisions were dissolved in 1975. He stressed the need for an outdoor activities centre in North Yorks and said the site was ideal in term s of access to countryside in which suc.11 activ ities could nourish. So it had been decided to adapt the building as a centre for adventure sports, but due to planning delays the sc heme was only now coming to fruition.

RSPB. These points are gained by organising and taking part in a selection of conservation projects which have been set by the competition organisers. The participants must gain 50 voles before they can obtain their certificate and each project carries a certain number of points. For example, if you choose to organise a poster competition in your Division on the theme 'save our wildlife' you will gain ten voles, and by adopting a local area of derelict land and improving it for the wildlife and other animals you will be able to earn your Division 15 voles. This scheme would certainly give you something to work for if you are considering undertaking a conservation project with your cadets and the colourful poster and leaflets which back up the Kestrel Awards will give you many u seful hints and ideas.

Full details are available from The Kestrel Awards, T he Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire , SG19 2DL. Please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope with your request.

Contributions

Contributions and entries to competitions in this column should be sent to Jim, 3 Brandreth Road, London, E6 4QB. If you have any ideas about games, training activities or events which your cadets have taken part in and enjoyed, please write because I am always in need of material to include in the column. Cadet Chat badges are sent to all those who contribute to the column.

Adventure Centre opens

After spending an initial £4,000 on central heating, fire proofing ceilings and a new electrical circuit, stage two involved £7 ,000 for making a car park, ceilings for dormitory and training rooms, and kitchen equipment. Although £11,000 had been spent, much work remained to be done. A group of 20 senior cadets and yo ung ambulance and nursing members had then taken over. They tackled partitioning the dormitory area, plastering, electrical repairs, and building and painting. A fine showerroom had a lso

been installed. Stephen Burke, of Selby, was the leader of this enthusiastic group. The building is now ready to accommodate 18 people, ideally of the same sex. If successful, the centre would be extended to accommodate mixed parties

The area is ideal for fell walking, pot holing and orienteering and guide lines are being prepared for courses. Many of the county's senior cadets have attended leadership courses and have ga ined certificates in the above subjects as well as abseiling. The centre will be made ava i lable to other youth organisations when not needed by SJA Weekly rates at present are £10 a person for parties of eight (minimum).

Details can be obtained from the County Secretary, St John Ambulance HQ, 46 Topcliffe Road, Thirsk Y07 lRB.

I NEVER did get my flight on Concorde but I had two more trips to America, each showing me a different aspect of the American way of life.

The first was to Florida, to bring back a buyer for a South London fruiterers, who had been involved in a road accident and sustained a fractured leg and head injuries.

I arrived in Miami at 3 am, so booked into the airport hotel for a few hours' rest before resuming my journey by Greyhound coach to the town of Hollywood. The coach took me right to the hospital and I made my way to the admissions office and to my amazement was immediately presented with a large bill for the patient's board and treatment.

I pointed out that was in no position to pay this and asked the hospital administrator to contact the British Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. After a lengthy telephone conversation the Consulate agreed to settle the account and was taken to see my patient.

He was rather confused and restless, due to his head injury, and I arranged for him to be sedated and ready for me at 4 pm the next afternoon I enquired at the porter's lodge where I could find accommodation for the night and was directed to the Howard Johnson Motel, 'just down the road'. This proved to be somewhat of an understatement, as it was a good four miles' walk, and as was dressed in my heavy uniform and carrying all my kit, arrived very hot and tired and was glad to have a bath and go straight to bed.

Set out to explore

I awoke refreshed in the morning and set out to explore. The area was very different from New York, with only a few tall buildings, such as the bank and the town hall. All the residential areas comprised newlooking bungalows, well spaced out, with grass frontages. There was plenty of fastflowing traffic travelling along the dual carriageway, but the town seemed very clean and airy, and I found my way to the coast and enjoyed the wide, sandy beaches for a while. I can understand why retired people flock there - with its mild weather all the year round, it must be an ideal spot for retirement. On my way back to the hospital I walked through the covered market, with its variety of fruit and vegetable stalls, and noticed the shopkeepers putting up their decorations for Thanksgiving Day, which was in a few days' time.

r was back at the hospital with plenty of time to spare, so had a cup of tea with my patient while we waited for the ambulance. There were no problems over fees this time, and the two paramedics with the ambulance were very efficient - no sirens screaming this time either. One of them was a girl who had trained as a State Enrolled Nurse in South London and then gone out to the States and obtained a paramedical certificate. It certainly seemed a more glamorous profession than nursing and we had a very interesting talk on the way to the airport. I had no problems on the flight back to Heathrow and was soon home, presenting

PART 11: Atlantic Crossings

my wife with a bottle of orange blossom perfume as a memento of my trip to Florida.

My next trip was to the other side of America, to San Francisco, and I was quite excited at the thought of meeting a real live film director for the first time. Mr Hookey had spent most of his life making films but now, aged 85, he had decided to sell up and come to live with his married daughter in England He had booked his passage on Pan Am Airways, first class, but because he had a heart condition and spondylitis, he required a medical escort. So the day before my flight to the West Coast r was in London, armed with a note from Aeromed HQ, spending a whole morning obtaining a new visa from the American Embassy, prior to the lO-hour flight direct to San Francisco. It was dark when we arrived and, as I travelled by taxi to Mr Hookey's apartment on Mason Street

I could see all the lights of the city shining on to the bay and the famous Golden Gate bridge lit up with thousands of lights - a never-forgotten sight. The taxi deposited me outside an imposing three-storey house with steps leading up to an ornate portico, and the door was opened by a butler who showed me in to a large hall. Here I was greeted by Mr Hookey's daughter, who had flown out from England to travel back with her father. She took me upstairs to introduce me to him

and I was quite unprepared for t he scene of pandemonium which met my eyes. There sat this frail, little old man in a wheelchair , barking orders left , right and centre to a bevy of servants, who were in the throes of packing everything, read y to leave t he house. The daughter s howed me to my own apartment on the other side of the house but asked if I would do her a favour. She wanted to go out for a farewell dinner with friends, and wondered if I would help her father finish his packing Of course I said I would, so after a wash and brush-up, savouri ng the pleasure of having an apartment to mysel f, returned to the f ray.

Chaos

There was still chaos everywhere, with boxes and bags being packed and unpacked while Mr Hookey t ried to decide what h e wanted to take to England and what was to be sold after his departure He may have looked frail but he had tremendous stamina and kept up a non-stop flow of directions until, by the end of the evening, he was still going strong, while the rest of us were exhausted. He kept telling people to take a keepsake for themselves and included me in his generosity - 'Go on, help yourself to anything you fancy - it's all got to go .' r looked round the room with its antique

furniture and priceless porcelain How co uld possibly ask for any of that? Then I saw draped over a chair a little belt or sash, made up of hundreds of tiny bead s woven into an intricate pattern It looked like Indian work, although probably of no intrinsic va lue , so pointed at that. 'Take it , my boy! I don't know where it came from or what it is,' he said, so I slipped it into my pocket and forgot all about it until I arrived back in England. In the end we filled nine lar ge trunks with the things he wanted to take with him and at midnight sat down to a belated meal.

The next morning Mr Hookey's dau g hter, pleased to see everything packed ready for the journey, offered to take me out to lunch and show me the sights of San Francisco. It was like being on a film set, with the street cars clattering up and down, and glimpses of Chinatown - and in the distance the wonderful bay with its famous Golden Gate bridge. All too soon it was time to return to Mason Street and prepare for the journey.

I travelled with Mr Hookey and his daughter by ambulance, and the nine trunks followed in two taxis As we left I realised how wellknown my patient was in San Francisco, for not only did all the neighbou rs come out to wish him a safe journey, but scores of passers-by stopped to point and wave, and called 'Good Luck!' At the airport Mr Hookey's solicitor met us and dealt with the luggage which would be travelling separately.

My main concern was to point out to the customs officials that my patien t was fitted with a heart pace-maker, which could be affected by X-ray apparatus When we took our places in the first class compartment of the plane we discovered that this was a special flight celebrating the 50th anniversary

of he first flight by Pan Am Airways. Each passenger received a special certificate, all the stewa rdesses appeared in the various uniforms worn throu ghout the years, and there was a splendid iced cake and drinks on the house. A good time was had by all and, as I stood and watched the SJA ambulance pull away f rom Heathrow on the last lap of my patient's journey to St Albans, I pu t my hand into my pocket and felt my Indian beads: I would keep them always to remind me of such an enjoyable trip.

Montreal to Scotland

My la st flight across the Atlantic was to Montreal, where I had been before making the acquaintance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This time I had to go to the Jewish Hospital to collect an elderly stroke pa t ient and take him home to Scotland. It was wet and cold and blowing a gale when I arrived at Mirabel Airport. The airport bus took me to the ci ty centre, where I had to make enquiries to find another bus to take me to the Jewish Hospital - a modern tenstorey building in the south west area of Montreal. I found my patient on the eighth floor, with his daughter sitting by his bed. Apparently he had been living with her for two years but now that he had had this stroke he was returning to his horne in Glasgow where the rest of the family lived.

The hospital authorities assured me that a ll the preparations were in hand and all I need do was report back to the hospital next day at 3 pm. Accommodation had been arranged for me at a hotel in the centre of town and I was given a pass which would enable me to travel free on any of the taxis

run by a certain company. used this to return to the centre of Montreal and enjoyed the luxury of a night in a first class hotel.

The next morning there was time to wander around Montreal, which I remembered from my last visit, and this time explored the waterfront area. Then I used my taxi pas s to return to the hospital, where my patient had been prepared for the journey. He had been semi-comatose when had see n him the night before and there was no change in his condition, so he did not need any sedation. The only problem was that the ambulance was late in arriving and we had trouble getting through the rush hour traffic to the airport, so once again the sirens had to be put into use and we got there just in time.

As on arrival in Canada, rain was falling in torrents as we took off and followed t he course of the Hudson Ri ver to the Atlantic. The flight was uneventful and after a wait i n the medical centre at Heathrow we caught the shuttle service to Glasgow. The patient's relative s were waiting and I helped load him into an ambulance of St Andrew Ambulance Association, then turned to retrace my steps to the plane. But at that moment I heard someone shout my name and there, hurrying towards me was an old wartime pal of mine with his wife. I let the plane go without me and they dragged me off to the airport restaurant f or lunch. We had so many reminiscences to talk over that I let two or three more planes go b y, but at last I had to say goodbye and hurr y aboard, thinking as I flew from G lasgow what a contrast it was on this little plane to the flight on the Jumbo jet across the Atlantic.

(Above) Stunning San Francisco. And (right) the breathta k ing Golden Gate bridge

ORDER

I NVESTITU RE

by the Lord Prior, London, May 23

Mrs Kathleen .A:bbotson-Hill, of Epsom, Surrey divisional superintendent of Epsom and Ewell Nursing Division with 38 years SJ service (37 of them on duty at Chessington Zool. is congratulated by the Lord Prior Sir Maurice Dorman, on becoming an Officer of the Order

COMMANDER

Sir Douglas Andrew Kilgore Black, Kt, MD, FRCGP,DL (Berks)

Gordon I an Cameron, MBE, TD, MB, ChB, FRCGP, DL (North Humberside)

Anthony Miles Denny (Bucks)

James Forrester (Cheshire)

Cl fford Halsall (Clwyd)

Air Commodore Rhys Tudor Brackley Jon es, FRCS, LRCP (Bucks)

John Henry Lewis, 08E, MA, JP (Birmingham)

Professor Anthony Roger Mellows (London)

Audrey Mrs Myerscough , SRN (W Midlands)

Ruth Emi y, Mrs Parks, MBE (Hants)

Phj([ip John Player (Herts)

Surgeon Captain Frank Samuel Preston, VRD, MB, ChB (Bucks)

Dennis Gordon Smith (W. Midlands)

William Douglas Taylor, MB, ChB (Jersey)

OFFICER

Kathleen Violet, Mrs Abbotson-Hill (Surrey)

Dr Donald Adamson (Kent)

Richard Mark Walter Agnew (Dorset)

Roy Cunnington, of Beeston, Notts, divisional superintendent of Stapleford and Sandiacre Ambulance Division with 32 years SJ service becomes an Officer. Mr Cunnington has been on two Rome duties

Valerie Isob e Christopher, Miss Amor (Avo n)

Thomas Andrew s (Cumbria)

Bernard Joseph Appelbee (Hereford)

John Appleton (Hens)

Eldred James Boothb y, QPM (Co. Durham)

William Peter Bradshaw (Oxon)

Edward Burt onwoo d (Cheshire)

Reginald William Bush (Dorset)

Rosemary Ja yne , Mrs Cadb ur y (Worcs)

Walter John Carden (Kent)

Keith Alfred Cokayne (Derby)

Brian Edga r Collis (Isle of Wight)

William Alexander Dunlop Combe (Bucks)

Pauline Alice Lee, Mrs Coxwell (Devon)

Joan Mabel , Mr s Creasey (Hen s)

Roy Cunnington (NOllS)

Colonel William Da vison, TO, QHP , MB, FRCP (Cambridge)

Revd Matthew Lewis Dickinson, SRN (Le icester)

Walter Allen Edwards (Worcs)

Arthur Donald, of Theydon Bois Essex, a one-star nurse (at St Margarets Hospital , Epping) and Air Attendant, and a founder member of his division, becomes a Serving Brother

Kathleen Mary, Mrs Gartell (E. Yorks)

Walter Greene Linc s)

William Leonard Ha f fenden (Ox on)

Colonel David William Hargreave s (Somerset)

Daisy Minnie Mrs H ead (Berks)

Margar e Hilda, Mrs Hicks, SRN, SCM (Warwicks)

Muriel Irene, Mrs Holdham (Lincs)

Robert James Ingham Clark (London W II)

John Michael Jacques (London SWII)

Robert Brian Johnson, QPM (Lancs)

Group Captain Norman David Lavender, BDS LDSRCS (Bucks)

Anthony Clifford Widdrington Lee (London SW 13)

Major-General Brian Livesey, QHS, MB, ChB, FRCS, DLO (London SW I )

Christopher David Lund MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP (Herts)

Charles C li f ford Packman (Hants)

Colin Pegley (Bucks)

Edna Hannah, Miss Podmore SRN, SCM, HV (Staffs)

George Percy Potter (Cleveland)

Douglas Moore, of Brighton, an Association member for 29 years with the Electricity Supply Centre and a competition judge, becomes a Serving Brother

Cy ril John Priest (W. Midlands)

George Henry McPhee Ralston (North ants)

Christ ine Ann, Mrs Randall (Somerset)

Pamela Amy, Mr s Ridgeway (Middx)

Kenneth Anhur Rowe (Nons)

Lucy Joan, Mrs Scott (Surrey)

Dorothy, Mrs Seaman (Cleveland)

Robert William Simpson (Norfolk)

Alben Edward Smith (Devon)

Michael Edmund Snow (London SW I)

Rosslyn Joyce, Miss Slenning (Sussex)

Margaret Hamilton Craig (Jersey)

Dennis Edward Thomas (W. Midlands)

Brian Aird McCleery Thompson, BA, MB , BcH, BAO (Kent)

Granville Richard F ranci s Tompkins (London SWl)

Major W. G. S. Tozer (Surrey)

Lieu t.-Co lonel, Alan John Warsap MA, BM BCh, FRCGP (Hants)

Brian Anhur Watts (Leicester)

Alec Ernest Webb (Avon)

David Anthony Thomas Face, The Earl of Westmorland, KCVO (London SWI)

David Wickins (Surrey)

Ro y Wilton MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP (Suffolk)

SERVING BROTHER or SISTER

Dorothy J ean, Mrs Abbott (Greater Manchester) WHY I JOINED.

Edwin Lee, of Basingstoke who is divisional officer of the town's ambulance division with 22 years service, becomes a Serving Brother. In 1976 Mr Lee made a 50-mile sponsored walk from St John's Gate to Basingstoke to raise funds for a new ambulance

Arthur Thomas Angel (Cheshire)

Kenneth Armfield (Lancs)

Hazel, Miss Ashton (Avon)

Terence William Beattie (Merseyside)

Cyril Joseph Ernest Bourne (North Devon)

Margaret Gwendoline, Mrs Bourne (North Devon)

Beryl Joy ce Jo se phine, Mrs Brace, SRN, SCM, RCNT (London SW 17)

Sylvia, Mrs Branson (W. Yorks)

Kenneth John Henry Cave (Avon)

Leslie George Collings (Cheshire)

Edward Henry Culling (Wilts)

Major Whitfield John Ernest Dickinson (Lancs)

Anhur Roben Donald, SEN (Essex)

William Ir elan d Donnan, FBIM, IAPM (Lincs)

Gladys Lillian, Mr s Gilbody (S. Yorks)

Maurice Stuart Hennis (Cheshire)

George Elliott Howlett (Middx)

Gryffydd Ewart Jones (Hereford)

Peggy Doreen, Mr s Julian (Cornwall)

Morgan John Laban (Gloucs)

Edwin Peter Lee (Hants)

William Henry Luxton (North Devon)

It started with Mary and Rose.

IT GIVES me great pleasure to write of my reasons for joining St John. In the first instance, they were due to the outstanding devotion, knowledge, pleasantness and kindness of 'Mary' of St John and 'Rose' of the Red Cross, who were nurses on my ward during the war at the Park Hospital, Davyhulme, Manchester, followed by care and attention at the Zachery Merton Home, Banstead; Surrey, which was owned and run by St John personnel. I have always since been impressed to see St John Ambulance Brigade members on duty at football matches also at most events involving the public.

Let me explain. For my National Service I joined the Manchester Regiment in 1940, and in 1941 I sustained an accident on the rifle range at Stalybridge Brushes and was taken to Park Hospital, which was then a military hospital. On duty on the ward were the two nurses I mentioned above After about 10 days of careful nursing and treatment, I had my right eye removed. When fit enough was transferred to the Zachery Merton Home, the Consultant being Sir Stuart Duke Elder, the King's Eye Physician. Thereafter, I continued my army

Duncan Neil MacColl (Glasgow)

Douglas Beresford Moore (Sussex)

William Bell Nicol (Lanes)

Neville Gilbert Ovens (Cheshire)

Christopher James Oversby BA (Lane s)

Colette Cecilia, Mrs Pickstoek, MB, ChB, DRO CG, FRCS(Ed) (Hants)

Reg nald Alfred Port (Kent)

Charles Regers, BEM (Herts)

Evan Ernest Robert s (South Glamorgan)

Pauline, Miss Rogers (Cambridge)

Terence Scott (Herts)

Charles R eginald Stevens (Bournemouth)

Fredda Maureen Elsie, Mrs Thickins (Dorset)

·St John Fellowship

service in the UK and in India until 1946.

In 1955 I was asked by a friend, then Corps Supt Joe Williams of Ashton-underLyne, to join St John and I felt this would be a great opportunity to show my appreciation to this worthy organisation. chose the Association and joined the Ashton-underLyne Centre. Within a year the chairman died and I was elected to the office and also undertook the duties of the First Aid Competition Secretary. It was widely known that these annual events were the largest and best in the North West.

In 1971, due to redundancy, I moved to the Bolton area, and was appointed vicechairman and treasurer of the Bolton Centre. With pride, I can say our Centre is very active in running various first aid courses, and makes generous donations to the local Brigade Corps, County Office, the new County Headquarters building and the St John Ophthalmic Hospital.

My sincere advice to all Brigade members is when you are on duty remember that you are always being watched and that your actions and dedication could influence someone, sometime, as it did me.

W. R. Morris, CStJ.

Formation

31,

TRANSFER AGE

from Mr W. P. McCormick

Within the last year a similar organisation to our own (the BRCS) has changed the age limits for its 'Youth Group' (equivalent to our cadets). Now instead of being 'moved on' to another division at 18 years, the young members may transfer to an adult unit at any time they wish between their 18th and 25th birthdays.

This has been very successful in that organisation, with five new units, all with more than 20 members, opened in the Belfast area alone in the last year.

Perhaps our organisation should look again at the high percentage of members lost to the Brigade in the year of their 18th birthday and amend the cadet age limit accordingly.

It is now several years since the Duke of Edinburgh's Award upper age limit was changed to 25. Perhaps this should now also be the upper age limit for the Grand Prior's Badge.

Finally, since so much has been said about FA W, may I suggest that Headquarters make this a subject to count for the Grand Prior's Award?

CHANGES

from Mr H J. Elkins, Divisional Superintendent

After reading in the Review of proposed changes to our uniform (long awaited), I would like to propose certain changes to St John Ambulance as a whole:

1 Simplify the entrance qualifications for joining.

2. Have one certificate. (See number 4)

3. Eliminate Home Nursing (Sorry, Caring for the Sick!)

4. Have one certificate to encompass First Aid and Essentials in Caring for the Sick, and call it Caring for the Sick and Injured

5. Work more closely with the Emergency Services, particularly the Ambulance Services, to bring about a higher standard for those Divisions with ambulances. If you are prepared to approach the Ambulance Service they will help you. It has worked for our Division.

Macclesfield

WEARING MEDALS

from Mr J. F Bott H. J Elkins

As a long serving member and also a Serving Brother, I wish to protest very strongly about the order than no medals were to be worn at this year's Trooping of the Colour.

I have heard various reasons for this (ie, that the medal may dangle in a casualty's face) but have been unable to get a clear cut answer to the reason for the order. Perhaps someone can help?

London E6

1. Bott

ST JOHN SONG

from Mr D. Griffiths , Divisional Superintendent

I enclose a photocopy of the music and lyrics of a song entitled 'Knights of St John'. As the cost is a pre-decimal 3d, cou ld anyone shed any light on when the song was written or used?

Warrington D. Griffiths

AT THE MATCH

from Mr S Medlicott

I read with interest in the Birmingham Post of the incident at the Birmingham City football ground at which Brigade personnel were injured while carrying out first aid duties. Perhaps more training should be given, preferably b y the Police, to the more experienced Brigade members in handling such a situation. Also a 'lower profile', perhaps without official-looking uniform, would also help.

Birmingham S. Medlicott

TO JERUSALEM

from Mr F. Edwards, Divisional Superintendent (R)

After 50 years of service in St John and now retired under the agelimit, my wife and I had the opportunity to join a Christian group on a visit to the Holy Land.

Of particular interest to members will be our visit, at short notice, to the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. Being disabled, I was pleased to meet J amil Siaj, assistant adviser for Arab Affairs to the Mayor of Jerusalem. Jamil, who had recently been to our home town in an advisory capacity to the Dronfield Industries, proved a

good friend and his outings for us included this visit to the hospital. Matron Pauline O'Donnell, a Yorkshire girl, took us through the Out-Patients Department and then to the Children's Ward, where children of different nationalities were being treated for eye conditions. It was so good to see this unit working fo r the service of mankind in s uch a wonderful, practical way. Indeed, it made me feel proud to be a member of the Order as J saw the St John Flag flying in this troubled part of the world. The hospital is worthy of all the support we have given and can give in the future.

Dronfield Fred Edwards, OStJ

OLD BADGES

from Peter Longbottom , Divisional Superintendent

Some years ago I started a collection of St John Ambulance hat and uniform badges that fell into disuse due to changes in dress regulations. Recent add itional changes to dress regulations have made even more badges obsolete. So I am looking for any badges, especially all kinds of county flashes and the earlier county metal number badges, that I have not got in my co llection If you have any to spare, no more than two of each, they could be sent to me at: The Ambulance Hall, Craylands Lane, Swanscombe, Kent, DAlO OLP.

Due to personnel restrictions I cannot pay for items sent but s uggest readers phone my home, any evening after 6pm, to check if items they have are wanted; then postage will not be wasted. My phone number is 0322 -7 4371.

I may not be able to personally tha nk everyone who sends me items, so please accept my thanks in advance. If t he Stores reference number can be included with items, this will also be a help. Thank you.

Dartford Peter Longbottom

CAN YOU HELP?

from Mr T. Deakin

I am assisting a group of professional ambulance personnel who are restoring a post-war Bedford-based ambulance (Model KZ), body by Herbert Lomas.

Unfortunately, as the interior of the rear saloon has been stripped, certain major items are missing and J would therefore ask if any Divisions can help out.

I am seeking to locate a Lomas stretcher loading tray of the type which is on a curved frame and pulls out rearwards. Also needed are the two appropriate stretchers: one being the wooden Lomas patent fixed type, with a wind-up head portion, and the other, a tub ular steel (with mesh bed) also non-collapsible.

If any unit can help, I wou ld be very pleased to hear from them.

27 Hillside A ve, Worthing, Sussex BN14 9QR T. Deakin

1687 TOMBS

from Mr F. J. Hewitt

While on holiday in Yugoslavia in June I stopped at Herceg-Novi on the Adriatic coast. On the slopes above the town I came across the chapel of St Anne with tombs of knights of St John killed during t he se ige by the Turks in 1687.

Mo st interesting.

Dover F. J. Hewitt

NEWS froRl SCOTLAND

in 1984.

Durin g t he afternoon t w o exercise s were organised which involved the two cadet team s from Cefn Mawr and the Wrexham N ur sing Di vis ion.

The Chief Commander also presented 1, 000 hour Special Ser vice Certificates to

North ern Ir el an d

WE

on Fr i day, May 17 T h at afternoo n h e visi te d our Headq u a r te r s in Be l fas t w h ere a first a id exa m in atio n was b ein g h e ld I n t h e eveni n g h e inspecte d the YMCA I Ashf e ld Boys' Sc h oo l A AC D iv ision in Belfast, a nd obvio u sly enjoyed a varie d and enterta ining programme of act i vities.

T h e next day he went to Crai gavon, Co Armagh, to inspect t h e r ev iew of 6 00 No rth ern Ir elan d Ca d e t s.

Presentation of awards

The Kn ig h t Comman d er of the Co m man dery of Ards in Nor t hern I re and, Mr M W. Dennison, CBE, MC, DL, pre sented awar d s at H ill sborough Cast le on May 29. Altho u gh thr ee members of t he Brigade in Northern Ireland had been awarded t he Lo ng Service Certi f icate for 45 years effic ie n t service this year o n ly Miss Betty Boyce, District S u perintendent, was ab le to atten d Others who received awards were: Grand Prior s Ba d ge Certif icate: R o b ert Bloomer (Bango r A / C Div), Cha rl es Orumgoole, (Bangor A / C Div) Cindy Mooney (Forth River A / N Div), and Elai n e Smyth (Limavady N.C. Div)

Mention was made of an award to lone Ki tson, Newcastle A / N Division, as she h a d already received her certi fie ate before emigrating the previous month to Austra lia. J , 000 hour s vo l untary service certificates were presented to: Geraldine McCullagh an d Clare Tate (both of HQ Transport A / NC Div)

For the first time in Northern Ireland a certificate for 2,000 hours voluntary service to the community was awar d ed, the r ecipien t be i ng: S u san McG linc h ey (HQ Tr a ns p o r t A / NC Division).

OVERSEAS

News from Divisions/Centres

OBITUARY

Mrs

on June 7.

New Division for Cornwall

We started with nothing but enthusiasm HA VING BEEN a divisional superintendent at Ash Vale, Surrey, prior to relocation in Cornwall due to a change in employment, I was given the opportunity of starting a Division at Callington, in Eastern Area Cornwall. There had been a lapse of over 20 years since the previous Division had closed down.

It seemed reasonable to assume that a person who had previously lived in the area (I was born here) might have a better chance of starting such a venture than a complete stranger.

From the outset in 1983 it was necessary to run public first aid courses from which potential members might be recruited to form a section, which was registered in April 1984, being attached to the neighbouring Division of Liskeard Potential cadets started making enquiries for joining and so, following further co ur ses, we elected to become a Quadrilateral Division which was registered in February 1985

Starting with not even a plaster between us, now we have a fully equipped secondhand ambulance, plus enough equipment to cover sma ller duties independently of the ambulance or to supp lement it at larger duties

This has been achieved by stretching funds in three main ways:

1. Members and cadets have bought their own uniforms (special duty) with the exception of hat s and badges This has tended to reduce the number attracted by free uniform, but encourage those who actually want to participate in training and duties

2. Approaches to local groups and organisations to tell them of all that can be done when a group of members is properly trained and equipped, resulting in some donations for equipment, which is later shown to them to give an idea of costs.

3. Getting as much publicity as possible via the lo ca press so that the general public begin to know, and want to know, more about our organisation, which in turn lends support to fund-raising activities.

Numbers in the Division vary due to the usual reasons for people joining and leaving, but at present we have nine adults and 12 cadets. Not having any recent di vis ional history has meant that we have had to seek committee members ; and having no time for hangers-on candidates are scarce for these posts, which should not be filled in haste to be regretted at liesure. With St John going through a multitude of changes in structure, training and uniform has proved an interesting time to start a division. And it has been done only with the help of members, the town and outlying villages of this agricultural area. Hopefull y, we shall be allowed to continue.

Inspe ction: (L to R front row) Eastern Area President, Major I. Hayman ; Ass is tant Commissioner, Mr R Bray, County Commander, Mr C Petherick, ASO Mrs M. Jury, and ASO Mr T. Tamb lin

28 Be lgrave Square. LONDON SWIX8QG. Tel:0I-2353325

contagious t rop ical s ki n d isease. (4). 20. Nutritious dish from west. (4). 22 Turn ed b y on e unr esponsive to an appeal. (4.3). 25. A pint becomes unsui t abl e. (5) 27. Common sense shown by we Frenc h (4) 28 Spirit alcohol pro vid es soot hi ng powder for application to the skin. (4). 30. Ex amin ing b y use of touch. (9). 31. One showing great fortitude in s ufferin g. (5). 32. Co n sume a tea concoction. (3). 33. As dizzy a s a blonde? (5.6).

Down:

1. Formed by th e fro n ta b o n e. (8). 2. Morbid lack of interest and act ivity (8) 3. Beg in a ype of fracture. (4).4. Anaesthetised a part by injection of dru g a r o und a sensory nerve. (7). 5. Examinat io n directed to determination o f th e ca use of death. (7). 6. Art on plaster. (5). 7 Oed ema produ ced b y small quantities of liquid before end of day. (6). 8. Brother has di rection for a female gland. (6). 14. Co u rage u seful on icy road s (4). 17 Lesion of urticaria. (4). 18. Bone formed in a tendon. (8) 19 Prese n t in excessive amounts in blood in gout. (4.4). 21 . Tortuou s co lla pse d ue to blow over the solar plex u s. (7). 22 Acquire a fter m ed icina l substance in coarse fabric (7). 23. Medicinal herb is stra igh t for wa rd for an uncomplicated fracture. (6). 24. Finger produced b y a vul sion of extensor tendon from d is t a phalanx. (6) 26 Walk wea ri ly a nd be behind in the contest. (5). 29. Off-shore land lies s t ra nge ly. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWOR D NO.7 (85)

Across : 1. Sibulu s ; 5 Stamm er; 9. Retention; 10. M uted; II. Te n se; 12. Urea; 13. Bone ; 15. Hy p ot h ermia; 19. lll ; 20. APT; 21 Bacteraemia; 25. Rich ; 26. Sour ; 27 Pi lot; 30. Chill; 31, Isc h aem ia;32. Erepsin; 33 E thmoid

Down: 1. Scratch ; 2. Bat' o n ; 3 Lance; 4. Seizure; 5. Sun b eam; 6. Ar'my; 7. Meteori sm ; 8. Re d ce ll ; 14. Vasa; 16. Petech iae; 17 Tube; 18. Rat; 20 A uricl e ; 22. C h orion; 23. Earache; 24. A n t ac id ; 27. Peach; 28 Limb'o; 29. P lu s.

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BED & BREAKFAST, on front between Crosby MarinaandSwimming Baths, Liverpool. Panoramic views. Good centre. Tea / coffee facilities. 051 9205364.

FUND RAISING Fetes, Bazaars and sporting events Many types offund raisers, bran tub gifts, balloons, balloon race equipment, fancy goods, sports cups, medals, shields etc. All at wholesale prices. Send for catalogue to: Swinnerton s Ltd., 68 Ablewell Street, Walsall, WSI 2EU . Telephone (0922) 26081/2 / 3.

INSECT BITES and stings, net t le rash, hives, prickly heat and s unburned s kin are ALL promptly relieved by the application of RBC Cream.

RBC Cream reduces inflammation, pre vents infe ction, soothe s burning or s tinging and moi sturise s and protects. RBC Cream is available from pharmacies or sample on written request, to bonafide Fir st Aid organiser s in holiday areas. From Rybar Laboratorie s L.td., Amer s ham, Buck s , HP6 5BX.

FORD TRANSITS, choice of body styles, engines & fittings. ' . .

EACH VEHICLE has recon. engine, new Wings, repaint, etc. fitted beacons & horns.

1 2 months MOT & warranty.

1 only ex-demonstrator, £500 off usual price. Ring for details.

V. F. SPECIALIST VEHICLES

Lady Ann Mills, Lady Ann Road, Batley, W. Yorks 0924-475228

Reduced

for BULK ORDERS

___ a V.W. LT31

Pilcher-Greene has now added the wide bodied Freight Rover Sherpa 310 ambulance in three versions - welfare, sitting and front line - to its range of conversions which already includes Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen and Bedford variants as well as four wheel drive ambulances on land Rover One Ten and Range Rover chassis. Optional interiors are available to clients' specification.

Formed in 1925 to fulfil the increasing demand for emergency service vehicles, Pilcher-Greene pioneered the deveiopment of specialist mobiles. Today Pilcher-Greene continues this lead with the building and conversion of all types of vehicles from the smallest cross country ambulance or fire fighting appliance to the largest mobile operating theatre. Pilcher-Greene vehicles are designed for demanding situations throughout the world - in difficult terrains and varying climates.

ST JOHN REVIEW

PILCHER - GREENE LIMITED, Consort Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9NA.

: Burgess Hill 5707/9. Telex: 877102. Cables: Ambulap Burgess Hill.

St John Fellowship p.194

Do you know your Manuals? (5) by B ruce Coltman p.195

Talking Point: The New Uniforms p 196

The Sovereign's Award p.197

Grand Prior's Trophy p.198

Around and About by the Editor p.200

Cadet Chat by Jim p.204

Tales of an Aeromedical Nurse (12) by F.W. Murkin p.206

SJA Music Makers p.207

Order Investiture, July 4 p 208

Readers' Views p.210

News from Scotland - Wales - N. Ireland p.212

Service Hospital Welfare Officers p.213

News from Divisions/Centres p.214

THERE ARE four new branches to announce this month, which calls for a special celebration, as the Bailiwick of Guernsey is the 50th branch of the Fellowship. Canterbury Branch, Kent. Contact: Mrs A. Johnson, 19, Station Road, Adisham, Canterbury, Kent. Faversham Branch Kent. Contact: Mr W. Lusted, 11, Cambridge Road, Faversham , Kent. East Sussex Branch. Contact: Mrs M. Maxted, 2, Isa Lei, 9, Eversfield Road, Eastbourne, E. Sussex, BN21 2DS.

BaiJwick of Guernsey Branch. Contact: Mrs H. Eaton, Clayfield, Rohais, St Peter Port, Guernsey. To have reached 50 branches of the Fellowship in two years is I think a great achievement. But these 50 branches are confined to only 26 of the 46 St John counties. Perhaps members would write to the Review and tell the other 20 counties what they are missing!

She Cares ...

Congratulations to Mrs A. Solly, a member of London s Northern Area Branch, who was recently awarded a certificate by the Tunstall Telecom pic in their National Caring Award Scheme in recognition of her 'kindness, caring, compassion and dedicated service t o the elderly and disabled'

Mrs Solly was brought up to the service of mankind; her father was an ambulance member of the Brigade who received the Coronation Medal for duty at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 Brigade centenary celebration 1987

Can any Fellowship members clajm or know of an unbroken tradition of family service to the Brigade back to 1887?

31 Malvern Court

London SW7 3HY Sheila Puckle National Secretary

COV

1. When assisting a pa ient or relative to climb stairs in this manner, wha should the patient not do?

2. What type of patient or relat ive would need to be assisted in this fashion?

3. For which condition is this the fir st par of the re atment?

8. This is part of the treatment of which condition and when is the procedure carried out?

7 Apart from

4. In the treatment of a fractured thigh, wit h splints bandage No.7 has a speci fi c name. W h at is the name?

5 This casualty needs medical aid. How should he be transported?

10 What is this man making?

9. What s being carried between two warmed p lat es?

11 _ When giving medicines n liquid form how many times are we advised to READ the label?

1 2.lf the trapped limb in a crushing injury can be released without delay what position should the cas ualty be kept in?

6 For which injury is this the treatment?

13. Which sling is used to complete this treatment?

TALKING POINT J

The New Uniforms

IT HAS been surp'rising how little comment has been received for the Rc:",jer s' Views column of the Sf John Review on the publication of the new uniform in the April issue.

Brigade Order 1789 adds the new uniform to Brigade regulations and refer s to the new Dress Regulations (Ambulance and Nursing) booklet, vvhich is obtainable from the Supplies Dept (product no. 11360, price £3.65).

There is much sense in the changes authorised; and serving members will hope that the multiplicity of uniform changes during the past few years is over at last.

The new uniform is reminiscent of that

worn by the Johanniter Unfall Hilfe (West Germany's SJ A equivalent), by uni formed members of t he Sovereign Military Order and by the Red Cross. Those of us who have had military service or are of traditional outlook might regret the 'sloppy' appearance of the new ambulance uniform; when we get around to changing or replacing the old style, we shall miss the chromium buttons, the chevrons, the belted jacket and the officer's metal badges of rank on epaulettes. After all, it could be said that we are the St John Ambulance Brigade, founded in the military tradition, and still drill, march and salute in that tradition.

Some may consider the peaked cap an

anachronism and very unsuitable for duties other than ceremonial. It has to be worn when members are on first-aid duties at public, royal or national occasions, and tends to fall off, causing consternation to patient and first-aider alike! Maybe the storm cap authorised for nursin g personnel would be more suitable; certainly one can see the day when the beret will become standard wear except for full dress ceremonial. The nur si ng dress changes seem le ss controversial, though there ha s been criticism of the officer's bow tie - 'too like the police'. Certainly the special duty uniforms are very sensible, dignified and not likely to engender loss of femininity and exposure on dut y.

Above all, the familiar white haversack strap for ambulance member is still with u s, instantly recognisable at any distance as a 'St John first-aider'. Norman Paras

New award for y.ou·ng SJA members

The SOVEREIGN's AWARD

HER MAJESTY the Queen has approved a new award scheme for young SJA members to be called The Sovereign'S Award. It will be given to those candidates who between their 16th and 25th birthdays achieve certain Qualifications of service and offer two major projects. One will be a major research project into any field of work of the Order and the other may be either in first aid, nursing, care in the community or fund raising.

The aim of the new award scheme is to further encourage young people to greater efforts of personal achievement and community sense in the work of the Order and to develop initiative and broaden their experience, particularly over the transition from cadet to adult membership

So as not to inconvenience unduly a candidate's own priority at work or in academic study, the enterprise lasts up to three years. Those who are successful in achieving the award will be permitted to wear a special badge on their uniform.

For the information of all the full rules are given below. The first applications to take part in the enterprise will be sought in the new year, to commence on July 1 1986.

NEW DIVISION

ONE YEAR old this month, Bedgrove Combined Division, Bucks, holds its first

presentation evening with (centre) Colonel R. Payne, County Commander, and Mrs J. Mercer, County Supt (N)

Formed last September, the Divi s ion, which is the nearest to Stoke Mandeville Ho s pital and Green Park Youth Training Centre, has 18 nursing and six ambulance

members.

D/Supt Mrs Valerie Holton (centr e left) s ays the members, 10 of whom are ex-cadet Grand Prior badge holders, have all bought their own uniforms and are looking forward to helping other divisions in the area with duties. Good luck , Bedgrove!

Title

1. The award shall be known as 'T he Sovereign's Award'.

Aim

2. The aim of t he award is to encourage young member s of t he Brigade to greater efforts of personal achievement and com munity sense in the work of St John; at the same time to develop their initiative and broad e n their experience, particularly over the transition period from ca det to adult member ship.

The award

3. A certificate of appropriate design and wording will constitute the actual award.

Presentation

4 . Formal presentation will be made on behalf of the Sovereign. Badge

5. The badge to s ignify the award will be the Badge of the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, embroidered in proper colours, with a s urrounding scroll in red in scr ibed 'SOVERE IGN 'S AWARD' in go ld , all 3 cms in height on a black field 4 cms square, to be worn above the right breast (Position 3).

Numbers

6. There s hall be no limit on numbers of awards made each year.

Age Group

7 The candidates will be aged between their 16th and 25th birthdays at the start and finish, respectively, of their attempt.

Tasks and Qualifications

8. To qualify for the Sovereign'S Award, t he candidate is , by the end of a three year period, to achieve the following:

a. Be a member of St John Ambulance Brigade with a minimum of 5 years consecutive eff icient service (either as a cadet or adult member or part both).

b. Hold:

(I) (a) The Grand Prior's Badge, or (b) 1000 Hours Certificate or (c) (for non-cad ets) 1000 hour s Duty (vide BGR 106), and

(2) Current Statutory First Aid Certificate.

(3) Current Caring for the Sick Certificate.

9. The candidate must also have undertaken and completed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-in-Chief, major ini t iatives in areas applicable to work for the Order of St John under the following headings:

a. A research project.

b. Organise and run a project involving either: (1) First Aid, Nursin g or Care in the Community, or (2) Fund raising.

(Note : The research project may be in any field of t he work of the Order, eg: first aid training methods; historical research into the Order; work in the community; use of manpower; specialist r.equirements, etc).

Timescale

10 The candidate is to apply to start the enterprise by making formal

application in writing for candidature to Headquarters by 1 January (see para 13).

11. The enterprise is then to run from the following Jul y I (first year) and must be comp leted in all respects by June 30 of the fourth calenda r year. This will allow sufficient opportunity for the attempt and t hus not se riously inconvenience the candidate's own priority cal lin g (eg, work, study for examinations, etc). The projects listed at para 9 may only be carried out within the three yea r cycle.

12. No repeat attempt may be started until the following July (or the fifth calendar year); ie, There can be no extension of an individual 's three year period.

Administration

13. Applications for candidature for the award is to be made through the usual channels on Form SAl, to be at Brigade H eadquarte rs by January I. The application is to show personal particulars and declare qualifications held at that time and achievements to be attempted, together with a clear outline of the projects to be undertaken. All applications must be sponsored by the candidate's unit officer and supported by the Commissioner.

14. An authorising document, Form SA2, approving the projects w ill be sent to the ca ndidate before June 30. This will constitute official recognition of the individual's can didature. In the case of projects not co nsidered acceptable, the candidate will be asked to re-submit with improved plans.

15. The Commissioner will then be asked to name (o n Form SA3) a County Staff Officer as the appointed Reporting Staff Officer to monitor (but not to take part in, or directly assist) the candidate's work, certify achievements and forward written work and corroboratory documents as appropriate with Forms SA4 [Q Brigade Headquarter s (Staff Officer Brigade Training). Each aspect, qualification or achievement ma y be reported as complete at any time after the start on July (of the first year), but all reports on Form SA4 must be finally at Brigade Headquarters before June 30 of the fourth calendar year; no late reports will be accepted

16. A sum of £50 will be made available as a loan to assist the start of a candidate's project, if this would help. The money is to be requested (on Form SA3) through County / District channels only if actuall); required for an appropriate specific purpose (ie, some project s will not require financial aid to initiate them). The sum given out for this purpose is to be returned to source before June 30 of the fourth calendar. It is to be the responsibility of the candidate's County / District Headquarters to make good and ensure t he timely return of the sum in default of which the candidate's enter prise will fail.

17. A record will be maintained by Brigade Headquarters for eac h candidate.

18. Successful candidates will be officially announced in Brigade Orders.

19. The award will be made and authorisation given for wearing the badge from the date of presen ta tion.

Brigade Finals

Pownall Cup, Tweedale C up OTHER PLACINGS Ambulance: 41h Dawdon Colliery Co mbined (Durham) Trimble Shield; 5th Markham Main (S a nd W Yorkshire); 61h Cambridge Eastern Ga Quadrilateral (Cambridge) Ellis Cup; 7th G uern sey Nonhern (Guern ey); 81h St Pancras Combined ( London); 9th Lea Hall & Rugeley Quadrilateral (Stafford) Co pland Griffiths Cup; 10th Park side Colliery (Merseyside); 11th YMCA / Ashfield Ambulance a nd Ambulance Cadet (Nonhern Ireland) 12th Fawley Combined (Hampshire) Nursing: 4th Formby Quadrilateral (Mer seys ide) 5th Guernsey Nonhern (Guern sey) Golding Trophy; 6th Rugby Town (Warwick); 7th Killingwonh Quadrilateral (Nonhumbria) Moumbatten Troph y; 8th Belmolll Combined (Nonhern Ir eland); 9th Newbur y Combined (Berkshire) Moumgarrell Cup; 10th Hull Argyle Combined Humb erside ) Grosvenor Cup; II th Bri sto l No. I Nursing & Nursing Cadet (Avon) Ellis Cup; 12th Stevenage (Nonhern) Combined (Henfordshi re) Ambulance Cadel: 4th NeWLOn Abbot (Devon); 5th Shrewbury (Shropshire) Low e Cup; 6th Coalvi ll e Leicester); 7th South Hellon Quadrilateral (Durham); 8th YMCA Ashfield Ambulance & Ambulance Cadet (Nonhern ireland) 9th Cefn Mawr (Wales); 10th Bex eyheath Combined (London); 11th Southend (Essex); 12th Ventnor Quadrilateral s e of Wight)

Nursing Cadet: 4th Bangor (Nonhern Irel a nd); 5 th TI Chesterfie d Quadrilateral (Derbyshire) Emdon Cup, Phyllis Birch Trop h y; 6th Ske lm ersdale Quadrilateral (Lancashire) Cunard Cup (Uniform); 7th Cefn Mawr (Wales); 8 th Little Thurrock (Essex); 9th Dringhouses (North Yorkshire); 10th Stratford-upon-Avon (Warwickshire) 11th Lea Valley Enfield (London); 12th Bournemouth Quadrilateral (Dorset).

OTHER AWARDS

(Humberside).

ANOTHER HONOUR

Another birthday honour in June is the BEM to Mrs Grace Cox, of Corsham Division, Wiltshire, for her services (including first aid work) to the Ministry of Defence. Congratulations, Grace.

LOOKING AHEAD

2 Sep: Launch of Schools Project, Priory for Wales, Cardiff.

13 Sep: Wiltshire Presidents' Meeting.

20-22 Sep: Brigade Conference, Nottingham University.

23-24 Sep: Gas & Police competitions, Perth.

27-29 Sep: NCB Camp, Skegness.

27-29 Sep: Kent Training Weekend, Cadets, Crowborough.

WALKERS

I hear that eleven members of Hove and Hangleton Combined Division, together with families and friends - 30 in all - recently took part in the Windmill Walk from Rottingdean. Distances could be 8, 16, or 26 miles and all the SJA contingent completed their distance. The group was also the second largest sponsored party to enter, for which they received an award.

The Division meets on Wednesdays at their HQ in Hangleton Rd, Hove at 7.30 pm for an interesting and varied programme. Anyone who would like to join them, or know more about what they are doing, ring Brighton 413880.

JUNIOR DOCTORS FAIL

The following appeared in the publication Medical News of June 13, 1985.

Following the Cambridge study which showed that few junior hospital doctors could adequately manage a cardiopulmonary arrest, a study at St Bartholomew's Hospital,

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

The husband of Wiltshir e's County Superintendent (Nursing), Mrs I. L. Wilkins, was brought home by the SJA Aeromedical Service under an AA insurance policy afte r being taken ill while on holiday in Austria. Air Attendant John Grice from Cambridge, is see n attending Mr Wilkins aboard the special Cessna ambulance plane Mr Wilkins is reported to be making a good recovery

London, has again highlighted the lack of resuscitative skills among doctors

All new house officers at Barts - 29 in all - were given a multiple choice examination and a practical test of their resuscitative skills with a mannequin. Only 55% were able to compress the chest and perform adequate mouth-to-mouth ventilation, report Drs David Skinner, A, J Camm and Stephen Miles. But even those who could perform basic resuscitation were deficient in more advanced skills - and none would have passed an advanced cardiac life support examination in the United States.

Mrs L Varker

A majority of the doctors could not intubate. Those that could took an average of almost two minutes to do so - whereas the maximum considered acceptable is 35 seconds - and many could not have delivered a supply of oxygen to a patient even once intubated as they could not connect the tube to an anaesthetic machine or failed to turn on the oxygen s upply Resuscitative skills are simple to learn , yet most medical schools in the past have assumed they would be acquired by 'osmosis', the Barts team say. Skills s hould be taught from the moment of entry to medical school, and examined upon both

AB OJ

BY TH E EDITOR

theoretica ll y and practically, the y recommend

AT HQ

Miss Helen Gribble, who has been Assistant Chief Nursing Officer to C hief Nursing Offi cer Rosemary Bailey at National HQ since 1977 , is now Deputy Chief Nursing Officer. Miss Gribble who jo ined t he Brigade in 1965 was London's SW Area Nursing Officer till 1974

At HQ s he is very much involved in t he background work of the tests for Brigade Finals. Outside St John, s h e is Director of Nurse Training at Farnborough Ho s pital.

IN PRISON

I hear that the Chorley (Lan es) As ociation Ce ntre recently gave four fir st aid cla sses in a prison , and also held a class for the unemployed

The classes were given by Centre secretary Mr V. S. Helmore, MBE, and the Superintendent of Chorley's Combined Adult Di v ision.

TO GERMANY

Four Nottingham members - Area Comm iss ioner and Mrs F. W. Shaw, and CSO Chris and ASO Annette Poolev isited Germany recently with a local c lub, spe nding a week with German fami lie s in the Karlsruhe area. They were also guests of Dr Polenz Commis s ioner Karlsruhe,

ST JOHN FAMILY

Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, at a reception at his home, and met JUH members at another gettogether at- the JUH HQ.

PEN FRIENDS

Once again the Overseas Branch is short of cadets in the UK who require pen-friends overseas as part of the International Friendship qualification for the Grand Prior's badge. Names should be sent to the Secretary Overseas Relations, St John Ambulance HQ, I Grosvenor Crescent, London, SWIX 7EF; giving name, sex, address, age, interests and hobbies, country of preference. (The last cannot always be guaranteed.)

ERNEST DAY, MVO, RVM, OStJ

Mrs Marion Dell, of Windsor Nursing Division, had the distressing experience of having to try to resuscitate an old friend, Mr Ernest Day OStJ, who was suddenly taken ill while assisting at a service at the Convent of St John in Windsor. Mr Day, who had been a server at the convent for over 60 years, died soon after arriving at a local hospital.

Mrs Dell was attending the service with Mr Day's wife.

Mr Day, who was the Queen's bookbinder at Windsor Castle for 42 years, was president of Windsor Ambulance Cadet Division.

The funeral service at the convent was attended by a guard of honour of members from throughout the county. On the coffin

Two

did. But next year there'll be more fe ll as in the contest. Watch out , girls. was the County flag, his uniform cap and medals.

WHY MANY PEOPLE DIE

The Director Public Affairs' recent press release reads:

A recent MORI opinion poll commissioned by St John Ambulance shows that in certain emergency accident situations most people would give potentially dangerous treatment.

When asked what treatment could be given SJA Devon 's grand carnival at Newton Abbot racecourse in July was very successful. It included Royal Marine and Police bands and plenty of Brigademanned stalls. Despite being mid -week, the course wasn't available at weekends, the target of £5,000 profi t was exceeded

before an ambulance arrived to an elderly woman who had suffered a heart attack, 67 % recommended potentially dangerou s treatment such as 'lying her down with her legs raised and arms out' or 'shaking her gently and slapping her face'.

60% did not know how to stop severe bleeding and only 52% knew what to do in the event of a child swallowing household bleach. Of those questioned, 320/0 had ever had any form of first aid training.

Mr Robert Balchin, Director General of St John Ambulance, said: 'T h ere is a horrifying ignorance of the simple emergency skills which save life. People seem to be reluctant to learn first aid either becau se they think it takes too long and is too difficult, or becau se they want to duck out of the responsibility of someone's life in the ir hands Anyone can learn simple life- saving techniques in only 4 hours. We are campaigning to encourage people to learn them because over 10,000 people die from accidents in the home and on the road every year. It is often the case that treatment given before an ambulance arrives saves lives. The home is the most dangerous place in which to be, with 6,000 people a year dying from accidents, while on the road s 4,500 die.

In summing up, Mr BaJchin stressed tha t learning first aid was as important as learnin g to swim and many lives could be saved if more people took the trouble to attend a simple course.

RETIRED

INDIA IN LONDON [ hear that London Northern Area members had a busy time covering the Cultural Festival of India at Alexandra Palace between July 16 and August 15. With a mobile unit permanently on site, teams of four members were on duty 12 hours on week days , with another ambulance and additional member s on t h e duty at weekends.

On the first Saturday 65,000 people visited the festival, and over the first two weeks 500 casualties were treated by SJA. The mobile unit was used each morning by the exhibition's team of doctors as a surgery for exhibition staff and the pub li c.

OUR HOSPITAL A leiter just re ceived from Mr Maynard Green , treasurer of Daventry Division , follows:

In March 1984 a member of Daventry Nursing Division vo lunteered to work in the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem for an initial period of one year. Knowing the Hospital's needs for money, the Daventry Division decided to give £1,000 to mark the event and in effect to sponsor Sister George, the member concerned. In collaboration with the Hospitaller, this donation was used as a foundation stone for the endowment of a 'Divisions' Bed '. Sir Stephen Miller spoke about this in his report

renovated with a bequest by its former Surgeon and President , Dr Alex Chalmers Her e, a commemorative plaque is unveiled by Mr Tom Follows at a rededication service

IPhoto: Associ ated Kent Newspapers

to the Annual Meeting of the Order in June 1984 and an article appeared in the Re v ie w in August 1984 under the heading 'Hos pitaller 's Dilemma'.

Not having seen or heard any further new s about this project, I enquired as to what progress had been made and I was utterl y astounded and bitterly disappointed to be told that only ONE further donation had been received. We cannot all give our time and services to the hospital, but we can all s upport those who do with our money. Our motto is Pro Utilitate Hominum - and we must live up to it.

I appeal to all Councils, Counties, Area and Divisional treasurers to support the Hospitaller with this project and not let the actions of the two donors be wasted.

Kington Hereford) Combined Division s Miss J. Mayglothing (whose grandmother mother sis ter , uncle, aunts and cousins have or are all members of that division) leave s church as Mrs C. Thomas and a bright future for both of them , we re sure

The Duke of Westminster, London District

IPhoto: Birmingham Post)

fellas - Dick Ritchie and Don Moss - at a recent bedmaking competition in Bedfordshire. They didn't win - Gladys Pantling and Mary Lizaitis

TH IS MONTH here's a simple autumn ga mes evening.

Rising circles. Cadets sit in a circle in their teams with their arms around each other's shoulders. On a given signal, each team tries to rise to their feet without breaking their hold.

Silence. Teams in rows. A chair is placed a short distance in front of each team. In turn, each boy runs up to the chair, turns it on one of its legs, lifts it, replaces it and then sits on the chair. The quickest and quietest tea m wins.

Seasons. Teams in rows. Four chairs at the far end marked spring, summer, autumn and winter. A leader asks questions such as: When are primroses seen?' 'When is the lambing season?' The first cadet to sit on the correct chair wins a point for his team.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Tell the story to the cadets. Then play the music and ask the cadets to draw and colour a picture or several pictures of whatever comes to mind from the story.

Conkers. Hold a conker championship and invite the cadets' dads along to take part. Present the winner with a conker necklace. Shoot the rapids. Cadets find a partner and form an inside and an outside circle. The

SAFETY WINNERS

cadets in the inside circle represent rocks, so they stand still. The leader should then issue the following commands:

'Up the river' - cadets in the outer circle run clockwise.

'Down the river' - cadets in the outer circle run round anticlockwise.

'Shoot the rapids' - same cadets continue running, but in and out of the 'rocks'.

'Indians' - inside Cadets make Indian noises.

'Under the bank' - outside cadets continue round the circle until they reach their partner, dive under their legs and become the inner circle of rocks.

Non-stop bounce. Equipment per teamone ball. Each team stands in a circle with the 'sixer' in the centre. The sixer bounces the ball five times. The next cadet takes over without allowing the ball to stop, and so on round the c ircle.

Puff. Equipment per team - one plastic cup, one long piece of string. Make a small hole in the bottom of the cup and thread the string through it. Tie each end of the string to two chairs spaced well apart. Cadets line up in their teams and on the word 'go' each cadet in turn blows the cup to the far end and then slides it back for the next cadet to have a turn.

Cadet activities

Word building. Equipment per teampaper and pencil, set of cards spelling out the name of your town (one letter on each card)

Each team makes up words while one boy writes them down. Which team ha s the longest li st.

Anniversaries. Here is a short list of a number of spec ial days in October that will possibly give you a theme for a cadet meeting:

Oct 1 1870 - The first official postcard was made in Britain by the GPO together with the in t roduction o f the Y2d postage sta mp

Oct 3 1906 - SOS was established as an international distress sig nal.

Oct 7 1769 - Captain Cook reached New Zealand.

Oct 14 1066 - The Battle of Hastings.

Oct 21 1805 - The Battle 0 f Tra fa lgar.

Oct 23 1642 - The Battle of Edgehill between the Cava lier s and Roundheads

Here is an example: The Bayeux tapestry records the Norman invasio n of Eng land . Why not ask your cadets to make a similar record (either in collage or by using felttipped pens) of the events of the Cadet Division over the past year? It would make a wonderful display for a parents' evening. Instead of turning the pages of a book to

SJA Shropshire has over the last two years successfully incorporated home and wilter safety in the cadet first aid curriculum. A county quiz attracting 18 teams each year was la un ched - here's his year 's winners, Shrewsbury. Plan s are now afoot for a more ambitious competition on the subject

Sponsored Knit

Monday October 7 is The Children's Society's National Sponsored Knit Day. It is the day when the nation 's knitters are asked to pull out their s ize 8 needles and double knitting wool, cas t on 20 st itche s and gar ter stitc h for two hour s.

All over the country people will b e getting together in homes, church hall s, hotel loun ges, and even in local radio stations to knit.

Last year over 5,500 people took up their needles and raised a record £33,000 for The Children's Society.

Write for fu ll details and sponsor forms to: Jim Tomsett, National Sponsored Knit, The Children's Society, Old Town Hall, Kennington Road, London SE ll 4QD. Tel: 01 735 2441.

obtain programme ideas, take a look at the Bayeux tapestry for a story lin e. Resource material: The Bayeux Tapestry by Norman Denny & Josephine Filmer-Sankey, Collins, ISBN 0 00 195058 4.

Your rights in society

This is a very in teresti ng area and one in wh ich most children, adults and even teachers are surprising ly ignorant! Devi se a questionnaire for the cadets to answer similar to the one below and the n discuss the answers afterwards, if possible with an expert. Ask the local police station or juvenile bureau if they can spare someo ne for half-an-hour one evening.

Questionnaire

I. s il agai ns t he aw For a t hirt ee n -yea r - old lO buy

KENT's BEST

Contributions

Tricky

The

ONE GLOOMY November weekend, as I was s martening up my SlAB uniform ready to wear it on Remembrance Sunday, I received a phone call from London asking me to fly immediately to Barbados to bring home an elderly man who had had a stroke. Tom Charles had been born in Barbados but had come to live in England in 1945. He had qua lified as a welder and eventually earned quite good money but he never married and al l his money was saved with the one idea of re t urning to Barbados when he retired. Over the years he had lost touch with his mother and did not even know if she was still alive but was obsessed with the idea of finding her if i t were at all possible Alas for Tom , he had only ju st arrived at the airport in Barbados when he had a stroke and, on recovering consciousness two days later, discovered that all his money had been sto len.

I arrived in Barbados late on the Saturday eve n ing and was met at the airport by the Second Secretary for Immigration from the British High Commission. He took me to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown where the night sister, who had not been expecti ng me till after the weekend, fixed me up with a room in the junior doctors' quarters. These were situated half a mile away, through rough grass, and my room contained nothing but a bed and a chair. Although it was gone midnight and I was tired after t he flight, I f ound it impossible to sleep because of the heat and the noise of the grass hoppers outside my window.

Speec h impaired

In t he morning I visited my patient but was unable to have much of a conversation with him, as his speech had been impaired by the stroke. As nobody made me feel very welco me on the ward I decided to walk down to the town. I had almost forgotten it was Remembrance Sunday until I saw that a civic serv ice was about to take place at the war memorial in the centre of the town. The local St lohn division was on parade, complete with fo ur ambulances. My surprise at meeting so many SJAB members was matched by theirs at seeing me - the only white man among them. I was given a very co rdial welcome by the Deputy Co mmissioner, who introduced me to the British High Commissioner for Barbados wh o invited me to stand with him for the march past. It is hard to describe my feelings as I stood there, taking the salute. There was certainly pride at representing my country, and the usual sadness which accompanies a Remembrance Day service, but above all a sense of unreality. It seemed so strange to be laying wreaths and remembering the dead in the brilliant sunshine of Barbados, while back in England crowds were gathering in Whitehall and at numerous village war memorials in the usual cold, grey, dripping weat her of November.

After the se rvice the SJAB Deputy Co mmissioner took me to inspect the Am bulance HQ, then insisted on enterta ining me for the rest of the day. He 206

took me on a tour of the is land , gave me lunch at a restaurant on the sea front on t h e northern side of the island, and finished up at his house, which had its own private beach, from which we bathed. could hardly believe that here I was, in November, swimming in the Caribbean ju st like one of the jet-set who could afford winter holida ys I picked up a piece of coral from the dazzling white beach to take back home to my family, just to prove it.

To church

My new found friend invited me to join him for the evening service at his local church and, feeling refreshed after the swim, it was no hardship to don uniform again After the service we went with a crowd of other church members to a buffet supper at the home of a retired bishop who lived nearby, and I took the opportunity of trying to find out more about Tom Charles and hi s mother. The exbishop said that he knew everybody of note in Bridgetown and would do his best to trace her before we had to return to England, so I had to be content with that.

I spent a ve ry enjoyable evening, chatting with all the guests, and it was past midnight before I was able to s ay g oodbye with many thanks to my SJAB colleague. He gave me

imm ed iat e ly in s isted that 1 s hould stay w ith him and hi s wife for my la st n ig ht on the s land and later that day ca ll e d at the ho spita l to pick m e up, and was horri fied to see the accommodat ion I had been given. He drove me out to hi s hou se in the co unt ry - a lo vely bungalow w it h seve ral g u est rooms, all wit h air -co nditionin g and a coo lin g system. His wife greeted m e warm ly and after dinner we a ll r elaxed in the outdoor swimm in g pool. When I le ft Engla nd I h ad known th at I would have a 2 Y2- d ay wait before flying back with my patient because there was n o ear li er flight ava ilab le, but it had not occurred to m e to pack my sw imm ing trunks (I was n ot, after all, going o n holiday). It was therefore somewhat of an embarrassment to be expected to strip off and swim everywhere I went on the island, but it is the usual way of li fe out there and fortunately everyone se ems to keep supp li es of swi mming tr unk s for visitors - even of my size. We sat talking until well into the night and then I had my f ir st good sleep since arriving there.

By h e t im e I awoke ne x t day my ho s t had a lr eady left for work, leaving in s truction s wit h hi s wife to ta ke me on a tour of Barbados. He had promi se d the pre viou s day to do w h at he cou ld to track down Tom C harl es' mother, and to make s ure that the ho sp it a had him ready for the 7 pm flight to E n gland, so there was nothing to do but make the mo st of my la st day on Barbado s I h ad a wonderfu l time being driven all over th e is land, meetin g lots of intere st ing people, and p icknick in g on yet another g lori ous Car ibb ean bea c h. But as lhe day wore on I be gan to think about my patient and the flight ahead. When m y host came home from work we all went to the hospital, where Tom was prepared, and the ambulance waiting. h ad the sad job of telling him that no trace had been found of hi s mother - it was thought s he had died some time beforebut he see med quite resigned to this and ga ve me a s mile and a squeeze of the hand as I tucked him up in the ambulance. Soon we were at the airport, saying

SJA Music Makers

DESPITE NUMEROUS requests, in formation from SJ A bands is not forthcoming for this column and I am ha v ing to scratch around for somethi ng to write about. So a final plea, please get your information to me a soon a pos ible so that we can let the re st of SJA know what its bands are doing.

Royal Tournament 1985

a lift ba ck to the hospital and dropped me off at one of t he side entrances. I t hou ght wo uld take a short cut across t h e f ie ld in s tead of walking round to the main entrance but had gone only a few hundred ya rd s when t h e re was a treme ndou s commotion and I fo und m yse lf s urrounded by half a dozen vic iou s black g uard dogs, barking furiously and snar ing at me as if they would like to sink their wicked-looking teeth into me. I was petrified but, remembering that I had read somewhere that they would not attack you unless you moved , I 'froze' for what see med an eternity, until the guards arrived and gave me a good telling off for having risked coming through an unmanned gate. My earlier good humour quickly evapo rated and I spent a second sleepless night , thinking about what my fate might have been.

Next morning I went to breakfast in the st aff canteen but sense d that I was not really welcome at the hospital and could not face the thou g ht of another night there. I made my way to the British High Commissioner's office and found the second secretary who had. met me at the a irport. I explained that I normally staye d at an hotel when 1 was carrying out air-medic dutie s, and wondered if 1 could move out of the ho s pital. He

Unfortunate y due to my own Corps commitments, 1 was unable to see the St Audries Band performance at the Ro ya l Tournament, but ha ve received the following report from Squadron Leader Witherow, Staff Officer Brigade Training.

'The display by St Audries Nursing Cadet Band consi ted of two officers, four adu l members, 69 cadets and seven juniors. The roLltine began with a march on, which broke into sections and t hen formed a s ix point star formation In addition to the in strumenta li sts there were 26 marcher s and six sta ndard bearers. The standards were from all of the West Somerset Divisions

After further counter-marching, the band formed a St George's cro s formation, which then rotated. A St John Cross was then formed, which halted w ith four standards in the beast' positions and two at the front.

From this stationary po in t, with Miss Brenda Knight, St Audries musical director, conducting, the band then played the LloydWebber theme Jesus Chr is t Superstar.

The performance ended with a sa lut e to the guest of honour, His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, a patron of the St John Hospi ta l in Jerusalem.

The who le performance was very well exec ut ed, in good time, conf id ent ly, and the music was of a hi g h standard. It wa s well received by a near capacity aud ience that afternoon. T he official St John Ambu lanc e party watching the performance includ ed th e Deputy Com mi ssione r - in -Ch ef, the C hi ef

goodbye to my good hosts and the beautiFul s land of Barbados, and by the time we were air - borne the events of the pa s t two days were already seeming like a dream. Tom s lep t for most of the journey and the only minor excitements were when t he stewardess called me to g i ve first aid to a passenger who had slipped over in the toilet and knocked her se lf out, and whe n the cabin crew discovered that they had forgotten to fill up with water before leav in g Barbado s. (Fortunatel y [ always carry a water bottle, so Tom and [ did not go thirsty).

From Heathrow it was a quick ride by ambulance to Bethnal Green Ho s pital and was soon helping my patient into bed and saying goodbye to him. The ward sister was used to having West Indian patients in her ward and when I said we had just got in from Barbados she thought I was pulling her leg! _ And then I set off back to Taunton through the murk of a typical English November. But I shal l never forget that Remembrance Day Service.

The SOllthwark Corps of Drums at a recent International Year of Youth parade at Br omley, Kent

Officer for Cadets, t he Commissioner for Somerset and other Headquarters staff officers. The pieces played were We've come up from Somerset, The St John March, The Thunderer, The Red Cloak, Jesus Christ Superstar and the Standard of St George.

New bands

Two new SJA bands have been 'discovered ' s inc e la t month. The first is being formed in the Eastern Area of Shropshire by the Ho llin swood Quadri lateral Division. They propo e initially to be a drum and bugle band , but eventually want to progress to full brass At present they are using instruments from t he disbanded Shrewsbury Cadet Band.

The Div / Supt s Mrs Joyce P hilli p and the band instructor is Miss Heather Williamson.

T h e other 'discovery' was formed 12 months ago at Oldbury , West Mid land, and a drum and trumpet band under the direction of % John Duke.

We hope to welcome both band s very oon into full membership of the Federation.

Southwa rk at Faversham When the Southwark Corps of Drums com-

peted in the Faversham Marching Band Championships on Sunday July 21 they were up against an assortment of band ranging from drum and bugle to drum & trumpet , showbands and American Drum Corp tyle bands. I feel it is unfair to judge purely traditional-style bands again t those \\ ith co lour guard , etc, which are allowed to wander' around the field, bu t apart from that the Corp put on a good performance b y taking 5th place overall. They were judged 2nd best valve band, and took econd place for general musi a l effect. Their drum major 12-year-old Caro line I\ linney, took 2nd place for best drum major. This was the Corp' econd competition since changing to valve and the experience fa r outweighed (he trophie and cert ifi cate gained. We had said that it would take at least two years to get back into the swing of competitions, so we are on target.

1 know 'm blowing my own trumper' (sorry) but I wouldn't have to ke p proping lip our column if you, the bandma ters. ent me your repo rts on parades. open nighL. displays, etc. 207

PART 12: Remembrance Day in Barbados

ORDER

INVESTITURE

by the lord Prior, london, July 4

COMMANDER

Sir Dou g las Black, Kt, MD, FRCP Berks)

Brigadier P R Body (London)

Leece (Lancs)

R Reid (Manchester)

Mrs E M Young (Cheshire)

OFFICER

Dr J P Alexander (Belfast)

Dr D A Chandler (Hereford)

Mrs P M Collings (Herts)

Dr J H Gibson (Devon)

Mrs L Guinness (Leics)

ABC H ogg (Norfolk)

Mrs E Kenward (London WI)

D Lamble y (Derbyshire)

Major K B Millner (Isle of Wight)

T A Morris (Herts)

R Parr (Kent)

Brigadier R G Robinson, QHS, MB, ChB, MFCM, DTM&H (Salop)

B R T Sharpe (E Sussex)

Mrs E M Smith (Kent)

Squadron Leader P Stone, ARRC (Cambs)

Miss BAS Warwick (Essex)

Miss M E Warwick (E ssex)

Surgeon Captain D S Wright, RN (Hants)

SERVING BROTHER or SISTER

Mrs M B Ambridge (Nort hants)

W J Amesbury (Avon)

D H Appleby (Essex)

J W Armstrong (Co Durham)

R Ashwell (Cambs)

Mrs E N Ashworth (Lancs)

Dr M M E Barr (Leics)

Mrs M L Bell (D u rham)

Mrs M M Benn e tt (Berks)

C Bora sto n (Ken!)

Mrs J E Bowes (Leics)

C G Box (A von)

Mrs B A Boyce (Berks)

Mrs S A Brewin (Staffs)

Mrs N 0 B r idge s (Beds)

Miss J M Bu ckley (London W 10)

Mr s B M F Bullingham, SRN (Norfo lk)

D A Burchell (Surrey)

Miss P M Bury, SEN (Norfolk)

R N Carter, MB, ChB, MRCGP (Cleveland)

Mrs S P Chandler, SRN, SCM, RSCN (Hereford)

J D Cobain (London E6)

R C Da y (Cornwall)

Mr s B Dorr e ll (W Sussex)

G W J Dyer (Middx)

L J Easton (Cleveland)

Miss M A Frost (N Humberside)

J Gaunt (Derbyshire)

W A Gay (Devon)

"v1iss P J Gayton (D evon)

A D Gilding (Middx)

I K Gray (Surrey)

Miss M Hackett (London E6)

Mrs· N Harri so n (Norfolk)

R Head (Norfolk)

Mr s P M Horner (Leic s)

W E Hubbard (Co Durham)

W D Humphr eys (Kent)

J P Hunnaball (Essex)

G P Huntin gford (Surrey)

'Mr s J Hyde (West Yorks)

Miss J M Johnstone (Kent)

Mrs C M Knight (Surrey)

B J Lamb (Humberside)

J Littlechild (Bucks)

C T Long (Leics)

Mrs P Lo ve (Derbys)

E Lythgo (Essex)

I D Mackenzie (Dorset)

o W Malone (Northants)

Mrs C Mayhew (Essex)

'F J McLoughlin (Derbys)

] S Mee, BSc, MA (Cleveland)

Mrs C S Pill (Left) Ja

R F Parker (Bucks) R T S Pratt (Leicester)

(Norfolk)

(Lancs)

YOU'RE GREAT!

from Mr H. Nash, BEM, Divisional Superintendent (Retdl May I, through the Sf John Review, express my sincere thanks to all the officers and members on duty at Wimbledon t ennis this year for the marvellous send-off on my las t day after many years of du t ies, during which I met a wonderful crowd of members and made many friends I shall remember them for years to come

During my 53 years service in the Brigade I t hou g ht I could control my emotions, but, alas , it was not so. I was instructed by Peter May to attend a meeting at No.1 post, due to some complaint or other. I was greeted by a guard of honour of officers, nursing and ambulance members and the service personnel from around m y No 4 post, together with a battery of camera flashes

The presentation by D I S Peter May included a cake in the shape of a tennis court, a pewter tankard (containing £32 in pound coins), a huge retirement card with signatures and comments from tho se who had been on duty during the fortnight, plus g las ses of champagne. No words would come from m y voice box.

Having now almost reco v ered, I would like to thank the Staff Officers, D / Supt Peter May, Lisle Flusser and all yo u kind folks for your very kind thought s and friendship during m y years with you on duty.

I have been made an Honorary Member of the Brigade, so it is on the cards I will still be around to renew old acqua intances.

Thanks again.

Morden, Surrey H. Nash (Curly, No. 4 Post) LUNATICS?

from Mr L. Sarson, Area Superintendent

With reference to the proposed poster or advert, I strongly object to b€ing called a LUNATIC and being made to look like a postman carrying a large bag of mail. If this is displa ye d as a poster the public will have no respect for us and will latch on to the word lunatic without bothering to read the small print. Recruitment will also be curtailed, there is no doubt, for who ever would consider joining a band of LUNATICS?

Cambridge

NEW UNIFORMS

L. Sarson 45 years service.

from Mr G.H. Easton, chairman, Dress Revision Committee

It is interesting to find two letters on this subject totally opposed to each other in the July Review, one a very welcome support letter for the new uniform, the other so critical.

In answer to the first, the committee did contemplate using the sa me colour backing for the officer's cap badge s a s the President 's and this will be discussed further. Metal badges was thought to be a little dangerous when handling patients and this led us to decide on cloth ones.

To answer the second critical letter. Cost, durability and ease of care were the prime considerations when selecting the material and it was also felt wise to move away from the de s ign of police uniform s , hence the main reason for the fly f ront. T he hat s a re a di s tinc improvement on the old type ambulance member' s hats and they only need a change of band when promoted The Surgeon-in-Chief 's and the Chief Nursing Officer's departments were asked for their views on the best markings for professionals and the scarlet and grey slides are their choice You should note that all professiona l nur ses and doctors wear them , not as before only tho se with Nursing Officer's appointments.

Incidentally, the Supplies Departmen t sold more new uniform s in the first month after the change was announced than they normally do in a year

On visits to counties I find that those who have bought the new uniform are full of praise for the comfort of it s de si gn. As for the allegation that St John is attempting a 'rip -off' - an evocative phrase! The £3.50 handling charge was imposed to try to con rol the rush of orders being made on the telephone and wanting a same-day service

This caused a lengthening delay to properly placed orders by mail and involved emergency staff to correct the situation. I am now assured that the Supplies Department are able to provid e a same-day response if articles are in stock. If you have a complaint, please let us have it, chapter and verse, in writing to the Commissioner-in-Chief through the proper channels, and it will be dealt with.

Headquarters G.H. Easton

210

REVIEWING THE REVIEW

from Mr E G. Groves

I am appalled and depre sse d by the fact that the 'overa ll reaction' to Question 1 calls for less overseas new s - appalled by the parochialism of the people concerned and depressed b y t he obvious lack of knowled g e of the part played by the over seas member s of the St John Family. I hate to think what the reaction is going to be when our colleagues overseas read the report.

It would help to cure this ignorance to some extent if the Review published the statistics covering the work o f SJA in the Commonwealth - hours of dut y, cases treated, first aid certificates issued, etc, in 1984. This information should be readily available from the Annual Report.

Cambridge E. G. Groves

from Mr B. Molloy, CStJ

In the June Review I think DP A' made a mistake in reporting th at Humberside did not contribute to the R eview r eade rsh ip s urv ey.

As ex-County Commissioner, my wife as Vice-Presi den t, Bridlington Nursing Cadet D ivis ion and the Divisional Supt, Mrs P. Spence, each forwarded the appropriate form.

Bridlin g /on

B Mo ll oy Editor: A number of completed questionnaires (i ncludin g those referred to above) arrived after the return s had been ana lysed and the piece written b y the Director Public Affai r s.

DONATIONS TO from Alfred W. Blake

One often sees ob ituary notice s which say 'No flower s, ple ase, but donations to Th is was the case f or the funeral of Fra n k Halls, London Di st rict staff offi ce r whose widow expressed a wish for donation s to our hospital in Jerusalem.

What a lo ve ly s u r pri se there was later for Mrs Halls whe n , one morning, a letter o f thanks arrived with a photograph showing the c hildren a t the St John Ophthalmic Hospital enjoying t hem selves on a s lide made with materials bou g ht fro m the 'F rank Hall's Memorial Fund'.

W oodford Green, Essex

Alfred W. Blake

NOT A ROTTEN LOT

from Mrs R.M Harrod

I mu s t reply to letter Rotten Lot (July Review) I noted with nt erest all the points made but cannot a g ree with any of them.

The divi s ion I belong to is a very hard working team, both on duty and at meeting s. The work is s hared equally and women pla yas active a part as men on duty. The same applies at bigger duties with other local divisions and the area staff.

I can only think that the problem lies with th e particular di vis ion of which N. Coombes is a member, and t hat it is the way women ha ve acted in the past (or the present) while on duty with the men that has caused such poor feeling in the division.

I therefore feel that the writer would hav e done better to sort out the problem s in pri vate rath e r t han sending s uch a le tter to prove tha t her division n ee d s a shake up from within.

Birmingham R.M Harrod

fr om Mrs P. Morgan

I am very sorry for the lady who wrote letter Rotten Lot. We are a happ y lot in our division, w hi c h h as mor e m a les than females As Nursing Officer I fin d mu c h respect an d a great deal of help. Our officer- in -charge and all members make tea in turns and also share other tasks, including rough work and the more pleasant duties. I am not at al l upset if the men do the heavy tasks. I sti ll like to be helped and t r eated as a lady.

I find s h aring a ll work brin gs happiness and team spir t to a division

Perhaps that is why we are a very happy lot.

Gwen!

from Doug Millbank, Divisional Superintendent

P Morgan

Come on, own up, the letter from M. Coombes ca llin g us ambulance members a 'rotten lot' was a joke, wasn't it? (Editor: No.)

I know there are some pretty strange Divisions in existence and some even stranger indi v idual s wearing St John uniform but the thought of a Division where women are treated in such a bizarre manner is surely going right over the top?

I noticed that the writer declined to identify herself or her Division. I wonder why? There are a thousand possibilities Perhaps M. Coombes is th e only female member of a Combined Ad ul t Division tha t ha s seen better d ays. If she is continually forced out into the rain while the men sit in the warmth of the amb ulan ce, perhaps she should c han ge her soap. Has she possibly passed her driving test at the thirtieth attempt and written off s ix of her own vehicles. As I do not know t he lady, I can on ly let my mind wander through a fantastic range of interesting reasons for her bein g shunned

If the lady is gen uine, then I suggest she takes the bull by the horns and goes on st ri ke when asked to do the menial tasks. It is no good bleating to the R ev iew, especially w hen she takes care not to identify her se lf or give her male colleagues a s trong hint. ( at what?editor)

For the record, I run a Quad Division. If M. Coombes is going to genera li se and s uggest that her experience is typical, ler me do the sa m e. [n our Division the nursing members a r e in valuab le. We could not hope to tackle our many publi c du t ies witho u t them. They are treated no differently to anybody else In s hort, we work as a team. W hat you get you cope with. Whoever is handy makes the tea, which is usually one of our ambu lance members, as a matter of interest. A ll my nur si ng member s have been encouraged to take an ambulance course. Some have done so, some have chosen not to do so. The choice was theirs.

There ca n be no doubt th at h ap py a nd s u ccessful Di visions are tho se whi c h operate through teamwork, wit h no di scr imination on any g round s. To suggest that nursing members are a n yt hin g but eq u als to the ambulance members IS an ins ul t. In some thing s they are undoubtably more e fficient. Brawn ne ve r yet defeated brains

I wish M. C oombe s lived near u s. I am sure she would find a completely d if ferent attitude in this Division and if s he is as anxious as she claim s to be treated on equal terms, we would be deligh te d to have her services.

Come on M. Coombes (whoever you are), if you reall y are treated like that, then do s ometh i ng about it. Give t he fellas enough earache

and they will probably be gl ad to send you off in the ambulan ce ju st to get five minute s peace. Fai ling that, move to Lancashire and join a Divi s ion ha t is eve r ything you say your Di vision is not. Best of luck, lady!

Garslang, Preston Dou g Millbank WORLD OF SJ?

from Mr Iqbal Quraishi, Hon Sec, Association, Pakistan I am indebted to th e St John HQ, London , from whom I regularl y re ce iv e the Sf John Re vie w.

We on this si de of the w orld con t inue to render se rvice to t he s ick and suffering, and the Review is the onl y link with members of St John all over the world. The editor' s page, Around and About, pur po rt s to g ive unbia se d cove rage to what is going on in t he world of St J o hn Bu t, excuse my sayi ng so Mr Editor, your 'world of St John' see ms to be limi t ed to England or the UK. Once in a while yo u carry some news about Australia, Canada or New Zealand. R at he r a limited world, isn't it? The conference in Hong Kong in March 1985 amply reflected the amoun t of work being done by St John in Asian countries Cou ld not their activities merit so m e space in t h e Re view?

We enjoy seeing 'News from Di visions and Centres' in the Re view, and feel it is a pity that our vol untary work for St John is not available in our magazine fo r others to read Believe me , Mr Editor, these remarks are made in the true spirit of St John and I hope they will be taken in that spirit. Sind Provincial Branch Iqbal Quaishi Editor : There was a two-page report on the Hong Kong conference in the June 1985 Review, which was probably not received in Pakistan (by sea mail) when this letter was written. A one-ma n part-time staff of the Review (me) cannot know of everything that is going on in 't he world of St John', nor has he the time to sift through e very annual and other reports sent from overseas to find a story suitable for Around and About. Mr Quaishi and his like all over the world must send suitable stories to the editor for particular places in the magazine if they want them to appear. They would be most welcome

SJA Devon's adventure weekend in May (reported on page 154 July Review) certainly covered a wide variety of activities for the 200 cadets who were there Roller skating (below) was popular with all ages , a disco went on well into the night but no one volunteered to have a 'go' at unarmed combat with the Royal Marines. Lady Westbury, the Supt-in-Chief (right) - ah doesn't she look injured? - attended casualty simulation rather than hair -dressing

from the Youth Hostels Association, the County Youth Officer from Clwyd County Council, the leader of the county's recently formed Adventure Group , together with so me livel y di sc u ss ion groups. We were specially plea se d to welcome overseas visitors from the Brigade in Malta, Kenya and Hong Kong , who were s taying in C1wyd during the week as part of th e IYY celebrations.

At th e e nd of th e day the Co mmi ss ioner for Clwyd, Major D.J. Griffith, pre se nted the visi to rs with mom e nto s of their visit to the county.

NEWS frol11

SCOTLAND

THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL ofSt John 1985 took place on Tuesday June 25 within Glasgow's ve r y lovely cathedral, followed b y lunch and the adjourned General Assembly in th e magnificent banqueting s uite of Glasgow's City Chambers.

The Prior of Scotland, the Rt Hon the Viscount of Arbuthnott, DSC, KStJ ,

invested with the insignia of th

grades a total of 68

s tulan

and one recipi ent of the Long Servi ce Medal in the pre se nce of the Lord Prior and Lady Dorman, and t he Secretary -General, Sir Peter Hudson.

As always there was a large congregation, some 500 members , f r ien ds and g ue sts. The guests this year included Lord Craigmyle, representing The So ve reign & Military Ord e r

of Malta , the Moderator of the Pre sbytery of Glasgow , Lieutenant Colonel D Lochhead of the Red Cross, and Mr Wyllie Cunningham of the St Andrew 's Ambulance Association. Among the postulant s was the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Mr Robert Gray, and the Solicitor-General for Scotland Mr Peter Fraser, QC, both of whom adm itt ed as Officers of the Order.

Northern Ireland

WALES

T he Association Director in Wales Dr G .M. Mitchell, presents a SJ p la que to m ark first aid training for prisoners to the Deputy Governor of Swansea Prison , Mr D .W. Bamber Safety at new pool

A NEW type of doll help s Gwent sc hoolchildren learn about water safety and re sc ue techniques as part of the SJA in Wale s project for sc hools. (Photo right).

T he Norwegian-made doll, which is t he size of a five-year-old child, can sink or float and about fifty children from Newport 's St Jo seph's High School had the chance to try it out at Newport's new £7.5 million Leisure Centre in July Youngsters from the school have been undertaking the new Three Cross Award course a s a pilot course for Wales. In September the Prior for Wales, Lord Aberdare, and the Mini s ter of State for Wales, Mr J. Stradling Thomas MP, will be launching the St John Ambulance in Wales project for schools.

Welshpool Recruiting Drive

Major Denny Elvin, the PRO for Powys, recently organi se d another successful recruiting drive, this time in Welshpool and other principal tow ns in Powys. The result s were encouraging and aroused much local 212

New doll for eac hi ng wa te r safety in Gwent. (See Safety at new po o l) intere s t, particularly with the road s ide demons t rations of re c ussi-Ann.

Our photograph shows (L to R) Major Denny Elvin (team leader), Cadet Serg ea nt Lee Park, N IC Sarah Cla y ton, DIO Bery l Recru ti n g in Welshpool

Lewis, County Training Officer Barr y Smith a nd County Cadet Officer Gordon Fleming.

Incid e n ta ll y, Denny Elvin ha s b ee n admitted as a member to the In st itut e of Civil Defence. He was the first in the Brigade in Wales to attend the Civi l Defen ce course at Easingwold in 1983 and is a member of the Joint Emergency Exec utive Co mmi ttee for Powy s We suspect that he is the only Brigad e member in Wale s to be also a member of the In st itute of C ivil D efe n ce. Is that so?

Clwyd

A spe cial training day for cadets and young adult s was held on July 20 at the Kelsterton College, Connah's Quay, North Wale s, as a part of the county's International Youth Year celebrations. Called Opportunities '8 5 , the aim of t he day was to show cadets and young adults the facilities available outside the Brigade.

Organised by Assistant Commissioner T. Bilsborough, the day included presentation s

THE Falklands' confl ict brought into prominence the wo rk of o u r Welfare Officers w h o ca r ed for casua l ties of the three services on board the hospital s hip SS Uganda and later accompanied fam ili es on their journey to the Fa lkl ands w h en they visited the war graves there and attended Se r v ices of Remembrance. However, thei r normal routine is no ess demanding as illu strated in the following report dated June 2 1985 from Miss Heather Ridholls, our Welfare Officer in Cyp ru s: 'May was a very bu sy month, beginning with a ser ious accide nt to a four-year-old chi ld who fe ll fro m t he hi gh cliffs at Akrotiri

Du e to the sever it y of hi s injuri es, h e was transferred to Nicosia General Ho spital an d li s t ed VSIL as hi s c han ces of s ur viva l were co n s id e r ed to be very s lim Hi s parents were put up in a hotel in Nicosia and I visited th e m, taking English newspapers a nd Briti s h' foo d , as th ey were permanently at the child's bedside a nd not eat in g properly. On m y seco nd visit, t he c hild stopped breathing a nd had to b e intubate d. Luckily I was there to look after t h e parents who were in a di st r esse d state. The child was t h e n moved to Intensiv e Care. This s tor y h as a happy ending, how ever - he was late r brought down to Akritori w her e h e regained consciousness after fifteen d ays . 'Mea nwhil e, a Flight Sergeant fell from the t op o f a minibu s and s u sta ined seve re head injur ies and was also sent to Nico s ia General. Hi s family were flown out f rom Sco t land and I met the aircraft at Larna ca

SERVICE HOSPIT AL

WELFARE OFFICERS

(78 miles away) at 04.15 and dro ve them to Nicosia He pent ten da ys th e r e dur ing w hi c h time] made several trip s [Q see t he fam ily. I was beginning to see the long , du st y road in my sleep by this time! Luckil y, the t wo fami lies overlapped and w e r e a gr ea t comfort to eac h ot h er.

'Just before the second patient wa s transferred to Akrotiri, I \ova informed that we had a third VS IL in Nicosia the son of a se r geant who had fa ll en o f f a motorbike

'Once again I drove to Nicosia to see the family who were keeping a bedside vigil. The impor ta nce of our role became very e v ident to m e at this time, a ll three sets of re lati ves te llin g me h ow much t h ey appreciated s eeing another English person. The U.N. al 0 kept an eye on them for me and they were well looked after. The t hird patient is now at Akrotiri, but unlik e the other two, has not regained consciousness.'

The welfare of se r vice men and women in Service ho s pital s is th e responsibi ity of the Joint Committee, b y agreement with the Ministry of Defe n ce. Welfare Off cers belong to the Ord er of St John or the British Red C ross Society, and wear the appropriate uniform acco rdin g to t h eir c h oice, bu t their fixed-term co ntr acts of emp loyment are with the Joint Co mmittee Th ere are ve r y lim ited

ca re

News from Di visions /Centre's

d t h e in jure d fro m

t h e im me d ia t e v ici ni ty, re nd e r e d f ir s t aid an d t h e n m ove d t h em on to a co mmunit y fi r st aid

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

S.

3.

2.

1

departments. (S). 20 Slight strains to back and neck in hayfields (S) 22. Supporter of C harles I was like a cancerous umour? (9). 2S

Having an underdeveloped and feeble physique. (4). 26. Very shortly anonymous. (4). 27. The paper variety is threatenin g but ineffectual. (S). 29. Removed b y gastrectomy. (7). 30. Thrash man important in geometry and t ri gonometry. (7). 3l. Absence of polymorphonuclear ce ll s in the blood. (IS).

Down: 1. Ones determination and self-control. (4-S) 2. Tank with a doctor returning for a drinking vessel. (7). 3. Awaken for a drinking bout. (S) 4 Divine contentment attainable by Buddhist a nd Hindu. (7).5. Secretion of endocrine gland. (7) 6. Knittable part o f the face (4). 7. F re e fluid in the peritoneal cavity. (7) 8. Unwanted sound. (S). 14. Medicinal substance (4). 16. From Laos in addition (4) 17 Knock-out with a Hawaiian timber. (3) 19 Air T-shirt badly producing inflammation of joints. (9) 21. Frankness shown by a hundred around erroneously (7). 22. Loca l anodyne. (7). 23. Broken bone of upper limb with facial twitch in severely mentally-deranged person. (7). 24 A ng ers about SO fishermen (7). 25 Macaroni, spag he ti, and vermicilli. (S) 27. Pali ndromi c doctrine. (S). 28 Symptom indicating site of injury or disease. (4)

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 8 (85)

REVIEW CROSSWORD No. 9 (85) by A A. Potter

Across: l. Hydrocephalus of the aquatic sports fanatic? (S.2.3.S). 9. Fatigued state of mind and body. (7) . 10. Rattlings in the chest. (7). 11 Dental prosthesis for the collection. (S). 12. Efferent process of nerve cell. (4). 13. Nasty eye has hordeolum. (4). IS. Fully conscious and alert. (9). 18 Organisation aiming to reduce work of casualty

Ac ross: l. Full of bean s; 7 Dab; 9. Rathe; 10 Optic lobe; 11. He' al; 12. Skip; 13 Oasis; IS. Angered; 16. Yaws; 20. Stew; 22. Deaf ear; 2S. Inapt; 27. Nous ; 28. T alc; 30. Palpating; 31. Stoic; 32 Eat; 33. Light-headed.

Down: 1 Forehead; 2 Lethargy; 3. Open; 4. Blocked; 5. Autopsy; 6 Secco; 7 Drops'y ; 8. Br·east; 14. Grit; 17. Wea l 18 Sesamoid; 19. Uric acid; 2l. Winding; 22. Drug· get; 23. Simple; 24. Mallet; 26. Trail; 29. Isle.

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GIVE YOUR LECTURES THAT FINAL PROFESSIONAL TOUCH - detailed colour slide sets FAI-lO co mprehen sively cover the SJA Ma nual. Produced by Dr Kenneth Leese (County Surgeon GMC). Slide sets£6 .9S each, double lecture cass ettes £4.95 all plus post and VAT. Send for FREE details o f teaching aid s for Hom e and Road Safety to F. C. CURT IS LTD, 6 Miletas Place, Lytham S Annes, Lancs FY8 IBQ.

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FUND RAISING Fetes, Bazaars and sporting events. Many types offund raise r s, bran tub g ifts, balloons, balloon race equipment, fancy goods, sports cups, medals, shie ld s etc. All at w holesale prices.

Send for catalogue to: Swinnertons Ltd. , 68 Ab lewell Street, Walsall, WSI 2EU. Telephone (0922) 260811213

INSECT BITES and stings, nettle rash, hives, prickly heat and sunburned skin are ALL promptly relieved by the application of RBC Cream.

RBC Cream reduces inflammation, prevents infection, soo hes burning or stinging and moisturises and protects. RBC Cream is available from pharmacies or sample on written request, to bonafide First Aid organisers in holiday areas From Rybar Laboratories Ltd. Amersham, Buck s , HP6 SBX.

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V.F. SPECIALIST VEHICLES

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NATIONWIDE SJA RAFFLE

Counties and Divisions .keep all proceeds from ticket sales!

Apply for as many raffle tickets as you want, as Counties and Divisions keep all the proceeds from the tickets they sell! This is a great way to fundraise without incurring any costs.

LAST YEAR'S RAFFLE RAISED A NATIONWIDE TOTAL OF £42,632

- SO LET'S SEE IF WE CAN DO EVEN SETTER THIS YEAR!

First Prize: The prizes this year include: A brand new top of the range Talbot Horizon GLX 5 speed car

Second Prize: £2,000 worth of brand new carpet of the winner's choice

Third ·Prize: A one week holiday for two In Malta

Fourth Prize: A J.V.C. portable colour television

Fifth Prize: A case of champagne

Sixth Prize: A case of Gordon's gin

Tickets sell at 50p each and are available in books of five from: The Public Affairs Department, Th€ Order of 5t John, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1 X 7EF. Tel: 01 - 235 5231.

MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY - AND REMEMBER

- YOU KEEP ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE TICKETS YOU SELL!

Key dates to plan the year around

County Surgeons Conference

Medical Conference, Nottingham U ni versity Easter Holidays

Barbican Gala, Fund Raising Event

Bank Holiday

Brigade Committee/C ommissioners Conference

Bank Holiday Guildhall, Fund Raising Event

The Queen's Official Birthday Hyde Park Great Party Overseas Conference

Foundation Conference and Centenary Dinner

General Assembly and Festival Service at St Paul 's Greenwich, Fund Raising Event

Brigade FA Competition Finals

Centenary Convention for Young Adults , Surrey University , Guildford Berkeley Square Ball , Fund Raising Event

Bank Holiday

Brigade Conference, Nottingham University Order Service, Truro Cathedral

County Secretaries' Conference

Hampton Court Reid and Taylor Fashion Extravaganza, Fund Raising Event

Remembrance Day

First Aider of the Year Competition Final Brigade Committee

County Nursing Officers Meeting Grand Prior's Trophy Competitions

Carol Service in London

Royal Gala Ball, Fund Raising Event

ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL OF ST JOHN

Volume 58 No.10 October 1985

Contents

St John Fellowship p.217

Do you know your Manuals? (6) by Bruce Coltman p.218

Foundation Confe ren ce p.220

The SJA World comes to Wales p.220

SJA Medical Conference p 222

Around and About by the Editor p.224

Cadet Chat by Jim p.228

Oral Rehydration Solution by Dr Ruth Caudwell p.230

At the Sharp End p.230

Travels of an Aeromedical Nurse (13) by F. W Murkin p.232

DZ - St John on Alpha p.232

Readers Views p.234

New s from Scotland - Wales p.236

How to Guide a Blind Person (2) p 237

News from Divisions/ Centres p.238

The World About Us by Jack p.240

St John Fellovvship

I WAS GLAD to be asked by M i ss L. Rile y, chairman , Preston Corps (Lanes) Branch and a member of the Central Committee, to send details of the Fellowship to Dr W. A. J. Donald of Calgary , Alberta. This is the third enquiry about the Fellowship that we have received from Canada so we hope to hear soon that St John in Canada has formed a Fellowship.

Miss Riley also told me that her Branch is collecting old photographs uniforms , reminiscences , etc , to form part of an extensi ve di s play planned for 1987 to commemorate the centenary of the Brigade in Preston. This is something which other Fellowship branches ma y care to pursue after finding out the form thei r county celebrations will take.

The Fellowship is now in its third year and as more and more Counties now have two, three or four branches it is interesting to notice a new development - the desire of branches to get together for joint meet ings periodically. This is happening in Kent Cambridgeshire Lancashire, and no doubt elsewhere. I hope to attend some of these joint meetings and much appreciate the invitations. I only regret that I cannot manage a Tuesday or a Thursday as I have a part-time job on those days. By the ti me yo u read this , the Fellowship tour of Israel will ha ve take n place. Ma y it be a joyful and satisfying memory for all who took part. It is hoped to publish an account of it in the R eviell'shortly

from a para grap h for Around and About o a 5,000 word article - but it s hould all have some con nect ion with St John and it s work. Photographs should be glossy black and white print s or good qua lit y colour prints, not negative s or transparencies. If photographs are to be returned , w rit e on the back RETURN and name and a ddre ss Pr ess day is the Ist or the month precedin g the cover date.

4.

FOUNDATION CONFERENCE

The SJ Family emerges as theme; and could FAW produce new members?

AS DELEGATES settled into their seats at the GLC County Hall, London, on June 21 for the annual St John Ambulance Foundation Conference, the first news from the Chief Commander was that lunch had been planned on the terrace overlooking the Thames, but it was raining so heavily that the river was hardly visible. With such a start, things had to improve. They did.

No particular theme was planned for the conference but every speaker mentioned one thought which unintentionall y became the underlying theme - we have a unique 'family', the St John Family, and we need ways of keeping the family together and happy , and ways of increasing that family.

The day started with the guest speaker, or should I say preacher , David Winwood, Secretary of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs. His talk 'Y outh Today: What attracts and motivates them?' was an impassioned plea for us to give the cadets a sense of belonging , giving them the freedom of expression to do what youngsters like to do , while reminding them of the tradition and meaning of St John.

Following this was the programme, so far, for the centenary of the Brigade in 1987 , with the Superintendent -in -Chief giving details of 'The Great Party' on June 20 1987 in Hyde Park. It will be a 'fami ly affair ', in that EVERY member, excluding those on VITAL (to be defined later!) duties , should attend this event which is being organised by Major Michael Parker, of Royal Tournament and Cadet Spectacular fame.

A good piece of news for this year was that the Chief Officer Cadets had arranged for 10 cadets, who won at Brigade Finals, to attend, free of charge, the Australian Cadet Camp, ( Dece mber 27 1985January 9 1986 ) The camp celebrates the International Year of Youth, the 60th Anniversary of Cadets in South Australia and the 150th Anniversary of the State of South Australia.

Last year the Chief Commander organised a study into the role of St John Ambulance to the yea r 2000 and one of the major recommendations was to increase the amount of 'care in the community' work This aspect of our work has been increa sing fo r many years and the Chief Welfare Officer is proposing to set up a scheme involving auxiliaries which should facilitate new members to join. The type of work can be carried out with little training and no upper age limit. This will encourage retired Brigade members and auxiliaries and help them feel part of the 'family'.

Initially, a Division should appoint a Divisional Welfare Officer who then appoints subordinates. They then attract 'workers who would be offered ba sic

tra1l1111g. The work involved will vary nationwide but must match local needs. To help ascertain what work is involved three pilot schemes will hopefully start this year - in a city , a large town and a rural area. With this informal initiation into St John , it is hoped that many of the auxiliaries will become full St John members.

On a rather different note, Lord Westbury, chairman Public Affairs Policy Committee, then launched the latest development from Saatchi and Saatchi, the 'Lu natic advertisment , featured in August's Review, wh ich is an important step in making the public more aware of our organisation.

After lun ch (indoors!) , the Director General announced his plans for increasing St John Ambulance membership. He has been trying to find out exactly who belongs to St John Ambulance Association. In 1984, 43 ,023 people achieved FA W certificates , and 21,000 people took the re- exam. Apart from those in the Brigade , what type of persons are those examined ? They are aged 22 - 40 , the exact age group which is needed for new Brigade members.

The end of an FA W course is therefore , a psychologically good time to try and recruit for the Brigade and many counties already do this. But, Mr Balchin pointed out, we are singularly unsuccessful at this and so it is under consideration to offer a Special Membership Package' in return for a small subscription which, after discussion, might be brought into the course fee. Items in the package might include an extension of the insurance cover , access to the Supplies Depa rtment and a quarterly bulletin. They will, therefore , have a feeling of 'belonging'. This idea is being discussed with County Director s before implementation

Finally, the Chief Commander, in summing up the conference, said that the decrease in members was still the main problem and it was sc heme s such as those heard about today which might help , because auxiliary -type members would have fewer demands put on them.

The Chief Commander again stressed the importance of public relations, and the necessity to appoint Divisional PR repr esentatives to ensure that details of any newsworthy event were transferred immediately to the County PRO or the Public Affairs Department at National Headquarters. Yesterday s new s is NOT news and, therefore, speed is of the essence.

The Chief Commander ended by congratulating everyone on their excellent efforts in converting Brigade members to the FA W statutory certificates - a little more light is now visible at the end of the tunnel.

Richard Radcliffe

The comes

SJA World to Wales

AS PART of the Brigade in Wales celebrations for International Youth Year the Chief Commissioner for Wales invited young Brigade members aged 16 to 25 from Commonwealth and overseas countries to Wales to see for themselves how the Brigade operated here and also of course to foster a spir it of fellowship between Brigade members all over the world. More than 30 people made the often long journey to stay for the first week in a hostel in St Athan; the second week as guests in the homes of Brigade members in the eight counties of Wales.

Members made the journey to Wales from Australia, Barbados, Canada Guernsey , Hong Kong, Kenya, Malta, Mauritius New Zealand Northern Ireland , South Africa, Southern Ir eland, Zimbabwe and England.

Sixteen young people, two from each count y in Wales, accompanied the part y throughout their stay. The leaders for the week were Divisional Officer Paul Ford and Divisional Nursing Officer Julie Williams.

The visit began with a call at Prior y Headquarters , Cardiff, where the party was rec eived by the Chancellor, Mr D. J McDougal, and the Chief Commiss ioner, Dr D B. Price, along with the Deputy Chief Commis s ioner Dr D. W. Williamson and the Brigade Secretary for Wale s, Mr C. J Parry. The party was then entertained by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Captain N. Lloyd Edwards, who is a member of Chapter, Council and Finance Committees for the Priory in Wales.

The highlight of the VIS It was a rededication service and general assembly for the Priory of Wales. The overseas contingent, in their various uniform s, processed in front of chapter members into the assembly rooms at the City Hall for the genera l assembly, the guest of honour being the president of the Sovereign Military Order of M alta, Sir Peter Hope.

The party went to a Welsh medieval banquet at Cardiff Castle at which was the Prior of Wales, Lord Aberdare Sir Peter and Lady Hope, and 50 other St John guests.

The evening was a great success, with some fine entertainment, which included communal so ngs from mos t of the co untr ies represented.

On the Sunday a special service was arranged in the hostel which was conducted by Canon J. Keens, chairman of the Council for Wales Voluntary Youth Services. Later in the day the overseas visitors entertained the Welsh members to a hilarious show which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

The week 's programme included visits to the Royal Mint , the Big Pit Coal Mine at Blaenavon the St John Hospice at Bridgend,

a pottery, and the Welsh National Folk Museum at St Fagans. Homes visited included that of the Sub - Prior , Sir Cenydd and Lady Traherne whi le returning from a tri p to the Brecon Beacons ; and that of the Hon Mrs W. Legge- Bourke, Chief Cadet Officer for Wales , where swimming, tennis a nd cricket were organised as well as chess, draughts cards, etc, for the less energeticand a superb tea. After this first hectic week of visiting and sightseeing, the overseas guests set off to be entertained in the eight counties of Wales.

On the last day of their visit, the party returned to St Athan to be greeted by the Assistant Chief Commissioner (Nursing) Mrs H G. Lewis, and a g rand party to end the day at th e home of the Chancellor and Mrs McDougal.

The fortnight, which had been a series of happy events truly portraying the meaning of the rnternational Year of Youth in SJA, was financed by grants and special fund raising events and the whole operation was planned and organised over 12 months by the Chief Training Officer , Mr J. P. Harries (who spent the first week with the visitors) and his secretary, Mrs P. Moreley

(Below) The South Africa representatives Andrew Howe and H azel Neuborn, and (below right) Denyani Gunputh. of Mauritius, presents a scroll to the Chancellor.

Outside City Hall Cardiff with (centre) Lord Aberdare the Prior for Wales Extreme right is Chief Training Officer Peter Harries

(Right) James Pile. of Barb ados. presents a pennant to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff at the City Hall reception.

The Chancellor , Mr D. J. MacDougal, gree t s Barry Pate and Michelle Ahlom. both of Zimbab we. with Marva Skeete of Ba rbados and Andrew Kimwomi of Kenya in background.

SJA Medical Conference

The future role of SJA dominated the weekend

THE WEEKEND at Nottingham University during April began as usual with informal sessions on the Friday evening for Association members, Brigade surgeons and nursing officers. I attended the session on SJ A home-made videos thereby missing what I gathered was an extremely interesting talk on AIDS by Dr Sutherland. The two videos shown were an interesting comparison - one on cadets, produced in the West Midlands, and the other on St John Aeromedical Services, produced by Roussel Medical TV. I wondered at the definition 'home-made after seeing the latter - which was excellent. Discussion among delegates concluded that St John MUST afford the best possible product, whether by asking (e.g. for sponsorship) or by collecting small sums to put into a central fund, or by any other means - for videos create a powerful impression.

The conference itself was opened on Saturday morning by the Chief Medical Officer , Dr P. A B Raffle, in the absence of Sir Douglas Black , chairman of the Medical Board. Dr Raffle ' s introduction was brief, outlining the shape of things to come before handing over to Mrs Dorothy Radwanski, chairman for the first session on 'St John in the Community , an attempt to look at new vistas for St John and at all that this entailed.

The opening speaker Mr David Hobman, CBE, Director of Age Concern, gave delegates a shrewd insight into the ageing process and the community in which we live.

In his work for Age Concern, Mr Hobman realised that we should stop talking about old age in a sterile way; some people can seem old in their thirties, while others, in their eighties, can still function as fully integrated members of society. The label 'old age can be very damaging, and this led Age Concern to adopt its new title, having previously been the National Old People's Welfare Council.

Mr Hobman said world population was expected to more than double by the end of the decade to over 700 m. In a century, the average male life expectancy had increased from 40 to 70 years and a female from 45 to 75 years. Mr Hobman believed the only way to respond effectively to this challenge was by enlightened self-interest - changes seem to be made when providers of care become

222

consumers themselves. For example, at the beginning of the century, Manchester clinics for children improved dramatically when the ladies providing the clinics took their own children to them. However , Mr Hobman suggested that that was not always the case - pensioners sometimes felt that they were no longer in charge of their own lives, with unwanted services thrust upon them and wanted services ignored. Older people are changing in their attitudes; they will come to expect more and want to be more involved, actively, in the ageing process. They expect to be consulted, not segregated by age. The next generation of elderly will be more educated and will not simply acquiesce.

Role for SJA?

Mrs Radwanski then introduced Mr Frank German, Director of Nursing Services (Psychiatric) in Exeter. In suggesting a new possible role for St John in the community, Mr German first sketched the size of his own area - Exeter Mental Health Unit covered the country from Okehampton to Axminster, wit.h part of North Devon if required. Within this area , one-third of the population are over 65, many over 75, having retired to the area with, often, little or no contact with relatives. Mr German's aims in speaking, he said, were three-fold: an opportunity to communicate with a receptive audience to better inform them about the needs of the mentally ill; being better informed could encourage greater involvement from St John; to assure St John that the statutory bodies alone cannot provide all that is necessarySJA involvement would ensure that the service is complete and comprehensive.

Mr German outlined the falling numbers of in-patients since 1950, due mainly to the major tranquilisers coming into common use and also to the 1959 Mental Health Act. However, while the numbers have decreased, costs have increased, and very little money has been moved into community care in psychiatry - more patients have been discharged into a community which has not always been prepared for them. Exeter Health Authority are changing their style of services - by 1987/88 confused elderly patients will be relocated in small purposebuilt units in Exeter and other major towns;

involved in the running of mental health education groups. Many CPNs specialise in different areas - e.g. anxiety, alcohol problems, adolescent problems , problems of the confused elderly, etc , and many G Ps will often refer a patient directly to the appropriate CPN rather than to hospital or by simply writing a prescription. The intensive involvement of the CPN can also ensure support for the carers. Although their involvement can decrease after the services have been mobilised, CPNs often help with confidence building , taking and encouraging patient s to use the local post office , shops , etc, so that they may retake their rightful place within the community. However, Mr German pointed out that for this to happen, the community must be receptive - the community must have tolerance and an understanding of a mentally ill person s needs , together with a whole range of appropriate support - which is where the statutory bodies and the voluntary sector should be hand-in - hand.

Divisions should

ON THE PLATFORM

the same aim is also applied to the chronically mentally ill. Central hospital services will be provided only for the acute mentally ill and those requiring the technology and services of a district general hospital. The desire is to adapt buildings to suit the need s of local communities movin g care into people s homes where possible - in other words , making the service accessible. This means, of course , that more community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) would be needed. Mr German then expanded on the role of a CPN , of which there are already 30 in the Exeter area It is hoped to increase this to 50 , being funded from lower hospital costs of in-patients. The CPNs work closely with GPs, occupational therapists, social workers and other professionals, as well as with consultant psychiatrists, from mental health centres which are large hie:h street houses in large centres of population served by the mental health team - resource centres. This has therefore moved the focus of the psychiatric service from the hospital to the community. Over 80% of all referrals now originate from the GP and primary health care team instead of from consultant psychiatrists, with the GP remaining responsible. The CPNs are responsible for their own nursing intervention, an initial visit usually being made within 24 hours of referral. They provide an assessment of the patient's needs, counselling, physical help and care, observation of side effects and are

The statutory bodies , said Mr German , need help from responsible citizens and voluntary sector organisations like St John, which is particularly well - placed through its first aid and nursing experience to move into community and welfar e work Mr German suggested that being better informed on the need s of mentally ill people would be something local divisions should do as a s tart. While not suggesting exactly what St John should or s hould not do Mr German outlined one specific area of need for those recently discharged from hospital care, who no longer required active treatment , but did need help to integrate into the community He wondered whether St John member s mi g ht be able t o help b y undertaking citizen ad vocacy - i.e. , a voluntar y match between a person with a handicap and a person in the community who would stand up for that per s on 's right s An advocate must have a one -to -one relationship; be an unpaid volunteer (and s o have no financial or political interest) ; be prepared to sustain that relationship and to build upon it; and the relationship must be free from built-in conAict of interests. People need to be treated as individuals with access to normal roles. Many people need to develop social skills. Advocates need to think about their roles; they need to have a wide circle of friends and interests to which a person can be introduced; they need to be able to be relied on for a long time; they need to have a positive reputation in their community. An advocate's role is one of practical problemsolving, of friendship and of recognising emotional needs. Is citizen advocacy a role for St John?

The third speaker of the morning was Noreen Miller, Directo[ of Contact-aFamily. This fairly new organisation developed because organisations like the Spastics, ASBAH and Mencap were often so busy campaigning for better services that

they were unable to meet a new family with a disabled person or to see about practical help for the family. After 10 years there are now over 250 small mutual support groups throughout the country. Families , said Noreen Miller , have practical experience of coping with and of understanding problems, and the y can often help one another simply b y sharing experiences. Contact-a-Famjly link s families nationally encouraging the development of mutual support groups, which can then be linked to each other and to t he statutory bodies.

Noreen Miller suggested that perhaps St John could provide support in the communit y for familie s thu s giving them time for other siblings , or for marriage partners.

Could St John perhaps help with adapted transport for families or could they be used as a resource centre with directories of local help available. Perhaps a possible project could be the compilation of such a local directory if the need existed. Other practical help could be provided by , e.g. , learning sign languages to communicate with deaf people or by visiting and provid i ng additional stimulation in the home for Downs Syndrome babies. St John could in this way form a partnership with, e.g., doctors and teachers to help families. A one-to-one contact promotes understanding. Perhaps families in the community could share some of their time; such a scheme is already in existence , called 'Share-a-Family'. Families will take a disabled child out for a day or for a few hours , both giving the family a chance to do something else together as a normal family and also give the child a chance to meet someone else of their own age and a new face. Support and training, concluded Noreen Miller , are important to develop these schemes. St John has both.

After coffee, the discussion moved on to more practical aspects of help in the

community w hen Ian Middleton Count

Nursing Officer spoke of the practical work done b y members of the Worksop SJA Di v is ion. After giving a potted histor y of the Bassetlaw area , he handed o v er to Area Nur s ing Officer M[s Ra y ner who began b y saying the nursing ha s de veloped as a response to changi ng social need ; as the structure of societ y alters so ne w demands ari s e for health care , with changes in the size and composition of the popU l a t ion creating fresh problems for community li vi ng. By the y ear 2000 t here would be 65 people in t h e area o ver the age of 85.

Increased demands

Effective community care is e ss ent a for thi s age group , the main object iv e being to maximise normalisation and to minimise hospitalisation. Howe v er , resources are somewhat stretched owing to increased demands. With their training St John can help other community carers in a wellstructured co -ord i nated w a y This would howe ver , need t he full support of the s tatutor y ser v ice s a nd of a person s re l ati v es. If th is were to be so, went on Mrs Ra y ner then our responsibility is to see that all St John personnel are fully aware of the phy s iological and psychological needs of clients. She concluded by pointing out that there appear s to be a new stress on community involvement within our society incorporating first aid , social welfare and nursing care and went on to introduce a presentation by Divisional Superintenden Philip Moon from Worksop, on the practical work done b y his division. Mr Moon described the care given to a 74 -year-old gentleman suffering from degenerative diseases, which had now been further complicated b y his having a stroke

(continued on p.239)

(Above) SJA men pause in their talk (J to r) Drs David Penman and C Spen ce. Mr J W Little and Dr J Baker. (Below) On the Supplies Dept counter Miss D. Sainsbury and Mrs S Bragging t on Hope some Reviews were available

ON TV

London District cadets will appear on Thames TV's 24- hour Telethen programme, which raises money for youth organisations, on October 29 and 30. Among other members appearing will be London District's president , the Duk e of Westminster. Watch out for them

LOOKING AHEAD

16 Oct: Po st Office FA Competitions, Derby

2-3 Nov: CSO Cadets Conference, HQ West Midlands

7 Nov: British Rail FA Competitions, P er th

27 Nov: Grand Prior 's Troph y Competitions, Buxton

29 Nov: 1030 County Secretaries Conference

AFLOAT

An article in the Amateur Rowing Association 's newspaper headed Rowing is Dangerous about three serious rowing accidents on the Thames , says: ' In every case the prompt and professional response of the St John Ambulance water borne rescue services saved li ves. Rowing owes these vo lunteer s a big debt.'

OL'MARTIN

From Devon hear that Corporal Martin

P r iddle 14 of Kingsbridge Cadet Division , came home from band practice one evening to hear a chorus: 'Goo d. There 's 01' Martin. He'll know what to do .' A friend had fallen from hi s BM X bike and sustained fractures to patella , fibula and tibia , and also torn ligaments. Martin diagnosed the fractures and organised some adults to 'chair the patient to a nearby house , from where a doctor and ambulance were called. The patien t was laid on a bed and Martin treated him for shock. Martin said: 'He wasn't ve r y happy because 1 wou ldn 't g ve him a drink.' The patient , who had to have his leg pinned, was detained in hospital for five da ys.

DOLLARS FROM DINNER hear that a fund rai s ing dinner dance at the Intercontinental Hotel , Jerusalem , organised by the newl y- formed local branch of the Friends of St

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

cou

ABLE OR, , , Dr Barnado 's Princess Margaret School Taunton which opened in 1966 provides full-time education for ph ys ically handic apped bo ys and gir ls aged four to 16. In September 1978 h e Taunton Nursing Cadet Division was asked if one of the school's pupils, Deborah (who had a congenital heart disease) , could join the Di v ision, She did join, with great success and enthusiasm un ti she left the sc hool in July 1980. Sadly , soon afterwards she died.

Towards th e end of 1982, Mrs Rowlands County Staff Officer (Cadets) and a Dr Barnado 's helper, discussed with the school's Deputy Head the idea of running a basic first aid course as an after school acti vi ty, Iris Powell the Di visional Superintendent, was also keen to help , as were the nur si n g cadets, In spite of the enthusiasm there were worries

- how do yo u teach first aid to children in wheelchairs or callipers?

The first course started in January 19 83 and all fears a nd worries quickly melted away The wi ll ingness of the children to learn forged a strong link between the Division and the school. The more able-bodied children fo und ways to put on s lings and dressings, while the le ss ab le were helped by cadets

The Chief Commander recently attended a special evening at the school, during which the children put on a demonstration, It was,' he said, 'one of the mo st impressive project s I h ave ever witnessed.' Which ju st goes to s ho w how unfitting is the term 'd isabled'.

(See photos on p, 227),

HAVING FUN

Laun ceston Ambulance Division entered a team in the Great Launceston Boat Race organised by the loca l Lions. Each crew of th ree, carrying their home - made boat, had to visit the 10 pubs on the mile-long route ford

BY THE EDITOR

the R iver Kensey and complete an obstacle course.

Afterwards, their officers joined in a tug 0' war - Lions and St John v the rest - which was declared a draw. (See photo.)

The event rai sed about £700 for local c h arities, including over £40 for St John, F ir st a id cover was provided by the Cadet Divi s ion

GOING BIKING

hear that Nicola Cocking 2 1 a member of Norwich Old Catton Combined Division, set orr in July with friend Matthew Nobbs , 2 1, to travel the world by bike.

Between them, the couple had saved £2, 000 , so presumably they 'l l keep pedalling unti l the money run s out. Nice way to see the wor ld

FROME NOW KNOWS

THIS YEAR, 1985 , we celebrate the founding of the town of Frome 1,300 years ago by St Aldhelm, successively Abbot of M almesbury and Bishop of Sherborne.

Very few towns have a documented history s panning 1,300 years, Frome in Somerset is one of them, and this year is celebrating a recorded existence embracing the building of the first Mission Station on the banks of the River Frome in AD 685, mentioned in t he Domesday Book , the rise of the woo ll en trade in the 14th century and the economic prosperity of the industrial 19th century to the present day,

The opening ce ebration was on Saturday May 25 with a Thanksgiving Service in the Seventeen - year- old Jayne Smith, of Grange, Cumbria, who is on a pre-nursing course, went to work a the SJ Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem for a month dur ng August. With her she took £ 500 fo r the hospital from South Cumbria organisations and this goblet from SJA Cumbria ,

Launce s ton SJA and the Lions pull together against the rest. Despite the eHort the match was declared a draw.

See story HAVING FUN All 79 SJA members who helped man the first aid pos t in Rome during 1983 were invest ed with the Medal of Merit by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta at a ceremony in the chapel at St John s Wood of the Ho spital of St John and St Elizabeth during June. Alan McKay (right front in photo) organises the annual Rom e duties for SJA m embers from Headquarters

SJA's fine permanent pavilion given to them in 1971 , at the annual Royal Show at Stonelei gh, Warwickshire. SJA Warwicks puts on an exhibition in the pavilion every year.

(Below) SJA Commander, Es sex, Joseph Bird presents Asso c iation meritorious first aid certificates to Police Sgt Peter Parkman (left), Special Constable Clive Poole {ri ght} and Susan Drewell 19 of Chelmsford The three saved a man's life after his throat had been cut in a late night attack.

(Left) AIM Derek Nissen of

Cutting the cake at the opening of Lincs' Bourne Quad Division s new HQ is their new president. Lady Willoughby de Eresby In 12 months, members bought and converted the 60 ft x 30 ft building into their new home. During the opening ceremony a child, with a fractured arm, was brought in for treatment.

Parish Church conducted by no less than three bishops. During the service was a section entitled 'In praise of Frome today'.

For over the centuries Frome has developed and diversified, yet today it still manages to retain its charm and rural character. To describe our town as it is would be a daunting if not impossible task. In this part of the service local people shared with us their personal impressions of certain aspects of Frome life. In front of the packed church, Nursing Cadet Juliet Gardner told us 'What I Think of St John '.

As St John had its beginning not long before Frome, our Division decided to hold a rededication service. On Saturday July 20 this plan came to fruition. The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, the venue for the rededication service, was full to capacity.

Before the service the band of the Frome Red Cross Cadets played in the Church forecourt. St John in Frome has a very good working relationship with the Red Cross and we help each other whenever we can.

After the Vicar, the Rev Geoffrey Wrayford, had formally welcomed the Save-a-Life campaign (Woman magazine and SJA) is launched at Weymouth with a demonstration by CSO Mrs Ivy Bevan for the Mayor. Watching are the Mayoress, D Supt Eileen Gray and Weymouth's director of leisure services, Harvey Bailey.

NEW HQs

congregation to St John 's Church the Rt Rev John Bickersteth, the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells, conducted the service. He was assisted by the Rural Dean, the Rev Robin Vincent, and the Roman Catholic priest, Fr McCarthy The lessons were read by Nursing Cadet Nicola p.rager and Nursing Member Joan Neate.

In his address the Bishop (photo below) spoke of the wonderful response to the recent 'Live Aid' concert, and the growing awareness, especially among the young, to the needs of other people. He said that St John, with their motto which includes the words 'pro Hominum', was obviously aware of such needs with their many hours of service willingly given. He wondered, in passing, whether spraying crowds with water from hosepipes during the concert to keep them cool was a new skill acquired by St John personnel. He remembered the words spoken to him at his own investiture as a Commander of the Order 'Weary not of well doing' and hoped that members of St John would always bear them in mind. The people of Frome are now well aware of St John.

SEAN'S YEAR

Congratulations to l5-year-old Sean Ingram, a Grand Prior cadet sargeant of NorthReet, Kent, who was chosen Young Citizen of 1985 by the local Council.

Bless this House '. Northway Quad Division, Oxford (formed 1978)' opens its new HQ, with County Commissioner Don Franklin (centre), Cllr John Deegan the Countess of Maccesfield cou nty president), and the Rev Paul Rimmer with the leasehold documents of the building. (Photo: Oxford Mail).

Sean , who joined SJ A as a junior when he was eight and was the first G P badge holder in his division, was selected by a panel of borough councillors because of his community service and the proficiency certificates he had gained. Sean was presented with a scroll and plaque of the Borough Coat of Arms and his duties will include going with the Mayor to functions connected with the work of youngsters in the community.

SURFER SAVED

A surfer in danger of being swep t on to rocks was re sc ued off the coast of Barry, South Wales , during the summer by the local SJA beach rescue unit.

The surfer was spotted clinging to his board by the SJ A crew, one of whom, Simon Thomas , di ved into the water to attach a line to the board, which was then towed to sa fety away from the rocks.

The St John lifeboat had only just returned to the water from a major refit and repair after being holed earlier in the yea r.

DISABLED GUIDE

The 1985 / 86 edition of the AA's highlypraised Travelling Guide for the Disabled is available at Automobile Association centres , free to members, otherwise £2.25 a copy, and is also on sale at mo st good bookshops. Together with suitable places to eat and visit, the 140-page guide lists , in county

Frome hears about SJA. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev John Bickersteth with (I to r) S upt Roy Prager Commissioner, Somerset, Mr J. Luttrell his deputy, Mr J. White and Mayor Pete Belham. See story FROME NOW KNOWS.

order, more than 300 hotels guest houses inns and other holiday accommodation in Britain and Ireland suitable for those confined to wheelchairs.

OUR PRESIDENTS

Her e's more information on Re g ional Presidents' conferences:

Region 2, Humberside , N Yorks, and S and W Yorks (regional president: Mr s In g ham, Sand W Yorks) - conference on M ay 2 19 86.

Region 6, Berks, Bucks, Hants , Dor se t Isle of Wight a nd Oxfordshire (reg ional pre s ident: Lady Macclesfield, Oxon) postponed from October 19 , ne w date to be notifi ed.

WED

Another SJ A wedding (but no photograph I'm afraid) between Divi s ional Superintendent John Snow and Miss Ethel Joyce took place at Spennymoor, Durham, recently. The officiating minister was Mr L. Simpson, a member of County Staff, Durham. Man y

SJ A m embe r s we re at the service.

12 MORE DAYS

The closing date for applications for Nursing Bursaries to arrive at Headquarters is January 12 1986 , not December 3 1985 as stated in August Re view.

Junior Craft Competition results

THE results of the competition are:

I. Jane Shroeder (Staffs)

2. Paul Pettit (Sussex)

3. Sarah Smith (Durham)

who each received a Sinclair Rat-screen pocket televi sio n

4. Tony Pettit ( Sussex)

Louise Pickersgill (West Midlands)

6. Kathy Stretton (S ussex )

7. Alison Hunt (Devon)

8. Cheryl Gregson (Merseyside)

9. Gary Price (Bucks)

10. Sandra Liddle ( Devon)

I I. Michelle Galbraith (N Ireland)

12. Joanna Cargill (Merseyside)

13. James Cargill (Mers eyside)

14 Lynn Campbell (N Ireland)

Heidi Cornish (Some rset)

16. Le sl ie Campbell (N Ireland)

Nicola Thomas (Lancash ire)

18. Anna Goodall (Oxfordshire)

19. Jamie Hicks ( Leics)

Ian Logan (Essex) Kristian Thorpe (Staffs)

22. Sharon Parsons (Somerset)

23. David Gouveia ( Devon)

24. Diane Bendin g (West Midlands)

25. Donna Butcher (Do rse t)

Katie Meade (Bucks)

27. Ian Donovan (Oxfordsh ire ) Martin Leeming (Somerset)

29. Karoline Coster (Lancashire)

30. Michelle Hulse (S and W Yorks)

3 1. Sally Wardale (Humberside)

32. Katherine Smith (Ke nt )

33. Stephen Caswell (North ants)

34 Luc y Barker (Dorset)

35. Emma Biddulph (Staffs)

36. Kate Ellis (Leics)

37. Terri Bentle y ( S and W Yorks)

38 Karen Bentley (Kent)

39. Helen Harvey (Cornwall)

w ho each received a Nintendo Game and Watch video game.

Other Juniors have received a consolat ion prize.

rVvon1an

Sl John Ambulance

(Below) Prin cess Margaret School (Taunton) pupils receive their certificates after a first aid course. with CSO Mrs D. Rowlands

byJIM

IT NEVER HURTS to have the odd silly evening. Here are a few ideas:

Cardboard box

Collect grocery boxes, shoe boxes or any sort of strong cardboard boxes Fold Aat as many as possible it makes them easier to handle. Give each team an identical set of cardboard boxes, string, glue, sticky tape and a three and a half metre length of rope.

The project is for each group to construct a car, using only the materials provided.

Each car must carry at least one passenger and be strong enough to be towed once round the hall by the rest of the team, preferably without falling apart. To make it more challenging, give more precise specifications such as the heaviest member of the team must be the passenger, the total weight carried should be as close as possible to a particular weight, which may mean having two passenger s, or there must be two seats, either side by side or in line astern. You'll be able to think up some fiendish bits of cardboard engineering to tax the ingenuity of your group. You could, of course, collect smaller boxes and scale the whole thing down into making a table-top model car.

If you try the full scale version, allow time for trial runs - and repairs if necessary - and end with a race for all vehicles down the length of the room.

Reverse evening

Explain carefully to the cadets before the start of the meeting that everything you say means exact ly the opposite. Greet everybody by saying 'goodnight' or 'goodbye'. At ease means alert, right is left, and so on. Take the precaution of making your own list of reverse commands or instructions likely to be needed during the meeting and make sure that the cadet leader s have a list too, It 's not practical to work this during a training period, so have a reco gnised signal which indicates that you're the right way again and another to denote engaging reverse The u s ual result is a mildly chaotic, totally hilarious time, accompanied by the conviction that the cadet leaders have finally flipped. They might be right at that, but it 's fun anyway.

Mud - one

Ideal if you have a muddy patch near your headquarters, camp site or a safe area near a stream or pond. Allocate each team an equal share of the muddy area. Challenge them to produce a model in mud. You can either allow them free choice of subject or give each team an individual one. It's not too easy modelling in mud if it's too wet, so it is a good idea to suggest that any model should be at least 45 centimetres high Extra height could gain points if you run it as a competition.

If you run this as a meeting night activity remember to tell the cadets to wear old clothers - bathing trunks if it's warm enough - and you'll need water, soap and towels for cleaning up afterwards.

Mud -two

For each team you need a large piece of thick card - the sides of large grocery boxes would be adequate. Draw on the card a series of circles to make a target, or you could draw a dartboard if you prefer. Cover the target with transparent polythene or clear self-adhesive film applied in strips from the bottom each strip overlapping the one below. Hang your targets on an outside wall or build tripods to support them Mark a base line at a suitable distance from the target depending on the age and size of the teams.

The Prince's Trust

It was very plea sa nt to see how fund s that were a rranged through N at ional Headquarters from the Prince' s Tru st had b ee n put into operation.

A very well organised camp (207 in attendance) was run by County Staf Officer Cadets for Wiltshire, who had invited some 24 handicapped children to Jom them in Somerset. The camp was held at King's of Wes sex Schoo l, in the school grounds - all under canvas a nd with the u se of the schoo shower and toilet block s.

Each handicapped child had three cadets allocated to them and they took it in turn to be with their charge at all times, which worked very well.

In addition to the handic a pped children, 16 children from depriv ed families were a lso invited from private homes not from DHSS institution s. They were made very welcome.

A very full camping programme cover in g proficienc y subjects and plenty of free time makes Wilt hire's contribution to t h e International Year of Youth very worthy. Well done Wiltshire! ChiefOfficerfor Cade t s

Give each team a large bucket and ask them to mix themselves a bucketful of thick mud. For juniors it's probably quicker and more practical to get helpers to mix the mud. The rules of the game are:

I. Each member of the team ' fires' in turn.

2. Everyone makes his own missile by rolling a walnut-sized pellet of mud between the palms of hi s hands.

3. Missiles to be thrown at the target from the base line Anyone stepping over the lin e h as that shot disallowed.

4. A round ends when each member of the team h as fired tw ice (or whatever number you decide upon).

5 Anyone deliberately taking a pot-s hot at the scorer will be 'suspended' and mis s one shot.

6 Scores wi ll be noted for each shot and the total give n at the end of every round.

When the sco re has been totalled at the end of a round the target can be cleaned with a wet cloth or s ponge , ready for the ne xt round If you really cannot make mud you could try using sma ll pieces of foam rubb er

15. (Photo: E Clapson).

Big moment for George Small

GEORGE SMALL, just 16 , has been a cadet for a little more than three years. He is a young man who knows better than most the meaning of our motto 'Pro Utilitate Hominum' - for the service of mankind George demonstrates his knowledge in an intensely pract ic al way by providing serv ice for others. I matter s not what he is asked to doscrubbi ng Aoors, cleaning windows, digging a ga rd

dipped in thi ck powder paint. As they won't be quite so heavy as mud, your base line will need to be nearer the targets.

The great egg race

You need the co -operation of some of your adu lt members or parents, as this game involves cal lin g at their homes. Each team is given a list of name s and addresses and an uncooked egg, signed on the shel l by the cadet leader. The team as a whole has to visit each address and get the she ll signed by the person named on the list. There is no set order for visiting and the winner is the team that completes the course in the shortest time. If an egg gets broken the team must return to headquarters for a new one, duly signed, and start agai n. This can easily be expanded by leaving instructions at each house for a small project to be completed by each team before going to the next address. To avo id clashes of teams at one point it would be politic to send them off at five minute intervals.

If you are doing any sort of activity which in vo lves going round the area at night in grou ps, it is a good idea to let the local police know what you are doing. There's always

Quicl< planning

- best results

Three weeks before the ca rni va l we were ofTered a lo rry to use as a float. Some quick thinkin g and we decid ed to put on 'Accident prone teddy bears at picnic'. A hurried meeting brought s ix mums to make bears outfits from old ca r eats, some new material and paper flowers. 0 / 0 borrows rafia grass and her husband cuts tree top s, logs, e t c. Came the great day. We h ad only 1+ hour s to decorate the Aoat but with 15 minu tes to star t it looked great. Ca dets arrived from sc hool , c h anged in our house (chaos), piled on

ring them to report unusual activities by young people.

Paper fashion

This gives an entirely new meaning to the expression printed fabric ! Give each team a pile of newspaper , a box of paper clips , safety pins and one or two pairs of sc issors.

Eac h team has to produce a head-to-toe outfit for one of its members - or one of the leaders if you've got enough to give one to each team. If you want to make it competitive I suggest that you ask the Area Commissioner or Staff Officer Cadets to act as an imp artial judge. Naturally it is necessary to have a fashion parade whether or not it is being judged!

Radioactive stamp

Unknown to the cadets. a highly radioactive stamp has been hidden somewhe re within your headquarters. They are only told about this just before the end of the meeting. It must be found! Every cadet must look for it. When a cadet ha s found it he /s he can go home without telling anyone else of its whereabouts, saying goodnight to the group leader at the door. The last three or four

Adventure Derbyshire

Contributions

Romford cadets Linda Watson, Denise Peters and Sgt Kim McWilliam get out the cards while on duty at the zoo s casualty room on a cold day

Four Fo lkestone cadets who were all team members in the Regional Finals in Guernsey, recently received their Grand Prior certificates from Area Comm Mrs Marion Spencer. (L to r) Michelle Southerington 15 Bernice Frampton. 15; Lorraine Jones, 14; and Deborah Gainey,

Oral Rehydration Solution - the water of life

by Dr Ruth Caudwell, Area Surgeon, West Midlands

'TA KE ONE level teaspoonful of salt and eight level teaspoonfuls of sugar and mix in a litre of water.' And there you have the treatment for an illness that kills 4 or 5 million children every year - diarrhoea.

Here in the developed world, diarrhoea and vomiting or gastroenteritis is just an unpleasant illness, but in underdeveloped countries it is a killer disease. The World Health Organisation's Diarrhoeal Diseases Control programme has been started to teach health workers to deal with this problem , and their recommendations are just as useful for anyone in this country looking after a person with 'D and V'.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestine, usually due to a virus , but sometimes, especially abroad, due to bacteria such as cholera or dysenter y.

Antibiotics are only of use in the last two; normally all we need to do is to try and prevent dehydration and malnutrition while the body fights the infection, for it is these two that kill the patient. Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stoo ls in a day. The soft stools of a breast fed baby , or frequent normally formed stoo ls are not diarrhoea.

Dehydration can often be prevented if three simple rules of treatment are followed.

Rule I

Give the child more fluids than usual

- if he is breast -fed try to breast feed more often. Do NOT stop breastfeeding.

- if he is bottle fed dilute the milk with an equal vo lume of boiled water.

- fluids such as fruit juice, soups, weak tea, salt and sugar solution.

Rule 2

Continue feeding the child

- sma ll frequent meals of easily dige ste d food.

- if you stop food you may cause undernutrition. There is no evidence that continuing food makes the diarrhoea worse.

Rule 3

Watch for evidence of dehydration

- History of thirst, severe vomiting, small amounts of dark urine.

- Child appears unwell, sleepy, irritable.

- Skin and mouth are dry.

- Eyes are dry and sunken.

- In severe dehydration there is SHOCK

- If dehydration occurs get medical help.

230

offered again in small amounts after 10 minutes. If he is severely dehydrated and s hocked , or if he cannot keep the ORS down , then intravenous fluids will be requir ed. Interestingly , in the hospital where I work in Birmingham, we hardly ever have to use intravenous drips, as almost every child can cope with 0 RS by mouth if it s given littl e and often.

The treatment of diarrhoea has been revolutionised by Oral Rehydration Solution (O RS). This is a ready made mixture of salt, potassium, sugar and sodium bicarbonate, all of wh ich are lost from the body in diarrhoea. The ORS usually comes in packets. In this country proprietary brands can be prescribed by the doctor, suc h as Dextrolyte or Dioralyte. The powder is mixed in a suitable quantity of clean water. For us that means tap water, though if it is for a baby under six months the water should be boiled and then allowed to cool. One of the problems in underdeveloped countries is obtaining clean water and it is often polluted water which has caused the diarrhoea in the first place.

If a child is dehydrated he must be seen by a doctor (o r other health worker) He (or she) looks for the sig ns of dehydration described above, and from them decides j ust how much fluid the child ha s lost. This can easily be 10 % of the body weight. From this he can calculate how much ORS is needed. The aim is to correct the dehydration over 4 to six hours. Once the dehydration has been treated recurrence can be prevented by giving a cupful of ORS (half a cup for babies) after each loose stool. Adults can take as much as they want. In the meantime the patient takes his normal daily amount of fluid as well. If he vomits the ORS can be

Tn this country the rules are just the sa me. You can start the treatment yourself, but if diarrhoea occurs in a baby or ther e are signs of d e hydration you should get in contact with your doctor. He may prescribe a proprietary brand of ORS or suggest that you make a sa lt and sugar solution yourself. You need a li tre of boiled water, I level teaspoon of sa lt, and 8 le ve l teaspoonfuls of sugar. You must be ve r y careful not to use too much salt as this can make a baby very ill. Some doctors hold t he view that food and milk should be stopped completely for 24 hours, and that milk shou ld be avoided for a couple of day s more This is because after gastroenteritis the small intestine is often oversensitive to the sugar in milk and the diarrhoea becomes prolonged. However in malnourished children there is more risk in stopping milk because of the dangers of further malnutrition.

Obviously it is better still to pre ve nt diarrhoea in the first place. This means teaching people about good hygiene and good eating habit s. The safest food for babies is definitely breast milk - after all, it comes read y prepared in a sterile container! If feeding bottles are used they need to be properly steril ised. Food should be hygienically stored and properly cooked. Water supp lie s should be clean, and sanitary facilities shou ld be adequate. It may seem all too simple when our water comes from the tap, and we have Aushing toilets , but it's no t so ea sy when you use the local river for washing, drinking, and even toilet facilities.

At the sharp end

SUSTAINING a cadet's motivation , nurturing his desire to gain a knowledge of first aid (and the multitude of subjects encompassed by the Grand Prior's Award), helping him to develop a caring attitude towards his fellow beings - all these are principle objective s of an effective training programme. How can we achieve our aims, particularly with respect to the first aid aspect? Practical experience s pring s to mind, and it was this course that was adopted in a joint venture undertaken by two Leicestershire divisions , South Wigston Combined Cadet Division and the cadet section of Great Glen Quadrilateral Division

0 / 0 David Harriman, of South Wigston, and Steve Vincent, PRO of J. L. King Combined Division who assists in training the Great Glen cadets, together devised a

Motorcycle: Rider (improvised with a Resusci -Anne) appears dead'. Pillion passe nge r s wandering about, dazed and confused.

Family of shop per s: Father suffers a heart attack. Mother is hysterical. Two children are both in shock.

disaster exercise in a carpark in Wigston which involved two cars, a motorcycle and pedestrians - with 16 casualties.

The injurie s and conditions to be treated were:

Car I : Driver with fr acture of nose extensive cuts/lacerations to face, head and hands (ca used by impact with windscreen) and chest injur y. Front seat passenger with friction burn from seatbelt and causing a nuisanc e. Passenger No.2 is an uncon scious child, lyin g in the back of the car, obscured from view by boxes. Passenger 3 is in s hock. Passenger 4 with a fracture of the lower arm. Car 2: Driver with open fractures of both legs. Front seat passenger with whiplash injury to the neck Passenger 3 with a spra in /sus pected fracture of wrist. Passenger 4 is in shock.

It is hoped to hold a reciprocal exercise soo n , for the val ue of such ve ntu re s

unquestionable.

New home

for (ambulance and FA unit)

Weybridge

ANEW headquarters for Surrey's Weybridge Division was opened on July 8 by th e Lord Prior, Sir M aur ice Dorman who also carried out the annual inspection of the cadet and adult Di visions, and dedicated a new ambulance and mobile first aid unit.

The old HQ, rented from Surrey County Council s ince 197 I on a 6 month lease, was offered to the Division in 1981 for £ 16 ,000 The Divi s ion raised the money in 8 month s and bought it. The existing building, which was very old and needed much maintenance , consisted of limited ga rage space, an in adequately small meeting room, and a toilet.

So in 1983 an a ppeal was launched to raise £70,000 for building a new HQ on the s ite. Over the next 2 years many different fund - raising activities were organised the most adventurous (and most profitable) was a boxing evening which produced £ 17 ,000.

The new mobile first aid unit , donated by The Berkeley Trust and bought from the Across Trust (w hich takes pilgrims to Lourdes), originally had 16 seats and eight stretc her s and was converted to the Division's own design by the Apprentice School of British Aerospace at Weybridge.

Cadet Training

Photo :

(Right) The Lord Prior dedicates the new first aid unit. (Below) And the fine

MUHAMM E D LA TI joined the British Arm y in Pakistan as a young man and came to England when the regiment returned. He became the regimental tailor a position he held for 25 years. He was very proud of his regiment and a lways boasted of how he had mad e uniforms for royalty. When he was pensioned off at the age of 65, the bottom seemed to ha ve dropped out of his world. He was thoroughly homesick for the army way of life, which he had known for so long and always asked for news of his old regiment and where they we re being posted next.

On e da y, havin g hea r d that the y were with the Army of the Rh ine in Germany , he acted on an impulse. Without a word to his family , h e withdre w some mone y from the bank , packed a small case and flew to Dusseldorf.

He mana ged to trace his old regiment and was given a great welcome, followed b y a celebration in the me ss. Perhaps he celebrated a bit too much for on his way back to the airport he suffered a slight stroke and collapsed in t he s treet. The friendl y policeman who picked him up could see he had been drinking , so called a taxi and asked h im where he wante d to go. All Mr Lati could manage to say was Barking his home town in Essex, and the policeman mistakenly thinking he had said Bor k en ', a tow n in northern Germany , despatched him on the 150 - mile journey. When he arrived there a nd t he d ri ver demanded a f a r e of more mone y th a n h e had on him , poor Mr Lati felt even mor e ill and w as unable to communicate in Ge r man. The dri ver started to beat him up and the police were called. Thinking he w as ju st another drunk , they unceremoniou s ly dump ed him at the gates of the St Mareien Hospital where eventually his condition was diagnosed and treated. Gradually his story came out a nd the hospital co ntacted the British Consulate to ask them to inform his relatives who by no w of course, were frantic with worry, and arrange for hi s transport home.

Tall story

This was w here I came in and , feeling s lightl y incredulous at such a tall story , I booked in one evening at a very plea s ant hotel on the ban ks of the river Rhine in Dusseldorf. I st ruck up an acquaintance with a British Army officer there and he told me the pi aGe s of interest to visit in this lovel y old city. I was too tired to do much sight-seeing but enjoyed s ittin g in one of the man y beer gardens, watching the crowds go by.

Next morning I was at the railway station early, about to be impressed by the efficiency of the German railway system. I was treaLed wi th great courtesy by the booking clerk, who explained in detail the changes I had to make on my journey, by the porter who escorted me to the platform and saw me on to the train, and by the ticket collector at Borken , who called a taxi to take me to the hospital. I was welcomed in a very friendly way at St Mareien Hospital and greeted effusi vely b y my patient, who by now had made a good recovery. He was overjoyed to s ee by he pip s on my SJA uniform that I

232

Part 13: A Regimental Reunion

was a 'colonel' and, presuming that his must be somet hin g to do wit h the army announced th at he now felt quite safe.

The journey home was uneventful and I was gi ven th e u se of a w h ee lchair t o h e lp m y p a tie nt with all the nece ss ary c hanges. At Heathrow a man from the Foreign Office was waiting for us together with all the a new duty.

g re a tl y re lieved members o f the Lati family. They insisted o n giving me a shooting stick fo r my tro ubl es a nd I guessed t h at Mr Lati was in for a good sco ldi n g when they got him home. I st ill chuckle w hen 1 r eca ll that tr ip and ponder on the difficultie s that a s mall mi stake in pr onunciat ion can cause w hen travelling abroad.

by parachute

DZ - St John on Alpha

ST JOHN Ambulance covers a wide range of duties' , most of which readers will know of, a nd it is thi s uniformity of experience which melds the functional unit. The repetitive list of gymkhana (grade I), church fete (ditto) football match (grade 2), up to the full marathon or pop festival (grade 5) or unplanned civil disturbances / major disa s ter (grade 6 and 7) you will all recogni se. From time to time, however, as in the case of the first public marathon runs, a new duty ari se s If there are few or no casualties, the dut y continues to be covered, but does not mak e the new s Duties likely to inc l ud e serio us or ongoing m ed ical problem s, however , highlight the ne ed for increasin g re se arch into the mechanisms of injury, and a dju st ment of on -site care to a d e quatel y encompass the problems which are mounted. Occa s ional concepts like chemical contamination and nuclear warfare remain textbook material, and not the bread and butter of most division s. Sport parachuting is a re g ular occurrenc e

req u irin g first aid cover by on -s it e medical teams, but military airborne assault find s itselF in a different category. In armed co nflict, the arriva of a parachuted coningent in a 'ba ttle -zo n e' (please forgive a ll this ill - understood j argo n) wo uld in evitably mean casualt ies wh ich h ave 10 be treated, tr iaged a nd evac u ated by first -a id e r s' ( true sense of h e wo rd ) w h o dr op in w ith the co mba ta nt s.

In tr aining it seems logica (a lth o u gh a subject of some discussion) to p r ov id e on -s ite first aid and med ical cover for parachutists in case of in jur y. This can be of a hig h er standa r d than could co nceivab ly be ava il able under battle conditions. Extending this concept, fo r a major training exerc ise wi1h 500+ parachutists , weapons, kit, ve hicle s and food , the rea ! casualties , as opposed to th e pretend casua lti es and battle casua ltie s are a rea! problem. Minor injuries can be trea te d on site, but major injuries sho uld not, for humanitarian r easons, have to wa it o n t h e battlefield H eadq u ar 1ers 23 Fie ld A mbul ance RAMC is a recently developed, and s t ill deve op in g unit w hi c h offers airborn e fi r st a id and Illedical teams fo r anaesthetics a nd ope r a ti o ns. Its Comma ndin g Officer, Lt Col

L. P. Lillywhite s ve r y int eres ted in first ai d a nd is we ll known to del egates at the St John Ambula nc e medi ca l conference. Out of discussions in April 1985 a ro se the id ea of in tr oduc in g a few St John Ambulance male members 10 H e r Majesty's Forces first aid tea m s. P e rmi ss ion was obtained and plans prog re sse d s lowly Finally, on Friday Jul y 19 a mi x ture of a mbul a n ce m e mber s, NCOs one d ivis ion a l officer and two Brigade s urgeons se t off from South Staffordshire a nd Hertfordshire to a sec ret (!) rende zvo us on Salisbury Plain (the Ro se and Crown at Tilshead). After s uit a bly lubri catin g the mechani s ms , and altering and sy nchroni s in g watches on Z ulu time (GMT) th e Commanding Offic er a nd Regimental Sergeant Major briefed and took the St John participants to he ir billets.

Th e ' drop wa s sc h eduled for late Sat urd ay afternoon, and our ambulance tea m was to assist in the droppin g zone

(OZ) After a n in teresting night and a so ldier's b reakfast, a showery morning greeted them as they reported for training. A potted history of 5th Airborne from the adjutant was given first, t he black berets of St John being joined b y a United States Army major. It wa s followed b y a breakdown of the operations involved in m ed ica l cove r in battle. The types of injury from parachuting were discussed , and after a Naafi break for the men (the docto r s a nd divisional offlce r were shattered to be told that they didn't ge t a break i), another session was devoted to a practical demonstration on parachute h a rne ss, reserve 'c hutes lifejackets, h elm ets a nd loads , and everyone manipula te d a parachute and saw the r e le as in g m ec h a ni sm in ope r ation Lunch came and we nt. Still no sign of P' hour (parachut in g hour). Defea ted again due to the weather. Th e sound of occasiona g unfir e a nd h e presence of Gaze lle helicopters buz z ing around we re rem ind e r s o f the imminenc e of a n invas ion '. A second tr a inin g sess ion on intr ave n o u s ther apy (IV]) e ndotra c heal i ntub ation (ETT), airway, Ambu bag, taking blood sa mpl es, the Har e splint (portable Thomas sp lin t) and s tre cher was a ll h ands -on experience, and new g r o und to mo s t of the St John team.

P hour 20.00

18.00 hours saw the loading of Land - Rover ambulances. medical kit, tents, and off it all set. Phew!

That Land-Rover ride will be remembered by all. Tank - rutted Salisbury Plain on two wheels, then stretchers off: morphine distributed, and off again on foot. A one hour wait. Radio confirmation. Hercules in the di s tance ; getting closer; specks in the sky; exhaust gases on the horizon ; closer a nd closer, their doors open, crossing the line - BUT - the wind was still too high. RED FLARES ABORT and home they went.

Followed by us. Back to the Rose and Crown or the Offlcers Mess.

The fir st time a civilian team had helped with first aid cover at a mil itary parachute drop (Pe rh aps not - I'm su re you will let the Rel'iew know).

A gem of an idea, a little acorn, that grew into a sa pling oak. destroyed by the wind. But what potential it had, and w hat was learned while it g rew is there forever.

Our t hanks have been expressed. but words cannot e ncompass our gratitude to all those invol ve d at 23 F ield Ambulance RAMC , es peciall y Lieutant Colonel Lill ywh ite.

Long ma y they reign.

A.H.

(Above) Hens and Staffs members in training ( Right)

Sgt Nev ill e Brandri ck. of Stafford (right) leads two Hens m embers in derigging a parachut is p rac tice.

Left) A ssist Surgeon-in-Chief C. D Lund in his billet. (Right) D ifficult to find a large enough anorak for Nigel

LUNATICS?

from Mrs E. B. Castle

Please pass my congratulations to those who initiated and approved the 1I1arvellous SJ A advert shown on the front cover of August Review.

Can you tell me whether it is possible for members to obtain copies of a suitable size for displaying on doors, noticeboards, etc?

1.eek, Staffs E. B. Castle

from Mr S. E. Lingfield. Divisional Superintendent

Having seen the cover of August Review, I am nothing short of disgusted. If the Commissioner -in -Ch ief has authorised this sort of publicity then I certainly do not admire his choice. The image of St John is well established and respected and to try to get folk to recognise that we do it all for nothing is , to my mind, dragging St John right down I do not admire it one bit. By our deeds wilt they know us. Morden S. E. Lingfield

from Mrs C A Hodgkiss. Divisional Secretary

Ref

from Mr J. E. Smith. Area Staff Officer

Yes, we all liked the 'lunatic display on the front cover. Is it to be produced as a large poster for display?

The facial expression of the St John man is exactly right. The wrong face could ruin the idea. But why not feature a nursing member as well - THESE LUNATICS? And the last line should be in larger type. Surrey J. E. Smith

from Mrs D. Whiteman

With reference August cover: Rushden

Oh why, you may ask, are we ladies so glum

When the new adfor St John seems to be such fun

The lesson is clear, there's no mention you see Of Gladys, and Pauline, and Janet and me

So please Saatchi and Saatchi if you value our parl

Remember a mention will give us more heart.

from Mr L. C. Bartran. Divisional Superintendent P. Whiteman

Do the executives of St John have any understanding of public opinion or the members' views? To name people who belong to organisations whose aim is to help , whether it be St John, the Red Cross or any other specific charitable organisation, as lunatics can only be the outlook of weird characters

To give up our time in case we are needed may be odd, unusual or some other generous sounding definition, but in my view neither I nor any member of our small town Division are insane, outrageously foolish, eccentric, or in need of being confined. Neither, in my opinion, do the casualties we treat on our duties or the people of Harpenden, who have supported the division for 5 I years, consider the term suitable either.

Is it permissible to ask if the limited monies available to St John are being used wisely? The MORI poll was a questionable project and this latest idea is beyond intelligent understanding, unless we are trying to show our membership the lack of compatible outlook which exists between divisional membership and executive level.

Barton, Beds L. C. Bartram

ST JOHN SONG

from Kathy Little

How good it was to see the cadet song Knights of St John (August Review).

While being unable to give any help regarding its origins, I remember singing it as a cadet at our open evenings. We were fortunate in having a skilled pianist among us as the music has many flats.

Being an avid singer, particularly of the bathroom variety, this song remains in my repertoire. I recall all the words and music

Even in this jet splint and new-uniformed organisation, many of the words still hold the ideal we shou ld not lose sight of.

Chadwell Heath Kathy Little

234

from BettyJ. Stocks. County Nursing Officer

In 1950 my cadets used to sing the St John March to end an 'o pen evening after demonstrating the White Cross'. After all these years unfortunately th e music has got lost although I still remember the words.

Could you send me a copy of the music, so that we could use the march in Bournemouth?

Boume1l1outh

from Mrs L. M. Gay. Area Secretary

Belly J. Stock s

Reference the letter about the St John song, by coincidence last week th e bandmaster of our St John County Band showed me the music and words of this marching song and asked if I had seen it before.

Yes, it brought back memories of my cadet da ys 40-odd years ago, when th e song was sung at the area church parades (at either Barnet or Whetston e church) in London District Northern Area.

Perhaps Barbara Cartland could tell us whe n and how she came to write the words. It would also be interesting to know if any Divisions sti ll sing it. Kettering Lydia Gra y

from L. P Botting. MBE CStJ

I have heard the St John so ng s ung by the Andover Nursing Cadet Division under Mrs S. Wicks when I was Area Commissioner of Northern Hampshire

I am now retired after 55 years service, 2 1 as Area Commissioner.

The cadets always sang it at the end of their annual inspections for th e benefit of paren ts and visitors. For anyone interested I have the tune on a record played by the RAMC band It a lso includes the Red Cross march Princess Royals. The record is called Double YCs DR 19.

I have been an interested reader of the St John Re view since it was first issued as the St J ohn Gazette Hants L. P. Bottin g

SHIRT SLEEVE ORDER

from Mr P Dew

Concerning the wearing of medals (August Review) I was pleased when I heard that the 'no medal s' order ha s been give n as I have hope s that it might be the first step towards the day when s hirt sleeve order is allowed. It must always be remembered that we are on duty , not parade, or at an inspection , and that consideration must surely be given to the possibility of members suffering more from the heat than the Trooping of the Colour crowds. Hillingdol1, MicUx P. Dew

IN ANSWER TO

from Thos H. Hollingworth. Divisional Secretary

Having read the story Charlie's Angels (A round and About, July Review) I was amazed to learn that the Brigade in New Zealand was celebrating is centenary two years before the Brigade at home.

I have been going out speaking about the Order and have said the fir st corps of the Brigade beyond the seas was established in Dunedin, New Zealand, on December 21 1892. Referring to the Annals of the Ambulance Department I found I was correct. Still puzzled 1 again referred to that book and found that a committee was convened to form a Centre of the Association in Christchurch on April 30 1885.

I would like to comment on two letters in the July Review.

I do not know what rank or po sIt Io n 'Concerned holds, or how much thought h e ha s put into his reorganisation of the Brigade, but its command st ructure can be likened to that of the British army, which has stood the test of time. The s ugge s tion of a county office act ing as a liaison between the public the authorities and fragmented g roups of Divisions would need extra paid staff, to be financed by financially h ard-pressed Divisions.

A gro up leader, to have any authority over the six Divisions would need to be senior in rank to the super intenden ts. Would he or she be able to perform this task in spare time or would it need another full -time officer?

The sharing of ambulances radios and other equipment would need 'the Judgement of Solomon' in deciding wh ich duty had priority over others, and if the Divi s ion s are wide ly sp r ead apart then there would be the expense of transport in borrowing and returning the equipment, wh ich would have to be s tored somew here and need insuring too.

The purchasing of expensive items of equipment by a group of Divisions and co ll ect iv e fund raising are excellent ideas in theory. We may call ourselves the St John Family but like all families we will not agree all the time, and whe re so me Divisions by num erica strength or effort r aise more money than others there is bound to be some discontent.

Arranging joint courses with other Divisions may be practical in large towns or cities but not where Divisions are scattered over a large area. Our Division is fortunate e nou gh to be able to train Brigade candidates in FA W but it is not acceptab le for the examination. The nearest examinat ion centre is about 15 mile s away , which invo lv es the Divi s ion in the expense of travelling. We consider ourselves fortunate in havin g a centre so near. 'Co ncern ed' m ay be able in th eo ry to lesse n the proportion of chiefs' to 'indian " and by dispelling o ur military image' a lso destroy the 'v oluntary discipline' which is esse ntial to a n y voluntary, uniform ed organisation. His v sion s of a 'new' St John may be realised when we become a Utopian State'. These are my personal views and opinions, and do not reflect the views of the D iv is ion.

Supt Strange 's comments on the len g th of time it takes for orders from Supp li es Depar m e nt to be delivered is somethi n g which will be endorsed by the N e wark Divi s ion s. Delivery has been excep tion a ll y slow recently , although having said that it ha s been mu c h quicker with the la s t order I sent for.

Havin g made these adverse comments about delivery time , I must say that the department can be extremely helpful with deliveries. I ordered some badges an d asked if it was possible to let me have them in time for a specific date. They arrived in time and at no extra expense.

Ne ll ork Thos H. Holling wo rth

NO STEAM LEFT

from Mr J E. Smith. Area Staff Officer

We see m to have run out of steam over the issue of First Aid at Work in the Rel'iel1 correspondence columns.

H ow abo ut some letter s on an ssue that see ms to be affecting St John in many areas and we a re not the only uniform ed organisation in the same boat.

Where have a ll the boys gone?

Surrey J. E. Smith

TABOO ILLNESS

from Country Cous in May I repl y to my Fe ll ow Country Cousin's comments (Jul y Revie w) regarding m y piece on epilepsy ( Ma y R evie1V).

I. Fear and prejudice : I ag r ee should b e les s within our organisation but in my per so nal experience it certainly isn't. The general attitude appears to be ' OK to tr e at one but kee p your distance'. To answer FCC's question I did not ell my two so-c alled friends about my conditio n until I'd had the opportunit y to get to k now them, abou t 18 months later; too bad my trust was misplaced. FCC can think him se lf fortunate that his situation is so favo urable. I can tel l many a sorry sto r y of other EPs who have been open and bitterly regretted it. 2. Not letting it slip; luckily my cond ition is well -controlled and my medication is simply a 's afety measure' according to my specia li st. If I thought was, or would be a risk to my colleagues I would soon make it known or if necessary, resign. Such is the effect of ignorance and prejudice , and believe me 've s uffered it, that people like me would far sooner keep their heads down. FCC's conclusion that I don't trust my colleagues is absol utely right, I don t. I've been kicked in t he teeth too many times. He does, however , raise the very va lid point regarding the employment situation. An employer s medical department must know, or any insurance cover will be null a nd void. There are also aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to be co nsider ed. But there ' s the rub. A young or newly diagnosed EP coming for interview a nd medical for the first time will be met with a brick wall in most pl aces, especially now with high unemployment. In my trainee days I h a d to take the calculated risk of no insurance cove r by deliberately wit holdin g details of my condition in order to gain employment,

and then w hil e keeping qui e t, do the job in order to prove, in the future that I was capabl e o f being employed in that type of work. Con sequently later on , I was

NEWS from SCOTLAND

TWO SUCCESSFUL events were held in Central Scotl a nd in aid of the Sir Andrew Murray Home in Bonnie Strathyre ' This home is u sed extensively by the blind and disabled referred to it by the Local Authority social work departments , and by patients from Erskine Hospital, Scotland's St Dunstans

The

WALES

Se v enteen-year-ol d Haverfordwest cadet leader Donna Wa lke r, six years with SJA is Carnival Quee n. She is wor king for her Grand Prior's badge and has just left school with excellent GCE results. Beauty and.

Earlier this year cadets and their officers to a suggestion by Assistant Commissioner T. Bilsborough that 1985, rnternational Youth Year, should be commemorated in a special way.

Enquiries for a suitable project led to the Bryn Glas School for Deaf Children, Mold, a county school. T alks with the headmaster identified a list of items required to help the pupil. Tope of the list was a Teletext TV, which has subtitles appearing more freq uently.

So each cadet division is to organise a s pecial event, invol vi ng the cadets, to raise proceeds towards this county project. Two divisions which have already held their events rai se d £ 160. Ruthin cadets and young adults raised £90 in the Delyn Walk and Wrexham cadets £70 with a coffee evening. Buckley cadet s have constructed a Treasure Island which they are running at fetes and garden partie s.

236

Closing date of the project is November 30.

Rhyl which is in Clwyd , was the scene of this year 's Royal National Eistedfodd on August 3-11. As well as supplying first aid cover (148 casualties treated o ver the 8 da ys with fatalities), the county was also heavily involved in running the open ambulance competitions. (It is also the only

drinks in the ex tensive and lovely gardens s urroundin g the hou se. T he g u es t s includ ed the Chancellor of the Order and the Priory Secretary , acco mpani e d by thei r wives. F rom these two events the Sir Andrew Murray Home benefited by we ll over £ I 000.

How to guide a blind person

Steps and staircases

No need to count sta ir s or t a k e the hand -rail if yo u s tick to the following tec hniqu es. Whether yo u a r e going up or down , the gu id e trave s one s te p a head, so hat the blind p e r so n avoids h e emba rra ss m e nt of taking a n ima ginar y ste p into s p ace.

Stairs up.

Stairs up

Facing the stairs in the n orma grip, say 'stairs up Step up and pl ace yo ur weig ht on the firs t step: as you do so, you r pa rt n er w ill fee l yo ur a rm m ove s li g htl y upwards -t hi s is h s c u e to s tart. As you climb the second s tep he is on the fir st. Continue wa l kin g in rhythm , you being one step in front and yo ur part ner's g rip arm being s li gh tl y stretc hed forward and upward until you reach the top then, take a s li ght ly la r ge r stride forward and stop , allowing t h e blind person to n ego tiat e the last s tep

As he feels hi arm resume its normal g rip position he wi ll kn ow that he is o n the level again.

event a t the Eisted fodd at which it is a ll owed to s peak English.)

Results of t h e competitions: Lady Lewi s Cup: British Rail Crewe; I sca Shield: 5th Rh y l Scouts; Hom e Nur s in g (ove r 16): Glynneath Div B team ; Hom e Nursing ( under 16): T alsarn Div; Silurian: Glynneath Di v; Doctor 's Cup: Glynneath Di v A team

Fifth Rhyl Sco u ts team which won the Isca Shield at the Eis ted fo dd open competitions.

Part Two

However projicient at travelling alone , blind people sometimes need help from the sighted. On such occasions, embarrassment and frustration can occur for both partie s; the sighted guide is unsure how to help -fussesand inevitably ove rdoes things; the blind person feels foolish or murderous depending upon his temperament!

These Sighted Guide Skills provide practical means of overcoming the problem s. They are designed to give the maximum safety, freedom and relaxation both to the guide and his partner but like most skills they need to be practise d.

not so clear ly fe lt. However, if the guide takes his first s tep with the foot on the same side as the Grip Arm , the mo ve ment is more obvious.

Seating

Never ever back a blind person into a seat.

It' s like s hunting an engine into its sidings!

Tr y this way:

Single chairs and settees

If pos sible app r oach the chair centrally, but whether it 's from the side, the back, o r the front, always place your gri p h and on the back of the cha i r. There is no need to tell yo ur partner the position of t he back - your arm movement is s u ffic ient. Now let your partner s lide his hand down your arm to the c hai r back. Your job is now over. It is up to him to move into the chair, feeling the side of it with the calf of the leg and if necessar y check ng the seat depth with the hand

Chairs with tables

G uid e your partner to the ta ble and u se th e previous procedure to locate t he back of the chair. With t he one hand o n the back, he can mo ve hi s other one forward to loc ate the table; this indicates how far to pull the chair out, before sitting down.

Not sure if yo u are 'sq u a re to the t able?

Stairs down

Stairs dow"

Very s imilar to the previous one, Standing in the g r ip posi t ion , say ' stairs down' and stop. To gauge the distance, so me blind peo ple fir s t like to slide one foot to the edge.

Now place yo ur foot and weight on the fi rst ste p As your partner feels the de sce ndin g movem e nt he steps down , by which time you are negotiating your second ste p His arm is in a downward tilting position. When you reach the bottom stop a nd wait for your partner to draw level with yo u No need to tell him when he reaches the bottom - he will know because his arm will res ume the normal grip po s ition.

[f the guide is shorter in height than the blind per s on , the changing arm movement is

Try thi s t ip. Bring the thumb s to gether on t he e d ge or under the table Then slide them o ut to eit her side If the e d ge appears sla nt i ng, adjust the chair accordingly.

A lternatives

If your husband is blind and wishes to seat you at the table, agree beforehand on which s id e of you he will sit. Ap pro ach you r chair so th a t yo ur husband is directl y in front of it.

If n ecessa r y put you r grip hand on the bac k

so that he ca n contact it directl y, then let go.

Hi s o ther hand will locate the table on the opposite s ide of the c hair from which you s tep in. After seein g yo u safely seated and tucked into the t ab le he can then loca te hi s own chair.

Ro ws of seats

M a int a in the normal gri p po sition as yo u move down he aisle Most blind people pr e fer on reachin g the row of seats, that th e guide leads into them. ( If neces sa r y change s ides .)

Both mu s t now sidestep - step - pauses tep etc. Stop a t yo ur sea ts , make sure you h ave placed yo ur pa rt ner centrall y to his seat

and leave the rest to him The show is over, you are leaving: step to the other side of you r partner so that you can lead out in the same side stepping manner. On reaching the aisle you are s till facing the stage - make an About turn

H e re's how. Release the grip - turn in to f ace each other then turn again to face the exitin other words you turn from 12 o ' clock to 6 o'clock or turn 180 degrees. Thi s turn saves space - especially useful for steps in a narrow aisle

Kerbs

One of the simplest skills and yet one which often p re sents problems. There is no need for you to say each time you come to a kerb , just pause slightly before stepping up or down it: your partner will feel the change in arm movement.

Some roads have cambers or slopes to the kerb, which some people detect as they walk across the road.

Ma ny modern roads ha ve broad rounded kerbs: make sure you approach them at their centre, so that you are square on if you don't yo ur partner ma y reach the kerb before you do.

Cars

There is no need to put your partner into the car; simply place your g rip hand on the passenger door handle and tell your partner which way the car is facing. His grip hand then slides down your arm and locates the h and le whi le he other finds the roof. You can now walk arou nd to the driving seat. The passenger , having opened the door and duc ke d his head, ransfers his hand from t he r oof to the seat, ei the r steps in, or sits and sw in gs hi s le gs round , finally closes the door. The passenger must check with you first that it is a ll clear to open the door. Then he can open the door with one hand and find the roof wit h the other. On stepping out he locks t he door before closing it.

This article is a reprint of a leaflet How t o guide a blind person published by the Royal Nat ional Institute for the Blind, 224 Great Portland Street, London W1 N 6AA. who are happy to let people who can make use of the leaflet have 50 copies free. For quantities over 50 there is a charge of C1 per unit of 10 copies

The RNIB, founded in 1868 and now the largest organisation of its kind in the wo r ld helps the 130 000 blind people in the UK

News from Divisions/Centres

OBITUARY

The first visit was requested in September 198 , and, after assessment it was planned that a 2 - man team would call regularly each week to give a bath or bed - bath ; hairwashing and shaving were also planned and any other help required would be planned and given, such as foot care. Visits were assessed afterwards a s to their u sefulness and to decide on whether any further help could be given by the s ocial servicesvarious additional bath aids have already been installed as a result. The visits have prov e d worthwhile not only in terms of sat s faction for the te a m but for the patient , who look s forward to see ing new people Mr Moon then amplified his points b y s how i ng s om e slides of a typical visit.

Mr s Linda Moore Nursing Cadet Superintendent, then described some of the work done by one of her cadets, who range from 8- 9 years old to 16- 17 years, typically giving about 50 hours per cadet per month to community care. She then went on to describe t h e work undertaken b y 16 -year -old Angela, who had so far given over 400 hours of serv ic e to this one lady, Angela keeps a genera eye on her condition when s he vis its to do the sho pping or bring in coal etc. She ca ll s in on h e r way to school making up the fire first thing in the morning and en s uring that t h e r e is enough coal for the day. She then ca ll s in on h e r way home , s pending 10 o r 15 minute s eac h eve nin g helping the lady with her Zimmerman frame to ensure mobility Angela a lso mak es s ure that a meal is served properly after being put in the oven by a M ea ls -on - Wh eels visit. Throu g h her com munit y care Angela has gained the co nfid e n ce to work both on her own and und e r supervision, while p rov id ng much -

SJA Medical Conference

(continued from p.223)

appreciated help to the lady, who is enabled to live a reasonable life in her own home, To finish the s ession, Divisional Officer Trevor Harris described the work of Worksop di v ision in a different way through in volvement with the Blood Transfusion Service donor sessi ons. At one time, St John vo lunteer s used to do all the work, although the ser vi ce 's specially-trained staff are now u sed at the donor beds However, St John member s take over the work afterwards, applying dressings and escorting the donors to the re s t beds looking after any side effects and providing tea afterwards, dealing with up to 350 donor s per session, In ending , Mr Harri s hoped that delegates had found the ran ge of co mmunity work interesting and informat i ve, Th e afternoon bega n , traditionally with s m a ll gro up discussions followed b y a plenary session with the morning 's speakers as a panel. As is usual by now , discussion was quick and, at times, a little heated Plenar y sessio ns are alwa ys difficult to de s cribe , but so me of the questions put were: how does the panel s ee St John in the care of community (me ntal) and in hospital s? How do we pre se nt ourselves so that the elderly wan t to ask us for help ? How can each division find out the local needs of their community? Should St John have a separate community care section of well -t rained

auxiliaries or member s train e d n skills othe r than fir st aid or nur s in g? I s it feas i ble for long - term patients to be di sc ha rge d into the communit y w ithout consulting either patient s or carers? These qu

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

C

o ntam nati o n in East Eur o pe

For years the communists have c aimed tha the contamination of the env ironment is a product of capitalism. But now it is stated that industrial contamination is extending all over Eastern Europe and is ca u sing serious problems It is reported that contamination has reached a dangerous level in half the rivers of Poland. This has caused the officia l press agency of the country to decla re the sit u ation is so grave in some parts of the country that it can be said t h at we are on the edge of an ecological disaster.'

In Prague , Czechoslovak ia, the coal furnaces of industry and domestic stoves have caused the leve l of sulphur dioxide to be three times higher than the maxim u m level which the World Health Organisat ion has established as the permissible limit.

Eastern Germa n y a so repo r ts that the combustion of coal, as we ll as the resid u e of chemical substances and exhaust gases of vehicles, are strong contributors to contamination.

Millions of do ll ars have been nvested in Lake Balaton , a recreational region of Hungary to cleanse its contaminated waters

Ma g n e f o r pray e rs

For the hundreds of mi ll ion M u su lmen who have to pray eve r y day with the face t u rned towards Mecca a problem arises in deciding which way to turn to pray A British company has solved the problem by making a magnetic needle for prayers which can be used specifically to determine in which direction Mecca lies wherever one may be in

Ta p e S lid e

THE WORLD ABOUT US by Jack

the wor ld. This magnet ic needle has proved to be so successful that it has been asked for in large quantities. One company h as asked for one million to be supplied fo r sewing into the corner of every prayer mat it makes.

Unb e l ieve r s t eac h r el i g i on I n authorising 120 lay inst r uctors to teac h re li g ion in day schoo s, the Bishop of Ratisbone, in the Federal Republic of Germany , gave a warning about 'the loss of faith even amongst teachers of religion throughout the land. I n a report in t he periodical Frankenposl he is q u oted as basing his remarks on 't he a larming resu lts of a research carried out by the Bis h op of Treveris where 40 % of the priests and 70 % of the laymen who taught re ligion in the national school system really did not support the doctrine of the church. This lack of faith is even more noticeable when one takes into account the fact that T reveris is considered t o be one of the b u lwarks of the Catholic faith in Germany.

W o m e n s m o k e mor e

Nowadays young women in Belgium, Canada, Denmark France, Greece Holland Italy New Zealand , Norway, Sweden Switzerland Western Germany United States and U r uguay smoke as much

as yo u ng me n or eve n more , according to a study which h as been ca r ried out by the World Healt h O r gan isation in 22 co u ntries.

It was fou nd t h at w i h few exceptio n s, t he s m oki ng hab i t is increasing amo n g ado lescents in ge n eral w h ic h h as caused t he organisation to give the fo ll owing warni ng abo ut yo u ng women: T h e fact t h at young wome n are smoking mo r e, taken in conjunction w ith t he use of contraceptive pills , mo r e than ever before increases the risk t h a late r in life disorders of the circulatory system, such as thrombos is, cerebra l haemorr h ages or heart disease , w ill occu r.

Rap i d agei n g o f w ne It is said that Chinese technicians are able to transform, in a few minutes , new wine into w ine which ha s matured and aged Accordi ng to China Daily, a newspaper which is published in Eng lish the procedure perfected in a radio factory at Qiqihar , in the provin ce of Heil u nghiang in t he nort west of C hin a, cons ists of he use of high frequency radio waves, ultra sound and ultra vio let rays. It is claimed that in 10 minutes this treatment impart s to new wine the sa me aroma which it wou ld have after one year of the former ageing process. It is stated that twent y companies are using the new method

d sapprova l. (4). I S. Wrong ly en t rain fifty fo r b leedi n g into a body cavity. (8). 18. Gave a strong laxative to evacuate the bowe ls (6). 19. Horizontal part of body when in sitting position. (3). 21. Pioneer of antiseptic surgery who catalogued his patients? (6). 23. Criminal group and girl producing massive necrosis of tissue. (8) 26. Small weight for histological stain. (4). 27 Outer layer of the meninges. (4) 28. Becomes dizzy in dances. (5). 30. Closed the wound surgically. ( 7) 31. One who handles equipment roughly (3-4). 32. At a stage where ill-feelings are being dispe ll ed. (12).

Down:

2. Remove teet h by a concentrated preparation of a drug. (7). 3. Woven mater a l fo r the c lergy (5). 4 A le neve r used for sex ually-transmitted diseases. (8). 5. Essential amino-acid produced by transgression in alkaline liquor. (6). 6. Possesses a form of snow. (4).7. Noise of aspiration of fluid from a body cavity? (7) 8 Furniture for s urgeon ' s assistant from t he Principa lity. (5-7). 9. Physician dealing with prob lems of the heart. ( 12). 14. A principa l r espiratory organ. (4).

16. K n ot used in bandagi n g. (4). 17. T herma ll y insulate a convict. (3).

20. Praise at change to organism li ving in or on t h e body (8). 22. Sufferer from cerebra l pa sy. (7) 24. Easte rn fir m 's age n ts in protei n -d igest in g fermen t. (7). 25 La r ge fis h ho ld in g docto r n Arctic regio n (6). 28. Object of r eve r ence given by prophet n Re d Cross (5). 29 Barn for husks of g r ai n (4).

S O L UT ON TO CROSSWORD No.9 (85)

R EVIEW CROSSWORD N o 1 0 (85 ) by W A Po tt er A c r os s:

Across: I. Water o n t h e brai n ; 9. Languor; 10. Rhonc h i; I I. Plate; 12. Axo n ; 13. Sty·e; I S Wi d eawake; 18. R oSPA; 20 Ri cks; 22. Ma li g n a n t; 25 P u ny; 26. A no n ; 27. T iger; 29. Stomach; 30 Tan·gent; 3 I Ag r a nul ocytos is I. Surgeon who personally su ffered h e ank le fr ac t ur e b e a ri n g h is na m e (8-4). 9. Red u ce expe n ses for tec h ni q u e to s et- up d ri p in to co ll a p se d veins. (3-4). 10. Region hr o u g h which im pul ses p ass f r om one nerve to another. (7) I 1. F u ll range of extension of a n u pper lim b (5). 12. Ca ll the t h ird finge r. (4). 13 S h ar p , si bil an so un d of 240 Do wn: I. Will -powe r ;

First Aid Training

a

Reduced price for BULK ORDERS of the St John Review in

the UK

Order,s of six copies or more sent to one address in the UK are postage free. And instead of 65p a copy (the cover price of the Review), the price is 62p a copy - POSTAGE PAID.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL O F ST JOHN

Volume 58 No. 11 November 1985

Contents

St John Fellowship p.241

Operation Survival p.242

Princess Anne call s on Disa b led Holiday-makers p.244

Brigade Members and FAW Training p 245

Fete Champetre p.246

First Aid for Schools p.246

How First Aid Shouldn't be Done p.247

Around and About by the Editor p.248

Get - together of Old Faithfuls p.252

Insert: Annual Report of the Order p.1 -18

SJA Medical Conference Final Part p.253

Cadet Chat by Jim p.254

Readers'Views p.256

News from Scotland - Wales p.258

Overseas p 259

News from Divisions/ Centres p.260

Why I Joined... p.261

The World About Us by Jack p.262

WE WELCOME the formation of the first branch of the Fellowship in Northumbria : Blyth Branch,

Contact: Mrs W Yello wle y, 8 Willow Crescent , Blyth Northumberland NE24 4PE

During the autumn I ha ve enjoyed a round of visi t s F irst , to an open day at St John Headquarters , Harrow , run by the Divisions there. It was to me an especially satisfying e vent because the members of the Harrow and District branch of the Fellowship took part and the entire St John Family was on view , from Juniors upwards. Then I spent an enjoyable afternoon at a joint meeting of the Kent branches. Canterbury and Faversham branches tra velled to Maidstone on a Sunday to join with the Kent headquarters committee under the chairmanship o f Mr E D. Bowd. While members would not normally want to travel so far , such joint meetings are a great idea occasionally , as they enable many old friends in a county to meet.

I was pleased to be invited to attend this year ' s Nottingham weekend to tell Brigade members briefly about the St John Fellowship. Man y younger members probably feel that it can be of little interest to them , but I suggested that a blow can fall at any time in life , when through illness or domestic responsibilities or perhaps the damands of one ' s job , it suddenly becomes necessary to cease active service with St John. But it is not necessary to lea ve St John; the Fellowship is there to enable members of all ages to stay in the family , giving whate ver support they can to the service of mankind.

31 Malvern Court London SW7 3HY Sheila Puckle National Secretary

Provoking advert ... to make public look

WATCH OUT FOR THIS LUNATIC TODAY.

His unifonn and First Aid Kit cost around £100.

He sometimes pays for them out of his own pocket.

He helps the public with ailments ranging from mild headaches to massive heart aHacks.

He's put through a tough course to start with.

He then has to pass a refresher course every year.

He and his friends spend 4 million hours a year on their feet in all weathers.

How much is he paid to do in Absolutely nothing. .. ,.M. <

He probably had to pay : + his own bus fare to get here today.

Watch out for lunatics like this.

One day you may need him.

YOU are probabl y aware that Saatchi and Saatchi have agreed to help us with our problems of image and publicity. We are all too aware of the ignorance of the general public about our role as volunteers on public duty and in the community. Saatchi talk of our 'wa ll paper' syndrome, which is a big part of the problem. We are seen bu not recognised - observed but not comprehended

After a lot of discussion and considerable research it has been agreed that true reco gn ition of St John Ambulance Brigad e would be top priority.

To that end Saatchi have done what they do best - created an advertisement, which ha s appeared on the cover of the August R eview. This advertisement makes the general public really look at Brigade members, that part of St John most people come into contact with. The advert is provoking and the more comment and discussion it generates the better the result.

The headline is Watch out for this lunati c today' (illustrated here)

Now we do not intend to pay a s ingl e penny to display this advertisement. At present divisions are contracted by organisers of events and arrangements a r e made to suit the individuals. I am asking you to think about the value of your public duty service to organisers of all sorts of event s, from a race meeting to a local fete. Without Brigade members on duty sponsors and organisers would be in a bit of a Ax because , as we know, they have a moral obligation to ha ve trained First Aid people on hand. You could say that without Brigade members the event would not take place.

I suggest you ask for proper acknowledgement of your contribution to events. If you do not value your part properly, you are underselling and belittling our service to mankind.

It must be remembered that to attract the public's attention shock tactics must be used and that nowadays the term 'Lunatic' is more a term of endearment and is not derogative,

Wherever there is a programme, race card or leaflet giving event details I suggest you ask the organisers for a free page. This will not cost the organiser anything of consequence, but allows proper repayment of indebtedness to the Brigade. Onto that free page is printed this advertisement. Everyone attending the event sees the advert and

co n sequently sees u s. The organiser has acknowledged hi s debt and we are all giv in g the sa me message throughout he co untr y. County He ad quarter s ha ve a stock of artwork for use by any sort of printer. We now have the tool with which we ca n promote oursel ves to the genera l pu blic and we should be remiss if we did not use it.

A eaflet has been prepared (it s inserted in this issue of the R ev iew) which states clearly the present position of the St John Ambu lance Brigade and details the moral ob li gat ions of how organisers can acknowledge the contribution of the Brigade and repay some of this voluntary service given to the event.

The leaflet is headed 'Pay le ss than £1 per hour for him and he won't be here next year.' This may sound alarmist, but it is certain that we are lo sing members at a rate of about lOa day and too many Brigade people are no longer you n g The le aflet spells out the probable costs involved in undertaking public First Aid duty and points out that if St John Ambulance Brigade is not properly recompensed for that duty it may well cease to function. All that is asked is again true recognition and acknowledgement of the costs of the huge contribution made every day of the year.

I urge you to use the leaflet and convince organisers of their moral obligations. I hope that by next year we can say that every opportunity to display the advertisement has been taken and that Joe Public Anally realises w ho we are and what we do The last point I want to make is desperately important. We all know that if we continue as we are we shall not survive. As members retire they are not being replaced. Without volunteers there will soon be no Brigade.

It is imperative that every single member of the Brigade understands that we are all public relations officers for our organisation and we must take every opportunity that is oITered to promote the Brigade. We now have the tools to do this and we would be very remiss if we fail.

Inserted in this month's Review are five new information leaflets. They are available free of charge from the Public AITairs Department, 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWIX 7EF

Lord Westbury Chairman, Public Affairs

This advertisement is intended to attract interest from people reading the legal press with a View to making a will

CONFESSIONS OF AN EX-LUNATIC.

I must have been round the bend, when you think about it.

I had to fork out £100 to join the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

To pay for my uniform and First Aid Kif. I took the First Aid course. It wasn't a pushover. And a regular refresher course.

And for sixteen years, I gave up hours of my spare time standing on my feel in all weathers.

How much was I paid to do it! Absolutely nothing.

In fact I often paid my own fares to go on duly. What's even crazier is I loved if.

Sf. John Ambulance Brigade help 400,000 members of the public every year.

Wilh ailments ranging from mild headaches to massive heart attacks.

So I'm really sorry to leave. But I simply can'l afford the time any more.

And I'm not Ihe only one. Ten people leave the Sf. John Ambulance Brigade every day.

If costs money 10 replace them. For training and re-training. And for adverts like this.

So we're looking for another army of volunteers. Members of the public to make voluntary contributions.

Please help by leaving a legacy in your will. Or by sending a donation 10 the address below.

Now it's us that need fresh blood and we "''''8 won'tlurvive without it. • ;po Sf. John Ambulance, ';j. 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London S.W.1. +

SJA HAMPSHIRE and Berkshire's fourth Enterprise holiday for the young disabled took place at Avon Tyrrell, near Bransgore in the New Forest, during the week September 7-14. Apart from being blessed with the best weather of the summer, the holiday - makers were visited by Princess Anne, Commandant in Chief Ambulance and Nursing Cadets.

Princess Anne, who arrived by a Wessex helicopter of the Queen's Flight which landed on the football pitch, was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Sir J ames Scott. Mrs Glenys Duke, Deputy Commissioner for Hampshire and one of the holiday organisers, escorted Princess Anne around the various activities.

During a part of the tour, the Princess visited the 'print room' of the 'Tyrrell Tribune ', the holiday's daily news-sheet.

After chatting to the Editor-in-Chief, Tom Yendgll, a 24 - year -old thalidomide victim, and an impromptu interview with one of the reporters, the Princess was presented with two dolls in St John cadet uniform by Miss Jane Baker and a special' framed edition of the 'Ty rell Tribune' (the text of which is reproduced below) which contained a colour photograph of the Princess's arrival.

The 'Tribune', produced mainly by some of the disabled holiday-makers, contains contributions from far and wide and has proved so successful that it now appears monthly and subscriptions to it are flooding in. Here's the 'Tribune's' story:

The 'Tribune' welcomes H RH Princess Anne

'We are honoured to receive HRH Princess A nne to the 1985 A von Tyrrell Disabled Holiday. We are extremely pleased that Her

244

Princess Anne calls on disabled holidaymal<ers

Princess Anne wanted to see everything that h e young disabled were having a go at - inc uding this rope bridge over the deep end of the pool (screams

Royal Highness has taken time to come to the Avon Tyrrell project and hope that Her Royal Highness found it both interesting and enjoyable.

'The holidays have been run so that handicapped young people can come together with their able-bodied contemporaries of the St John Ambulance Brigade in a holiday format, to pursue various activities such as: horse riding, canoeing, disco dancing and variou s sports, and visiting local places of inter(]st. The main objective of this project is that handicapped youngsters become involved in all the activities on offer and they work as one team with the able-bodied, thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process. We find in practice the holiday has reached our greatest expectations.

'The holiday can only succeed through the generosity and sponsorship from individuals

and organisations, and for 2 years we ha ve received £1 ,000 from the Jubilee Trust.'

Princess Anne saw many activities during her brief visit. All these were intended to allow young people to do things which perhaps they are not always allowed to do at home and offer them a ch a llenge.

One activity was bui ldi ng a raft at the lakeside using poles, ropes , straw and plastic bags. The structure took 45 minute s to complete and there was no shortage of volunteers from the disabled to go afloat on it. Launching coincided with the arrival of the Princess who chatted to other members of the team who had spent the morning canoeing on the ake. For one, Paul Taulbut this was his first time in a canoe, and considering he s normally confined to a wheelchair this was quite an event, as was cooking lunch outside.

During the rest of her visit, the Princess saw groups engrossed in various activities including getting a 50-gallon oil drum over a 12 ft wall with ropes and poles, moving a fire extinguisher, pegging out the St John Cross to specific measurements with tent pegs and rope , and building a rope bridge over the deep end of the swimming pool. Her Royal Highness seemed impre sse d with the various feats and spent time watching with amusement a s some of the more able-bodied crossed the bridge. Soon after the Princess went on to the indoor activities, horseplay caused the bridge to collapse, ducking the person crossing at the time

Princess Anne also saw a group who were playing a ga me of survival at sea. This game encourages int e ractive communication and gro up participation and made everyone think about what they would do in a real-life s ituation ,

After vis itin g the art room Princess Anne spent a sho rt time chatting to everyone over

tea and cakes. The visit was completed by a group photograph and a swift departure back to Gatcombe Park.

Lady Elizabeth Godsal, Commissioner for Berkshire, later said: 'T he Outward Bound style of activities was a winner with the disabled people, g iving them a great sense of achievement and preving that a physical handicap need not prevent people from having fun and a full life .'

All the disabled young people were encouraged to take part in all the activities which they did with great relish. Perhaps even just holding a rope or knocking in a tent peg s an achievement to such a person and contributes to the team effort. Being allowed to contribute often fulfils an ambition, or even perhaps 'Ges talt'.

Reactions from holiday-makers, quoted from the Tyrrell Tribune'.

Alex, who is in a wheelchair, said: 'I've been coming here for 3 years and 1 have

Well done Paul.

noticed a great improvement in the way 1 relate to able-bodied people .'

Adrian, who has restricted use of his legs, commented: I could not have come to Avon Tyrrell without the help of St John Ambulance. They are the best friends I ve ever had and I hope to come again next year .'

Tony able-bodied, said: 'This is my second year at Avon Tyrrell. I find the combination of a holiday and helping disabled people very rewarding and hope to come again next year.'

Stephanie, who is blind, said: 'I've been coming here for 4 years, the last two I brought my guide dog Kaye. I have become more independent and find it easier to socialise with both able-bodied and disabled people.

BRIGADE MEMBERS AND FAW TRAINING

IT IS clear that there is a general understanding of a ll the requirements in sett in g up and runnin g FA W courses. However from advice received by the Chief Commander it appears that there are still misunderstandings in some quarters in respect of Brigade members qualifying for the statutory certificate. It may be helpful , therefore, to restate the position in so far as FA W course s for Bri ga de member s are co n cerned :

(i) Holders of Adult First Aid Certificates which were issued prior to July I 1982. The s e certificates carried statutory recognition. During their 3 year period of valid it y it was possible for holders of these certificates to qualify for the FA W statutory certificate by following either I day or 2 day refresher courses. (Code reference BRA W or RFA W.) All s uch certificates will have lap se d by June 30 1985 at the latest and it is no longer possible for these to be revalidated by fo llowin g a refresher course

(ii) Holders of Adult First Aid Certificates issued after July 1 1982. These certificates do not carry statutory recognition. Brigade member s who hold such certificates are permitted to convert to the statutory certificate by attending a 2 day conversion course. (Code reference BC BC.) Adult First Aid courses were cancelled at the end of 1984 but all holders of s uch certificates will

Surprise for ...

Debbie Harbach, a Manningtree Grand Prior nursing member and a cadet since she was nine, just co uldn't believe her eyes as she eft the ch urch after her marriage to Paul Pembroke - members were th ere to honour the occasion. But as Manningtree Division 's competition team leader for the las 2 years, she managed to keep her 'cool

be eligible to attend a conversion course within t he 3 year validity period which will expire at the late st by end 1987 / early 1988.

(iii ) Holders of Public First Aid Certificates. These courses were introduced at the beginning of 1985. They do not carry statutory recognition. Holders of these certificates will be required to attend a full 4 day FA W course as and when they wish to qualify for the statutory certificate.

(iv) Holders of the Miller Certificate. To avoid any misunderstandings we would mention that the Miller Certificate is not

recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as being a statutory certificate. Please note that this is a factual position in so far as First Aid at Work regulations are concerned and does not infer any reservation in respect of the qualitative value of the Miller Certificate. When FA W courses are arranged for Brigade members (registe red as BFAW / BRAW or BC BC with our Examinations Department ) such courses must be restricted to serving Brigade members only.

September 1985

I. A, Renny, Secretary, Association

Pau l Taulbut (cent re), with SJ escorts, goes canoeing for his first time. He's left his wheelchair ashore.

Ken Billington

NEW IDEAS for fund ralsmg are always hard to come by - and here we had one -a Fete Champetre , a field festival , originally a custom in Brittany for thanking helpers at harvest with food , wine and entertainment.

The appeals committee who raise funds for St John Ambulance in Jersey set to and organised two wonderful evenings of entert ainment. The gardens of Rosel Manor , kindly opened by the Seigneur of Rosel, provided a beautifu l setting for the event;

FUND RAISING

Fete Champetre

and people joined in the spirit and dressed up as in yesteryear, bringing their picnics and wine, and were entertained almost continually with music singing and dancing, Picnics were supplemented by barbecues, strawberries and cream, and a wine bar. Strolling players, life-size bears and bunnies added to the fun and the evening culminated in a brilliant display of fireworks.

The Lieut-Governor of Jersey, Admiral Sir William Pillar and Lady Pillar the Bailiff

of Jersey Sir Frank Ereaut and Lady Ereaut and the Seigneur of Ro se l, Brigadier Raoul Lempriere-Robin and Mrs Lempriere-Robin all entered into the spirit and came su itabl y attired.

For Jersey St John Ambulance which is run solely on voluntary support, the appeals committee raised £2,400 from the Fete.

in 20 schools later this month, We very much hope that the teachers current pay dispute will not interfere with the introduction of first aid on the syllabus in these and other schools in Wales.'

St John Ambulance in Wales awards were presented to pupil s and teachers by Mr John Stradling-Thomas, MP , on one of his la st official engagements as the Mini ster of State for Wales. The Prior for Wale s, Lord Aberdare, the Mayor of Newport, Councillor Trevor Warren , the Chairman of Gwent County Council, John Pembridge, and Noreen Bray the BBC Wales news presenter, also presented certificates and badges.

The

A UNIQUE first aid campaign aimed at cutting the number of unnecessary deaths from accidents in schools and elsewhere was launched at a Newport, Gwent, schoo l in September

The St John Ambulance in Wales Project for Schools covers four different types of courses (St John Three Cross Award, Essentials of First Aid, Appointed Persons Course and First Aid at Work) for children aged n ne and over.

St Josephs High School , Newport , where the project was launched , is the first school in Wales (if not the first in the UK) to put all the courses on the school time -table. And on Monday September I the fruits of a 3 year pilot study were realised when 176 pupils and four teachers were presented with certificates and badges, Keith Dunn , SJA's Occupational First Aid Training Officer for Wales , who has worked on the study with the headmaster Mr Joseph Witherington and the school's staff, said it had been a success. 'It has been shown by our pilot scheme that children are fascinated by first aid and they have enjoyed the various courses offered,' said Keith, Dr George Mitchell, Director of Association in Wales, added: 'In Gwent we have trained more than 20 teachers who will be able to offer first -aid courses on the timetable

Launching the project. L to R) Keith Dunn, Mr Jo sep h With er ington (headmaster), Lord Aberdare, Mr John Stradling-Thomas MP, and Dr George Mitchell Director Association Wales.

Mr Stradling-Thomas, praising the project, sa id: 'F ull marks to the Order of St John , to the Headmaster of St Josephs and the

How first aid shouldn't be done, they tell us

(wonder

who she is?)

LADY WESTBURY, the Superintendent-inChief, called on SJA Orpington and Petts Wood during the summer for (I'm told) an evening's entertainment. And apparently she really got it, a hilarious one.

The evening was based on the correct and the incorrect ways of doin g first aid, The amb ulance crew (above) - or perhaps they're part of a night -cl ub act - are doing everything wrong, or should we say the lass on the left is doing everything right so far as the boy s are concerned but wrong so far as being a good first-aider, including the dress and - well , But I thought you did first aid as and when it was needed, not necessarily when you were properly dressed.

The ambulance crew then came back again and showed how it should be done, which is something like that in the lower picture.

Anyway, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, that's the main thing , including the Area Commissioner, Dr Colin Dawson and the Area President, Colonel Reginald Wood. And those lasses above. Bless 'e m.

So if you're looking for a way to brighten up an evening 's training (but don't say we said so.)

SJA Jersey s harvest picnic (above). And (left) es girls of he appeals comm ittee Mrs Monica Jeune vice chairman , and Mrs Jennifer Mullins (right).

Prior for Wales, Lord Aberdare , gets the treatment' from Newport lads.

I

Jim

2-3

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

THE NEW COMMISSIONER

(He

28

His route from the Angel Inn, Clowne, Derbyshire , was through Nott i ngham Loughborough , Leicester, Market Harborough, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and Potters Bar , and he was frequently in the company of SJA members on the way. He planned to arrive at St John's Gate about noon on Tuesday, August 27. And surprisingly, he did. 'N othing went wrong,' said Jim (who's 62, don t forget). I haven't even got a blister.

Congratulations, Jim Not just for the stroll, but also for the £500 for the adventure camp. The cadets will really make use of that place.

80 HASSOCKS

A patronal festival on the eve of St John the Baptist day was held at St John 's Church , Portland, to dedicate 80 hassocks. County staff and members of Portland Division were at the service with 40 members of the local Good Companions Club , together with ex-Brigade members. The flag was carried by an ambulance member escorted by two nursing members.

Two St John hassocks, complete with cross and mottoes of the Order, were given in memory of Nancy Dowell , a previous

(Left) 62-year-old Jim Sullivan , Derbyshire ambulance member, says 'Look - no blisters to Assistant Secretary General Tony Lee at the Ga te after his 160 mi lk walk. See story STROLLER JIM.

A DOG'S LIFE

Not too happy is Gemma the young Beagle, at being awarded 3rd prize in Norfolk Hin@ham Dog Training Club 's fancy dress But her style and dress did provoke a lot of questions about SJA from her owners, Mr and Mrs J. Bowden, members of Dereham Division Thanks Gem

superi ntendent of Portland and founder of the Good Companions branch.

A fitting memorial for a lifetime of se r vice.

TOGETHERNESS

At a recent exercise at Telford Central Fire Station, I hear that Dawley Division and the Fire Servic e worked together in are -e nacted car crash. The scene was an acc id ent involving a car, a van and a heavy veh ic le.

One person trapped under the heavy vehicle was found to be dead. A woman trapped in the car with spi nal injurie s had to be removed on the seat, which had to be extracted by crow bars and other tools.

BY THE EDITOR

Other casualties included an uncon scio us person whose breathing ceased and who had to be re s uscitat ed

It was a very successful exercise from both points of view. (Photo right.)

40th BIRTHDAY

T he Windsor Ambulance Cadet Division was fo rmed on June 1945 under its first divisional s uperintendent , Mr Ron White (now dece ase d ), and just 3 days later the first Windsor Nursing Cadet Division was formed under its firs super int e ndent , Miss Rosa Redrupp , who still lives in Windsor.

On September 22, Miss Redrupp joined about 100 previous and present members (a nd their guests) of th e Royal Windsor Cadet Divisions for a t hanksgi v in g service at C lew e r P a ri sh Church, Windsor. The Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor a nd Maidenhead were also there

OPERATION RALEIGH

I. Operation RALEIGH is a 4 year round-the-world expedition organised by the Sc ientific Explorat ion Society, the Ex plorer s Club and the Institute of Underwater Archaeology and HRH the Prince of Wales is patron.

2. 1,500 young people called Venturers will participate in one of the 10- 12 week pha ses whic h involve a variety of challenging and exciting projects of a scientific and commun it y aid nature. Each phase consists of three or four sepa r ate expedit ions The operatio n is s upported by a 1,900-ton Aagship Sir Waller R a le gh and sa iling vesse ls, and started in November 1984 to finish in 1988.

3. The expeditio n si tes to be visited will often be remote, uncomfortable and work

VINTAGE TIME

by

ambulance of Central Croydon Division A good showing will be arduous. Climate and terrain vary from high, cold mountains to hot, humid jungles , from dry deserts to icy waters.

4. Venturers will be asked to lead patrols into little known areas and at other times will be required to fill administrative posts at a base Gamp, to cook for up to 100, to provide fresh water from a stagnant pool, stand sentry at night in desert or jungle while others sleep In all situations Venturers will be expected to carry out their allotted task to the best of their ability , cheerfully and without complaining.

5. Each expedition will be organised by highly experienced people. At the moment the cost for each Venturer is £3 ,000. Those selected as Venturers will be expected to raise an agreed sum of money for the benefit of someone else.

Applying for Operation RALEIGH

6 Applications are now being sought for expeditions in 1987 in the following destinations: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Oman and Pakistan.

7, Application forms may be obtained from any branch of the Trustee Savings Bank (TSB). Anyone can apply who is a UK citizen, aged between 17th and 24th birthdays, is fit, compatible, able to swim 500 metres and, above all who is keen to share with others the experience of a lifetime.

8. Applicants should send their applications (as instructed on the application form) to County Headquarters St John Ambulance, who will act as their referee. County Headquarters are requested then to forward the applications to Brigade Headquarters. PLEASE NOTE THAT TIME MUST BE ALLOWED FOR THE APPLICATION TO BE FORWARDED ON TO OPERATION RALEIGH HEADQUARTERS BY DECEMBER 31 1985.

SJ TO RESCUE

At a recent show in Telford, during a fairly quiet period, members were asked by the Police to go to the Crime Prevention Exhibition, where they had a casualty with a

duty. (Photo below.)

ST HELENS COMP

Results of St Helens Centre's fir st aid competition held on September 7, and at which trophie s were presented by Mrs M, Platt, were:

Overall winner: Merseyside Public Transport Executive, Runner up - Manweb. Third - Bolton Group. Diagnosis test - Merseyside Public Transport Executive. Highest individual - Mr W. Dillon of Hedlington Heath Charnock team. Team te s t - ICI Rocksavage.

SAIL TRAINING CRUISES 1986

THE SAl L training Association (ST A) has provisionally reserved a number of places for St John Ambulance personnel (aged between their 16th and 25th birthdays) on their fine adventure training cruises durin g 1986.

The ST A is a charitable, non profit-making organisation paid for by people with differing abilities to contribute the full cost of a voyage, which this year is £570. The STA allots bursaries of £150 on each berth ; the opening offer for the 2 week cruise is thus £420.

St John HQ will allow a further £240 per person from training funds. Costs to UK counties / indi viduals will thus be limited to £ 180 plus any travel costs to / from ports. In addition, Brigade HQ may allow the equivalent of the minimum sea journey fare for trainees attending from Jersey , Guernsey, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

Personnel interested in taking part in one of the 1986 cruises should apply through County/District Headquarters who will in turn pass to Brigade HQ the names of those applicants which Commissioners' recommend.

Bids for cruises are very heavy and applications should be made as soon and as far ahead as possible Bids are to state for each applicant:

a, Title and full names.

b. St John rank c. Birth date.

d, Home address.

e. Cruise required (Ser No & date).

f. Alternative cruise, where possible. g. Commissioner's recommendation.

NB: Closing dates for applications range from November 23 1985 to May 24 1986 respectively.

Cruises are available on a variety of dates and to / from

parts around the country, thus offering some counties

C.352

M.326

broken arm. The casualty who turned out to be a robot , suffered his injuries during a confrontation with children, who insisted

Get together of Old Faithfuls

SJA MID Berkshire 's second ambulance rally at which there were 20 vehicles on display, was held at Windsor Safari Park on June 29. The cavalcade of ambulances drove sedately through the streets of Windsor with the town's deputy mayor taking the salute of these old faithfuls at the Town Hall. Commemorative plaques were later presented to all who took part in the event.

SJA there

St John Ambulance was well represented by ambulances from Aldershot Farnborough , Kingston-upon-Thames, Aldeburgh (Suffolk), Cranleigh, Bracknell, Maidenhead , Windsor East Berkshire Mid Berkshire, Bristol and N.E. Hampshire. The Bristol Ambulance Preservation Society entered a 1969 BMC , and the County Ambulance Services were represented by Wiltshire with a 1959 Austin Princess and a 1981 Ran ge Rover , and Hereford and Worcester with a 1967 Bedford 'J' type. The US Air Force at Greenham entered their 1983 USA Custom de luxe 30, and private owners included Jac k Clay with his 1941 Morris 14hpser ies'Y', P. F. Simpson with his 1930 Morris Commercial 1 ton, G F. Brown s 1956 Bedford A2-Z , and Mrs Blake's World War

Two US Dodge ambulance, the entourage of which included a Jeep and Dodge weapons carrier. The British Red Cross in Berkshire entered a 1977 Bedford CF.

The plaques were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Windsor, accompanied by the County Commissioner, Lady Elizabeth Godsal. The celebrity guest was once again TV personality Christopher Biggins , who was recently made an honorary member of St John Ambulance. The Supplies Department were also present.

Next year

Next year the Third Ambulance Rally, to be held at Windsor Safari Park on June 28 will be on an even larger scale. Mid Area will be running it in conjunction with the British Ambulance Preservation Society. There will be an illustrated souvenir programme, the usual drive round Windsor , a handsome commemorative plaque, and a Bavarian evening (complete with Bavarian band) at Windsor Safari Park Lodge. See you there.

(Above) Wiltshire Ambulance Service's 1959 Austin Princess was gleaming. (Below) Mr P. F. Simpson's 1930 1 ton Morris Commercial, in the livery of a Portsmouth Voluntary Ambulance

secretary

Her Excellency Madame Jeanne

Generals

General of Canada. In June

Report

heopenedanewStJohn Ambulance Association Centre at London Airport and in November he lunched with the Council of Aldermen ofthe City of London. exceptionally busy and 1984 has been a year of successful year. The consolidation, although it exchange rate did not work has seemed from time to entirely against us; for the time that we have had to second year running the struggle to stand still. American Society donated, I n January the Lord Inflation in Israel, the falling in addition to the services of Prior visited the viillue of sterling and a their surgeon and the eye Hospital in Jerusalem; decline in the strength of the bank, a most generous in June he attended the Stjohn Ambulance Brigade $250,000, equivalentto Stjohn's Day Festival of have all posed their own almost £200,000 in sterling. the Sovereign and problems. Our overall Perhaps the most Military Order of Malta income forthe hospital disappointing response, at Westminster and that dropped, there being however, was to an appeal of the Priory of Scotland nothing to compare with the forthe restoration and in Edinburgh He visited personal gift of King maintenance of St John's South Africa and Hussein and the private Gate and the Grand Priory Zimbabwe in October, donations from Saudi Church The work is now installing Col A H Arabia in 1983. However, completed apart from minor Johnstone, DSO, ED as the regular donations to the and routine maintenance the new Prior of South Order and St John and the repair of some Africa at a ceremony in Ambulance increased, as stonework; the cost has Johannesburg, and in did the number of hours of been £100,000 and October and November public duty carried out by St donations have so far visited the Priory of Canada, John Ambulance Brigade realised £2,275. spending a fortnight in volunteers Both the Alberta and British Aeromedical Service and I n November His Royal Columbia and afterwards the Air Wing had an Highness the Grand Prior conducting Investitures in New York and San

ISt John runs in families-Alan and Marion Gleave, with daughter Helene, show off baby Ashley, who already has his name down 2

In addition to coping with casualties that may occur at major open air meetings and ceremonial occasions, St John Ambulance volunteers are always ready and willing to care for "lost" children.

occu rrence was the gracious acceptance by HRH Princess Alice of the Presidency ofthe Musical Society.

The Friends of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital have been very active too, and at a luncheon ceremony at the Glaziers Hall in September Her Majesty Queen Noor AI Hussein ofthe Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan handed over to the Lord Prior a cheque for £70,000 to endow a bed. This represents a splendid effort on the part of the Friends over almost two years.

TGe n e ral s

Report

Pennybank Galleries in late October.

Theld an Investiture of Knights and Dames in the Queen Anne Room at St James's Palace, with a Reception afterwards in the Picture Gallery. Earlier in the year, at a private ceremony at Kensington Palace, he received and invested as Prior of the Priory of Canada

n the international field we have lost an old friend and ally in Amman, His Excellency Sir Alan Urwick, the United Kingdom Ambassador. He is now in Cairo and perhaps still able to fu rther the causes ofthe Order while his successor in Amman, Mr John Coles, has expressed his desireto help. In Jerusalem the ConsulGeneral, Mr Donald Hamley, has been replaced by Mr Patrick de Courcy Ireland and both he and his wife have shown great interest in establishing close relations with the St John Ophthalmic Hospital. In Saudi Arabia the Ambassador, Sir James Craig, has retired and has accepted the Lord Prior's invitation to join the Grand Prior'sAdvisory Council as adviser on Arab affairs; he is replaced in Jeddah by Mr Patrick Wright. All three

have visited St John's Gate and have the Order's welfare at heart.

Amajor event of the year was a banquet held at Hampton Court in the presence of HRH The Grand Prior and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The setting was almost unbelievably beautifu I; there was a champagne reception, a magnificent dinner and then a stupendous finale of Beating Retreat by the Band ofthe Irish Guards and Pipers of the 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards together with fireworks Enjoyed by everyone, it was a memorable and highly successful evening in support ofthe Order.

The Ladies' Guild has continued its very active support ofthe St John Ophthalmic Hospital. Two successful events were organised by the ViceChairman and the Musical Society was kept very active by its Director These endeavours are descr ibed in more detail in the report on the Ladies' Guild but an outstandingly popular

he Historical Soc iety continued to attract members and arranged an interesting and impressive programme of events, lectures, presentations and discussions on the history of the Order and its two Foundations. The Library and Museum staff have also worked very hard at two other projects, the first of which was the St John Ambulance Museum openedinthe Caccia Room

his year the Alliance Meeting was he ld in June in the Hague to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Order in the Netherlands. HRH Prince Bernhard presided over both the celebrations and the Meeting with great skill and charm. Once again our Confreres of the All ia nce have supported the St John Ophthalmic Hospital and the Secretary-General, Baron Ackerhielm, presented a cheque for 15,000 Swiss francs to the Hospitaller atthe Hospital Committee meeting in December. A meeting of the False Orders Committee

setting of Durham

Cathedral.TheCouncilofSt John in Durham had taken immense trouble over all the arrangements and visiting confreres were made to feel very welcome Theweatherwascold but kind so that the march past ofthe St John Ambulance Brigade and presentation of Grand Pr ior's Certificates by the Lord Prior could take place after the ceremony. Again the Order ceremonial staff played a major part in the day's events so that, together with ou r confreres in Durham, the Service

and administration arrangements were immaculately planned; we owe them all a deep debt of gratitude.

AHM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip talk to members of St John in New Brunswick during their visit to Canada last summer.

at St John's Gate in March by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The second was an exhibition of prints, etchings and watercolours of Malta held in the

and their dependent appendices. The latter define, among other things, Foundation Dues and Oblations and it has been decided to move to a wholly voluntary system of Oblations within certain guidelines and abolish Foundation Dues aItogether. It is thereby hoped, through the renewed support and generosity of confreres, to increase the income ofthe Order and therefore our ability to maintain the fabric of St John s Gate and Grand Priory Church as well as to meet part ofthe cost of insignia , printing , postage and other necessary elements of administration

Owas held this yearfrom 1-4 October in Sigmaringen, Germany with, forthe first time, representatives ofthe Swedish and Netherlands Orders present. Our relationships with the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta improve steadily and it is hoped that the Alliance Meeting might be held in Rome in 1985

usefuland constructive conference of Chairmen of Council and Commanders of St John Ambulance was chaired by the Bailiffof Egle in the Chapter Hall on 18 October. Many points were discussed and clarified for the benefit ofthose attending forthe firsttime. One positive result is a paper, now circulating in the count ies , with a plan for the consideration of all to reapthe benefits of centra Iised investment while guaranteeing the availabil ity ofthe funds and the control over them by the investors.

One of the major decisions taken by Chapter-General has been to revise certain Statutes

nce again this report demonstrates clear y a year of enthusiastic work by the volunteer members of St John, an international commun ty , al unpaid and all devoted to the relief of sickness and distress , all of them working in a spiritof deep human compassion. The Order s deeply grateful to them all whetherthey be major benefactors or unproclaimed supporters bri ngi ng thei r expertise to encourage and sustain the work to which the Order is committed. Without hesitation their efforts are freely given as is our acknowledgement that without them the Order could not continue ts work. The serv ces of both the St John Ophthalmic Hospital and the St John Ambulance are in demand as never before; however , money is needed to keep both n operation and so this report must end with an appeal to everyoneto continue , and indeed improve where that is possible , our efforts to win more supporters to our cause and to find and release the greaterfunds which are now needed to enable the Order to bring succourto 'Our Lords, the Sick

I

n October 1984 Mrs Ruth Parks, who had been Matron since 1977, retired from Stjohn Ophthalmic Hospital. During her time there have been many changes carried out under her inspiration and direction. She has improved the nursing standards ofthe Hospital and has also made surethe Sisters' accommodation was brought up to date. The Practical Nurse Training School was opened during hertime and this has enabled the Order to provide teaching for local personnel.

Mrs Parks was highly respected and made many friends. She leaves us with all best wishes from all the staff at the Hospital for a happy retirement.

She was succeeded by Miss Pauline O'Donnell who has spent her life as a Sister in the QARANS. The Hospital was fortunate to find herthrough the good offices ofthe Scottish Priory.

T he number of patients seen atthe Hospital increased by 10% this year. This enormous burden was helped by the voluntary service of DrWilliam Combe an experienced anaesthetist who worked for many years at Moorfields Eye Hospital and spent 8 weeks in the Hospital early in the year. He undertook a survey of the Resuscitation Procedures and equipment and saw to it thatthey were brought up to 1984 standards.

T he BRIT laserwhich has served us for 10 years has become a spent force and arrangements have been made to replace th is nstru ment with a modern laser built in Israel itself Mr Peter Hamilton FRCS, who is an expert on the use ofthe laser, visited the Hospital in March and spent a week instructing and giving excellent lectures to the staff and to the Arab Medical Association.

4

I The St. John I

Duringtheyearwehave had on our staff

Sisters

•

Qphtha mle HOspItal In Jerusalem

Aberdeen University The visitors during the

Sister Abina Ca linan, who looked after the Central Sterilising Supply Department, left us in July and was succeeded by Sister S Morgan, the wife of the Warden. This has given Mrs Morgan a highly demanding job in the Hospitalwhich she is thoroughly enjoying.

T he pathological department is being kept busy and Mr Peter Hreish has given help to Dr Lee Chumbley in his trachoma survey an account ofwhich was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology in 1984. Dr Harold Climenhaga of Canada very kindly classified our large collection of histological specimens and this will be of value to future surgeons, particularly those who wish to take higher degrees or diplomas.

T he installation of solar heating has been tried out over the Wi nter of 19841 85 and it should be possible by April of 1985 to decide whetherthis method of heating the Hospital should be extended.

Sister Mary Manarious, Sister Tutor visited the Nursing Teaching Centres in the United Kingdom in the summer, hertrip being sponsored by the British Council. She spent a month at St Thomas' Hospital and then a further month at Bromley Hospital learning new methods ofteaching and education which have enabled her to modify the present Course for our nursing trainees.

D uring theyearwe had two Final Year Medical Students visit us , one from Oxford and one from

They had chosen the yearwere The Lord Hospital as a place to spend Prior; Mr Harold Cowie, the their 'elective' period. As a Organising Secretary of resultthe student from 'Operation Eyesight' from Oxford has decided to make Canada; the Secretaryophthalmology his life General and Lady Hudson; work Mr Arthur Linge, the

T he Outreach

Programme has been extremely busy and during the year 145 mobile clin i cs were held throughoutthe West Bank and Gaza and 23 ,668 patients were examined of which 5,000 were in need of treatment. The Outreach Programme is developing along the lines where itwill be necessary to train primary health workers to undertake screening and allowthe surgeons and physicians to spend most of theirtime on patients who have been screened and present either symptoms or signs requiring further investigation. Dr Mala from the Institute of Ophthalmology has been most helpful in the work of trachoma which has been carried out during 1984 in the villages ofthe West Bank.

HOSPITAL STATISTICS

NewCases

Total Attendances

Admissions

Operations

Glasses Ordered

Chancellor of The Order in Norway; Mr MacDougal the Chancellor from Wales and hiswife; TheChief Accountant Charles Butler; Mr and Mrs Keith Lyle, Mr Anthony Lee and Mrs Lee and Mr Peter Garland.

I n September the Patron of The Friends, HM Queen Noor of Jordan presented the Hospital with a cheque for £70,000 to endow a bed from funds subscribed by the Friends. Other guests were Lady Howe the wife of the Foreign Minister , who was shown round the Hospital in October and the retiring Lord Mayor of London, Lady Donaldson, who was so kind to us atthe Annual General Meeting at the Mansion House on St John's Day.

Following its declared intention of maintaining the Eye Bank and a surgeon in Jerusalem and of contributing significantly to the upkeep ofthe children's ward, the American Society has continued its supportforthe St John Ophthalmic Hospital during the past

I

£85,OOOwa shandedoverto the Lord Prior after the • Investiture in New York in

November 1983.

Wyear with undiminished enthusiasm and generosity.

Nreported. At their meeting in March, the Ladies' Guild resolved actively to contribute towards the endowment of a bed at the Stjohn Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem, and they are proud to report that the total so far subscribed is £23,675- safely credited to the endowment fund and earning interest! The Guild is also ableto guarantee a £4,000 g ra nt to th e Matron fo r at Ieast two yea rs fo r items which have been identified and agreed with her.

Led by the ViceChairman, members of the Guild raised money through two events during the yea r. The fi rst, in October, was another evening atthe Towerof London combined with watching the Ceremony of the Keys, and the second was a Sale at St George's Hospital, Tooting, early in November.

otonlYdid members subscribe to a T hree concerts were held in London under the auspices of the Musical Society. There was a concert of early music held in the Grand Priory Church on 26 July as part of the City of London Festival, and a Festival of Carols on 14 December, also held in the Grand Priory Church and sponsored by the Esquires ofthe Order However, the major event was a recital given at St James's Palace on 22 November by the blind pianist, Bernard D'Ascoli, in the presence of HRH Princess Alice. Everyone was delighted later in the year when HRH Princess Alice graciously consented to become President of the St John Musical Society.

donation equivalentto nearly £66,000 as a result of the Lord Prior's appeal in aid ofthe Hospital during the year but a cheque for nearly

e very much hopeto see members ofthe American Society in London during 1984-5 both at St John's Gate and, should they be able to arrange a visit in June, at our St John's Day Service of Remembrance and Rededication at St Paul's Cathedral.

E very memberofthe Order owes a debt of gratitudeto ourconfreres res dent in the United States; we al appreciate most highly their consistent endeavours and generous support.

The St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem.

and Rothley Court,

I Leicestershire. As a result of

the latter visit the church at

an Museum

There were over 10,000 visitors to St John's Gate during the year and Museum staff conducted 240 guided tours.

ThenewStJohn Ambulance Museum was opened on 14 March by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Very popular with visitors, it has proved its value as a guide to the work of St John Ambulance over the past 100 years.

Aseries of panels on the Order's history was made for an exhibition in April atWeston-super-Mare and has since been borrowed for display at Stamford Museum, in Ely and at Newcastle-on-Tyne in conjunction with local St John events.

On 2 October 'Malta Views', an exhibition of part ofthe Order's large collection of topographical prints and drawings, was

Bird's-eye view of Valletta, circa 1795, water-colourbyan unknown artist from the exhibition "Malta Views" organised by the museum staff and shown at the Pennybank Gallery, Clerkenwell and the Collins Gallery, University of Strathcfyde, Glasgow.

opened atthe Pennybank Gallery, StJe>hn's Square. The Deputy Curator, Stella Dyer, who was responsible forthe exhibition, has written a catalogue ofthe Order's collection, which is available from St John's Gate.

The Stjohn Historical Society, which has almost doubled its membership, met regularly throughout the year, making visits to Cambridge

Heathernowhas

the Order's arms displayed in a stained glass window.

Among the more important donations from the many members of St John and well-wishers this year were an olivewood occasional table decorated with an eight-pointed cross, donated by Mr K Clifford Cook, and a wooden cross carved with symbols of the Passion. Donated by the Royal Ordnance Factory, Chorley, this had been attached to a Hospitaller property in the 16th-17th

centuries. Ten coins of the Order were added to the collection together with a portrait medal of Jean de la Vallette and an 18th-century portrait of one of the Order's chaplains The Museum was fortunate to acquire, with the help of a grant from the Purchase Fund of the Victoria & Albert Museum, an early 18th-century Maltese silver shaving bowl , engraved with the eightpointed cross and a monogram.

Kate ArnoldForster left to take up the post of Curator atthe Museum ofthe Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. We were very sorry to lose her, but the success of a member of our staff in gaining such an appointment illustrates the val ue of the tra i ning given at St John's Gate Julia Toffolo succeeded her as Assistant Curator and Michaela Atterton has joined us as Museum Secretary.

Maltese silver bleeding/ shaving bowl, circa 1700. Purchased with a grant from the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Fund.

Introduction by the Chief Com mander , Major-General P R Leuchars, CBE

Since 1 July 1982, when the Government decided to introduce legislation to coverthe teaching and practice of FirstAid, itwas inevitable that St John Ambulance would be fa ced with a period of adjustment and challenge. I am happy to report that we appearto be weathering this test successfully.

With over 500 organisations now registered to teach First Aid to industry and the public services, the Association has shown itself equal to such competition and can still claim the lion s share of the market. Its new teaching methods have been acclaimed universally within St John Ambulance , and by many teaching organisations outside. Equally, Brigade members have now accepted the need to conform to the new Statutory F rstAid Certificate involving a longer syl abus and an additional Stjohn module to qualify them for public duties. If, sadly, we are at present a somewhat leaner organisation , there is no doubting our enthusiasm and efficiency. Indeed it is worthy of note that , although Brigade membership has decreased, the annual number of hours of public dut i es and community welfare undertaken have increased from 3.7 million hours in 1983 to 3.8 million in 1984

S J h A b 1

use of schoolteachers some t. 0 n m u ance 20 ,0?Ocopiesweresoldin the first fou r months after publication The St John Sadly I must report the November. We were also Three Cross Award retirement of my two honoured and delighted to Scheme, comprising a principal deputies on 31 have had a vis i t by HRH The three-part video, is being December 1984, namely Mr Pr incess Anne , Mrs Mark introduced into schools Donald Seymour, the Phil lips, Commandant-in- early next year. Director-General, and Chief, Ambulance and M ajor-General Sir John Nursing Cadets, to 1 Younger, Bt, the Grosvenor Crescent on 30 Commissioner -in-Chief. Mr May when she met all the Seymour took over as members of our staff. Director-General in June 1982 and I am pleased to report that hewill continue to work for St John in a fund-raising capacity. He has been succeeded by Mr Robert Balchin, who during this last year has been responsible for launching the fi rst phase of the very promising First Aid Project for Schoolchildren described in more detail in the Association notes below.

Sir John has been Commissioner-in -Chief since 1 October 1980, having previously served as Deputy Commissioner of London Distr ict. With great skill and good humour , he has persuaded the Brigade to adoptthe more demanding training schedule required by the new Statutory Certificate, and has succeeded in a field where others feared to tread in introducing a new and greatly simplif ed uniform. I am enormously grateful for his contribution, and until a worthy successor is forthcoming I intend to combine his responsibilities with my own, supported as I am by the Superint endentin-Chief and the Deputy Cin-C.

I n conclusion, I must pay tribute to the su pport and encouragement of our Royal Patrons , especially HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, our Grand President, who toured every Department of our National Headquarters in January; attended our County Presidents ' Conference in October and presented the awards at the Grand Prior's Trophy Competition at Croydon in

Association

ThenewStJohn Ambulance Schools Projects , covering the introduction offirstaid into schools, were completed during 1984 On 25 Septe mber Sir Keith Joseph , Secretary of State for Education & Science, formally launched the scheme at a most successful press conference he l d at Grosvenor Crescent. The first part ofthe scheme was a 'new publication, 'Emergency Aid in Schools '. Written specifically for the

F

irst Aid at Work courses continued to expand in the face of ncreasi ng competition. Considerable progress was also made i n the teach ing of statutory first aid to Brigade members

The Caring forthe Sick courses were introduced this year, replacing the old Initial and Advanced Nursing courses. The number of successful candidates on all courses can be seen on the accompanying table.

T he new handbookfor Occupational First Aiders was completed by the end of 1984 for publication in January 1985

Examination Results

TYPE OF CLASS

First Aid

FirstAid atWork

FirstAid in Mines

First Aid (Mountain Activities)

Essentials of First Aid

Occupational First Aid Lay Instructors

Initial Nursing

Advanced Nursing

CaringfortheSick-Level1

Caring for the Sick - Leve l 2

Ca ri ng for the S ick - Level 3

Preliminary Home Nursing

Preliminary Hygiene

Hygienic Food Handling

Child Welfare

Preliminary Child Care

Personal Health and the Community TOTAL FIRST CERTIFICATES RE - EXAMINATION CERTIFICATES

OVERALL TOTALS

The Brigade

T hedemandsforour services increased during the year, with 3,826,706 voluntary hours of duty undertaken and a total of 319,000 cases treated

YOU will see laterin the report details ofthe Air Wing, who carried out a record 91 missions, and of the Aeromedical Services who undertook761 operations, an increase of over 100 on the previous year.

wonderful achievements, of which we should all feel justly proud

Nursi n g

1984 was a very i nteresti ng and rewarding year from the nursing aspect. The Super ntendent-in-Chief and the Chief Nursing Officer met all the senior nursing personnel from the DHSS, the Royal College of Nursing , the District Nursing Association and many of the matrons from the

J h b 1

St. 0 n Am u ance

divisions are now planning 'Caring for

theCarers',ascheme providing overnight

OARNNS, with the hope of nursing commitments as accommodation to give forming a greaterworking well as helping with their relief to relat ves liaison. division s welfare work. At

The Moyra Browne Trust has been formed from a sum left by Lady Moyra ' s mother, The Countess Bessborough, in herWil1. TheTrustwil1 enable two nurses to attend the Medical Conference each year with all expenses paid

Atthe presenttime a t remendous number of com m un ity welfa re activities are being undertaken by members of the St John Ambulance Brigade and others associated with Brigade divisions. However, visits to counties, areas and divisions during the past year showthat most ofthe community care goes undocumented and unrecorded

The majority of Brigade members continue with theirfi r st aid and

leasttwo divisions have been formed recently through Brigade members becoming aware of a desperate need for organised voluntary help with community care n the areas in which they reside

Duetothe increasing demand for voluntary help with community care , the amount of welfare work

St John Ambulance n Merseyside on duty at the Tall Ships Race.

Brigade Training

Sail Training

Thi s ye a r St John Ambulan ce c adets and young adults again took part in the Sail Training Association's two -week schoon e r tr a in i ng cruises A total of41 young people sail e d on se ven sepa r ate crui ses in bo t h th e STS Sir W i n ston Chur c hil an d th e STS ' Malcolm Miller'

Nijmegen ma r che s

st. John Ambu la nce

Council for Phy s ical Recreation , and have nks with most other you h organisations.

Duke of Edinburgh 's Award Scheme

rounds off i rst a d an d nur sing k n o wl ed ge est s jud ge d by senior medica pe rso nnel.

Junior Poster Com petition

St.John Fellowship

I t s impossible to enumerate all the types of assistance rendered, but these a re relative to the needs of each d vision's local community Special men t ion should be made of the help given to senior citizens , both in their own homes and in old people s homes. Many of our cadets are involved in this type of care, and the rapport between them and the elderly is quite remarkable. There is also evidence of great concern for mentally and physically handicapped pie. Again, our younger embers find this kind of service very rewarding, and a numberof

is rapid y escalat i ng Many more d ivisions , parti cul arly those with younger members, a re considering entry in the Sir Keith Joseph Welfare Cup competition

It is app are ntthat m a ny people in the UK are joining us to assist with community care, who initially do not wish to wear Brigade uniform but who are quite willing to join our Aux i liaries, who weartheir badge to give them an identity. Provis on is being made o provide these people with specific training in their choice of care act i vity Some people do later become full Brigade members; much depends on divisional leadership.

Visits to counties, areas and divisions confirm that ever-increasing opportunities for involvement in community care are being met, and present a challenge and a greatfuture forthe Brigade.

Ambulance Cadet Jason Hoff receives the American Cup for Gallantry from Rolf Harris.

Nineteen adults and seven cadets took part in th e 68th Int e rnation a Long Di stance Marches at Nijmegen n the Netherlands , with p a rti c pa nt s f rom ive co un t es rang n g fro m C ev e land to Be rksh i re Eleven people undertook th e 50km and ev e ryon e e se th e 4 0 km m arch es. All su ccee d ed in completin g their c ours es on ea c h of the fourd ay s. Outward Bou n d cour ses

Two cours es w e re ar r anged f o r 46 ca d et s at Es kdal e, Cu mbr ia and at Rhown i ar, Gwy ne dd. Eigh t ad d itio na pl aces w e re t aken o n mo re advan ce d cours es at vari ous Ou t w a rd Bo u nd sc hool s.

Brigade Instruc tors

Th ef inal BrigadeAdvance d

Methods of Instruct on course was held in Janu a ry with el even peop le b ecoming Adv anced Instructors Thetotal number of cert ificated Brigade Instructors throu g hout the country is now 242 , with 51 Advanc ed Instructors. All personnel will n due course become St John Ambulance Instructors in t heir various subj ect specialisations

Cadets

St John Ambulance

Cadets are observer members ofthe National Council for Voluntary Youth Services and th e Central

St John Ambulan ce continues to take p art i n the Duke of Edinburgh ' s Award S cheme as an op e ra ti ng authority To dat e ov e r 600 young peop e aged between 14and 25years are partic pating and during the lastfiveyears morethan 150 awards have been gained

153 ent r ies were recei v ed f o r t h e Ju n ior Poste r Comp etiti on , u dged by Mr Rolf Har ris The w inner w as Ni col a H od ges fr om Kent.

Ameri c an Trophy

f o r G a llan try

This trop h y, pr ese nte d by the US 8th Army Air Fo rce , is awarded an nua ll y o n th e de ci s on o ft he

T he Stjohn Fellowship co n tinued to expand du ri ng 198 4, with 37 b r anches in the UK atthe end of the year and many more being planned. En q uirie s have been received from Australia, Canada, New Z ealand, Tan zania and Zimb abwe, so it is h op ed t h at Stjohn ove r se as wil also know the satis f action and enjoyment which the Fellowship can bring to their members on retirement.

Proficien c y Sc h e m e

Th e Prof icien cy Sch em e exi sts for c adets a nd exca dets (p rom oted to adult d iv i s on s) u p t o th e age of 2 1 y ears to study su bjects outside first aid and nursing n orderto widen th e ir nt e rests an d a bili tie s T here ar e some 90 subj ects f rom w hich t o c ho ose, r an g ng from mounta neer i ng to needlework On obta i ning passes in 12 subj ec t s, 704 p e rsonn el w e re award ed th e Gr a nd Prior s Badge and Certi f icate during 1984 (158 t o adult memb e rs and 546to ca det s)

Cadet Qu iz

The annual Cadet Quiz , held during the Brigade Finals compet tion in Croydon , was won this year by a team offour cadets under the age of 16 years from Sou t h & West Yorkshire. They competed against a team from Berkshire overthree

Commi ssioner-in-Chief, to the cad et p e rforming the mo st out st an d ing deed of gallantry or courage during t he y ear (provided a ca s e of suff icie nt me ri t o cc urs ).

In 1984the T rop h ywas awa rded o Ambulance

Ca d et J ason Hoff of Goringby -Sea a n d D urrin g t o n Com bi ne d Cadet D iv i sion, Suss ex . J as o n , t hen aged 12 ye ar s, s aw a bo y in t rouble d ri ftin g o utto sea in a d inghy off the coast at Climp ng , Suss ex. He sw am o u t an d b oa r ded t h e di n g h y to ass st n r owi n g back.

W hen no p rogress w as m ade he agai n ente red the w at e r an d t owe d th e b oat and o cc up an tto s afe t y furt h er a o ng h e c o ast. Jason has si n ce be en awarded the Roy a Human e Soc iety ' S Br onz e Med a

ThefirstAnnual Gener a Meeting was h eld on 18t h May at St J ohn's Gate, attended by 99 members from 18 branches. The proceedings began wi t h a s h o rt service at the G rand Priory Church at which the Fellowship Prayer given by the Prelate of the Order wa s s aid and the lesso n re ad by the Bailiff of Egle .l n th e Ch apte r Hall afte rw ard s the Chief Commander thanked member s f o r t heir support of the active Foundation, a n d the me eting ended with tea and a tour of the Gate.

B ranch act ivities reported during the year n cluded fund-raisingmembers helped with flag day c ol le ctions, contributed to county appeals for new a m bu ance s, for holiday 9

Cadets learning the new Animal Care course.

camps for disabled people and to other charities. Ten branches mentioned visits or outings for elderly or sick Fellowship members, some in response to requests from other counties Other supportforthe Brigade included catering at major events, providing stewards at competitions and even setting up and staffing a county cadet camp.

To emphasise that the Fellowship has no age lim its, the Secretary of the Kent Branch is an ex-cadet aged 18years The Fellawship exists to keep in touch all who have served Stjohn.

St.John Ambulance Air Wing

During 1984theAir Wing continued in its support of the DHSS to such effect that it had its most active year to date. Overthe 12 years since its formation theAirWing has increased both in size and capability from a mere handful of pilots and operations to its present strength of 165 pilots and 120 aircraft. The availability of helicopters , jet and turboprop aircraft has enabled the range of missions flown to be extended considerably.

Despite adverse weather conditions , part culary during the second halfoftheyear, the AirWing undertook91 missions (almost double last year's total), transporting 30 kidneys, 3 livers, 1 package of blood samples, 44 heart transplant teams, 16liverteams, 1 pancreas team and 8 patients. Twenty-nine foreign flights took aircraft to France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Northern Ireland and Eire. The Air Wing carried 67 per cent of all transplant teams moved and these activities involved covering 38,211 miles in 263 flying hours.

10

S J h A b 1

incidence of psychiatric ton m

u ance

• stili amazing to see how many people travel abroad

Biannual meetings at Since its inception Air without adequate medical the UK Transplant Wing has undertaken insurance; with today's h i gh Centre with the transplant 683 missions, flown 2,522 cost of medical repatriations co-ordinators are now well- hours and covered 312,381 this can only result in established and provide a miles. It is obvious that the financial stress to many most useful forum for recent national campaign patients and their relatives discussion and agreement for donors , greatly assisted of operational procedures. by the publicity given on The Pilotsffransport Esther Rantzen's Committee keeps a watchful programme 'That's Life' has eye on fuel costs and regular provided many more controllers meetings at the donors The Air Wing looks Flight Control Centre at St forward to 1985 and an Margaret's Hospital , increased calion their Epp i ng , maintain cont nuity services which , although in that all-important centre.

Undoubtedlythe m o st dramatic case during the year involved six Hong Kong Chinese crew members of a vessel hit by an Exocet missil e in th e Arabian Gulf Suffering mainlyfrom burns, they were due to be repatr ated to Hong Kong. Sinc e th e us e of a British aircraft and c rew would create de ays in obtaining access, a neut ral Swiss aircraft and m ed ic al staff w e re c hart e red ; th s must be th e first time ever that the operations staff had to co-ordinat e a fight e r escort for an ai r a mbul a n ce The mission was furth e r complic ated by o ne crew member bein g pr o nou nced unfit t o trave l wh en th e origin a l ai r am bu ance arrived , which nec essitat ed an add tional flight se ve r a l days later To c ap the complic ations on e ofth e only one link in a long ch a in, Swiss re li ef p ilots

A patient repatriated b y St John A e rom e d ical Services is ta ken to hospita l by road amb ulanc e

Two new fligh t controllers were recruited and trained during the year and it is hoped to continue selection and training of additional controllers Controllers have an arduous task requiring not only ability but stamina as a mission started on one day may well not be completed until the next They are deserving of the highest praise fortheir regular duties and dedication.

Atthe AirWing's annual supper in April presentations included the Pooley Sword of Honourto MrW H Bailey, the pilot group co-ordinator at Elstree and the Howard HouseTrophyto MrG Course forthe outstanding contributions to the Air Wing's work.

Afinal word of thanks must go to the Director of Aeromedical Services, Group Captain Baxter, who retired suddenly through ill health atthe end of August, and who we hopewill be fully recovered in 1985

Medical

The sudden death of Dr Elston Grey-Turner in February was a distressing blowto the Medical Board , not only had he been a wellloved colleague but it meant the loss of his dedicated drive as Chairman at a critical time in the Board's preparation of the Report

The RoleofStJohn Ambulance From Now Until the Year 2000'. Responsibility for continuing the task was, however, shouldered ably by the Deputy Chairman, Dr P A B Raffle (Chief Medical Officer SJA Association) an d the Report completed and submitted to the Chief Commander in August.

Iis a strong one in which all contracted food po sonin g its members take the utmost in Hong Kong He ravell ed pride-for what is more home strapp ed to a va uable than the saving of stret c he r in his own aircra ft human life? and was off duty for s ix

St.John Aeromedical Se rv ices

S tjohn A e romedical Services undertook a total of761 operations during 1984, with the main increase being in repatriations by scheduled flight which now account for 39 per cent ofthe total. Repatriations by chartered flight and road ambulance only have slightly increased, while air ambulance operations have decreased, refl ecti ng ma rked increases in aircraft operating costs.

T

Overseas

Overseas visits

Overseas visits this year included those paid by the Chief Commander to Nigeria and Ghana in February; by the Chief Presidentto Fiji, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia in February and March ; and by the Deputy Commissioner-in-Chiefto South Africa in February. A delegation which included Sir Leslie Monson represented St John Ambulance Headquarters at the St John Ambulance Malta 75th anniversary celebrat ons.

Training Missions

the Bartlett Stewardsh i p, Quaker Peace & Service and the 1969 Vinson Char ity Trust are gratefully acknowleged

Regional aid programmes

Ut was w th great pleasure and pride thatth e Board received the news Sir Douglas Black had accepted the invitation to become its Chairman from St John s Day in succession to Dr Grey-Turner

NThe work continues to encompass all types of illness and injury , butthe weeks

one o fth sWOUld b e possible without the time and skill d onated s o freely by the flying do ctors and n ur s es , and the ambulance drivers who wait patiently at all hours forthe return of an ambulance aircraft Those who replenish and service the aeromedical equipment at the airfields must also be mentioned , as mustthe operations staff who put in working hours stretching way beyond any commercial consideration It is veryfitting alsoto pay tribute to the magnificent co-operation of the air transport operators from whom the ambulance aircraft are chartered.

he Chairman , Dr R J Donaldson, and members of the Organising Committee presented an interesting programme at the Medical Conference in April; including 'The Dr ug Scene ' , Stjohn Ambulance Between Now And The Year 2000' and 'St John Ambulance in the Past '.

First aid coursesforfirst year medical students were held again at the Royal Free and St Thomas's Hospitals' Medical Schools and also at St Mary's Hosp tal Medical School A total of 135 medical students attended plus, for thefirsttime, the tutorial staff of St Thomas s Hospital School of Physiotherapy.

nder a r rangem ents made by the Med cal Board ' s Secretary , Mr David Penman -a final year medical student at St Thomas's Hospitalcompleted three months elective study atthe Fiji Schoo of Med icine hosted by St John Ambulance , Fi i. Arrangements are be i ng made for another St Thomas s Hospital medical studentto spend a similar elective study period with the Government Medical Service and Stjohn Ambulance , Sarawak

Successful tra i ning missions were undertaken by UK off cers in Cyprus, Nigeria and Zambia , as a resu It of wh ich a fu rther 100 lay instructors qualified , providing a valuable incrementto the expansion forfirst ai d training in those countries

Overseas aid

In add tion to financing the three training programmes , overseas aid ncluded grants to Barbados , Uganda and Tanzania for the provision and/ or servic i ng of ambulances; to Nigeria and Zimbabwe for equipment and towards the admin stration costs ofthe National Council ; to Malawi towards a programme of industrial first aid training ; to Uganda to replace stores and equipm e nt used n a combined relief ope r ation in Kampala involving the provision of accommod ation , food and first a d for some 700 refugees

To help finance this programme , the Directorof Overseas Relations approached 42 Trusts specialising in overseas aid requesting their assistance for the development of the Foundation's work in the Third World Donations by

The Canadian, South African and New Zealand Priories have now introduced regional aid programmes, provid ng assistance to SJA n t he less wealthy countr ies lying within their geograp h ical regions. A twinning programme has successfully been estab li shed between the twelve Canad an p r ov nces and Caribbean st ates a n d steps are in hand o i mplement a n aid programme New Zea la nd has already ass i sted Fiji w th the provision of equ i pment whils the Sou t h Africa n Pr iory has agreed t o respond sympathe t ica lly t o requests for ass i st an c e ro m Stjo h n Ambu an c e n Southern Af ri ca

Primary Heal th Care

Th er e were encourag in g deve opments n Z mbabwe , but tt l e progress was made elsewhere Towards the en d of the year, however , t h e Overseas Re ations Department had under consideration the comm ission of a ma o r initiat ive i n th s f e d.

Sight Project

T h e Sight Proje ct co ntin u es to make substan t ial progress n r estor ng sight and in the introductio n of preventat ve eye care i n t h e o u tlying villages o f Oma n Following h is v i sitth ere n April the Hosp ita ll er reported on the success of the project and on the indebtedness to the Ord er of the Omani Government for its admin i st r ation ofthe scheme , working n c lose co-operation w t h th e Omani Ministry o f Hea lt h 11

Priory of Scotland

1984 has been a year of further progress and achievement. The entire group of Associations throughout Scotland has shown its devotion to duty at all times, working with great enthusiasm under dedicated leaders.

Many Associations have extended their influence and activity by forming sub-committees at Arbroath, Dundee and Montrose, at Bearsden, Clydebank, Dumbarton and Helensburgh and in NE Fife and at Glenrothes and Leven. Strathkelvin Committee, the youngest Committee of Associations in Scotland, raised enough money to endowthree beds atthe Marie Curie Hunters Hill Nursing Home-a great achievement.

The annual Festival of St John took place on 26 June at St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh on a delightful summer's day. This was a memorable occasion, both for the ceremony itself and the many friendships made and renewed.

Interest in music and arts continues to grow In Scotland with notable musical evenings at Naughton House, Cupar and the City Chambers, Glasgow. The St John Musical Society in Scotland has now been formed and a Royal Gala Concert has been planned for March 1985.

T he Priory suffered a grievous loss by the death of DrW Macfarlane Gray, KStJ, Preceptor of 12

Priories and Commanderies

Torpichen, who had been appointed only a few months earlier, having been Receiver-General for a numberofyears. The Order's sound financial position owes much indeed to his wise advice and careful administration. Mr George Burnet, CStJ, is already proving a worthy successor as ReceiverGeneral.

At the November meeting of Chapter Captain James A Brown, RD, was installed asthe new Preceptor ofTorpichen Captain Brown is Chairman ofthe Glasgow & South West Association Committee, the largest in Scotland.

The St John volunteers go from strength to strength. To date they have introduced well over 20,000 disabled people to the joys of canal cruising since starting operations in May 1979.

Stjohn Cadets also flourish under the able leadership of DWatson Law, CStJ, helped by grants from the Royal Jubilee Trusts and the King George V Fund. This year they presented a large-screen projectorto the National Hospital at Bellsdyke Central Region forthe hospital's work with disabled people.

T he Glenshee Ski Rescue Service has had a most successful year. Letters from two Chief Constables in adjacent areas paid tribute to their work during thewinter. The Service also assists at the Open Golf Championship and a team of twelve successfully managed over 1500 casualties with problems ranging from sunburn to cardiac arrest.

PPriory for Wales

The annual Festival of St John took place at the parish church of St John the Baptist, Cardiff on 14 July atwhich the guest of honour was the Rt Hon The Viscount of Arbuthnott, DSC, JP, Prior of Scotland. Also present was Lt Col S M Ingledew, OBE, ED, Receiver-General of the Priory of South Africa, who afterwards presented the Prior with a Centenary plate from the South African Priory.

riory Chapter visited West Glamorgan on 13 October, where a Rededication Service took place atthe collegiate and parish church of St Mary, Swansea, attended by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester , Commandant-in-Chief St John Ambulance Brigade in Wales

Acommittee of younger St John Ambulance members met during the yearto discuss the role of St John Ambulance to the year 2000'. A copy of thei r worthwhile and useful report was sent to the Ch ief Commander Stjohn Ambulance is increasingly concerned with exploring its place in the welfare field, particularly wishing to give more help to handicapped people , whether living alon e or cared for by relatives The AirWing undertook seven missions during the year

The Association has had a busy year-728 classes were held, with a total of 9,318 certificates awarded 1689 FirstAid at Work certificates were issued, 152 people qualified in Occupational FirstAid and 519 candidates successfu Ily attended Appointed Persons courses. Included in the FAW courses were sixth-form pupilsfrom a Gwent comprehensive school and, as a result, with the agreement of local teachers and the local Education Authority, first aid will betaught in schools throughout Gwent. These pupils produced a video of theirtraining, which was presented to Sir Keith Joseph during the launch of the Fi rst Aid in Schools project in London in September.

The Br gade in Wales reta ned its momentum by continuing to recruit younger members, arranging for the successful completion of appropriate NCO and Officer Training courses and assessment. The training programme continues, with excellent response from both officers and members, and the annual conferences were over-subscribed The conferenceforyoung adults in particularwasan outstanding success, having made plansfor next year s International Year of Youth. Atthe National Brigade Finals competition the Glynneath nursing team won the premier trophy for thethird successive occasion and the Cefn Mawr team won the ambulance cadettrophy.

Priories and Commanderies

An item of special interest was the creation of the Lord Aberdare Award, made with a viewto increasing efficiency and enterprise in Brigade divisions. The money forming the basis of the Award is the residue of a collection made to commemmorate the Silver Jubilee of Lord Aberdare's appointment as Prior of Wales.

The Cadet movement continues to flourish , with an increase in the number of Special Service Shields awarded for service to the community. Cadet camps continue to be one of the highlights and Wales was delighted to welcome cadetsfrom Irelandtotheir camp in Aberystwyth Twenty candidates were successful in atta ning camping warrants at t he annual training camp, auguring well for the future.

T

he Hospitallers Club of Wales concluded its 18th birthday celebrations with a luncheon in the presence of their Patron , HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, hosted by the President, Lord Aberdare, at the House of Lords.

Priory for South Africa

Two of the sixth form pupils who were involved in the First Aid at Work courses held at St Joseph's R. C. Comprehensive School Newport, Gwent.

The Priory has involved itselffully with JEEC activities and St John Ambulance members have participated in a number of exercises. Both the Mountain Rescue and Marine sections had a very active year.

1984 was the first year of St John's second century in South Africa. Plans for the extension ofthe Order's work had been formulated and agreed in 1983 when a National Centenary Appeal was launched to raise funds forfour selected major projects to broaden the work of StJohn and meet the challenges of late 20th century socio-economic needs.

T he new developments would, it was agreed , be embarked upon in addition to cont i nuing to fu Ifil St Joh n's traditional tasks.

The infrastructure for thefuture of StJohn in South Africa had been decided in 1983 and detailed planning was the keynote activity of 1984.

Mr T H Coulter was raised to the dignity of a Bail ff Grand Cross ofthe Order and terminated his term of office as Prior on 13th April, to be succeeded by Lt Col A H Johnstone who had been Chancellor since 1979

The installat on in office of the new Prior by the Lord Prior, Sir Maurice Dorman, was the most noteworthy event ofthe year. This ceremony, attended by some thousand members ofthe Associat i on and Brigade , members of the public and friends of St John, was held atthe Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg.The officiating Chaplain wasthe Rev P Storey , PresidentElect of the Methodist Conference of South Africa , who was assisted by the Rev Canon Eric Richardson of the Anglican Church of the Province of South Africa, and Dominee J H Pvan Rooyen of the Dutch Reformed Church.

Stjohn in South Africa suffered a sad loss late in Decemberwhen BrigadierW H du Plessis, a Knight of Grace ofthe Order and a former Chief

Commissioner and Di rector of Ambulance and Chancellor, died. His more than forty years of devoted and distinguished service to the Order will live in the annals and in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

The Bishop of Johannesburg, the Rt Rev Timothy Bavin, one of our most distingu shed Chaplains and an outstanding friend and supporter of St John, ' left Johannesburg atthe end of the year to become the Bishop of Portsmouth. We will miss him and hope that Grand Priory will be ableto help him retain the strong nks he h as forged with St John in South Africa.

Plans forthe Order' s future had been a d i n 1983 when Council and Chapter endorsed the National Centenary Appea l Committee s recommendation that St John s Centenary development aims should be

1. Increased First Aid and Nursing Training This major project received a fortu tous impetus with the promulgation of an industrial enactmentthe Manpower Tra ning Act-which made provision for the establishment of ' Private Train i ng Centres for approved train i ng purposes and al l owed employers a considerable tax rebate relat ng to expenses incurred n meet ng first aid training. All St John Centres qualified as 'Private Training Centres enabling a good startto be made on this project.

Industrial first aid training began in 1983 when some 2,400 candidates were trained by seven Centres - the 1984 fig u res rose to 4,400 andwehopeto appreciab y exceed this figure in 1985.

2. Community Health Education

Thefactthatwewould be building on firm foundations in extending this type oftraining, embarked upon by the Cape Town Centre as long ago as 1978, with an outstanding degree of success, made this an automatic choice as a Centenary project. Cape Town's success had demonstrated the urgent need for th is type of service embracing the Health Education, Community Development, Training in FirstAid, Home Nursing, Hygiene, Nutrition and the formation of new StJohn Divisions. Ablueprintfor the guidance of Centres who might be interested in embarking on a Community f.1ealth Centre s being drawn up by Dr T M Corry, formerly Chairman ofthe Cape Town Centre and now Receiver-General.

3 Care of the Aged

This appears l kely to become the most popular of our Centenary Development projects. Assistance in this sphere can take many forms and it s n some aspect or another within the competence of most Centres. This s a low cost operation which will require a new group of voluntary workers who care about the Aged

Priories an d Commanderies

4. The Establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre for Blind Black People We, together with nearly all organisations working forthe b lind, are affiliated to the South African National Council forthe Blind This organisation will be embarking on a R3M to R4M Rehabilitat on Cent r e for black blind to be sited in Soweto near Johannesburg, and St John plans to be associated with th s venture.

An ad hoc National Centenary Appea Committee was established in 1982 with the Chance ll o r as Chairman of the Committee After an intense campaign forfunds , the St John Centenary Development Foundation was formed which has a reasonable financial base from which to start operations.

This new Developm e nt Founda t ion will encourage, finance, advise and guide Centres to development projects falling wi t hin the ambit of the four major projects referred to above.

T he control and administration of the Centenary Appeal Fund and the planning and extens ion of development projects has been placed on a sound basis

During the last three years this Priory has assisted in establishing a St John Council in Swaziland and upgrading the only St John organisation in SWAJ Namibia from a Railway Division to a full Centre.

Further successful action to establish a Stjohn presence in Bophuthatswana -a neighbouring South African independent homelandwas concluded du r ing the year.

1984 has been a year of consolidation and plan n ing for the future after our hectic and eventful Centenary Year.ltwasayea r inwhi c h the Priory too k stock of its assets, both hum a n a nd mater al , to ca r ry out s agreed development plans and so add t o the reput at ion of St John as a n at ion al inst itution in t h e Republ ic of South Africa

Priory in N e w Zealand

The review oft h e Orde r n New Zealand whic h was noted in last y ear's report, s well u nder way The Chancellor, Sir Randa l Elliott, visited all metropolitan centres to ex plain the review, pointing out that an organisation's contin u ed effectiveness s dependent on its abil ty to adapt and change to meet new demands and opportunities The O rde r wan t ed its members o examine the aims , stru cture and effects of its work ; t o know how best to serve the community; howto combine high-technology professionalism with the great New Zea land asset of voluntary services With assistance from the Health

Department a firm of consultants is studying the operation and managemen t of StJohn ambulance services operated under contractto hospital boards, accounting for some 70 per cent ofthe country ' s ambulance network

Mrs Harold Phillips, Chief President St John Ambulance , visited the country this year

Although on holiday, Mrs Phill i ps visited Headquarters and spoke abouttheworkofStJohn in the UK Everyone wa s most grateful t o herfo r spending so much time to meet and tal k with members.

In July a new$NZ2.5m Au ckland Headquart er s was opened by Si r Thomas Skinne r, KBE KStJ

Ch airman ofthe St John Ambulance Association in A uc kland in th e p re se nce of the Prim e M ini ster, M r David Lange The t hr eehectare com p l ex h ouses a soph st icated ambu la n ce services con t rol room togethe r with a tu t orial and off ice b lock

The dema n d fo rf irs t aid t rain ng is increasing , wi t h rec en t gov ernm e nt legisla t ion req uiring extensive t raining for t hos e i n civil defence, shops, offices , fa ctories an d commerc al premises. Instru ctional teams a re forming throughout the coun t ry as St John personnel a re train ed to meetthis c hallenge

During 1984an industrial

Occupa t ional FirstAid course was developed; it has attracted much interest and is assured of success thanks to support from the Department of Health and Labourtogether with tha t of the Accident Compensation Cooperation, who granted a furthe r $NZ1 00,000 towards industrial fir st aid training.

In a n eff o rt to r ed uce th e in ci d e n ce o f sportin g and re c re at onal injuri es S J o hn A mbu ance, i n coo p e rati on w it h the N ew Zealand Feder ation of Sp o rts M ed ic in e and t he Ac c i de nt Co m pensa t ion Corpo ra t on , d evis ed a s hort s p ec a lis ed S p ort s First Ai d co u rs e. Th is was con d ucte d nat onwide by Stjo hn subCentr es prior to the w i nter con tact sports sea so n an d w II be repeate d in 1985

In Se p tem b ertw otea m s p a rt ic i pa t ed in irst a i d competit i ons hel d by St Jo hn i n Sin gapo re as part of he i r gol d en jub il ee celebrations. This was the f irsttimethat m embers had h ad t he opportu ni ty of meet ng t h eirfellows from Si n gapore, H ong Ko ng Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Australia. St J ohn in Si n gapore ar e t o be co n gratu lated on the r warm h ospitality an d eff iciency.

Priories and Commanderies

Priory of Canada

1984 marked several new b eginn ing s f or St Jo h n in Canad a. We bade fare w ell t o t h e Rt Ho n Edward Sc hr ey e r, CC , CM M, KStJ, CD , w elcoming Her Excellency The Rt Hon J eann e S auve, PC, CC, CM M , DS tJ, CD as Prior of the O rder of St John in Canad a Mr Fra n k Brow n , KStJ, began his term as Chancellor. He and his prede ce ssor, Col JeanClaude D ubuc, KStJ , CD have together contributed over three decades of service to St John.

Th e Brigade celebrated 75 years 'in the service of ma n ki n d' d u ring 1984. A mo n g special activities and events to comme m o rate this proud ac h ievement were two memorable visits: the nati o na t o ur of his Ho i ness Pope John Pau II (9 -20 S eptember) and the vi s it of H M Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (24 S eptember7 October).

Ove r 15,000 Br i gade members in 613 div isions contributed over two million h ours of service, treating near ly 200,000 people. Projects completed t h is year included the introduction of a new working un iform suita b le for both men and women , the production of a Cadet NC O Leadership Course Instructor's G uide and the establishment of a Brigade policy directive concerning the use of oxygen in casualty care A des gn for the computerisation of Brigade records has also been accepted and th s, coupled with the ongoing development of a modular approach towards B r igade training, will ensure the Brigade s productivity and progressiveness overthe next 7 5 yea rs.

The St John Ambulance wate r patro l in the Niagara Falls reg ion Photo Ron Roels

The Association experienced another year of expans i on, with over 352,000 Canadians trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

T he new FirstAid for Drivers course was introduced nationally , attracting great interest from the driver population as a whole. The pr i nc i pal objective being to produce a safe, responsib le driver capable of dealing confidently with accidents, th s 4 -hour safety -oriented course dea ls mainly w ith injuries most common i n road accidents. It s hoped that the course will eventually become a prerequisite for dr ver cenci n g

Deve o p ment of the new Occupa t iona l Fi rstAid course s p r ogress in g well. Th s modular course i s designed to meet particu ar industr ial needs

A complete rev ision of the Emergency Aid Safety Or ented manual was published Designed for clear, concise read ng and quick reference , th i s second edition has been greatly expanded

E arly th s year the decision to develop an e nt i rely new training system was adopted , requi ri ng

students at each level of training to complete successfully a compulsory module or modules covering essential [ifesaving skills with elective

modu[eson otherfirstaid

Priories and Commanderies

AWith the same aim, health care programmes are also undergoing modular conversion and a National Health Care Instructor Training Programme is being developed to ensure a standard teaching method.

T he Complete Handbook of Family Health Care was published during the year and is selling well both in English and French

subjects , Continuous evaluation will be built into each module, and all modules will be in a programmed learning format. Students must also complete a theoretical multip[e-choice examination with questions taken from the bank of validated test items developed through the Standardised Theoretica[ Examination Project. This will allow us to customise courses to meet specific needs, particularly in industry, without diluting training standards, The This year modules will be supported approximately 13,000 by new audio-visual aids , people were trained i n

The Priory in Australia

T his has been a yearof change for the Priory in Australia, A series of successful projects has come to fruition and the groundwork for extensive change in the organisation has been laid,

After more than 50 years of distinguished service to the Order , the Receiver-General and ViceChancel[or, Sir Neville Pixley, has been appointed Bai[iff Grand Cross. The Emergency course, health care. This astounding progressing well , will be progress is partly due to the The Association has piloted next year. success ofthe Hea[thy had a prosperous

year. The new 450-

NewBrigade

n Austra[ian doctor has again been funded atthe Stjohn Ophthalmic Hospita[ in Jerusa[em by the various State Linen Guilds and Committees coordinated by Dr Selwyn Ne[son, who has continued in office as Hospitaller and A[moner,

Priories

and Commanderies

Tyne Valley was the first in Canada to achieve this.

Photo:.Journal Pioneer, Charlottetown, PE1.

Aging programme, Phase I ofthe Health Care for Se niors project, designed to inform and teach senior citizens to stay in the best of health, To date almost4,000 seniors have received attendance certificates,

On a closing note, we were very pleased to welcome Eaton's of Canada, a major chain of department stores, as a new St John Ambulance Special Centre. St John now has Speciaf Centres within nine prominent Canadian organisations.

page Austra[ian First Aid Manua[ was released in mid-June; demand exceeded all expectations and a record number of 125,000 copies was printed between June and December. New national first aid course syllabi and overall objectives were brought into effect at the same time, with a considerable raising of standards in the Re-Examination and Medallion Certificates. New guidelines for lecturers / instructors have been introduced and a Nationa[ Lectu rers' / Instructors' Manua[ replaces the various State Manuals. Numbers taught have also increased.

Mr Howard Toyne, CBE, MB, BS, FRCS, FRACS has retired as Director and is followed by Professor Villis Marshall, MD, FRCS. W24 look forward to the Association's continued growth under Professor Marshall.

Regu[ations have been introduced to make the organisation more responsive to our changing society, and in this respect there is a greater emphasis on natural justice in disciplinary procedures. The financing of Brigade Headquarters has been g reat[y improved by the appl ication to Districts of a modest Nationa[ Headquarters membership levy, Brigade numbers have, unfortunately, fallen by 5 per cent in 1984, although this may reflect the per capita levy which has ensured more accurate retu rns. [t was with great regret that the Brigade said farewell tothe retiring Chief Commissioner, Brigadier Gordon Young, ED , MB, BS, FRACS, FRCOG, FAustCOG , who has been succeeded by Major-Genera[ Peter Fa[k[and, AO, Genera[ Fa[k[and's appointment represents a departure from past policy as he is the first Chief Commissioner from outside the medical profession The Brigade sent two teams to regional competitions in Singapore, and Priory congradu[ates the St John Council on their excellent management of the event.

T he development of a trial project in the national marketing offirst aid kits has been a significant initiative, It is hoped to develop this policy of marketing and bulk purchasing in 1985 ,

Acommittee has been set upto examine the structure and organisation of all parts of St John in Australia, to rationalise this at both Priory and State levels and to reassess and defi ne a reas of responsibi[ityand administrative functions. The committee has also been asked to develop a new and constructive charitable role for St John in the community, Priory recognises the challenges thattheywill befacing inthe future and the urgent need of reorganisation to meet them,

The Commandery in Western Australia

On Wednesday, 28th November 1984the Priorofthe Order in Austra[ia, His Excellency , the Governor-General of Austra[ia, the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen, AK, GCMG, KBE, KStJ, conducted a private Investiture at Government House, Perth, in which His Excellency, The Governor of Western Australia, Professor Gordon Reid, was invested as a Knight of Grace within the

Order and Mrs Reid as a Commander Sister. Professor Reid has since graciously accepted an invitation to become Commandery Knight Commander.

1984 marked the retirement of The Hon Sir John Lavan, KStJ, from the position of Commandery Lieutenant after 11 years in that office and fifty years of distinguished service to the Order of St John in this Commandery.

On 10th March , the Commandery Race Day was conducted at Ascot Race Course by generosity ofthe Western Austra[ian Turf Club .

We are again very grateful forthe tremendous support given to Commandery by the Ladies Auxi [iary who have continued with their efforts in providing funds for Commanderyand associated purposes and also in catering generously for various fu nctions du ring theyear ,

T he Association has once again had a most successful year with in excess of 19,000 students qualifying in FirstAid. Their FirstAid Departmentwas instrumental in the final completion ofthe New Nationa[ Instructors's Manua[ after amendments had been received from the other States in Austra[ia.

T he Brigade had a very busy year, One of its most noted successes was a team representing Western Austra[ia at the Go[den Jubilee Regional First Aid Competit on in Singapore in September who won the competition and the Nursing team came second in their section at the same competition. Against international teams this was a remarkable effort

Commandery of Ards

T here have been severa [ changesinthe Senior Officer appointments during the year. Mr 0 S Stephens OC retired as Founder Commander after 11 years and Co[onel J Hughes CBE was promoted from Comm ssionerto replace him. DrWAEakinsCBE , the Deputy Commissioner, became Commissioner and Major 0 V Clarke TO was appointed Director on the retirement, after 11 years of service , of Lt Col W R H Charley JP,

Aan Invest iture at Hillsborough Castle a Certificate of Honou r was awarded to Mrs Jean Shields from Strabane AlN Division for bravery and devotion to duty in attending without thought for her own personal safety the injured after a bomb attack in Strabane

T he work of the Association has expanded to meetthe increased demand for First Aid and Training arising out of the Hea[th and Safety at work regulations and energetic efforts have been made to train more St John Ambu[ance Instructors, to this end a special course for Instructors, lasting six days was held. After a thorough practical and theoret i cal series of tests 15 Instructors were qualif ed. D uring the year a total of 5,800 First Aid Cert ficates were issued in the Province.

I n orderto improvethe standard of Ambu [ance Crews, another special 10 day course was organised with expert professiona Instructors from the Hospital and Ambulance services. This was a most successful and valuable course and as a result, 26 crew members passed the fi na I tests.

Wewere p [easedto welcome a vis i in October 1984 by Lady Westbury, Super intendentin-Chief, enabling herto attend the quarterly conference of Area Comm issioners and the Nursing weekend Residential Conference in Portr ush

AT he Commandery are indebted to the Prelate, The Very Reverend S B Crooks OBE TO MA , Dean of Be[fast, for a donation from funds collected by him during a 'sit-out' n front of St Anne s Cathedral Belfast, which raised almost £57,000. This is the 5th year the Dean has included the Order in his donation, and the Commandery w ish to record their thanks and good wishes to him on his pending retirement.

lthough the number of Brigade volunteers has diminished slightly during the year , the extent and quality of service to the community has continued unabated.

A fire-fighter from the Tyne Valley Fire Department, Prince Edward Island, in a training exercise - all firefighters are members of SJAB and

The Headquarters of the Order of St.] ohn and its Foundations Statement of Accounts for the year

ended 31 December 1984

F inancially, 1984 proved to be even mor@ satisfactory than 1983, for the surplus of £42,064 increased to £180,624. This is due both to an increa$e of £97,532 in the Revenue and a reduction of£41,028 in the Expenditure

The increase in the donations - some £84,619-carried our revenue from th is source to over £1 ,250,000 but it was rather differently orientated in 1984 from 1983. The Ophthalmic Hospital had been f<llcing serious financial problems in early 1983 and some very large don@tions had been received to help it overthe hurdle In 1984 this special feature was not repeated. The increase I have mentioned was entirely in the supportfor the Ambulance and for the Order in general.

Theincreaseinthe donations was exceeded by the increase in our interest income. This

RGeecneleVreaLI's

terms of local currency and

t these cannot epor alwaysmoveinstep.ln 1983 the contributions had doubled, in 1984theyfell

is partly due to the bu ild-up ofthe Hospital Endowment Fund but rather more is attributable to the high interest rates and fluctuations in exchange rates which now prevail. It must be recognised that high interest rates do carry economic and social disadvantages and it is a general policy to get interest rates down as soon as may be We cannot therefore rely upon this source of income playing such a positive role in future.

T he accounts show a reduction in the sterling value of the patients' contribution to the running of the Hospital butthis may be misleading. The high rate of inflation in Israel means

by a quarter Suffice it to say thatthere is continual concern to keep the contributions at proper levels in terms of local currency.

E xpenditure has been kept under close control everywhere. However, the reduction arises in the Hospital accounts which, I would remind you, last year bore a substantial provison for leavi ng benefits for Jerusalem staff, in accordance with local law.

T he establishment of the Endowment Fund forthe Hospital proceeded slowly. Some beds have been fully endowed, another is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, but more would be very welcome.

Last year I mentioned that two problems of accumulated arrears of expenditure had arisen. One related to the funding of certain pensions , the otherto the maintenance of the fabric of St John's Gate Both are now being funded each year. Theywill continueto cost money but there should not again be a large bill for arrears

While.o.ur position IS very different from the crisis situation of two years ago, it cannot be pretended that we should be satisfied that expenditure has been tailored down to available resources. There is much to be done- not least in helping development of the Ambulance in the overseas territories, particularly Africa - and the amounts which we can make available are pitifully small. With that need for additional funds, and the fea r that interest rates wi II fall soon, one can still recognise that the Order needs undiminished support from all those who have helped us hithertoand from any new friends we can find.

WHAT FACTORS are influencing the Brigade? Government legislation on first aid has brought fears about the level of expertise required for the HSE certificate - fa lse fears, but is the fear connected with the more thorough teaching package and assessment instead of the old Brigade re -exam? The next factor is that of public expectationcontinued provision of first aid facilities at public events, improved standards of care, provision of a back -up for statutory bodies and more welfare involvement. A th rd factor is Brigade organisation - the need to improve the quality of membership by better selection, training and as sess ment of recruits, with Brigade entry req uirements being modified. Dr Graham believed the re would be a two -tier structure, with well - trained and well-led operational units and support units with different skills to undertake such things as ma ss catering, vehicle and building maintenance communications administration and finance, and non-nursing welfare duties (e.g., med ica l loan, visiting and general good neighbourline ss). The wishes of the rank and file m e mbers will ultimately decide the future and the great strength of St John is the delegated responsi bility accepted by those members. Other organisations, such as BASICS, CRAC, etc., cannot be ignored. Apart from thi s, the roles of our professiona membership are changing teaching m e thod s are changing -visual aids, v ideos programmed learning and teaching packages a far cry from anecdotal doctors lect ures. However, professional input is still essential; a watching brief must be maintain ed on changes and developments within the medical world, with an overview of teaching sta ndard s and practice.

Challenge of change

Dr Graham finished by giving a translation into St John terms of some of the commercial questions on the challenge of change providing interesting speculation. Are there hi sto rical policies/ sacred cows which if challenged, could significantly improve St John Ambulance? Can we remove at least one layer of management or rank from the Brigade and run as or more efficiently than we do? What cultural changes can be made to improve the productivity , communication and working environment of SJA? Have we studied closely the other organisations with whom we compete and of those whom we complement? Such concepts need manpower , time and money. Are there any major opportunities to achieve more productive work and for cost improvement ? All these are ingredients for change. Dr Graham s answer for the final ingredient for change was: K ISS or Keep It Simple, Stupid Dr Graham was followed by Cleveland County Nursing Officer Mrs Dorothy Seaman who gave her views on SJA from several points of view. As a member Mrs Seaman saw St John as an organisation whose members are fiercely protective of their image and reputation - members need St J®hn as much at St John needs them.

SJA Medical Conference

Final part

Communications leave a lot to be desired, with ambulance and nursing divisions fa llin g out and cadets getting blamed for all kinds of thin gs (t his is no a new topic of conversation!). With good verbal communications, many difficulties would be overcome. There is a touch of apathy which MUST be cured; Mrs Seaman suggested good trainipg programmes. New or potential members expect a professional approach , not a good gossip and a couple of bandages they need to feel wanted and an important part of the organisation. The y need to be kept regularly informed and updated and busy for the valuabl e time which they can give to St John. Fund-raising should not devolve on the members; there shou ld be Friends whose job it is specifically to make sure that ends meet. Mrs Seaman then went on to describe the uniform big hats, black stockings and a bank loan to provide it (happily the new items should help here. But I did hear the storm caps des cribed as - do yo u remember what the probationary paras' caps were called ?)

As a professional , Mrs Seaman saw that the need for volunteers to work in the community is both desirable and increasingly essential. Nursing skills are the cornerstone of successful service in the community; repeated examinations and revision of first aid and nursing are a MUST for EVER YONE - no opting-out ambulance members. Hospitals etc., are reluctant to even consider including St John members if they have to spend time and staff teaching them. Perhaps St John Nursing Officers could accompany members to e.g., A & E Depts as observers, then nurse managers might change their minds. 'Car ing for the Sick ' - the title hits the nail on the head. Those who belong to St John want to do just that and as professionals , we are obliged to consider seriously how best to equip our members with the knowledge and expertise to function safely and effectively.

Lastly, as a member of the public , Mrs Seaman asked whether the public knows what we do? Do we tell them (back to communications again - see previous conference reports) - attendance at football matches seems to be the standard reply but few people know of St John's welfare role. St John adults and cadets are perfect in their ability to plug the gaps left by the statutory services, but - DO THE PUBLIC KNOW?

Those who do are amazed at the sheer variety of duties and, said Mrs Seaman:

These are my thoughts on SJ A A d ynam ic lot ? Well , yes, you may say, With all the fa ul ts, the whims galore, They ' re happy to stay and tackle a score , First aid, nur sing, care given w ith grace, From ordinary people with hearts in the right place.

A thought indeed, Mrs Seaman Mr Robert Balchin the comparati ve ly new Dir ecto r -General, took over from Mrs Seaman beginning with the remark that St John is really something you cannot see , due to its tremendous diversity - sometimes it is immen se ly efficient lackadaisical, it does things ve r y quickly/ slowly, at other times it is inc redibl y professional/amateur - these are all the strengths and weaknesses of a vo luntary organisation. Mr Balchin then went on to illustrate this by describ ng the case of the green triangular bandages

Assuming that he asked everyone in the Association to use green tri angular bandages , Mr Balchin entertained us with a selection of the replies that he would g et namely: (i) what a marvellous idea p leas e send them as soon as possible; (ii) thi s is the worst thing that has happened to us since the fall of Acre and we see SJ A going down t he road to ruin as a result ; (iii) my dear Director-Genera this is an absolutel y marvellous idea these are just what w e wanted, and while I am writing , I reall y t hink I ought to mention the New Year s Honours list we haven ' t had an yo ne from here on it for a very long time ; (iv) I understand that the Association are to be issued with green triangular bandages - why aren't the Brigade getting them as well? (v) We've had them for years - when are you lot at HQ going to think up some new policies ?

Newthings

Mr Balchin hastened to add that HQ is indeed thinking up new things a membership scheme designed to catch those people between 25 -38 who have taken a FA W course but who do not wish to join the Brigade as they are setting up families, developing a career , or wishing to spend time on sport , etc. They will receive some kind of insurance similar to that under which Brigade members are co v ered, some concessions at Supplies the right to wear ties / badges and will also receive a quarterl y newsletter to keep them in touch and up-to-date with current first aid practice. The D-G ended by saying that Saatchi and Saatchi point out that St John also suffers from the wallpaper syndrome. However looking at wallpaper , you can also see all the faults stains etc. - perhaps we are too introspective at times - St John people are the salt of the earth.

Throughout the entire proceedings everyone had been casting sneaky glances at the remaining empty chair, which should have been occupied by the last speaker, Lt Col 1. M. Murray-Bund However, just as Dr

(continued on p.255)

Receiver-General

byJIM

Cycle lighting in winter

With the dark evenings now finally with us, it is time to make sure that youngsters are fully aware of the dangers of cycling at night and in poor visibility. More and more children are now taking to the roads on their bicycles and their safety depends on them being seen.

This means that cycle lamps must be fitted and working correctly. With this in mind

Ever Ready the battery manufacturers have prepared a leaflet aimed especially at children entitled 'Guide to Bicycle Lamps and Lighting '. This brief but to the point leaflet covers the legal aspect of night-time lighting on bikes, security of the machine and maintenance of the lights themselves.

Copies of this leaflet are available from the following address ; Ever Ready Guide to Bicycle Lamps and Lighting, Jones Rose Associates , 15 Welbeck Street, LONDON, WI M 7PF. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your request.

Christmas capers

A HANDFUL of ideas and games to finish your term's programmes off with a festive flavour.

Filling Santa's tummy

This silly relay game requires some old, large sweatshirts or jumpers.

Adult sized shirts are best because you'll need lots of room inside them. Provide a large quantity of round balloons as well. Each balloon represents a portion of Christmas pudding. On the whistle, cadets have to carry a balloon on a paper plate up the room to a member of their group who is sitting down wearing the big sweatshirt. They stuff the balloon up into the sweatshirt and return for the next group member to carry another baUoon up. As the game continues, the cadet who is playing the part of Santa gets bigger and bigger as more and more balloons get pushed into the shirt. See which group get their Santa filled first. To count the balloons after the game, you can carefully burst the balloons, one at a time , through the shirt.

Beetle Christmas tree

This relay game needs a large piece of paper for each group and a marker pen. A dice is also needed for each group. It is best to make large dice from old toy bricks rather than use small game dice which are easily lost. Place the dice half way up the room and the paper at the other end. Cadets run to the dice and throw it to obtain a number. The cadet can then draw part of a Christmas tree on the paper depending on what number he throws:

1 - A bucket for the tree

2 -A trunk for the tree

3 - One branch (six needed in alI)

4 -A fairy on the top

5 - Baubles in the tree

6 - Candles on the branch tips

A cadet has to miss his go if he throws a number which has already been used up. Judge the efforts of the cadets at the end of the game.

Activity bases

You could get your cadets to make Christingle oranges and use them in a short act of worship in the last meeting before Christmas

The Chris tingle orange is made by using a small birthday candle, some wooden cocktail sticks, some sweets such as jelly beans a little aluminium foil and, of course, an orange. The candle is put into a hole pressed into the top of the orange. When it is lit, it reminds us that Jesus came to be a light to

the world. Put the candle in such a way that the orange will sit steadily with the candle in a vertical position. Around the candle, four cocktail sticks are positioned equally placed , with two or three jelly beans stuck on the points. The sweets represent the fruits of the world. A tin foil ribbon is put round the orange which represents Christ's influence encircling the world. Light the candles and sing a carol to complete your meeting then let your cadets take the oranges home.

Yule logs Attractive table decoration s can be made from some small branch pieces down the middle so that they rest securely on a table top. Cadets can use a brace and bit, under supervision, to drill a hole in the top of the log to make a secure fixing for a candle. Decorate the rest of the log with sp rig s of holly and with cones stuck firmly in place. A light coating of artificial snow from a spray can or alternatively glitter will complete the decoration.

Spra y paint Christmas cards. Provide plain card, read y cut to size and folded in half. You also need to make a number of stencils of Christmas shapes cut out of thick card , Christmas trees, stars, angels, wise men and s hepherd s are possible subjects. Cadets pick out the shape which they want on their card and place the stencil over their design.

Use spray paint to cover the area of the stencil. In this way you can build up a picture on the front of the card. Ordinary painting using a brush will also work, but you have to be careful that the paint is quite thick so that it doesn 't run under he stencil. Adding a little paste glue to the paint will help to stop this.

Making candles. Cadets always enjoy the chance to make their own candles. Wick is cheapl y and easily bought and is much better than string. Wax should be obtained with added stearin and special dyes can be obtained as well. The wax should be melted carefully over a low heat. It is best not to heat the wax directly but to float a container of wax on a larger bowl of hot water. This will prevent the wax getting too hot and charring. It is also a good idea to use an old pan or a cleaned tin can to hold the molten wax, as it will be very difficult to clean off afterwards.

( Left) Prize giving at Surrey's weekend camp at which there were over' 00 members.

(Be ow) Dorking cadets taking a jud o course as a proficiency subject.

Candles can be moulded in all sorts of containers, yoghurt pots, s weet tube s and bun foil cases come to mind. Set the wick, held taut, in the middle of the mould It is a good idea to tie some th in g like a sma ll piece of match on the end to hold the wick in position after the wax has set. You will find that the mould will need filling up as it sets as a pit will develop on the surface. Putting different coloured waxes into a mould, allowing time for each layer to set, gives interesting results. Candle dipping is another way to make candles but tak es much more patience. A length of wick is dipped into wax and held in the air to let the la yer of enveloping wax set. The process is repeated and the candle is built up la yer by layer.

Intere sti n g shapes are possible but the technique can take a long time and be disappointing in the early stages.

REMEMBER, close adu lt supervision is essent ia l during this activity.

Crazy post

H ave you sti ll got a ll those Christmas cards from last year? Now's the time to get them out and make a number of jigsaw s out of their fronts.

Cut each card into about six pieces. Mix all the pieces from loads of cards together and spread them over the playing area. The leader of the game keeps one piece from each card. Give eac h cadet a starting piece and tell them to sort the Christmas mail lo oking for the other pieces of their design. Comp leted cards should be sent to the 'c hief postmaster' who can set them off with another piece. Get the cadets to work together to beat the clock and post the cards

SJA Medical Conference (final

part)

Archibald had finished reading his way through the biographical details, he was advised to vacate the platform and delegates were plunged into the world of ' Space Ambulus', a look at St John in the 21st century. Description is defied - all enquiries to the Medical Board, please.

Sunday morning began with Divine Service and everyone looking remarkably he althy despite the excesses of the previous eveni ng 's enterta inment.

The first speaker of the morning was Group Captain McLaren, on ' Getting There and Back - Setting Standards '. He first gave a s hort history of the evacuat ion of casualties from the field of battle, followed by a potted hi s tory of air ambulances. The sp read of air ambulance work is very wideduring 1984 , of the notified patients, British Caledonian and British Airways moved some 20,000 with 2,000 stretchers, while the RAF moved 2,000 patients. Add to this the repatnatlons carried out by St John Aeromedical Services, and the list is quite considerable.

Gp Capt McLaren then went on to point out some of the practicalities of aviation medicine (and therefore the need for set s tandards ) - pressurisation affects patients and their escorts, especially on the sinuses, lun gs and plural sacs, the inte s tin al tract and

before a time limit is passed and Christmas has come and gone!

Santa tip-toe

Provide eac h group with a number of presents and a pill ow case. One leader shou ld dress as Wee Willy Winkle with night shirt and cap, and pretend to go to s leep at one end of your meeting place. Fasten the pillow cases at the bottom of the imaginary bed. Number your cadets, then call a number and a present. Cadets have to try to put the present in the Christmas s tocking without waking the sleeping character. If the Wee Willy W inkle begins to wake he sits up and stretches and the boys must freeze where they are. Any cadet seen moving is sent back and has failed to deliver his present.

Santa's grotto

Dress up a side room or a secret place as Santa 's grotto. Use holly tinsel, Christmas tree lights and decorations. Invite your Group Chairman, Group Cadet Leader or County Commissioner to dress up as Father Christmas and let the cadets visit in groups.

Books for all seasons

The Christmas Book by ]ill Bennett and Peter Stevenson (Hippo £ 1. 7 5,0590703447)

Stories, poems , things to make and do connected with Christmas in many lands. Craft ideas are simple and effecti vechildren could manage many of them alone. Includes puzzles too. I liked this and it's reasonably priced.

The Christmas Activity Book by Susan Vesey , Meryl Doney and Patricia Creswell. (Lion £ I .50,0856488569)

skull. Pressurisation is also important when it comes to using inflatable splints vacuum mattresses etc. With pressure doubling at eve r y l,OOO feet, splints constrict and mattresses slacken off - here there was word about strapping the patient in securely.

Plastic bottles are the only ones used on board as glass would implode if there was a sudden decompression. Humidity is important , especially in dealing with tracheal tubes, as aircraft dehydrate you. Turning frames are used for patients with serious injuries such as a broken neck - the frame will hold the patient steady against the G-force experienced if the plane drops a thousand feet or so suddenly. Ear defenders are used for unconscious patients, who still respond to the noise of the aircraft.

Gp Capt McLaren then stated that only 0 per cent of all cases need a doctor; the other 80 per cent need a nurse. For this reason the BMA are suggesting that doctors are 3 years qualified , preferably with experience in anaesthetics or intensive care.

For nurses, the Royal College of Nursing has, within the last 12 months, begun a 2-3 week course in the physiology and physical affects of aeromedical flights. They are looking at the possibilities of in-flight training. There are at present no set courses for paramedics, but RAF Brize Norton runs courses. Nearly all patients can be carried , and these are classified according to how much help they would need if the plane was

This one follows a countdown to Chr istm as with a new activity fo r every day, plus stories and info about Christmas worldwide. Simple and effective craft ideas as well as special stained glass window feature which looks good Advent calendar ready made on the back. Good value Bright Ideas for Christmas - Art and Crcift Ward / Lock / Schola stic (£3.95, 0706244540)

Plenty of wonderful ideas quite ambitious but each activity is labelled according to age and size of group. Contains good advice about what materials to use, info on techniques such as how to score paper, crimp wool to make hair, etc. A whole selection of Christmas templates to copy. A n urn ber of lovel y ideas for calendars.

The Lion Christmas Book compiJed by Mary Batchelor (Lion £4.95, 0856485357) This is more of a story book, which includes many of the best stories that most of us are familiar with and some more new ones from all over the world. A delightful book setti ng the mood for a real old-fashioned Christmas.

Contributions

Contributions and entries to competitions in this column should be sent to Jim, 3 Brandreth Road, London E6 4QB. If you have any ideas about games, training activities or events that your cadets have taken part in and enjoyed, please do write beause I am always in need of material to include in the column. Cadet Chat badges are sent to all those who contribute to the column.

about to crash. Gp Capt McLaren finished by explaining some of the important equipment used, quipping 'keep your sucker out' - probably the most important piece of equipment on the plane.

The next set of speakers was introduced by Dr Cleon White. First the Hospitaller, Sir Stephen Miller, in turn introduced Mrs Ruth Parks who retired from the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in J erusalem as Matron last October. She gave a fascinating account of the problems she found when she got to the Hospital. and of some of the changes wrought. Little things like the boys and girls on separate floors. the girls locked in at night; the washing bubbling in the witches cauldron straight out of Macbeth to the modern laundry room: the lovely grey bedcovers which steadily looked whiter until she discovered that they were being bleached with the sheets. However there were more serious things, too. the staff and inflation. and so on. Despite all the upheavals. the care always went on, with patients staying in for less time owing to surgical advances, the development of the Outre ach project (the hospital saw almost 40,000 patients last year) We could have listened to her all day.

Major John Clarke , RAMC then gave an illuminating account of his year's work at the hospital , confirming that standards were

(continued on p.259)

AIDS

from Mr S. Nicholson. Area Superintendent

Can we please all stop worrying about AIDS and concentrate on performing basic, life saving first aid without any face -masks, airways and rubber gloves ? The risk of a member of St John Ambulance contracting the syndrome is so small that it is not worth worrying about while the risks inherent in using these precautions is considerable I offer the following objective analysis as justification for this statement.

1. The population of the UK is approximately 50 million. By the end of August there were 206 recorded cases of AIDS and even if we multiply this figure by a thousand, we would still only be talking of 200,000 cases. The chance that any individual , picked at random , has AIDS is therefore 50 million divided by 200,000 or 250 to one against.

2. Members of St John annuall y treat some 300,000 cases in the UK Experience would indicate that perhaps a maximum of 10 per cent of these cases wo uld involve open wounds or require mouth-to - mouth vent ilation. Therefore the chance that any individual, picked at random would have such wounds or require ventilation, and be treated by St John, is 50 million divided by 30,000 or 1,660 to one against.

3. The probability of the same person suffering from AIDS , and having an open wound or requiring ve nt ilation , and being treated by a member of St John is the product of these two separate probabilities or chances. That is to say 250 multiplied by 1,660, or approximately 400 ,000 to one

4. Medical authorities are agreed that only one in ten people actually exposed to the syndrome will contract it. We therefore arrive at a final probabilit y that a St John member will contract AIDS by administering first aid of approximately FOUR MILLION TO ONE against. Put more simply we can say that a St John member is 600 times more likely to be killed in a road accident in any year! It ma y be argued that there is nothing wrong in taking precautions against even such an infinitesimal risk, especially if suc h precautions serve to allay people's fears. I think that this is a dangerous misconception The use of face masks by the occasional first-aider (and, after all , that is what most of us are) is fraught with difficulty, especially if one person is carrying out both ventilation and chest compression. The mask will require constant r epositioning or if fixed in position by the elastic, obscure vomiting, and it is undeniably more difficult to maintain the extended airway position while al so pressing the mask to the fac e. Airways should not be used by unqualified personne l and require maintenance if th ey are to be effective; and the idea of losing precious seconds donning surgical gloves before applying direct pressure to life-threatening bleeding is absurd.

We all know only too well that even a moment 's hesitation or dela y because of ill -founded and misconcei ve d fears of contracting AIDS could be fatal. Surely we owe it to our patien ts to be sensible about the risk and to get on with it. Otherwise the fear of AIDS will most certainly kill more people than AIDS it se lf.

Bedford

COMPETITIONS

from Richard Farrell

I am writing in response to the article (June Re view) by a doctor commenting on competition practice. As an ex-SJ A member (now running my own voluntary ambulance service) I woul d like to endorse th e article and add some thoughts.

Whilst in SJ A I was a competitor in lat t er years both leading and trainin g teams. Since estab li s hin g my own service , our members have competed in competitions run by SJA , BRCS, Casualties Union and other organisations , and they continually complain about what they see as the increasing divergence of competitions from real li fe The y discussed t h e article, and here are their points.

Fractures. In most cases it is a doubtful practice to bandage up fractured limb s when better aids are available that can be applied while the patient receives an analgesic. The first-aider can usually do far better for the patient using the pack and pad ' principle whi le awaiting the arrival of pneumatic or box sp lints, Entenox and a scoop s tr e tch er. Readers will write in droves to say that in their area, for special reasons , it is essential to do four or more bandages for a lower limb ; T will still argue that in most cases this is not so And that includes most of the cliffs/ moors/cave / etc. problems. Think about it.

Time limits. A good first-aider u s ually has time on his side Yes there's the one in a thousand, but for the other 999 a calm, unhurried approach does marvels for stabilising shock , and a lot more than the occasional 'Yo u ll b e all right, mate as someone trips over the fractured leg for the third time!

I s it that heretical to abandon time limits ? If we did , it would avoid the dash to get all the patients stretchered away , irrespective of the injury.

S. Nicholson

A HOSPITAL HERE?

from Mrs P A. Hardy. Nursing Member

A few weeks ago I attended a history lesson about St John. It was colourful and full of adventure. However , one item - and a very important one at that - kept coming back to me: the hospital. Ah yes, you say, we have a good eye hospital in Jerusalem. Yes, that hospital serves a very useful purpose in Jerusalem, but what about here in good old England?

There are many retired and active St John members who would like to think that we could have a hospital here in Britain, where St John members could be looked after by their own people when they become either too old or sick to look after themselves.

I live in a very beautiful county where such a hospital would be most welcome. So come on, St Je:Jhn, take us into the 21st-century with something to work for and a challenge.

Matlock P. A. Hardy

Recentl y, four of our adult members entered a competition for the fun of it! (They were not a team as such; indeed due to the man y changes occurring in our daily duty rosters, it was only clear the nigh t before who could be spared.) They had to treat eight patients and handled the test as an ordinary serious incident. An observer commented that other teams raced through the test, attempting to clear all the patients in time (15 mins), whereas ours took a much more considered approach. Let 's face it, if the Town Hall stage really had collapsed , there would quickly have been more than four to deal with it, and the first -a ider s' role would rapidly have changed to a s upervisory one while awaiting ambulance/ fire service support.

Which brings me on to

Ambulance service. Why, oh why, did they always start today are untrained , frequently single-handed and stand about like morons. If we are imitating real life, let 's have a skilled crew arrive; let 's see marks for the quality of hand-over of care between the two crews. Let s do it properly, without talking down to the ambulance crew (In real life they would probably tell you to '* !*!*! off! if they were spoken to as patronisingly as some teams do). A proper team effort by everyone. Incidentally, an ambulance crew would normally load their own vehicle, and not allow four unknown first-aiders to do it for them.

And why the statutory call to the hospital? The de st ined hospital is the ambulance crew 's choice , having regard to the circumstances. Yes, all those who want to write and tell me that in your area there is only one pos sib l e hospital , but didn 't yo u read the card? Terrorists blew it up while you were on the way to the competition!

And ha s n't anyone heard of radio ?

And while on the subject of ambulances, can we plea se hang the Furley stretcher back on the rack (w here it stays in most ambulances). OK so use it if the set REALLY calls for it , but for no rmal patient removal let 's use a trolley plea se. Settings/Histories. I know this ca n be difficult. After all, trying to wring a new prac t ice out of th e same training room week after week without ha vi n g the caretaker falloff that damned ladd er (again!) is a real head ac h e. But let 's have a shot at it.

The patient was cycling down the road when he was frightened by a rabbit running across hi s path , and fell off his cycle. (And I have the papers to pro ve it!)

He was cleaning the hi gh-diving board in the local swimming-bath when he forgot where he was and fell off He bounced off the board below, rocketed up and hit his head on the one he had left fracturing 14 ribs in the process , did a somersault and landed in the pool which his colleague (Mr A. Bystander) had just emptied, to retrieve a bow -sa w he had inadvertently dropped in it. The patient lands on the bow -sa w and multiple haemorrhages result.

Actually I made that one up , but it's a good example of the other extreme, where the hi s tory is so convoluted (a nd the patient unconscious) that it is impossible to work it out. And Mr A. B. is so distraught at the sight of this pool filling up with his pal's blood that he can't recall th e story-line ei ther !

And in this sea rch for realism can we try to improve the scenery just a little. Another real set. CARD: 'Yo u are walking down the High Street and see someone injured. Act as you wou ld '. The team enters to a bare wood floor, the patient lying on his back with a wound to the forearm. The only scenery is a rectangle of clear quarter -inch perspex about 18/1 long and 4/1 wide. W hat happened? 'I fell. So the wound is dressed, and t he perspex used as a s plint (maybe that swelling isn t poor faking of a wound but a wound and fracture , cos he said it was painful and tender etc.). Well spectators, did you spot the team's mistak e? The perspex was really broken glass, and the floor was actually a bus-shelter. He h ad been sitting on a bar , doing somersaults, whe n he overbalanced and smashed the advertising glass with his flailing arm. And no it wasn't a fracture, but he WAS diabetic (i nje ction marks on the other arm) (but it was a red herring anyway, o nl y there to make up the marks).

Marking sheets. Another old chestnut. No, I do not favour the block mark , just a sensib le sheet properly marked. Why must they always add up to 160 (or 140, or 220 depending on whose rules are used )? And when they are made up , why the s la vish use of every phrase in the book. Oh , and a partisan point here Nowadays there is more than one first aid book available in the UK!

And when did you last treat a patient in the street (or anywhere else for that matter) chanting into thin air I am searching under the patient for any unusual lumps or sticky dampness I note the patient is bleeding from .' like an escapee from the local psychiatric unit.

Recently our cadet team leader was caught out by thi s one:

Check mouth for blood 2 vomit 2 or other Ruid 2 or obstruction 2

Yes , it was part of the examination of an unconscious patient. He checked the mouth , saying I'm checking for blood.' He only got two marks. Compare that with real life - think about it.

There is more on my list but I have written enough. However, I always try to be constructive when being critical, so although I look forward to hearing alternative views, here are my suggestions for improvements.

Start with a good theme, not neces sari ly an elaborate one. Simple ideas are often best. It must be lo gical when seen throu gh the eyes of the compelitor and not just the person who wrote three paragraphs describing a sett ing that no -one will actually see.

Prepare adequate sce ne ry to support the tale. If you cannot , then

find a different tale or different location. Casualty faking must be good, so use the experts (Casua ltie s Union).

Construct a mark -s heet that reRects how a REAL first - aider might tackle it , so that the team may deal with it as a real accident. The judge should be at a distance , observing only. Perhaps he might dive in to check a dressing or something, but he marks what he sees If the patient is properly treated for s hock , give the marks for pallor , cold clammy sk in , etc If they treated the fracture, give them the marks for pain, swe llin g , etc.

Provide a few more bystanders (who are not either budding Clint Eastwoods or mentally deficient) if the real life scene would do so Let them be u se d And why s houldn 't they have a little first aid knowledge? M any people do nowadays.

Dispo se of the patient reali stica lly. Life-like messages to the services, and no stu pid questions (Is there a doctor there? No dear , this is th e telephone exchange. How long will the ambulance be? About 16 feet.) When the 'amb ulance arrives , it is a trained crew, with sufficient appropriate equipment to represent an ambulance. I have already mentioned the patient handover '.

After the test has finished (which is only when the patients are all removed not w hen the bell goes), the judge should talk to the team and discuss their work He elicits the team's diagnoses and they explain the rationale behind their actions (whi ch may well not agree with what the judge had thought they sho uld do whe n he wrote the paper.) Final marking should be on how well the end result meets the team's treatment objectives (assuming their diagnosis was correct). The patient and ambulance crew should a lso make comments contributing to the final mark.

Well Re view readers, over to you!

Essex

SJA's

FUTURE

from John Spr nger Divisional Superintendent

Richard Farrell

I share many of 'Concerned' of Humberside's worries about the present condition and future of St John Am bulance (July Review). I also feel that while very senior officers have very important functions these do not mean that they can make decisions, such as they regularly do with no reference to members at di visional level.

I cannot really follow 'Co ncerned ' in his method of correcting the main faults. Elected officers could only work easily with those who had elected t hem. Most of us have no time for extra meetings. What he has done , in effect. is to rediscover the Corps and Area system If we really want to work together, we will. Unfortunately many units are still desperatel y parochial in outlook. Until we the Di visio ns decide to do something about this, nothing will happen.

Huddersfield

from Mr D R Brown. Di visional Superintendent

John Springer

After many months of careful consideration I feel I must comment on the SJ A Medical Board report on the role of St John Am bulance to the year 2000 (Feb ruary R el'iew)

can remember the proud slogan 'St John Ambulance - Pioneers in First Aid'. Perhaps the medical board could suggest a new slogan: 'St John Ambulance - pioneers in portering '.

The report seems to suggest to me that all St John should do is train the public to the same level as themselves and leave the real work to the professionally qualified ' That should make a gentleman called Furley spin in his gra ve My reading of the history of the Brigade is that it was founded to counteract such an attitude in the medical profession at the time.

The report lea ves me speechless. No doubt the same people as those who compiled it are urging members to go out and recruit the publicbut for what? To be trained to the same level as St John Ambulance?

If SJA training is not to be advanced, then new recruits can put on a uniform for which they have to raise the money, to act as 'gofas' for the professionals.

[ wonder if anyone has got any ideas why it is difficult to recru it new members ? Looking at the front cover of the August R eview, is it 'many a true word spoken in jest?'

Shepsh ed, Leics

D. R Brown

NEWS from SCOTLAN D

SCOTLAND has endured one of its wettest summers on record, and it was therefore an exceedingly risky business for any branch of the Order to arrange one of its main fund-raising efforts this year in the open air. Edinburgh Branch took that risk and held its annual Garden Fete in aid of its Hospice for the Elderly in Lennox Row in the gardens of the Hospice on a Saturday in June , which proved to be one of the few dry and sunny days of the entire summer. As a consequence a good number of supporters ventured out to the great benefit of the Hospice and its people.

The fete was opened by the well-known Scottish actress, Edith MacArthur , who is the star of the popular STY series Take the High Road. Miss MacArthur chose not to make a formal speech but instead spun the Wheel of Fortune for the first time in the afternoon. The photograph shows her peering out over the crowd to see who the likely w inner is.

WALES

A COUNTY Cadet Enrolment Service was held on Sunday September 22 at St Stephens Church, Bodfari, Clwyd.

A total of 50 cadets from six Divisions were enrolled by the Chief Cadet Officer for Wales the Hon Mrs S. Legge- Bourke, in front of family and friends who packed the church.

Part of the collection taken during the service will go towards Clwyd Cadets In ternational Youth Year project , the purchase of a teletext television for the Bryn Glas School for deaf children in Mold.

Division

NORTHERN IRELAND

AN UNUSUAL and generous bequest resulted in the recent presentation of a cheque each to the British Red Cross and SJA's Bangor A/N Di visio n at the Royal Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down. Presented by Lynda Jayne (of Ulster's Downtown Radio) on behalf of the brothers and sisters of the late Thomas and Edward Bleming , the cheques totalling £4,000 were the result of an auction of vintage vehicles which had belonged to the two brothers. Receiving the cheque for St John in

Secretary of the Red Cross.

OVERSEAS

SJA Medical Conference, final part

indeed being maintained. He was one of the su rgeon s who are seco nded to the hospital for a year at a time. Major Clarke showed s lide s of the patients, of the work, of the conditions in which the patients lived and in which the Outreach team worked. Modern equipment is expensive , and Major Clarke commented that the hospital was at great pains to keep itself supplied with the correct equipment and added that he could foresee more expense, with the possibility of supplying intraocular lenses for patients after cataract surgery. Although the work is expensive, the hospital's standards were definitely being maintained , and must go on. This session was concluded with a showing of the Hospital tape-slide programme, wh ich summed up the entire ethos of the ho spital. Much has been said about this excellent programme over the past co uple of years and , once again, delegates felt its deep impact. Everyone showed their appreciation in a practical way, since the collection then taken resulted in £252.96 for the hospital. A personal word of thanks to the two Nottingham nursing cadets from Long Eaton division, I think, who came and helped to put the tape-slide equipment away during the coffee break - what would I have done without them? The cadets did a grand job throughout the entire weekend, fetching and carrying with the best will in the world. Thank you.

The final session, ' North and South' was given by Sir John Paul, Director Overseas Relations. He commenced by outlining a little of the colonial history of Britain, from early days to the present 14 islands left. The policy of independence carried through so quickly, he thought, was partl y due to the strong political lobby at hom e, to the Americans who didn't help win the war for the preservation of the British Empire, to the formation of the United Nations which proved an ideal forum for those who believed in independence The other factor was the rising tide of nationalism in the colonies themselves, stimulated by a small body of citizens who had been educated in either the UK or America. Sir John continued by saying that certain debits and credits emerged from this. On the debit side, there

was oppression , profiteering and exploitation, particularly in the early days of the slave trfide. On the credit side, possession of ports throughout the world with British maritime dominance brought about the freedom of the seas and the end of the slave trade

From this, the Commonwealth has grown with a common language. Its purpose may be vague, but the Commonwealth continues to maintain understanding between member countries. A close relationship exists in the 43 countries in which St John can be found. Overseas membership is at present reckoned to stand at about 180,000. Unfortunately, although St John in the past, together with the Red Cross, has worked to improve living standards, in some countries achievement has never really been possible. These countries are sparsely populated, with appalling conditions caused by prolonged draught deforestation , inadequate commodity prices administrative paralysis , soil exhaustion, political ideologies, etc. There is little or no direct part to play for St John in this situation -a country must introduce improved methods of farming better transport and communications. There is also a need for better primary health care and family planning, in which St John does play a part. Without these, no amount of aid will do more than mitigate the problems. One such example of a primary health care project run by St John is the Sight Project' in Oman.

Sir John thought, however, that there were several reasons for not being too pessimistic about the future, despite the problems. Through media coverage, there is greater awareness and greater sym pathy in the donor countries. This overt recognition is stimulating a policy revolution in the giving of aid - e.g. the World Bank is encouraging small businesses in Africa to produce more food, improve communications, etc. There is a new strategy in tackling the health problems based on the system of preventing endemic diseases, and even the simple provision of water, salts and sugar has played its part in saving the lives of half a miiJion children. This development is signitkant in the work of St John overseas, with

importance being attached to the introduction of primary health care programmes in some overseas countries. Little or no progress had been made in this area due to lack of both leadership and money. apart from one or two successes in Zimbabwe and Cape Town. However, Dr Currie will be joining the London HQ staff from South Africa for a ti me to concentrate on just that problem. At the same time, three Priories have now implemented Regional Aid Programmes, discussed at the Overseas Conference in Toronto in 1983, providing training mission s and equipment to their less fortunate neighbours lying within their geographical regions.

One of the main problems is that of regular communication with everyone overseas. Although an overseas liaison letter is issued every 6 months, feedback is almost nil , so that overseas visits are therefore very important in an information-gathering role. For example, India claims a total St John membership of almost three million and appears to be far more effective that anyone suspected! Sir John ended b y telling us that he sees his role at present as similar to that of this discussion, linking the p roble ms of the British Empire, the Commonwealth and the Third World through the work of St John.

As the Lord Prior s aid: 'Go to the people, live among them , learn from them, love them, start with what they know. build on what they have' - this illustrates both the work of the old Colonial Service and of St John Ambulance.

The conference was quickly summed up by Sir Douglas Black, with thanks to everyone, including the organisers, staff, session chairmen, speakers, John Hammond, Dr Donaldson and the programme committee.

It was a particularly interesting conference to attend, and I make no apologies for quoting at length. All the speakers suggested possible roles for St John in the community and , without understanding , thinking and discussing, there can be no progress. I hope that you will discuss this; to paraphrase Mr German 'being better informed is a start'.

Veronica A. Sharp e 259

s flag party at Clwyd's enrolment ceremony of cadets by Chief Cadet Officer for Wales, the Hon Mrs S. Legge-Bourke (extreme

News from Divisions/Centres

WHY I JOINED ...

1914 came and I left my Hampstead boarding school (my father worked and lived in Calcutta) in May and started 'to be finished off' at the Pavilion St Paul in Eccloo, Belgium. August I arrived and most of the girls had gone home I was to join the family at Blankenburg for the vacation. August 2 came and a telegram arrived to send me home in the event of war, at which I protested loudly that the Germans would not attack Belgium because of their treaty. All that night I heard guns and heavy vehicles poundin g past our gates. Six of us sat down to breakfast, one Belgian one Portuguese, one Norwegian, one German, myself and a Serbian pupil, I often wonder what happened to her.

N/ M Miss D. A. Pratt (the author), Calcutta Nursing Division , December 191 7.

After a worrying journey I arrived in London and later had more schooling in England. In 1916 I was too you ng to train as a hospital nurse so decided to go back with the parents to Calcutta for a year. The war effort there seemed to be endless, sewing up

of parcels in gunny to send to the troop s in Mesopotamia. I was very bored and ended by gett ing the usual Indian Fever. In the accompanying depression poured out my frustrations to the Doctor, Well join the St John .' What's that?' asked. A Home Nursing course was just starting, followed by a First Aid one. I could not take them quickly enough. I duly received certificates, one for December 19 16 and the other January 1917, but to become a St John nursing member first there was a month 's duty at the Shambarnath Pundit Native Hospital for out-patients. This consisted mostly of syringing ears and eye treatment, and dressing some dreadful burns. Next night duties were at the European Hospital. Was I nervous that first night although it seemed to consist mostly of cooking meals for the staff and the 6 a.m. temperature round? I had one catastrophe, never to be forgotten. I started the round and to my horror the new patient in No 6 bed just bit the thermometer and swallowed the mercury and spat out the rest. I rushed to the charge nurse, seeing myself disgraced and thrown out of St John before I had actually joined. Her answer was You little fool, didn ' t you see he was a D.T. case?' Training finished, I was accepted as a nursing member of the Calcutta Division and spent mornings working as Dirty' nurse in the theatre and further hours at the Galstoun Convalescent Home for the Forces. Then the blow fell on my professional dream. Falling ill with pleurisy, TB was diagnosed and I was sent to convalesce at a Hill Station until I could travel to England. No hospital would even give me an interview. So a St John nurse I have been ever since, and up to a point, through the Fellowship, still am.

D. A. MacNeill (Mrs)

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I was afraid of the sight of blood

I WAS I years old, just moved up to secondary school, and hadn't any real interests outside school - most of my spare time being spent square-eyed in front of the dreaded box.

Frustrated, despondent and downright annoyed with me being under her feet, I was informed by my mother that would be attending, on the Wednesday in question, the St John cadets which Philip, a school pal whose mother happened to work with mine and had the same problems. I was told to meet him at 6.30 p.m. at the end of the road.

Being a good son (!), I did.

So there was, or rather we were, long faced and going to a religious' meeting. But what's this? Why are these 'relig ious' St John's people in uniform at the ambulance station playing with st retchers and bandages? Puzzled was not the word for it. We were made welcome. And it se emed from what the man in charge told us it was like the scouts and not connected, as such, with the church

'Give it a go,' was told the following week, 'You've only been once.' So again, along I went, and kept going. Philip left but I was hooked.

So hooked in fact that 15 years later at the age of 26 I am now superintendent of the Cranleigh Combined Division another job I was talked into.

Perhaps I am gullible.

Now members of my family are involved with St John. Brother Andrew is a corporal in the adult division , Dad is an Auxiliary Member, and my wife is chief cake and tea maker for big duties and special events , but I have not yet been able to get Mum. She's afraid of the sight of blood, but so was I, that's why I joined!

Ralph Brown, D / Supt

The emotions of new mothers

According to a nursing specialist, Cathy Kohm, associated with t h e Chi ldbirth Programme of Toronto, Canada, a new mother can experience drastic changes of mood from a feeling of joyful exaltation at the successful birth of her baby to depression and preoccupation. In regard to this emotional change the most difficult period for the new mother is the first 6 weeks after having given birth. If she is adaptable and, above all, has a good sense of humour, and those around her are understanding persons who give all help and support, this will be of g reat help in enabling her to face up to the situation. 'I find that one of the biggest problems', says Cathy Kohm, is with those women who are intense ly eager to do everything to perfection.' According to the newspaper Toronto Star, among the suggestions she makes are the following:

During the first weeks the woman should put out of her mind all worries about domestic chores and devote her time and attention to the baby, spending as much time as possible cuddled up in bed with it. She should feed well, take the handset off the telephone while she dozes with the baby and give attention only to matters relating to herself and the child as and when they pre sent themselves. '

Unemployment in Europe

A commission of socia l affairs of the European Common Market calculates that I million Europeans are without jobs and estimates that by this year (I 98S) another

four million will be added to the number. The unemployment figure in Great Britain is the highest since 1886, when a register of such statistics was initiated. According to an a rticle in depth which appeared in The Listener this wave of further unemployment will be different to present and former circumstances, since it will be composed of experienced workers and members of the professional classes. The

book World out oj Work declares: 'Jobs will become so scarce that, by the mid-eighties unemployment will come to be one of the conditions which most people have in common . a sixth part of Europeans will be without job s, a third part will have been recentl y unemployed and 80% of all persons will have their live s affected due to friends and re latives being without employment.'

to cover amputation stump. (4). 21 Talk foolishly and complainingly when pa y is returned. (3). 22. Beast of burden from Nassau. (3). 23. Allow a hindrance. (3). 26. Period of relief from activity at interesting centre. (4). 27. Part of urinary bladder three times gone? (7). 30. Slight rattling sound heard on auscultation of the chest. (4). 31. Smile vacantly. (4). 32. Fold in simple attire. (S). 34. Presence of harm ful bacterial products in the blood. (8). 3S. Please reconstruct in a state of suspended consciousness. (6) 36. Abdominal organ with head body, and tail. (8). 37. Benefit for returning in mine. (6).

Down:

1. I don eat concoction used to counteract poison (8). 2. Arteries s uppling blood to heart. (8). 3. Reduce costs for a laxative fruit. (S). S. Cardiac calcification resulting in lack of sympathy and pity? (S - 2- S).

6. Mother and American soldier become the wise men. (4). 7. Anaesthesia produced by injection into the subarachnoid space. (6). 8. Showin g feebleness of mind and body consequent on old age. (6). 11. Fossa o f s phenoid bone containing pituitary gland. (S-7). IS Many ail badly in African state (4). 17. Disfigure broken arm. (3) 18. Start a compound fracture (4) 20. Odon toid process of second cervical vertebra (3). 24. Not a feed for one having hearing prob lem. (4 - 4). 2S. Quite the opposite afflict on to a cold so re? (4-4). 28. Try pad for fai lure to obtain fluid in lumbar puncture. (3-3). 29. Fair pale yellow hair. (6). 32. Spore producing a problem. (S). 33. Lacerate a duct near the eye. (4).

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD No. 10 (85 )

REVIEW CROSSWORD N o. 11 (85) by W. A, Potter

Across: Across: 1. Percival Pott; 9. Cut-down; 10. Synapse; 11. Reach; 12. Ring ; 13. Hiss IS. Internal; 18. Purged; 19 Lap; 21. Liste r ; 23 Gang·rene ; 26. Gram ; 27. Dura; 28. Reels; 30. Sutured;.3!. Ill - user ; 32. Conva lescent.

I. Co n sent to take respo n sibili t y for a patient. (6). 4. Oedema of the conj unctiva. (8). 9. A tr u ss for bones of the foot and cartilage of the eyelid. (6). 10. Synovial cyst on tendon sheath and sympathetic nel ve centre (8). 12. Having a high mass per unit volume is stupid. (S). 13. Consumes mixture of teas. (4). 14. Ep idermal appen d age used by a carpenter. (4). 16. Great agitation. (7). 19. Pan ic for piece of skin cut

Down: 2 Extract; 3. C oth; 4. Venereal S Ly si n ·e; 6. Ow n s; 7. Tapping; 8. We lsh dresser; 9 Cardiologist; 14 Lung; 16. Reef; 17 Lag; 20 Parasite; 22. Spastic; 24. E·reps·in; 2S. Tu n ·dr a; 28. R·eli c ; 29. Bran

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ST JOHN REVIEW

THE JOURNAL OF ST JOHN Volume 58 No. 12

Contents

St John Fellowship p.263

Nottingham 1985 p.264

We Solved our Recruiting Problem p.264

Our Hospital, Sir Stephen Miller reports p.266

Public Duty: Work or Pleasure? asks Mrs Edith Kirby p.268

Around and About by the Editor p.270

CadetChatbyJim p.274

Running Can (Seriously) Damage your Health by Dr Christopher D. Baldwin p.276

To the Holy Land p.277

LAS checks SJA Vehicles p.277

Travels of an Aeromedical Nurse (final part) by F. W. Murkin p.278

Readers'Views p.280

SJA Music Makers - Those were NOT the Days p.281

News from Scotland - Wales p.282

National First Aid Competitions p.283

News from Divisions/Centres p,284

Wedding Bells p.285

St John · Fellovvship

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE from the chairman, MajorGeneral D. S, Gordon: On behalf of all members of your Central Committee I send to the 53 branches of the Fellowship our warmest

some con nect o n with St John and its work. Photographs shou ld be glossy black and white prints or good quality colour prints, not negatives or transparencies. If photGgraphs are to be returned, write on the back RETURN and narFie and add ress , Press day is the 1st of the month preceding the cover date.

NOTTINGHAM '85 BRIDGING THE GAP

From Sandra Morris, 1 7, oj D er byshir e

I WONDERED what Nottingham was go in g to be like. had been told wou l d sit listen ing o talks most of the time. Would they be interesti ng ? Would I enjoy myself? Would there'be other people of my own age there ? These questions and more ran through m y mind during the journey to Nott i n g ham with my County Staff Officer. I need not have worried. It turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend.

We were welcomed b y the Chief S taff Officer, Mr Hawes , in quite a jovial manner. He then introduced us to Mr Phipps , who gave u s a very nteresting talk about a new a ddi tion to t he St John calendar: the Annual Camp and Caravan Rally , which is enjo y ed by man y fa milie s of St John m em bers. He showed us some slides of a rally , at which everybody was ha vi ng a reaJl y good time.

The seco nd spea ker Miss Mary NevilleKaye, the Chief Welfare Officer gave one of the most enjoyable talks of the weekend o n he s ubj ec t of Do We C are?' Well o f course we do ; we would like to think there are enough people w ho do care, so that the Brigade can continue for man y y ears to come. Her ta lk was very humorous and she made it obvious that she is one of the people who DOES care. Let's hope that it enco ura ge d more people to care about St John both now and in the future.

She left us in good spirits to enjoy the infor m al 'Meet a nd Greet' w hich followed Thi s gave u s a c h a nce to meet and t alk to people from other counties, to learn w hat they do at t heir meetings, w ith the cadets , and i n urn t he y found out what we do. I t hink it was a g ood idea, because we gained

IT SEEMS rather unfair that conferences organised by National Headquarters should be written up with glowing reports in the Review by National Headquartersl

So I decided it would be much better to ask (or rather force!) four members from the audience to write up Nottingham '85. This cleverly absolved me from responsibility of being 'conference journalist'! I hope it also gives a fairer and more wide ranging view of the accolades and grievances which can only help to make the conference even better next year.

more knowledge about what is going on in other counties.

On Saturday morning the Commissionerin - Chief welcomed ever y body and then let the Chief President Mrs Phillips , take the sta g e She introduced Vice- Admiral S r Ronald Brockman President of Devon who told how we could use our presidents in St John. This was a most enlightening talk which showed me, and probab ly many others that we must use our presidents as much as possible whether it is for makin g tea, or helping to re-decorate the headqu a rters. He also s tre ss ed the point th at pres dents should be kept informed about what is g oing on, because they cannot be good presidents if they are not aware of what g oes on in their divi s ion , area or county.

Improvements

After coffee break we were introduced to Mr Brian Rockell Director of Supplies. He was very proud of improvements w hich ha ve been made in the Supplies Dept. We saw examples of the old publicity and the new We all had a leaftet from Supplies , so we could appreciate the new look. I thought th is was a good idea because som e members of our division will soon be needing some new uniforms Supplies item s were also being so ld

Richard Radcliffe, Director of Public Affairs

during the weekend. Mr Rockell took all t he cheers and jeer s in hi s st ride at the end of hi s talk , a talk appreciated by m ost, I'm s ure.

Ne x we were treat ed to a talk entitled How the Ana s tomosis of a Fatiscence Ca n Redin g r a te Consanguinity' by Mr R ic hard Radcliffe. Al o ng wi th eve r ybody else, I wondered what wa s in s tore for us because it sounded above our intelli ge nc e, but once star ted we found th a t it was about ho w to communicate, to make the public more aware of what we are doing. He explained that we a re our s ho p w ind ow, and that we should make th e most of every opportunity that we ge t for publicity. It was a very enjoyable ta lk as Mr R adcl iffe ca n be very witty.

After lun c h we had the opport unit y to ee how D r R. Sim ons made use of computers and m a nik i n s. We watche d as the model started to breathe ', and with th e a id of monitors how th e brea t h in g and pulse rate could c h a n ge We we re a lso give n detail s of the full r ange of manikin s ava il ab le for use in training St John m e mb e r s

After a cup of tea, we learn ed abo ut 'The Sea s ons of S t J o hn '. First. Mi che lle W e b ster talked a bout the ca det s. She said, as [ and many others would ag r ee, that the reluctance of older cadets to jo in adult d iv sio ns is because of the lack of co -operation and

The Chief Commander, Ma orGene ra Peter Leuchar s.

encouragement th ey r ece ive from a dul ts in their own divi s ions. She a lso sa id how import a nt juni o r s a re to St J o hn and th a t we n eed to find int erest in g thin gs to e n courage t h em to stay in t h e Brigade.

Then we we r e given a talk by James Bond (not 00 7, an Assistant Comm ssioner of G r eate r L o nd on) about training a nd how impor t ant it s for our officers to be trained properly. Thi s was a very imp ortant issue, and we sho uld a ll take note of what he sa id if we want th e St John movement to survive.

Fellowship

Next Miss Puckle s poke about the St John Fellowship, and soon put us ri ght as to the age range of the Fellowship. She explained tha t th ey weren't all 70+ who needed help to wa lk According to Mis s Puckle , the Fellowship is somet hing that we ca nnot do without, and after her talk think everybody agreed.

After a very interesting and most ly serious day,l wondered what Miss Kitson was going to talk about for nearly one hour. We found out that she was a keen car rallier' in her 19 I 3 car and had us all in stitches. We had a goo d laugh at some of t h e old s ur gical app iances that co uld revitalise you, and anything wrong w it h you could be cured wit h app li ances. 1 thoroughly enjoyed h er talk, especia ll y when she told us stories

Vice - Admiral Sir Rona ld Brockman President o f Devon, spoke on using your president'.

about th e events she has taken part in ; and s he put u s all in good humour for the ev ening 's dance/ disco which by the look of every bod y the next morning was en j oyed b y all.

On Sunday morning after the interdenominational se r v ice led by Re verend A. Caldwell, we were treated to music by the Wi necote Band which was a bit loud to al low us to recover from the night before , a nd quit e startling on a Sunday morning.

After coffee we had our last talk of the weekend, and w ith the theme 'B rid ging the Gap' I don t think any of us expected a talk about building a bridge. But Brigadier T. Pulverman from the Royal E n g in eers did show us slides on building a bridge. I think the object of his talk was to show us that everyone must work as a team, all work in g to the same end ; trying to bridge the gap. think everybody gained from the conference talks in different ways, and they made me realise the important need to bridge the gaps within the Brigade especially between the cadets and adults.

The only disapointment I felt was that we did not have the opportunity to express our own personal views with Headquarters office r s. Perhaps we should be divided into groups with an HQ Officer to discuss points which are of g r eat importance for the future of St John Ambulance.

We solved our recruiting problem

EYE R YONE in St J ohn seems to be ta ki n g abo u t recruiting, o r t h e la ck of it. Three yea r s ago our Divisional Superintendent sad ly died a nd her s uccessor stayed w it h u s for o nl y a shor t w hil e befo re e mi grat in g to Ca n ada. Only a few fa ithful m embers r e m a in e d In th e Di v ision, with our number s on meeting night s dwindlin g to abo ut six. A division o f s ix!

Those few de ci ded t h at something had to be done. I-low could we allow t he Divi s ion (which is 75 years o ld this yea r) to fold up ?

Last year two of our member s trained a nd be cam e FA W in str uctor s We h a d a new Nur s in g Officer and held a recruiting drive in a loc a park We also held a child

care course at which we enrolled 10 new members. Our number s: started to grow and wit h much effort fro m everyone we began to build a thriving division again. We a re a t present holding a first aid course and several lad ies are ve r y intere s ted in joining us. Now on meeting nig ht s about 30 members turn up. But we're going to get more - a nd m o re with a recruiting d r ive eve r y year. It is hard work but very rewardin g. And the more success yo u get the le ss di f ficult it is o push and push on.

Here's a photograph of our di vis ion (left) at thi s year's AGM. We're ve ry proud of o ur s t re n g th now.

Thelma A KingbwJ (Mrs) Officer in Charge

For me, Nottingham '85 was very enjoyable and 1 hope to be able to attend man y more.

From B rian Chade, oj Wo rceste r

NOTTINGHAMS come and Nottinghams go, but from the meetings 1 have attended this year s was one of the best. What made this Nottingham better than previous ones for me ? Two Lancashire la sses, one age 14, and the other 60 years older. These two ladies, young and old, highlighted this year s theme Bridging the Gap'. If I were asked 'Has the conference helped me be a better St John member because of these two ladies? the answer would be ·yes·. The y showed that it is possible for young and old, cadet and adult di visi on , adult di vision and Fellowship to work together in unity. Many talks are g iven at a St John conference, some by good speakers, some by poor speakers, some with inte re sting subjects, some with uninteresting subjects, and some who do not use the great opportunity they are given to speak to St John members to the best advantage.

Battle cry

The problems of the Supplies Department were very ably dealt with by Brian Rockell who, I belie ve. s uccessfull y answered the criticisms fired at him. We were then treated to a battle cry from Richard RadcJjffe , Director of Public Affairs. His speech, given with v igour and enthusiasm , kept us alert, awake and interested. If we all had a tenth of his persuasive powers we would not be st u dying a membership problem A review of manikins available by Dr R. S Simons was extremely interesting, but in my opinion a lot of the items shown would be outside the financial scope of many Divisions. Seasons of St John - for me the highl ight of the conference. Miss Michelle Webster. a Ca det Leader from Lancashire, asked us to examine our consciences in that we must not. when dealing with younger groups , just push them in the corner, give them a few bandages and let them get on with some sort of practice of th eir own Together with her fellow speakers from adult Divisions and the Fellowship , we looked at the problems and the so lut ions t o bridge the various gaps.

To quote Mrs Hilda Kitson: '1 am here to provide the light relief '. This lady, who once heard is never forgotten, started nursing training at the age of 57. She had us all

(continued on p.266)

(Left) Di ector of Public Affairs, Richard Rad cliffe explaining. Right) Brian Rockell, Director of Supplies, came through smiling.

THERE is a full ac count of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital and its acti vi ties in the Annual Report fo r 19 84 (Nov ember R eview) but I s hall tr y to amplify some of the m ore pers onal aspects of this extremely bus y institution in Jeru sa lem

Our se r vice s a re st ill in great d e mand. The increa se in numb e r s of patients attendin g the hospital in 1984 was nearl y LO % compared with 19 83 and this represents a grand total of service to 42+ t housand people.

Difficult e s in planning arise from the in-built hab it of our patients to stay at home w hen the w inter comes and the cold north w ind s ca tch t he higher slopes of the West Bank of the Ri ver Jordan , whe rea s in summer patien ts arrive in dro ves. Summer is the traditional holida y time for th e western world s o th e ex-patriate staff is somewhat depleted during that period and those who remain in Jeru sa lem h ave o work o ver t ime. I mention this be ca u se if yo u do v si t Jeru s alem and I hope yo u w ill during the wi nter month s , yo u ma y feel that the ho s pital is not over-stretched but this is so mething beyond our con t rol.

NOTTINGHAM '85 (cont.)

holding our s ide s with laughter a s she recalled things fr o m her past. The final talk o n Sund ay morning b y Brigadier T. R. M.

Pul ve rham on Bridge Building was ve r y intere st in g , but could not the time have been used to g reater advantage? Que stion and an sw er forum s would have been excellent. I beli€ve all County Commissioners should be instructed to attend the Conference so tha t they can hear the views of many members.

One quest o n - was it enjoyable? A ver y loud 'YE S

From Philip Dougla s , of West Midland s BRIDGING the Gap was the theme for the annual gathering in Nottingham this year. The speeches on Friday were interesting and in places amusing. Do We Care?' helped to prepare the delegates for what was to come the following afternoon.

266

In October 1984 we bade farewell to Mrs Ruth Parks who retired after 9 years as Matron. I have spoken at length more than once about her excellent work. One of the prettiest compliments e ver paid to her was by the Order in Canada who e sta blish ed a Di vision in her name - a delightful way of s howin g the ir respect for this gracious lady , a respect we all share. I am glad of thi s opportun i t y to than k her once more for h e r devotion and wish her a happy retirement.

The hospital is fortunate in findin g Mi ss Paul ne O DonnelJ to s ucceed her as Matron Due to very recent changes in the syllabus of courses for practical ophthalmic nurses which have recently ta ken place in Jordan , extending their length of instruction from 9 to 18 month s, Miss O Donnell ha s made arrangements to extend the course offered at the hospital to a s imilar period. This meant con s iderable re -o rganisation within a few months of her arrival, bu she has risen to the challenge success full y. She has further plans to introdu ce a short course of instruction for trained nur ses in the s ubject of ophthalmolog y and this idea ha s been welcomed by

The ne x day th e conference started in earnest. Tho se who heard the Director of Supplies will now realise why it can take so long to obtain a sweater! The fa c that demand exceeded supply in certain items was brought home.

'How the Anastomosis of a Fatiscence can Redingra te Con s anguinity ' had us guessing since arrival. This was all about public relations and how we in St John can sell ourselves to the public. It was here that the booby prize of the conference was handed out - which y ou are now reading.

After a good lunch , an intere s ting review of manikins followed. How many of you know a manikin can vomit? Sea s ons of St John came next. This was how to involve everyone who is in the St John Familyregardless of age. Here he youngest speaker, Cadet Leader Michelle Webster, received a very well deserved standing ovation on the use of junior Brigade members. A lively debate started to develop and a forum would and should have followed.

OUR

42 thousand

Sir Stephen M iller,

the University of Bethlehem , which h as an active training s cho o l for nurses in ge neral medicine and surgery.

A new a ser h as been in s talled at the hospital thank s to th e ge ner osity of the Scottish Prior y. The pr ev ious la se r was made in the USA and it seemed wise to try and purchase an in s trument which could be se rviced and if n ecessa r y repaired by technician s fa miliar with t he instrument. Fo r this re a son a Sharplan Laser was pur c h ased which was d es ig ned and manufactur ed in Tel A vivo It s installation h as prese nt ed some problems b ecau se it is a wa ter -coo led pi ece of equipment a nd t hi s ha s m ea nt co ns iderable adaptation of th e wate r s uppl y, wh ich at first did n ot provide suffic ient pressure, but the problem h as yielded to advice give n by he local water engineers.

Solar heating

A furth e r problem involving water affected our pilot experiment in solar heatin g. Th e idea was t o use th e so lar pa n el s to heat water which was then introduced to the boiler already in place in the S sters home Thi s proved ineffective and th e solar panels will now be u se d as individual so ur ce of heat. 1 am assured t hi s me t hod of heating will be efficient and cost effective.

A mo st exciting project was hat c hed in 1984 in the fo rm of a re searc h programme which is now underway to investigate the causes and treatment of a di sab lin g affliction c all ed 'Spring Cata rrh '. This affects young

The final session of the da y was a li ghthearted look at life This is w here we were in t rodu ce d to a piece of Edwa rdi a n m edi ca l mechanical equipment with a naughty name.

Sunda y s aw a g reat e r a tt e ndanc e t han was expected at the church se r v ce. T he Wilnecot e band t hen entertained u s with music that was enjoyed by the Aoor. After coffee the Army gav e a rather dr y talk on how they build bridge s

Certainly the weekend lived up to it s theme. The bridge among member s was built. The be s thin g about thi s yea r 's conference was th e fact that everyone from the Commissioner -in -C hief down to the most Junior Cadet integrated This s hould be the way of future conferences, indeed the Brigade as a whole. This would make people at area/ county / national headquarters le ss remote and more human I can recommend f uture Nottingham gatherings to all Brigade members. 1 enjoyed my first conference and am certainly looking forward to Nottingham ' 86.

HOSPITAL

people rely on it the Hospitaller, reports

people in the warm s ummer fr o m May to O c t o ber producing red, lig ht se nsitive and weeping eyes. Suffe r e r s are ofte n incapable of attending sc hoo l and certainly cannot st ud y. A protocol of in ves ti ga tion ha s been prepar ed in collaboration w ith Dr Mala of the U niv ers it y of Lond o n an d Dr Alonso of th e London H os pit a Medical School.

Meantime, Oplicrom, the on ly effective preparation in keeping hi s sy ndr ome at bay has been s uppli ed by Fiso n s th e drug company a t con s id erable discount. The whole programme has been made possible by financial suppor t from the Overseas Development A dmini stration. In 1986 I hope to report to you the r esu lts of his investigat ion.

Outreach programme

Part of th e duties of the Outreach Programme, which is n ow we ll estab lished, is the tr aining of local people The Outreach team performed yeoman s ervice in 1984, screening 23,668 individuals , examining chi dren for trachoma and the elderly for latent disease. T his number is in add itio n to the 42 + thousand attending the hospital s out - patient department.

But sc ree nin g s wo r k w hi ch need not necessarily be carried out by soph s t icated techniques employing hi ghly -trained surgeons Some of it may be delegated to primary health workers, provided alwaysa nd this is an impo r tant proviso - that they have been carefully trained. Such training is

From Mrs Ruth Higgins, of Jersey

'WHY do you wan t to go t o t he No t tingham Co nfe r ence aga in ?' we get asked. So why do we co m e?

The meeting of o ld frie nd s and new a nd the wonderful friendly atmosphere; a nd we a ll have so mu c h in common, be lo ngin g to an organ isa tion that 'cares'. We gain and ex change id eas Rall y roun d and bring the fa mil y' w as a ver y w ell pres en t ed speech s howin g how we ca n enjoy ourselves and at the sa me time involve o ur fami lies who are apt t o be n eg le cted in th e ca use of our dutie s.

Thou g ht provoking words from Miss N ev ille - Kaye, the Chief W e lfare Offi cer, a nd how much we enjoyed her wonderful sense of hum o ur.

M any Presidents will I a m s ure welcome a greater involvement with their Divisions Sir Ronald Brockm a n certainly gave u s s ome stimulating ideas.

Here was the a nswer we had all been waiting for. Mr Rockell from Supplies did a

M rs Ruth Parks who ret ir ed after 9 years as Matron in October 1984 with the children - the avour te ward a the Hospital.

now being undertaken b y Dr Lee C humble y the surgeon in charge of the Outreach programme w ith the help of an experienced Sister. He and Dr Zeidan a re to be congratulated on a wo nderfull y productive yea r invo lving long hours of unstinted work.

During 1984 we we lcomed surgeons and Sisters from Austraha, Canada and the USA. 1 fee l I shou ld acknowledge the financial help fr om these countries and also th e help behind the scenes of Dr Selwyn Nelson of Australia, Dr Bryan Liddy of Canada and Dr William Casey of USA. They are responsible for finding the young op hth almologists who visit us for a year , often with their fami lie s. As Hospitaller I am g r ateful for thei r quiet and persistant persuasion wh ich they exert on their aspiring trainees in favo ur of the hospital and for con tinuin g to sup pl y us with such highly trained and dedicated surgeons.

The greatest problem during the year in the administration of the hospital has been inAation affecting the Shekel as much as 100% per mon th This means that the local staff spend their salary on the morning it is

super job of hi s speech We learnt a great dea l and, more imp ortant were able to und e rstand clear y the difficulties that have to be overcome. Most enjoyable.

Mr Radcliffe is the right man for the job. I enjoyed the video on how to communicate w ith the public, but thin k it wou ld have been brought hom e more vividly if it had featured a St J ohn Division putt ing off the public or discouraging recruit s! A pity there was so little time, b eca use the in vo lvemen t of the m e mbers would have made it even better.

Public Relations is a very important part of St John.

The immens e amount of preparation that Dr Simons m a de for hi s talk on manikins certainly warranted more time on this vital part of first aid.

'T he Seasons', showing th e ga ps f rom Juniors through to the Fe llowsh ip was ver y well received More in vo lvement from the members would have made it even better.

Many of us at Nottingham felt th at a good idea would be to g o back to the sy ndicate

received to avoid the inc r eased costs which wil l arise in the afternoon. Our Superintendent, Mr Bannyan has coped with this difficult situation by adjusting salaries every few weeks and it says much for his management that there ha ve been no resignations of local personnel.

Our main anxiety is still of course finance , but several beds have been endowed at the sum of £70,000 in the name of the donors and plaques placed above the beds as a memorial of heir generosity

Two have recently been added which are perhaps of 1985 and not '84. One is in the name of Friends of St John Ophtha lmic Hospital' and the other in the name of 'The Masonic Order of Knights Templars This is wonderful news. The prev i ous donors are T. F. C. Frost Turst, of which I am chairman the St John Cadets and the St John Gala Ball Committee. The total is five beds, representing an endowment of £350,000. Need I remind y ou that there are 75 beds unendowed presenting a glorious opportunity and one which s itching to be fulfilled system which gives more of the counties a chance to get together and feel more in v olved Of course Mrs Kitson was as good as ever, though I would have liked to ha ve heard more of her nursing experiences. The church service and the 'Wilnecote Band should be an annual event.

I learned a great deal from the speech b y Brigadier T. R. Pulverman, of the Royal Enginee rs on literally bridging a gap and tho rou gh y enjoyed this most interesting talk. I feel, as competitions feature so much in our St J ohn life, that some feature would be appropriate at Nottingham. The whole atmosphere is always very friendly and enjoyable , but there is always room for improvement. So maybe another idea would be some sort of quiz. More mixing together can on ly be goo d for us all w thin St John Amb ulan ce.

PS: Due to demand Michelle Webster's speech wi ll be printed in full in the January R eview.

PLEASURE for one is work for another.

And the phone call which di s turbed the peaceful August afternoon meant work for Stamford Combined Division. The vo ce (the Area Commissioner) told me that the Caravan Club 's 1985 n2tional rally was to be held in the park of the local stately home Burghley House, and that Stamford Division would pro vide first aid cover 24 - hours -a -day over a 6-day period.

The dictionary defines a caravan as a group travelling together for safety and company or a home on wheels, and a rally as a gathering to promote a common purpose. As we were unlikely to be entertaining a group of desert nomad s in the oasis , a 'g athering of homes on wheels seemed to be the appropriate interpretation. Homes mean families which in turn mean people of both sexes and all ages. How many home s and families could be ex pected ?

Between 2,000 and 3,000 caravans, I was told. Quick mental arithmatic told me that could mean anyt hing between 6,000 and 12,000 human beings. Or over half the population o f Stamford itself. Clearly a great deal of planning would be required

At the reque st of the organisers the first step was to prepare an estimate of basic costs , suc h as the hire of one ambulance to be on s ite for 6 days, s ub sistence for six personnel for the same period, and the cost of first aid materials. The latter could only be a rough estimate, based on current prices

E nquiri es were made as to the chemist's duty rota for the weekend. The manager agreed to let us have item s s uch as crepe bandage s on a sa e or return basis, and other extras 'o n account'. This arrangement proved very helpful , because not only were no bandages returned but the stock had to be replenished, together with extra sup plies of Tubigrip.

Two weeks before the event the postman delivered a ve r y large brown enve lope which contained a large map of the entire site, s howin g caravan line s and a one-way traffic system round the park, lists and site number s of trade exhib itors, maps of trade and community areas, and a detailed programme of even t s and sporting activities. Copies of these were passed to the officers in charge of the local fire and ambulance services, wit h further copies for our control, both vehicles, and reception area.

WORI< or PLEASURE?

(T op) The 20 x 20 ft marquee f irst aid post with (a bove) the car and ambu ance parked across the road. (Top right) Kipper the greyhound who had to be taken to a vet for stitches t o his ace. and the necessary purchase of supplies over and above those normally carried (e.g. kaolin and morphine mixture , ready for use if prescribed by the doctor). It was!

Preliminary contact was made with a doctor at one of the town's surgeries. He agreed to hold a morning and evening surgery , daily, on site, and to be called out in an emergency. My own dentist agreed to see anyone requiring treatment. Details to be finalised nearer the time.

A second telephone call was receivedthis time from the Caravan Club s events organiser saying that he would be in Stamford mid -October 84 and could we meet? This was arranged, and agreed to ha ve my estimates ready for presentation, together with a list of item s required for the efficient running of First Aid Post in a 20 feet square marquee for 6 days This I discussed with my Area Commissioner as I knew he had experience of such an event.

The Caravan Club would provide the marquee, with two exits, and a caravan. My first request was that this be fitted with a refrigerator, in case cool s torage was required for any drugs - in the event it was.

Space was requested for a second caravan, so that there would be separate sleeping quarters for male and female personnel.

Spoil sport, 1 hear murmured. but we were to be in the public eye 24 hour s a d ay! While our own unit was to be used as radio control and doctor 's s urgery, the marquee would be used as a treatment and waiting area, so lighting , water, telephone and heatin g would be required. Burghley Park can be a chilly place. Patients would need to keep warm. so would the s taff A gas -operated floodlight was also requested in order to illuminate our noticeboard overnight. This board gave instructions for the calling out of per so nnel during the night. It was intended to man t he post until 23 .00 hrs later if nece ssa r y, with an ambulance crew, plus one male and one fema le on call thereafter. [ also asked for a map of the site and a programme of events to be made availab le as soon as pos s ible All requests were agreed without question. March saw more paperwork completed. Letters were sent to the local Area Health Authority Ambulance Service, the Senior Casualty Officer and Administrator , Peterborough District Hospital (wher e casualties would be sent if necessary) , informing them of the forthcoming event and the expected influx of inhabitants into the area. Following the motto Be Prepared ', a visit was made to a local undertaker - just in case. No aspersions cast on those on the duty! Surgery times were confirmed with the doctor , who promised to let us have the 'on call' rota and telephone numbers when he held his first surge ry on the Friday.

set up shop the sa me day. The bed from the Nursing Room was placed in a curtained quarter of the marquee, treatment area in another, while a reception and waiting area filled the re st of the space Full details of the interio r layout are shown in the drawing. The car and ambulance were parked across the narrow road, facing the marquee, with parking space for members' cars to the side and rear of the post. The only part of the procedure that did not go according to plan was the exit from the surgery. Patients entered and left by the same door, because it was so wet , and when the rear door of the unit was opened there was almost a flood

That completed the easy part of the planning. The difficult part was yet to come. Personnel. The First Aid Post was to be open from 09.00 hrs on Friday, May 24 until 16 .00 hrs on Wednesd ay 29, so quite a number of people would be needed. This situation can prove difficult when normal working days are involved. Members were given forms on which to indicate when they wou ld be availab le for duty, g iving times and days they preferred. Then, with the programme of events to hand and large s heets of paper ruled up fo r 6 days, each day divided into 3 - hourly blocks , three of us sat down to slot names into spaces, and to make sure that every s pace was filled. Particular attention was paid to times when there was a full programme of sporting activities. These included netball, volleyball, s ix -a -s ide soccer, tug -of-war (for both adults a nd juniors) and a 3 - mile fun run' round the site on Tuesday morning. Some of the ga me s became very competitive.

Choice

Everyone was given a choice - they could do a full day tour of duty, morning afternoon or evening only, or a 3-hour sti nt. Several opted for the latter , having originally sai d they couldn't attend at a ll.

One RGN and one SEN , an ambulance member and a nursing member, plus one female auxil iary author ised to drive, offered to be on site the whole time. Although the nursing member had to go to work on 3 days, s he was prepared to be called out at ni ght. Three other nursin g members offered to spend one night o n s ite, and there was a th ird nurse available for day duty on the Friday. Some were avai lable for most of the weekend and others came along to cover the fun run'. Duties were planned round the nucleu s of those available most of the time. Our Area Commissioner offered his services in any capacity, and was taken at hi s word. No t o nly did he take a turn as both driver and attendant on the ambulance, he helped with the daily cleaning (and we have photographs to prove it).

The m a rquee was in position by Thursday, May 23 and our 'per manent' crew

As with most outdoor activity during 1985 in the UK the weather played its part , and did its worst. On Friday and Saturday it was shirt sleeve order , Sunday and Monday it was wellies, boots , waterproofs, and long handled brooms - for prodding the corners of the marquee roof to shift the rainwater. Tuesday and Wednesday saw us back in shirt sleeves.

J have often heard it said that the better the weather, the better we feel. I think that Spring Bank Holiday 1985 proved it. Although there was a steady stream of patients at all surgeries, except Monday evening, when there were only three Monday morning brought the largest number. The doctor arrived at 9.45 for 10.00 surgery, and was still in action at 11.55. This coincided with the worst of the weather, which had decided to improve a little by the evening. Tuesday proved ideal weatherwise, and for two and a half hours not one patient crossed the threshold of the First Aid Post !

Over the 6 days during which there were 2,30 I caravans on site, nine ambulance members, including one RGN and one SEN ,

12 nursing members including o ne SRN, four ambulance cadets , and eight nursing cadets , performed a total of 1,386 duty hour s The cadets proved their worth, particularly with the paperwork at busy times ; although looking through the records 1 did wonder if we had been in the domain of the mermaids when I read about all the mus se s' that had been pulled! 219 patients were seen, 81 referred to the doctor 15 direct for medical rea sons or repeat prescriptions five sent to the dentist. Eleven casualties were sent to hospital eight by St John vehicle and three by county ambulance There was only one call out during the early hours - to a serious heart attack. Ailments covered a wide range - heart attacks, strokes, burns, scalds; allergy rashes, mump s chicken pox , so re throats, stomach upsets pile s, asthma attacks , plus pulled muscles , injuries to tendons and ligaments strains sprains, fractures and dislocations. One or two people fell foul of the many r oots and rabbit holes in the park but most of the injuries were sustained during the sporting activities - netball, volleyball. six-a-side soccer, and the fun run '. The grass surface, as may be imagined , was uneven and made more treacherous by the heavy rain. Crepe bandages va ni she d from the unit like icicles in winter sunshine.

Dressings

We used 34, of assorted sizes, plus about 10 metres of Tubigrip. Add to these the usual assortment of dressings , cotton wool. gauze bandages and plaster it soon became apparent why the organisers had asked for

(continued on p.286)

AT HEADQUARTERS

Mr 1. (Ian) A. Renny retired as Secretary Association Branch at the end of September and his place has been taken by Mr S. H. Glenny, with the new title of General Manager, Association. The Competitions Manager is of course David Hallard. And the Training Manager is Mr J. Cook. A Schools Project Officer is to be appointed.

Incidentall y, congratulations to David Hallard, who in January wiiJ have completed 20 years on HQ s taff - the longest serving member.

LOOKING AHEAD

4

18

COMING - OR GOING?

A notice in a London Maternity Hospital reads:

'Remember - the first three minutes of life are critical.

Underneath someone has written: Yeah, the last three minutes are quite important too.'

An SJA member , we wonder?

BERKS OPEN DAY

I hear that more than 100 Berkshir e members were at a county open day on October 20 at the home of their county commissioner , Lad y Elizabeth Godsal.

Among the speakers was Chief Officer of Cadets Leo Budd Chief Inspector F. B Bryan , of Staffordshire Constabulary, and the West Midlands Commander Mr A. J. Sutherland, who is to become C-in -C in 1986 , speaking on the

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ST JOHN

BY THE EDITOR

GOING DOWN

yea rs later.

Before we go any f urther we'd better say that normally of course Briga de members retire at 65, but subject to medical clearance - which Norman sailed through - they are

able to remain on an annual ba sis for a maximum of a further 3 years And then there 's always the SJ Fellowship waiting to welcome them, where they can continue to active ly help their old division - and other sin many ways, So it's not reall y retirement.

Norman, who was 70 years 'young on October I , regularly attended meetings and went on public duties right up to his la s t week of service

RUN

This new print of St John

Ther

Simon Bott (right), SJA s star runner in the 1 985 L.ondon Mar athon is seen with Mr Shutes (left), General Manager and Direc to of Hale s Cont ainers Ltd at the recent presentation of the sponsorship cheque to Richard Radcliffe Director of Public Affairs

Simon's efforts were boo sted tremendously by his emp oyer's generous offer of £ 1 for each £ 1 he raised, wh ich enabled him to raise £770 for St John Ambulance. Th e offer fo r 1986 has been increased to £2 for eac h £ 1 raised by Simon - a generous offer indeed.

At the party, which was held at the home of Ambulance Officer Ian Tomkins No rman was presented with a nne Toby jug to add to his collection. Making the presentation, D I S Ra y Horsman said that 53 years of voluntary serv ice was an incredible achievement in an age when volunteers are increa si ngly hard to find Norman later delighted his audience by relatin g so mething of the past of the Brigade in Oxford and his experiences

AIR - CREAM - OR 1 hear the Newton Abbot ambulance cadet team - Leader Neil Eddiford, Sgts Steven Carthew, Andrew Mortimer, Graham Stocker and Cpl Paul M a rtin (reserve)received the Buxton Cup as overall winners at the Casualties Union National Finals held at Aldershot' s Keogh Barracks on October 6. They were also placed first in both the first aid and diagnosis sections of the competitio n.

Not satisfied, the team then entered the stretcher carrying and ambulance loading competitio n , in w hi ch they had to cross a series of obstacles and rough terrain with a device attached to the stretcher that recorded the degree of jolting or jarring (in other words, pain the patient would fe el) They Newton Abbot's winning cade

(story above).

Oxford 's Norman Nicholls ret re s. See story SURPRISE FOR

and

Mr Alan M ahy taug ht

Sandra Whi te and Mrs Jennifer Ackerman (s itting ) from the Inst tute for h e D ea (Photo: My ra M ered

again finished first, to receive the Jonaac Cup.

Next ye ar all five team members will tran s fer to Newton Abbot adult division, where they hope to continue their w innin g ways (so wa tch out, ad ul ts).

Obviously, Newto n Abbot cadets are hitting hi gh spots, as of course their nursing cadets led the way by wi nning the National Finals last Jul y. Must be the De von air. Or cream. Or so m et hin g

AIDS

The 180 de legates at Derbyshire's annual county conference held at Matlock on Octob@r 20 were given a talk b y their county surgeon, Dr J o hn Windebank , and D r Da vi d Bullock, consultant microbiologist , on the subject of re susc itation and infection - with

the question of the transmission of AIDS being thorough ly discu ssed. The conclusion was that transmission through mouth -tomouth ve nt ilat ion was extre mel y unlikely.

HQ 's Director of Public Affairs, Richard Radcliffe , spoke of publicity and recruitm ent, telling delegates a bout the s ucce ss of a St John club started by SJA Bromley , Kent, wh ich produced m any recruit s for the d iv is ion. (See March 1985 R eview.)

YOUNG FARMERS

SJA No rth Yorkshire which always covers the 3-day Great Yorkshire Show in July w hich was vis ited this year by 100 ,000 people (441 treated and 274 handicapped and elderl y ferried to and fro from the car

(Leh) Staffs Lea H al and Rug e ey Di vision's Sgt Tony Coates is supported by Mrs Eliza be th Duggan and Nige Perrin (both on duty) at the end of Cannock Peop le' s Marathon.

And 2 weeks later (below) the same trio (plus one) were winning a SJA coun y quiz.

London

M William Fost e r-Curt is receives a tankard and honorary member'S badge to mark 53 years service wit h the Brigade Although now on the ret ir ed li st, his wife Pame a and son Mich ael a re sti l members of his o ld division - Finch ley (357).

park), ha s also been closely associated with the Young Farmers' C lub s o f the a r ea.

Thi s year, in co -operation with the Health and Safety Execu t ive, they staged the Young Farmers Safet y Compet itio n at the Show. w ith Area Supt John Coward acting as one of the judges. The woman 'casualt y' fell off a ra cto r and also d ow n some s tep s , SJA Yorkshire runs a first aid centre a hospital a nd a n amb ul ance service at the showg round And t he orga ni se r s g ive them a good write - up (including that they n eed vo lunteer s and f und s) in the show's gui d eboo k BIG PULL I hear t h

OUTWARD BOUND 1986

Youth Courses

o n, Please e nco ur age yo ur people to take part in one of the 19 86 courses. Th e Outward Bound Tru s t (OBT) aims to provide oppo rtuniti es for yo un g people to understand them se lves and move m ore closely to fulfilling their potential. Outward Bound brings st ud e n ts to recog ni se th e ir physical limits and st r engths as well as their relation s wit h ot her people, This yea r there will be two age gro up s:

(a) A sen ior group, aged between t heir 16th and 2 0th birthdays, at Rhowniar , Gwynedd August 23 - 30 1986.

(b) Two junior groups, aged between their 14th and 16th birthday s, at Esk dale , Cumbria Jul y 19-26 1986 Rhowniar, Gwynedd Augu st 16-23 1986, There wi ll be a total of 24 pl aces o n each course.

Adult Courses

T he Outward Bound Trust (OBT) h as reserved four places for St J ohn A mbul-ance personnel on the ir Senior Ga t eway Courses in 1986 in add t ion to those courses for young people mentioned above.

Th e 12 -day courses are intended for tho se w ho are unable to eave their r espo n s ibili t ies for a lo n ge r pe riod. This year we ha ve aga in requ ested a series of cou r ses for ad ult members which offe r eade r s hip exper ience t o e n ab le them to he lp run th e r own co unt y eade r s hip or advent ur e training.

This year, for the first time, we also have options on a combined challenge course, comprising it s contrasting challenges of the outdoor and urban community service. Participants engage in a number of outdoor projec t s, then with disabled, aged or the mentall y di sable d

Ther e will be fo ur courses for personnel who 0.11 the first day of the course. ha ve pa sse d their 20th birthday. Courses will be at: Effec tiven ess at Work

(a) Aberdovey, Gwynedd WG 64, May 12-23 1986 (b) Ullswater, Cumbria UG 8, Sep 12-26 1986 (c) Eskdale, Cumbria EG 37 , Oct 13-24 1986,

Combined Challenge

Aberdovey , Gwynedd ACe I, June 16-27 1986,

T he OB T is a charitable non - profit making organisation and the full cost of these courses has been limited to £ 184 per person. St John Ambulance HQ will allow a s ub sidy of £ I I If' per person from training funds, The cost of the county ind iv idu al will t hus be £70. plus any travel costs to reach the Outward Bound Centre.

Applications for places on youth and adult courses should be mad e as soon as possible through County / District HQs. stating: (a) Title and ful l personal na me s; (b) St John rank: (c) Birth date; (d) Home ad dr ess; (e) Course required; (f) Alternative choice. if possible; (g) Date of last OB course attended. f any

Allocation of place s will be s ubjec to vacancies, number of applicants and date of receipt of applications,

1n a t ig htl y struc tur ed training period co n centrating 0 11 th e ind ividua l as a member of a group, the Effectiveness at Work course compr ises progressively more and more complex tasks and exercises which explore the personal and practical skills involved in team work, consolidated in a final complex exercise requiring initiative , perception, fiexibililty and resolution.

byJIM

Piggy bank game

HA VING SAVED up all year for presents , now is the time to spend the money. Cadets sit numbered off in teams with one container in front of them and one behind. For the simplest version , place one 1p- piece and two 2p-pieces in the front container. The leader calls out an amount under 5p and a cadet 's number. The cadet runs to the front container and picks out the appropriate coins to leave the correct amount. The spare coins are put in the container at the back of the team and the cadet races back to his place. Another amount is called and another number. Clearly the team will have to keep track of which coins are where.

With practice (a nd depending on their age) the number of coins and the total amount can be increased. Now , just to make it a real party game, put cold custard or instant dessert in the containers!

Game for a laugh

A highlight of our Christmas parents night last year came when we announced, with great ceremony, that we were going to play the jelly eating game - you know, the one where so me poor soul sits on a seat with plastic sheeting covering his clothes while his blindfolded partner tries to feed him with sp oonfuls of jelly. Very messy!

But we put a twist in the tale, for while three cadets were out of the room getting their blindfolds on we s ubstituted their cadet partners with their dads In came the cadets , blindfolded, with their bowls of jelly, spoons at the ready. Firmly believing they were feeding their cadet chums, they splattered their partners with jelly, much to the amusement of the parents and cadets. Only when the blindfolds were removed did the cadets realise who they had just been splattering! We did take the precaution of forewarning the dads in question to see if they would be game for a laugh!

Catalogue shopping

A quieter game for your party might make use of shopping catalogues, all the same and one for each team. The pages can be torn up and distributed round the team. The leader calls an item and the first cadet to call out the correct price earns a point for his team. Later, allow each team to select a present and challenge the other teams to find its price.

Three from five

Divide the cadets into three teams of equal size and number the members of each team.

274

Mark on the floor three circles (one for each team) at equal distances from each other. At the centre of the triangle formed by these circles, place five cotton reels (or other convenient objects). The leader calls a number and the player in each team with that number runs forward with the aim of getting three cotton reels into his or her circle. Only one reel may be carried at a time but after the first reel (from the centre) has been placed in the circle, the player may take the other reels either from the centre or from either of the other two circles. As soon as there are three cotton reels simultaneously in any of the circles, the round comes to an end. Coaching from the sidelines is all part of the fun but will probably hinder rather than help!

The priest of the parish One of the real oldies, this one - many Divisions will no doubt have their own version. The cadets are seated in a line, although a horseshoe is probably a more practical arrangement. At one end of the line is the Priest of the Parish ('Priest-cap'), next to him her is my man Jack ' ('Jack-cap)', and the rest are numbered one-cap , two -ca p , and so on to the end of the line. The priest begins by reciting the following, according to the ancient formula:

P: The Priest of the Parish has lost his thinking-cap. Some say this, and some say that, but I say (for example) four-cap.

Number four then has three seconds to stand up and begin the repl y:

4: Who sir? Me sir?

P: Yes sir! You sir!

4 : No, not I sir!

P: Who then, sir?

Four-cap then names one of the other players , who has three seconds to stand and reply, while the priest sits down and four-cap takes over as accuser. This continues until a player (i) fails to answer an accusation or (ii) answers out of turn, or (iii) makes a mistake in the words of the formula or (iv) accuses his accuser or even himself. The guilty player then goes to the end of the line , with the rest moving up one place and changing numbers accordingly and the priest immediately begins the ritual again with a new accusation.

Once the game has started, Priest -ca p and Jack-cap can be accused (and, if necessary , sent down in disgrace) like any other player. The Division must decide, if some members have played the game before, on the exact words or the formula to be used and, in particular, whether females are stiU to be addressed as 's ir Keep it as fast as reasonably possible and set a time limit of no more than fifteen minutes

The master map

Divide the cadets into groups of about four or five and give each group a piece of paper (perhaps divided into grid squares) and pencil. The teams are seated separately but all at the same end of the room. At the other end there is a section of Ordnance Survey map which the teams will have to copy on to their papers. One member of each team is the scribe and must remain in place to do all the drawing. The other members one at a time will go to look at the master map and come back to tell the scribe what it shows. Only the scribe may actually draw. The game finishes when the team claims a complete map or after an agreed time limit depending on the size of the map.

Pen-friends

THERE is an urgent requirement for pen -friends among cadets in the UK in the age bracket I I to 16. Details should be forwarded direct to the Secretary Overseas Relations, HQ SJA, I Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW IX 7EF, and should include names, addresses, age, hobbies interests and country of preference. (For obvious reasons the last of these cannot always be honoured.)

Decorate the tree

Equipment per team - one cut-out Christmas tree, various paper tree decoration s, including a paper fairy and one piece of card.

Place a tree shape at the far end of th e room in front of each team Line the teams up in relay formation. On a given signal, the first cadet in each team flaps one of the decoration s up to hi s tree and into position then runs back and se ts the next boy off. Continue in this way, leaving the fairy until last.

Santa's sack

Cadets sit in a circle and the leader gives each the name of a present that Santa might carry in his sack, such as a toy car, computer teddy bear , book camera - in that order right round the circle. Place a large sack or pillow case in the centre. The leader calls out one of the presents and those cadets run clockwise round the circle. back through their own gap and to t he sac k

Christmas stocking

Equipment: A Christmas stocking containing various goodies, with the top sec ur ed. (Three or more stockings will be needed for a large team.)

Cadets sit in a circle with pencil and paper. The stocking is passed round and each cadet is allowed a 30-second 'feel" befo re handing it to the next cadet and writing a list of what he thinks is in it. The cadet with the longest and most accurate list is the winner and shares the contents of the stocking with his team.

'It's dinner time'

Either work out a 'wo rd search' for each team, which should include well-known Christmas food or give each team a piece of paper with CHRISTMAS written down the side and ask them to write down for each letter the name of some article found on the table at Christmas.

Christmas crackers

Each cadet makes a cracker using a toilet roll tube and tissue paper (easier to pull). Fill each cracker with a joke and a paper hat. Leave plenty of joke books or pages of Action Stations lying around, although I doubt that they will be needed!

Edible Christmas card

Equipment - sri1all squares of rice paper (available from supermarkets), a variety of cake decorations, icing sugar and water which acts as a glue.

Each cadet designs a Christmas card and greeting on a sheet of rice paper.

Decorations

Supply each team with two packets of paper chains and see which can make the longest chain in a given time.

Party piece

Cadets stand in a circle a nd pull their crackers. They s it down, put on their paper hats and read out their jokes

Resource material

The Oxford Christmas Book for Children.

The Stories of our Christmas Customs - a Ladybird Book.

Have fun. Use th e ideas how you want and adapt to s ui t your own Division. May [ wish you and yo ur cadets a very merry Christmas.

Books for all seasons

The Christmas Book by Dorothy Veitch, Ro semary Canter an d Graham Round. (Macmillan £ 14.9 5,0333372719)

I n poster form for large -scale classroom or assembly display. In addition to the book contents you get six po ste r s, some of them packed with information on pantomimes, Christmas tr ad itions and mu sic, an Advent calendar to make and Christmas scenes. Even at nearly £ 15 , it' s good va lu e.

Making Presents by C lar e Rosen and Lily Whitlock. (Usborne £3.50,0860208583)

Simple, well -presented gift ideas using everyday materials. If unusual things are

SUMMER CHALLENGE

lunch for a VIP in an unusual place

Oxford Northway cadets invited their County President. the Countess of Macclesfield, to lunch in a giant boot (borrowed from the Round Table) placed in front of the County Hall. The Countess, who was greeted by Mandy Coppock and D / S Keith Savings ( ri ght), said of the four -course meal of chilled melon, fresh salmon, new potatoes. salad, cream carame l and cheese and biscuit s : 'Abso lu tely delicious'.

Avon's Bristol North and Filton cadets invited ic e-star Robin Cous in s to lunch in his own dressing room at the Bristol H ippodrome (r ight), the id ea of 13 -year -o ld cadet Katherine Line. The meal, which took the cadets all afternoon to prepare, consisted of ha m and c hi cken sa lad followed by apple pie made by a gra ndmoth er of one of the cadets.

Sussex's Willingdon (Eastbourne) cadets invited the Mayor of Eastbourne to lunch in a Are engine bay at the town's fire station! The stat ion Commander and Willingdon's D/ S Kenneth Chantler a lso sat down to the meal of g rapefruit , chicken breast in a sa uc e, with sa lad and hot bre ad, baked apples and custard, a nd white wine. R a dio Sussex interviewed the cadets.

This was all excellellt result of Cadet Chat's summer challenge. Prizes are on their way from Headquarters to these Divisions.

needed it suggests where they may be bought. Wide variety to suit all ages - bound to be so mething here to int e re st any child.

Ghosts and Witches by Roderick Hunt. (OUP £6.95, 092781051)

Superb value - a very stimulating book with lot s of background info about witches and spooks, and some wonderful party ideas.

Food - how about a hand -shaped jelly made in a rubber glove? Decorations - how to make yourself up into a terrifying ghost. And games. The sort of book which you wou ld keep for yea rs. The really spooky stories s ucceeded in frightening me.

Countdown to Easter by Lesley Fox and Leslie Foster. (Macmillan £4 25, 0333307534)

Comprehensive background to the religious festival alongside details of contemporary ce lebration s all over the world.

Plenty of good art and craft ideas with clear instructions. Gives children things to go off and discover. A class book really - children would ha ve to be good readers to tackle it alone. Lots of references to the Bible but the authors take an objective view. A

Dinosaurs by Jasper Diamond. (Hamish

(Ab

Contributions

Contributions

Running can (seriously) damage your health ...

says Dr CHRISTOPHER D. BALDWIN Divisional Surgeon, S. and W. Yorkshire

BEFORE the g reat jogging boom, we runner s used to be regarded as eccentrics ploughing a lo ne ly furrow acknow ledged as ph ysica ll y fit but mentally unbalanced. Races were int imate affairs with close friendships bein g built upon i ndi vid ual battle s and the co mmon strugg le against the elements. The worst that seemed likel y t o befall one was a cut or a bruise, a s prained ankle or a severely dented ego. Tho se we re the da ys when any ave r age clubman could expect to match the current wom en 's wo r ld record for h is event.

My first intimation that I might be indulging in a dangerous s port came as a yo uth at the 1972 National Cross Countr y Championships held in a blizzard at Sutton Coldfield. Fortunatel y my team didn 't ha ve to wait around and in fact was so late that we ran o ver a mile from the changing rooms to the start just in time to oin in Sadly others were unable to keep mo ving and one official died of e x posure. Lesson number one is to have s ufficien weather protection.

The other s ide of this coin is heatstroke and dehydration brough sharply into focus by the hot conditions of the 1984 summer, the proliferation of long distance road races and the huge entries of inexperienced jogg ers Even organiser s who should know better ho ld race s at the hottest time of the day. I competed in the 25-km race at the Medical Olympics in Cannes in 1982 which was held in conjunction with the International Conference on Sport s Medicine. Incredibly we sta rted at 4 p m with the temperature a 90 ° in the shade! I knew I was g etting into trouble at about 20 km when I was struggling down a long white ribbon of road with the Mediterranean glittering invit ingl y on my ri g ht and the last drinks sta tion ju st pa sse d and I began to shiver uncon t rollably and get cramp in my calves. One worries for the condition of the others whom I continued to overtake in that last mile!

An important tip while training is to avoid being distracted by others. I once fell off the curb while convulsing myself with laughter at the sight of two overweight Sloanes' creeping across Trafalgar Square at two miles per hour while wearing the latest Gore-tex fabric rainsuits (unsullied with sweat and in a tasteful shade of pastel blue) and pris t.i ne airsoled super-wedge trainers. Serve me right no doubt but fortunately I had my own ultra - boots on with antipronation sway bars and so I came to no

276

harm. While remarkin g about the impo rtance of the correct kit it should be mentioned here that I ha ve a personal vendetta against so-c alled tendonprotector s', the heel tabs commonly found on expensive running shoes. They se r ve no logical purpose apart from displa yi n g the maker 's name and they are a potent cause of achille s tendonitis Tendon s a very tough substance but it has a poor blood supp ly and this is vulnerable to constant pressure from a heel tab leadin g to the death of tendon fibres so resulting in weakness and pain. The big shoe manufacturer s will not admit to thi s since hey fear litigation in America an d so they continue to produce shoes w ith he e l tabs. I cut them off with a razor blade.

Larger -sca le injuri es can also be se lf inflicted Runn ers become ve r y obsessional about their training and the compulsion to complete all their sessions can be d es tructi ve of bones a s we ll a s ps yc holo g icall y depressing. Stress fractures are well kno w n and due to repetitive pounding over hard surfaces , which we re not invented when th e equipment w a s e vo lve d . T he tendenc y is to avoid warning signals and run throu g h th e pa i n I bel ieve there is a documented case of a marathon runner co llapsin g fifty yards from the fini s hin g lin e with hi s femur fractured in three places! Nevertheless it is not true that one is more likely to have trouble with arthriti s in later life. I can quot e a little-known Finnish s tud y written in the late 1950s which followed a large numb e r of athletes (Finland had a runn ing boom in the 1920 s following th e phenomenon that was Paavo Nurmi) and reported no sig nificant difference between th e in cidence of arthritis in runner s and in non - runner s. It i s thou gh true that there was far le ss tarma c around at that time and I try to do my training on soft

To the Holy Land

TEL A VIV by ni g ht - with the aircraft li g ht s dimmed and the fa iryland of coloured li g ht s s pread out below. Thi s was the fir st we saw of our destination and the start of our Holy Land tour.

However we were down t o earth' the following mornin g, havin g been asked to be ready to board our coach at 8 a.m.

world, tryin g Lo e ncourage them to buy so uv e nir s.

No -one v isit ing th e St J o hn Ophthalmic

Hospital in J e ru salem co uld fail to be impres se d b y the ma gn ific e nt work carried out there. The dedication of the staff, the od dl e r s in the children 's ward with eyes bandaged , the knowledge that the s ight of a not he r human be ing was bein g save d - and all by voluntary donation s Unbe li evab le.

Our visit coincided w ith th e Jewi s h New Year which was very much a family occasion in the hotel dinin g room that weekend, but it also me a nt hat some of t he build ings we were to vis it were closed fo r two

surfaces. AparL from a n ythi n g else, the traffic o n he roads make them very hazardous p laces.

What about the vexed question of runners dropping dead with co ron a ri es? One mu st remember that for every athlete dying in a blaze of publicity, there are hu n dreds of other people doing so quietly over a fag and a pint in front of the T .V. For the technicall y m in ded, it is true that exercise increases high den s it y lipoproteins in the blood which may have been a beneficial effect on coronary prevention but then so m ay sma ll amou nt s of w h it e wi ne. Moderation in all things is th e key. Anyway, I wou ld like to go whi le running , preferably instantaneously on a sunny day , three-quarters of th e way down a nice g r assy slope travelling at about five minutes per mile pace. Not for resu sc itation, thank you.

Once o ne sta rt s co ntemp ating the ri sks in any action one falls a prey to indecision and do ub t. It is very easy to become a hypochondriac and t h ose obsessed with fit ne ss are prime targets for thi s li ttle neurosi s. Worse, they are generally members of the 'i nstant cure for every ill brigade and there are internationa l athletes hawking their injuries round to difTerent s urgeons until the y hear the offer of an operation. Now there is a risky business!

I hope this a rticl e provides you with a littl e background int o the wor ld of those of us w h o like to be runners , not joggers, so that next time you are freezi n g to death in th e pouring rain on duty at a big event (much appreciated) you wi ll have pity o n the nut s in ves ts and sho rt s tramping round their per so nal treadmills. Oh yes, and if a n y of them fall over, please h o ld them down until I get past.

LAS checl(s SJA vehicles

T he Deaf Can S p eak by Pauline Shaw Faber and Faber paperback, £3.95

Pauline Shaw's delightful account of her daughter Judith 's progress through schoo l and univer si ty not only offers encouragement to a ny parent bringing up a profoundly deaf chi ld but a lso compelling reading for a much wider aud ience.

It hi g hli g ht s the problems faced by t he severely hearing impaired person a n d s ug gests many ways in whic h fa milies and the ge n eral public can make them feel more accepted in ociety.

D. CijJord

day s. The seco nd part of our tour wa s in the a rea of Tiberias. Unfortunately, our gu ide staye d in Jeru sale m and his pla ce was unofficially taken by o ur driver Kaylee , w ho was a m i ne of info rmat ion (at times both fact a nd fiction, we suspected!) with a great sense of hum o ur. Nothing was too much trouble fo r him. Nazareth , Cana , Caperna um , and the church of Tab g ha wit h its m osa c of a basket of five barley loa ves a nd two fish, s urrounded

having

What

in

the

of

or

Whatever it was

Woodhill and his

to

Dorothy for

wo r k they put in to help us make the most of the trip to say nothing of the overtime they put in each evening try in g to work out the Auctuating val ue of 'dem shekels'.

VEH ICLES OF S. W. Area London District - two mobile first aid units, 17 ambulances and three sitting-case vehicles - were inspected on two consecutive Sundays recently by stafT officers of the London Ambulance Service. This annua inspection by the LAS is to ensure that in the event of SJ A vehicle being used as back-up to the LAS at major emergencies they will conform to the service s basic requirements. Vehicles of the Area's eastern half assembled at Carshalton Surrey. while those from the western half met at the Milk Marketing Board's car park at Thames Ditton. The inspections cover mechanical and electrical soundness, medical and rescue equipment. insurance and where necessary MOT cert ifi ca tes.

BOOKS

management of major incidents, be they accidents, explosions, natural disaster or war emergencies. Because of its wide members hip, in volving not only primary care doctors but also ort h opaedic, casualty and trauma s urgeons and anaesthetists who specialise in intensive care. it speaks with much authority and more expertise They have now produced the Guide to Major Incident Management in a well-produced, foolscap s ized publication at a very reasonable price.

Casualty Bureau and Hospital Disaster Planning.

The publication includes valuable aidesmemoire as applied to the police and ambulance services and a very important guide to the lines of action of the med ical teams.

(with the SJ Fellowship)

Our fir s t week in Jeru sale m followed th e rec og ni sed o u rs of th e old and n ew city, wiLh a guide whose knowledg e of the buildings and Bible re ferences gave u s all the information we n ee ded. Dates of historical occurrences and archaeological findings were no pr ob e m to him.

Guide to Major Incident Management (the British Association for Immediate Care 'BASICS') edited by Dr K. Hines and Dr B. Robertson. Price £2.50. Obtainable from the Administrators, BASICS, 31c Lower Brook Street, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 1AQ

In s harp contrast wa s th e walk through the bazaar from the Jaffa Gate where local people jostled with touri sts from all over the

FROM s m a ll indi v idu a e fforts formin g Roadwork R esc ue' se rvi ces, BASICS h as become a well -organised, forward -lo oki n g nati o n a l organ isat ion. It s now represe nt ed on a ll n atio na l bod ies conce rn ed wit h the

The contributors inc lud e ve r y se ni or represen t atives of the Fire, Police an d Ambu lance serv ices an experienced trauma surgeon and two doctors who are in the forefront of thinking in the immediate care speciality. They base the work on the Health Service definition of a m ajor incident 'o ne which because of the number and severity of live casualities it produces, requires special ar ran gements for its management'.

The chapter h ea din gs give th e scope of th is exce llen t wo rk The Police R o le th e Role of the Ambulance Service; the Medical In c dent Office and the Mobile Medical Team ; Eq u ip m ent, Military Aid, the

Of particular interest in the explanation of the necessary definition of triage - the allocation of priorities in the management of evacuation of casualties This is divided into four categories by Dr Hines in his article. 1 would add a fifth. to be used in wartime and when there is an overwhelming mass of casualties: t hose alive but doomed, whatever may be done for them.

Also t here is no definite indication of who is 'in charge'. It has to be assumed that the Police Incident Officer would be in overall charge, but in consultation with his colleagues - the Fire Incident. Ambulance Incident and Medical I ncident Officers I consider t his book essential reading for all i nvolved in organisational levels of first - aid and second -aid and in SJ A should be read alongside the Public Duties Handbook

N. L. Paras

277

Miss M. F. Weller

AFTER a run of rather strenuous duties, the people at Aeromed HQ decided it was time 1 had a flight to so mewhere interesting but without the strain of picking up a difficult patient when I arrived there, so they rang me and asked 'How would you like a trip to Australia 7' Of course, I said yes, and found that' my only duty would be to accompany a rather frail old gent leman back home after a trip to hi s family in England. I was quite surprised to find that I had to obtain a visa to enter Australia but had no difficulty in doing so, and when I picked up the tickets from British Airways I was pleasantly s urprised to receive a cheque for £25 from the company to cover my expenses on the flight.

It was the longest journey 1 had ever made, travelling via Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Perth and Sydney to Brisbane, and this was the first flight on which I experienced the phenomenon of jet lag. The hours drifted by in a dream-like state while I dozed, watched RIms, looked at the clouds below and ate meals, which the stewardesses placed in front of me at regular inter vals. Whether the se were meant to be dinner or breakfast I could not tell , as the time was being altered at each landing and eventually I began to feel a little disorientated. We had left Heathrow late in the evening and it was early morning when we arrived at Brisbanebut which morning I could not be sure. There was a chauffeur-driven car waiting at the airport to take my patient and me to a comfortable hotel on the sea front near the Botanic Gardens. After depositing me there, my patient and his wife carried on to their apartment, leaving me free to enjoy myself until my return to England next day.

After a bath and a short rest, I set out to explore Brisbane and found it to be a pleasant city, ve r y easy to find your way around because all the roads go in straight lines and are named according to their direction, for instance, Main Road North. Every junction has traffic lights set high , and pedestrians as well as car drivers have to obey the signals or be fined on the spot. I felt quite at home as I passed Woolworth's in Main High Street, but then came across the local HQ of the Flying Doctor Service , which reminded me that I was the other side of the world. I bought some postcards to send home, even though I would arrive back before they would, and a toy koala bear which my wife had asked for. But I was feeling very tired after the long flight and soon returned to my hotel to see what Australian TV was like (all commercial channels), and to have an early n ig ht.

Next morning T visited the Botanic Gardens and feasted my eyes on the native trees and exotic flowers, so different from those back home. All too soon it was time to get a taxi to the airport and take off on the long return flight. As we flew across Australia to Perth the sun was setting and I have never seen, before or since, such a blaze of colour. The verse of one of my favourite hymns came to mind:

278

Part 14 (final): Across the World ...

The sun that bids us res! is waking

Our brelhren 'neath {he western skies, A nd hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high.'

had often thought when singing it that it seemed appropriate to my trips around the world and from now on I would never look at a sunset or sing that hymn without remembering that glorious view over Australia.

The rest of the journey home seemed rather tame and for the next 48 hours I really suffered from jet lag , with swollen ankles from so much sitting - and a feeling that I had left part of myself behind But I would not have missed the experience for anything.

Not long after this first flight to Australia I was asked to go again, as I still had a valid visa, but this trip was not going to be an easy one, as I had a sick patient to escort.

Mr Taylor had been touring Europe with some friends and relatives in a hired Dormobile when, while travelling from Germany to Tilbury, he developed severe pains in his spine and chest. He was admitted to Oldchurch Hospital where X - rays and tests revealed cancer, and his Rrst thoughts were to get home to Australia as soon as

possible. One of the family arranged to travel with him while the rest of the party stayed behind to cancel hotel bookings and return the Dormobile. I was detailed to escort Mr Taylor and I went to see him at Oldchurch Hospital the evening before the flight and staye d overnight at a nearby hotel , so as to be ready for an early start next day

A St John ambulance took us to Heathrow, the patient travelling on a st retcher direct from hospital bed to waiting plane with no hold - ups. A stretche r frame had been Rtted into the aircraft and a stewardess allocated to hel p me care for M r Taylor. I had been provided with pain - killing drugs and, with the aid of these and by talking to him about his tour of E urope and his job as manager of a big store in Sydney, 1 was able to keep him relatively comfortable and free from pain throughout the journey.

We stopped at Singapore for refuellin g and at Perth for fumigation of the plane an Australian requirement for every plane entering the country via the Middle East, as a precaution against yellow fever, malaria and other diseases. All the other pa sse ngers left the plane during the procedure but as Mr Taylor was too ill to be moved he and 1 were given masks to wear and partially covered

with a heet of polythene. Then a co uple of men in protective suits and masks walked through the plane s praying a chemical until we felt as if we were in a dense fog. But it was not all that unpleasant, s melling of lemons and. after it had cleared, the other passengers returned to their seats and we resumed the flight to Sydney. As we took off I looked down and saw a village green, with a cricket match in progr ess , and all the player s wearing whites: it made me feel as if I were home in England, instead of so many thousand miles away. We Aew over miles and mile s of desert with only the occasional sheep farm here and there, and then at last we could see Sydney harbour with its bridge and opera house haped like oyster shells, and knew we had reach ed the end of our journey.

I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by name by the airport nurse, who escorted us in the waiting ambulance to the gates of the airport. where she introduced me to Mr Taylor 's wife and sister, then returned to her othe r duties. It was late at night by the time we arrived at the hospital and after I had seen Mr Taylor safely tucked up in bed and promi se d Lo visit him again before I left Australia, I gladly accepted a lift from his sister to a motel in Randwick just outside Sydney, where accommodation had been booked for me for two nights.

I slept sound y and was awakened by the noise of children playing on their way to sc ho o opposite the motel. I lay for a while savouri n g the thought that my duties were over and 1 had two whole days in which to explore Sydney at eisure before I had to return to Eng land. 1 spent the morning quietly try in g to minimise the effects of jet lag and then caught a bus into Sydney and found the way down to the sea front, where I watched the s hip s going to and from New Zealand.

I decided to take a trip on one of the little pleasure boat which went around the harbour, under the bridge and in a nd out a ll th e bays, and afterwards had tea at the

Opera House cafe which juts out into the harbour. My previous ideas of Australia included beaches on which the sun shone all the time, so I was a little disappointed when it rained on and off all the time I was in Sydney - more like a typical English summer. However , I was pretty tired by now so did not mind spending the evening back at the motel , watching television.

Next morning I was up early to catch the Rrst bus into Sydney and continue my exploration. I recollected that it was Sunday and, coming across a Baptist church, decided to attend the morning service. On entering I was rather embarrassed to Rnd that most of the congregation was Chinese and when the pastor came in he too , was Chinese , but to my great relief he delivered his sermon in English. After the service he shook hands warml y and enquired where I was from, and some time later the church secretary at our local church in Taunton was pleased to receive greetings from the Chinese Baptist Church in Sydney, Australia!

I decided that the best way to see the city and its surroundings would be to book one of the sight -se eing coach tours, which I did and spent a very interesting afternoon and early evening. By now it was getting dark and I sat for a while under the arches of the famous bridge, watching the lights of the harbour and the trains going over the bridge while the ships passed under it. Then it started to rain again, so I hurried back to my motel with thoughts that this time tomorrow I would be many miles away on my way back to England.

Next morning I remembered my promise to visit Mr Taylor, so I went along to the hospital for a Rnal chat with him. He was fairly cheerful, although he knew his prognosis was grave, and was grateful for the help the St John Aeromed Service had give n him I went shopping for a few gifts for the family before catching the airline bus from the motel to the airport. Here I bumped into the nurse who had greeted me when I arrived in Sydney, and found to my

surpr ise that s he still remembered my name. We chatted until it was time to board the plane and then I discovered that the plane I was to have Aown on had crashed the previous day at Kuwait so we were travelling on a New Zealand Airline plane , which was on loan to Qantas Airways. As we took off the stewardesses came round pre se nting all the passengers with little ·Tiki' charmsMaori symbo ls of good luc k - and when we landed at Kuwait for refuelling and saw the wreckage of the plane we should have been on, we felt we needed them! But the journey went smoothly and the only headache was that of coping with the familiar jet lag symptoms next day when I was back at work.

As I walked along the corridors at Musgrove Park Hospital, where I worked, being greeted by colleagues who always wanted to know where I had just come back from and where I was going next, I often thought how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to travel all over the world as well as doing a worthwhile job.

My Au s tralian trips, especially coming back on the New Zealand plane, and the memory of the ships in Sydney harbour setting off to New Zealand. had Riled me with a great urge to visit New Zealand some day. But it was not to be. One day I had a call to fly out to Ind ia to bring home a sick elderly lady. It was going to be a ve r y difficult trip, involving a long train journey across India, as well as the Aight there and back and. as I made all the preparations, I realised for the Rrst time that 1 was not as Rt as I had been and was beginning to feel the strain. At the very last minute as I was waiting in London for Rnal clearance for the flight, the trip was postponed because of trouble in making the arrangements in India Before new plans could be put into operation. I was taken ill with a slight stroke and was told that my flying days were over It was a great blow at the time and it took me a long time to adjust to the fact that my St John Ambulance duties in future were to be confined to judging Rrst aid competitions and r unning First Aid at Work courses. but 1 did eventually adjust and now. in retirement , I am setting down my ad entures in writing. partly so that 1 shall have the text to refer to when I am asked to give a talk or write a short article, and partly to refresh my memory when I simply want to indulge in a bit of day-dreaming about those happy years with the St John Aeromedical Service. THE END

CO SJA RADIO AMATEURS

from Mr A. F. Bareham Brigade Radio Communications Officer

As part of the St John Ambulance Centenary Year 1987 events I propose to set up a 'Special Events Station' in Hyde Park, and to operate for 24 hours during the Great Party on Saturday, June 20 1987.

Using 'All Bands' our aims will be:

(a) To contact St John Ambulance radio amateurs worldwide.

(b) To greet in the name of St John Ambulance all stations which are contacted.

The call sign GB2SJA has been requested and a specia l QSL will be issued.

Station accommodation, masts and power supplies are in hand and I now need a panel of Brigade licensed operators to run the Headquarters station in Hyde Park and provide the equipment.

Hopefully we can meet both these requirements from within the Brigade and I would be grateful if those willing to help would write to me at Brigade Headquarte r s, giving the following information:

Name, home address, call sign, bands, modes for which you are equipped, details of equipment you could make available.

If you have a persona l contact w ith any supplier or distributor who might be willing to loan us free of charge:

Tranceivers , linear amplifiers, monitors, aeria s including beams , feeder cables, rotators , power units world time clock and other items, so that we can set up a really first-class station , please let me know.

Sl John Ambulance HQ A. F. Bareham 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWIX 7EF

TEACH ME, LORD

from Mr W. H. Goodall. Divisional Officer

Enclosed is a poem by Band Sergeant Brian Colley of Clowne Salvation Army Corps, which seems to embrace our motto 'For the se r v ice of mankind '. I have obtained permission to use it at our training day and any other suitable St John event.

I would also suggest that the words could be used to the tune Blanwaern, Ellan Vannin, Austria, and many other 8 7.8.7.D trochaic melodies.

If anyone does use this poem would they please send me a copy of the programme or publication, so that can forward it to Mr Colley, who will be happy to know the poem has been put to service 26 Sutton Crescent, Barnet, Herts W. H. Goodall

Teach me, Lord

Teach me, Lord, thy way of lo ving, For J would, with word and deed, True compassion show to others, Help me lo ve them in their need.

There are those who cry for comfort, Lonely people in a crowd;

Teach me, Lord, thy way of loving, Always humble, never proud.

T eac h me, Lord, thy way of loving, For J wouldfargive when wronged,

A ngry words thou didst not utler

Though thy foes in hatred thronged.

A 1I around are sin and sorrow,

S elfis hness and greed abound;

T eac h me, Lord, thy way of loving, Searching until good isfound.

Teach me, Lord, thy way of loving, For J would help ease all pain,

A iding those who seek my solace, Ma y they never call in vain.

Worldly strai ns are oft oppressing, Weak and weary ones may fall;

Teach me, Lord, thy way of lovi ng, Thou canst bring true peace to all.

280

Brian Colley

THANKS

from Jane Lloyd Owen

I recently attended a one day First Aid Course at the St John HQ in Kingston.

As a mother of three I would like to express m y sincere thanks for a rnost enjoyable and informative course at which I gained much practical knowledge and ju s t as important the confidence to carry it out on casualties in the home and life -saving re s u scitat ion methods.

The very next day when out to lunch I was able to take charge when a small baby was sca lded by boiling coffee. Nobody el se pre se nt knew the right treatment and when l ater I heard from the hospital that the first aid I had given was correct, I felt more t han ever grateful to St John.

It seems a pity that more publicity is not given through PT As or wherever to this type of course. £24 see m s a s mall price to pay for the basic knowledge gained to save a life , or in my case to prevent permanent scarring.

London SW18 Jan e Lloyd Owen

MEDALS

from Mr F. J Hewitt. County Pool

On inspections in the past I would occasionally ask a member a question about the Order Medal which he or s he was wearing. Such as, who is the Order Medal awarded to , apart from Brigade member s; when was it appro ved and by whom; who was the first man to be awarded the medal ; from where was the Sovereign's effigy produced and who wa s responsible for this' what is on the reverse of the medal , etc.

Answers were usually in the negative , but one cannot blame members for this for they are never told about order medal s and one finds little in print. On two occasions I have seen medals presented as Brigade medals for 15 years good serv ice.

I wonder if an article in the Review on the subject would arouse· interest and add pride.

Dover Jack H ewil t

Editor: A series of articles on medal s of the Order and St John Ambulance will be appearing in the Review soon.

OUR PRESIDENTS

REGIONAL Presidents' Conferences: No 2 Region conference will be on Saturday May 10 1986 (Humberside, North Yorkshir e, South and West Yorkshire) the host president being Mrs E. M Ingham.

The Chief President, Mrs Phillips puts particular importance on the new role of presidents - particularly divisional presidents - in the work of St John Ambulance. That s why s h e has establ ished regional conferences - instead of national - so that through t he meeting of presidents from neighbouring count ie s there will be a greater cohesion of St John activity and effort within that regionparticularly at divisional level. Divisional presidents views must be heard.

SJA MUSIC MAKERS

Full year for

Wadebridge

DURING the s ummer the band attended 15 public functions, including five carnivals with another one in November.

The picturesque North Cornish fishing vi ll age of Padstow and home of the Obby Oss ha s been our ven ue on three occasions. The band gave a concert of various types of mu s ic on the bandstand by the harbour and finished by playing the Flora Dance a long th e quay. Holiday-makers we re very appreciative and surprised t o find that our orga ni sation had a musical side to it.

Every year t he band visits two local vi lla ge pubs, one at Rock, just across the estuary from Padstow, and the other at Chapel Amble, a few miles inland, to give a performance outside for the local people and holiday - makers. The money collected this yea r was donated to a ocal girl who, though w ith a severe disability is a tt empting to raise suffic ie nt funds to enable her to participate in Operation Raleigh.

The band recently s tarted its winter training programme and a lr eady two new marche are being attempted. One was wri tt en and a rr anged by our Bandmaster, Derek Hooper, and he i very pleased with o ur progress. Soon we shall be practising for the Remembrance Day se rvice and parade Four of our trumpeters wil l again be playing the Last Po s and Reveille, and the band will lead the parade as well as play during the church service.

Early in December the band will be playing at the dedication service of our third ambulance, which will be used to help cover the many first aid duties in our area Many of the band members will be on these duties in heir Arst a id role, of course.

Christmas time always brings severa l carol se rvices indoors and outside, and this yea r is no exception. One special occasion is a service of nine lessons and carols at a small village parish church, where the band plays all the carol s for the service and afterwards is entertained to home-made refreshments.

We never seem to have anyone missing that evening!

Already the band diary for 1986 is beginning to fill with engagements. some booked, others promised, so I can see that 1986 will be another busy - and happyyear for our band members.

I N THESE days of equal rights, it seems strange that men in St John houlc! have been reprimanded for working with women, but that' s exactly what happened to membe r s in Guernsey in 1935

The reprimand was recalled at a r ecent dinner held to celebrate the go ld en an ni versa r y of the G u ernsey Nu r s in g Di vision.

It all started, naturally enough you may think, when the Guern ey Ambulance Division was fo rm ed in 1934. One of its earlie members, now Bailiwick Commander Mr Harold Touzeau, remembers that several of the men were keen to encourage women to sha re the duties, and by 1935 the embryo of a nursing division had emerged.

Both divisions shared the same HQ, and in one ea rl y training session both the men and women were found mixing and training to gether. The County Staff Officer Mrs M. Marquand was horrified. a nd severely reprimanded those involved. What she would h ave thou g ht of co mbined divisions, no -one knows!

Since those days, the division has gradual ly been allowed to talk to the men, n otab y during t he German occupation of Guernsey for five years. The women found them se lves involved in various duties from first a id and nur s ing to distributing Red Cross parcels, and after the war they started to e nt er competitions for the Arst time.

of

Aldersh ot contest

Two St John bands took part in the Aldershot Youth Band Contest on October 13 at the RAOC. Apprentices College. Aldershot. They were the Surrey Corps of Drums and the Southwark Corps of Drums. It was Surrey's first competition on v alve instruments and they put on a very creditable performance in the novice class. The majority of the bands present were from pre-service units including the Sea Cadet Corps. Army Cadet Force and the Air Trainin g Corps. Out of 16 bands, Surrey was placed 8th. In t he contest class Southwark took 3rd place overall and the trophy for the best wind sect ion: in fact their brass marks were equal to those obtained by the winning band in the championship class. Hobbs Watch Corps of Drums.

Dal'id Mil/I/ey

Those were NOT

the days

At a celebratory dinn er attended by past an d present members of the divi s ion, th e good, bad, and unrepeatab e stories were told, and althoug h numbers are fewer than they were - perhaps due to the number of women who now go out to work - it was agreed that the work , se rvice, and camaraderie involved in the division was as s tron g as ever.

Neil R. Tucker, PRO

Annual inspection

Wadebridge SJA band.

... Th e first known picture of Guernsey Nursing Division1935.

Naughton House 'Open Night'

R ECENTL Y the Order in Fife benefi ted greatly for the eighth successive year when Brigadier and Mrs Henry Crawford once again graciously put their delightful residence, Naughton House, at the Order's d isposal for a musical evening and buffet supper. A large number of members and friends responded to the invitation and all agreed that a Naughton House open night has rightly become synonymous with good

NEWS from SCOTLAND

food, good fellowship and good music and song

The good food was provided by an enthusiastic team of ladies led by Mrs Janie Thomson and Mrs Crawford; the good music and song by four versatile musicians, Miss Karin Steven, soprano, Mr Roger Crook , tenor and violin, Mr George Gordon , bass and piano , and Mrs Nancy Crook , accompanist and guitar; and the good fellowship by a very representat i ve audience

from all over the Kingdom' and from Priory Headquarters, including the Principal of St Andrew's University , the Chief Constable of Fife, the Librarian , the Chairman of Council of Associations , and the Priory Secretary with their ladies

The photos (above) show the four artist s (r ight) Mr and Mrs Crook , and Mr Gordon and Mis s Steven on the ri g ht; (left) th e Chairman of the Council of Association s, the Chief Constable, and Brigadier Cr a wford

WALES

MID GLAMORGAN S county review and inspection was held on September 15 in the picturesque setting of Caerphilly Castle.

The salute was taken by the Chief Commi s sioner for Wales, Dr Brian Price, as over 350 Brigade members marched through Caerphilly town led by the Newport SJA band and the Bedwas and Machen silver band to the lawns of the castle.

The ambulance members were inspected by the Chief Commissioner, the nursing by the county president of the St John Council, Mr Douglas Badham, HM s Lieutenant for

South G amorgan s Save-a-Li e c ampa gn n a sh opping precinct in the centre of Cardiff during the summer.

Th e display manned om 9 a m. to 6 p.m drew a

erest.

Mid Glamorgan , the ambulance cadets by the Commissioner Gwent Dr John Lloyd and the nursing cadets by the Commissioner West Glamorgan , Lt - Col John Humphreys.

Lliw Valley

Late one Saturday night recently, two members of the Pontardulais Division were returning home when they came across a road accident. A motor cycle with a pillion passenger had collided with a builder s skip. They found that the two casualties were close friends of theirs and treatment was

commenced immediately. A Brigade member living nearby then arrived to help ; another member used the division s ambulance to illuminate the scene and there were strenuou s and sust

ined efforts to keep the rider and his passenger alive. It would be nice to report a happy ending, but alas the passenger died and the rider was very severely injured.

The excellent work by Brigade members was recognised by the people of Pontardulais and a request was made that all donations, in lieu of flowers, should be sent to the St John Ambulance Brigade.

Pre sentation s to Haverfordw est cadets in c lud e d two Grand Prior Awards - Sgt Sian Jones and Robert Morley. Seated (L t o R) Robert Morley; CSO S. E. M. Causon; Commissioner, Mr E. L. Jones; Sec Dyfed, Miss Lynda Jones; Han member Mrs Jane Davies chairman SJ Coun c il Pembs, Mr A. J. G. Bowen County Cadet Offi c er , M r G. Kent ; and Sgt Sian Jon e s

Cadet s of West Glamorgan s Cymmer Division after rec e ving in s tru c tion from h e Fire Service.

Skewen

The Skewen Division is proud t6 be runners -up in the Lord Aberdare Silver Jubilee Event for 1985.

Four members received their 45 year certificates from the Assistant Chief Commissioner for Wales, Mr C. J. Parry. They are: Messrs D E. Evan s W. S. Bowen, H. Kreischer and H. Chapman. The West Glamorgan Commis s ioner , Lt -Col John Humphreys presented the long service medal to A I M Vincent Darney and a s econd s ilver bar to Theresa Jenkin s SRN.

ON O c to be r lathe Pri o r y fo r Wal es s uffe red th e oss of one o f its mo s di s tin g ui s

News from Divisions/Centres

ST JOHN REVIEW

PUBLIC DUTY

Work

or

Pleasure?

estimates. This bei n g o n e occasion w h en mater ials used were paid for ! These estimates are taken n to cons derat ion when t hey are working o u t the ir c h a r ges. Whe n pr e p a rin g the fina l account fo r payment, I fo un d I had overspent my origina l estimate on two items - mi leage and first aid materials. The fo r mer due to t he nu mber of trips to h osp ital and the latter to replenis h ing supp ies fro m l ocal sources Othe r items were below est imates, e.g. doctor's specific require m ents, and w h en adm inistrat ive costs were a d ded, overspending was just £2.80p.

Ea r lier I told you that we had 2 19 pa t ients - they were the two legged variety; t h ere were two others. One of man's best friends was referred to the loca vet and a second one was treated by our RGN a n d then driven by the SEN to the vet. It was about 22.40 hours on the Friday w h en a dist r a u ght owner came to the post to ascer t ain the address of the n ea r est vet. The dog, a greyho u nd ca ll ed Kipper, had r u shed out of the caravan in pursuit of a rabbit, but had come to grief at a barbed wire fence, sustaining severe lacerations fr om nose to eye and on his legs. Dressi n gs were a ppli ed by the RGN a n d Kipper was then give n a b anket lift into the back of the St John car (from which all equipment had been removed), because he cou d not be p aced comfortab ly in h i s ow n e r 's car. The vet inse r ted e ght stit c hes in his face, and dea l

(from p 269 )

w t h his other injuries, saying he h ad been we ll ba n daged. Kipper was to be seen aga i n t h e next day, but things did not l ook t oo hopefu l for hi m. However, by next m orning h e r e was some mprovement, with whic h t h e vet was p leased, and his fami ly dec ided t o stay at h e rally and not return ho m e as pl a nn ed By Tuesday Kipper was almost his o ld se lf. I wonder if his nasty experience has put him off rabbits for good?

Although a hectic and at times a tiring duty, everyone who part ic ipated enjoyed it, in clud ng t h e docto r s. As is usua ll y the case with this type of duty a lot of the wo rk fa ll s

252 YEARS

Six Essex members who have given 252 years service. (L to R) N M Miss I. Parnell (retired), D O Miss O. Hance , Area Surg Dr J. M. Boyd, Area Supt Miss J. G Wright Cty Supt Mrs I. Has am, and AIM Mr W. T ay or (Photo: Myra Meredith).

on the s h oulders of those per m ane ntl y on s ite They we r e we ll se r ved by th e 'res iden nurses, w ho we r e un st in t in g in their help and adv ice to the non·profess io n a l m e m bers of our team, who in turn passed on t heir know ledge to the cadets, when, in q uieter mome n ts, t h ey gave trea ment under s up ervi sio n

The organisers a n d their medical officer we r e very p leased with the sta n dard of all aspects of the post and h ave been generous in their thanks and praise. For me, the organisation of this duty was a challenge , wh ich could on ly be met in fu ll with the backing of all concerned, a n d its success can be summed u p in one word - teamwork. After all, that is what it is all about, isn't it?

R EVI EW C R OS SWO R D N o 1 2 (85) by W. A. Potter

Across:

1 Invaded by p athogenic m ic r o -orga ni s m s. (8). S Valve p r eventing regurgitation of blood into left ve n tr ic le. (6). 10. Bo n es of t h e fa c e w h ich ca n p r oduce alarm. ( S). 1 I Offi ci al re c o rd er is a se ni o r h ospital docto r (9). 12. I nfo r matio n o n c urr e n ev en ts f r o m a ll fou r cardina l po in s. (4). 13 M a in ni r og en ous co n stitu ent of u rin e. (4). 14. Act

improperly before it is implied but unspoken. (S). 17. Genus of plants including garlic, leek, and onion. (6). 18. Inside information is of mean standard near the bottom. (3-4). 21. One with characteristics of both sexes has cold heart. (7) 23. This senior nurse is a sib (6) 2S. Excavate it for finger or toe. (S). 27. Nobleman with real disorder. (4). 28. Walk lamely, but certa i nly not stiff. (4) 30. No pointer for inversion of margin of 22 Down. (9). 32. Sinuses of maxilla and mastoid process. (S) 33. Bird-like fungus infection of mouth and pharynx. (6). 34. Need herb for distinguished 18th -century physician (8). Down:

I. Naturally or artificially protected against disease. (6). 2 How injury was sustained in Cumbrian pursuit? (4 - 7). 3. Preserve a course of treatment. (4). 4. How a murder occurs in an aural structure. (7). 6. First indication of disease on radio receiver. (S). 7. Injurious product of tobacco smoking. (3). 8. One trace is found in vitamin A precursor. (8). 9. Painful finger lesion predisposing to paronychia. (6). IS. Niggardly way to hold the hand (S-6). 16. Bringing the teeth together in occlusion. (4). 19. Snake from west is a stinging insect. (4).20. Feeling completely exhausted in mind and body. (4-4). 22. Affords protection to t h e pupi l. (6). 23. Short street range is peculiar. (7). 24 Joint injury produced by an unusua l pair between poles. (6). 26. Mechanical implements formed from stool. (S). 29. In robust health, although e lder ly. (4) 3 1 Devon hi ll in Pretoria. (3).

SOLU TI O N T O C ROSSWORD N o 11 (85 )

Across: I. Accept; 4. C hemosis; 9. Tarsus; 10. Ganglion; 12. De nse; 13. Eats; 14. Nail; 16. Turmoil; 19. Flap; 21. Yap; 22. Ass; 23 Let; 26 Rest; 27. T ri ·gone; 30. Ra e; 3 1. Gri n 32. Ple·at; 24. Toxaem a; 3S. As leep; 36. Panc r eas; 37. P· rof it.

Down : I An t idote; 2.

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