First Aid Journal January-June 1912

FIRST AID.

The Independent Journal for the Ambulance and Fire Services.

Conducted by ARTHUR B. DALE, M.J.I.

To Our Readers.

As it is the wish and desire of the Proprietors to make this Journal as instructive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication.

Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on the back of the 5ame the name of the individual or the Corps or Brigade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing.

" First Aid" Is published on the 20th of the month.

EDITORIAL.

AN important change has recently been The Division made by the sub-division of Nos. 3 and of Districts. 7 Districts of the Brigade. With the former the eastern portion of the district is to be designated No. 10 District, and it will comprise the of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex and Hertford, and of which district Col. Elliston will remain as Deputy-Commissioner. The remaining portion of the district, which includes the counties of Rntland, Huntingdon, Bedford, N orthants, Leicester, Warwick, Stafford, Worcester and Buckingham will still be the No. 3 District, and Assistant - Commissioner Woolston will be appointed Deputy-Commisioner. With the No. 7 District, its northern portion comprises counties of Flint, Denbigh, Carnarvon, Anglesey, Merioneth, Montgomery, Shropshire, Hereford and that part of Monmouth lying north of the line from Newport to Hereford, running through Pontypool and Abergavenny will remain as the No. 7 District under Col. Cureton; while that portion of Wales south of this line is to be known as No. II District, and will include the southern half of Monmouthshire, Glamorgan, Carmarthen, Pem broke, Cardigan,

Brecknock and Radnor. Of this Asst.-Commissioner H. Lewis will be appointed its Deputy-Commissioner.

Perhaps these alterations will not be welcomed by some individuals, for it will mean the cutting off of old associations, and of necessity will involve various differences in competitions, and so forth; but in our opinion it is a move in the right direction. The two old districts cover an extensive area, and with their growth the increasing difficulty of administration has been felt, for it must be borne in mind that a district to be administered successfully its Deputy-Commissioner and his staff officers must be in personal contact with their units. To undertake this has been no mean feat, and the burden of work must have been enormous. With the sub-division of the districts the labour will be lightened, and the Dp,puty-Commissioner, with their district staffs, will be in constant touch with the units under their various commands, and be able to give more minute attention to the details of organisation and thus increase efficiency.

The two new deputy commissioners who are to receive appointment have both had many years' experience in connection with the S.J.A.B. They are eminently popular, and in their new sphere we do not hesitate to say there will be some considerable expansion in the particular districts which they will command.

THE Mines Accident (Rescue and Aid) Rescue and Act has now been passed into law and Aid in Mines . will come into operation on July Ist of this year. Within reasonable time of that date it will be incumbent on proprietors of all classes of mines to supply appliances for use in rescue work, and to form and train rescue brigades, and also supply ambulance appliances and give training to men, as may be necessary, in ambulance work. This State regulation for preventing accidents in mines is of great importance, for it is an unfortunate fact that the grim reaper is never idle in a mining community, and the dreadful total of mine casualties is a summation of many 'single accidents in which one, two, or maybe some half dozen men are killed or injured. It is this stream of casualties more than the greater calamities that attract the public attention, for while the conditions in most mines are such that great casualties are

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not likely to occur, accidents of some kind are everywhere of more or less frequent happening.

It is in this connection the State regulation will have such a beneficial effect, for with competent men on the scen e lives will be saved and suffering alleviated Not only are the trained men a necessary accompaniment of every form of mining, but the presence of numbers of such persons in any industrial region is a valuable addition to the working machinery for taking care of accidents that are unavoidable accompaniments of industry.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]

Home Nursing and Hygiene.

LECTURE I. INTR ODUCTORY REMARKS.

MANY of you have previously attended a course of lectures on first aid, and have obtained the certificate of the St. John Ambulance Association, which states that the holder is "qualified to render first aid to the injured." Now these lectures on "Home Nursing and Hygiene" are intended to amplify your knowledge and extend your usefulness in the direction of rendering help and service, not only to those of your own home, but to others who may need such help.

HYGIENE AND NURSING.

The various subj ec ts relating to hygiene and nursing are such as must stimulate the interest of all who have the welfare of their fellow men at heart. You need not fear to learn the first principles which rela te to the preservation of health (hygiene) and to the care of the sick (nursing). It is not impossible to convey instruction such as you require in plain language, and this I shall endeavour to do.

Hygiene is tlze science wlu'dz treats of the laws of health. The practical application of the laws of hygiene find part expression in the art of nursing.

Nursing.-When we speak of nursing we mean ministering to the requirements of the sick. To do this work effectively you mnst be content to learn a little of the science of hygiene and the art of nursing. There is no such thing as a " born nurse." You may have an aptitude for nursin g, if so, you will learn your work all the sooner.

Hygienic Precautions,-Now if you will consider that every precaution we take witb regard to the purity of the water we drink, the air that be breathe, the choice of, and cooking of the food we eat, are hygienic precautions, and that cleanliness, warmth, light and similar matters equally for the preservatio.n of health or the recovery of the Sick, also belong to hygi e ne, you will understand the between hygiene and nursing just given, and which I Will repeat. The practical application of the laws of hygiene find part expression in the art of nursing.

The Value of Nursi1Zg.-Nursing comes especially wlthm the sphere of woman's duties, indeed it is her

AI D.- January, 1912.

natural destiny; she may ignore the call of mercy to succour her fellow creatures; she may turn a deaf ear to the demand of duty to her suffering parents; she may stifle the natural instinct within her, but she cannot smother her conscience, or expect help from others in her time of trouble. It is the duty of every woman to make herself acqnainted with the laws relating to the preservation of health. The nation's wealth is the nation's health. Recent legislation having regard to the health of the children of the nation will tend to awaken parents to a sense of their responsibilities towards their offspring. The greatest blot on sanitary reform is "infantile mortality." Why do these helpless infants die? The ans ver is simple' in some cases the infants must die, but in the majority of cases death is directly due to wilful ignorance of the principles of nursing, and the desire to be rid of the resp ons ibilities of motherhood. The average girl knows little about nursing, and absolutely nothing of the principles of infant rearing; and it is just because of this ignorance that I have ventured to include brief and reliable informantion under these heads in subsequent lectures. If these lectures do nothing more than teach you how to nurse a baby, they will be of value but they are intended to teach you something more-your duty.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A NURSE.

Cleanliness.- The necessity for absolute cleanlin ess in her own person is the first lesson the nurse must learn , and this not only for the sake of her own health, but also in the best interests of patient. The hands, the tee th and the hair rieed almost constant attention, whils t the body must have a soap and water bath as often as may be required.

T emperament and Behaviour.-An evenly-ba lanced temperament is a rare possession, coming to most of us only after years of training and bitter experience. The nurse who has the power of self-control will find lit tle difficulty in managing patients, and she will certainl y gain the respect of those with whom she may be associ ated. The nurse must learn to cultivate the best qualities in her nature-patience, tact, gentleness, hopefulness; sh e must interest herself in her work and be observant, the more thoughtful she becomes, the less need will there be to impress upon her the desirability of being guarded in her conversation and quiet in her movements.

DuNes and Responsibilities.- The duties of the nurse are of a most serious kind, since they include ever yth ing that can be done by the nurse to assist the doctor in the care or relief of the patient. The responsibilities of the nurse are by no means light, she must carry out the doctor's orders with absolute obedience, an omission on her part may prolong suffering, or end in the death of the patient. These subjects will be again rererred to in their proper place.

Pres ervation of the Nurse's Health.-The nurse must be careful of her own health, since it is often her only capital. She must endeavour to take those hygienic precautions which have previously been referred to, and to realise their value in their practical application with regard to her own health. Briefly, she must observe regular hours for work, sleep, meals and out door exercise, such discipline tends to promote tidiness, cleanliness and regular habits.

The following general summary may assist you in framing a code of rules for your own guidance, if, however, you desire to enter some hospital as a probationer, you must conform to the rules of the institution The following are examples of the arrangements made for day and night

January, 19 12 -FIRST

nurses with regard to the hours for meals and the hours for sleep. H0SPITAL.

Day nurse:

Breakfast 6.30 a.m.

Luncheon 10.15 a. m.

Dinner 2 p. m. (I hour)

Tea ." 5 p.m. (l hour)

Supper 8 p.m.

Night nurse: 7.30 p.m.

12 midnight (meat tea). 8.30 a.m.

11.30 a m.

Day nurse goes to bed at 10.30 p.m ; breakfasts at 6.30 a.m.

Night nurse goes to bed before 17. noon j breakfasts at 7.3 0 p.m.

Baths.-Every nurse should wash the whole surface of the body, except the scalp and hair, once in twenty-four hours. A cold sponging is refreshing every morning, but not every woman can bear this treatment, and there are tim{;s when it might prove dangerous.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES-HYGIENE.

Methods of prevention of disease are so intimately connected with the duties of the nurse that they cannot be separa ted; in other words, hygiene and nursing go hand in hand Inasmuch as the preservation of health involves th e prevention of disease, hygiene, the science of health, is sometimes called preventive medicine. The subject of hygi ene naturally divides itself into two parts, the health of the in dividual and that of the community, or personal and public hygiene. The former treats of the influence of habits, cleanliness, exercise, clothing, and food on health, while the latter is concerned with the interests of the community at large, as affected by a pure supply of air and wa ter the removal of all excreta, the conditions of the soil, th e fitness of houses for human habitation, the amount of space, light and ventilation required in our dwellings, and other similar matters relative to the public health.

It is obvious, however, that these divisions are not natura lly exclusive. What is important to the health of th e community is equally so to each individual member of it. The purity of air and water, for instance, is of immense imp ortance both personally and collectively. It will be con venient to study first the three main factors in relation to health-food, water and air-subsequently considering oth er matters of importance to health.

(To be contz'nued.)

Irish News.

JU DG ING from the number of classes formed recently in and around Dublin, there seems to be no doubt that a grea ter interest has been awakened in ambulance work than formerly existed. This appears to be due rather to the exertion of enthusiastic individuals, than to the action of any particular branch or body.

In Dublin, some of us are living on the top of a volcano, as far as St. John's is concerned. But then, "No member of the brigade, is, under any circumstances, to communicate with the Press on matter concerning th e brigade," so that we must only await developments.

DARTFORD (KENT).-The competitions for the " Cecil" and "Florence" challenge cups and medals will be held on May rth. Forms and all information can now be had from Mr. F. G. Pile, 26, Dartford-road, Dartford.

S.E. & C. Ry.-On Wednesday, January 24th, the competition for th e "Henchley" and "Archibald" Cups will be held at the Victoria Hotel, Ramsgate, commencing at 1 p. m., and a grand concert has been arranged to take place in the evening, at which the Mayor of Ramsgate, Alderman Gywn, has kindly consented to preside.

The numerous teams of ambulance men on this railway are now practising in earnest for the approaching Group Competitions, which take place as under :Beginners Group, Chatham, Wednesday, February 28th.

Group 4, Canterbury, Thursday, February 29th and Friday, March 1St.

Group 3, Margate, Monday and Tue8day, March 4th and 5th.

Group 2, London, Wednesday and Thursday, March 6th and 7th.

Group I, London, Friday, March 8th.

It is evident that there will again be an increase in the number of teams competing this year, and everything points to a most successful season.

The enthusiastic members of this centre will be delighted to know that a new competition is being arranged at which the best teams in each district will compete together for a handsome Challenge Shield which is being presented to the centre by Sir Thomas Dewar, J.P. We understand that local comp etitions will be held in each district to determine which team shall have the honour of representing the district in the final competition to be held in the autumn and keen rivalry will no doubt be created in the various 'divisions for the honour of competing in the final competition.

Sir Thomas Dewar's ge nerosity 10 presentmg thiS shield will without doubt, act as a great stimulus to the movement on the S.E. & e Railway.

Our readers will be aware that Sir Thomas Dewar presents the shield for brigade competition for the best brigade team in England and Wales. This competition is held annually at the Portman Rooms. to relate, the Sittingbourne br}gad e team entlrely of S.E. & c. railway employes has won thIS shIeld ror the past two years.

G.W.R.-In the December issue of the "Great Western Railway Magazine," additional are nounced in connection with the annual competItIOns. SpeCIal prizes are being offered for and. second year men), and this should result l.n a co?slderable 10crease in the number of entrants for thlS year s contests as the younger school of first no longer feel that they have little chance of ga10mg pnzes on the ground they may be matched against much older and more expenenced ambulance workers. .

It is also stated that substantial team prizes are bemg offered in the final competition held for the purpose ?f selecting a team to compete in the contests for the Rall-

way Challenge Shield of the St. John Ambulance Association.

It will be remembered that on no less than three occasions a Great Western team have succeeded in gaining second place in the Inter-Railway competition, although up to the present the Shield has not found its way to Paddington.

The Mayor of Bendley, Mr. J. Green, presided at a meeting held on December 2nd for the purpose of presenting the awards gained in examination by members of the Bendley class. -

Among the recipients were a number of Boy Scouts who have attended the lectures, and in making the presentation the Chairman spoke in high terms of the Scout movement. He also expressed his keen interest in first aid work and emphasised the value of the knowledge acquired to railwaymen.

On behalf of the class members Mr. H. Woodward (Divisional Engineer) presented to Dr. Miles, who has as honorary for the class, an engraved CIgarette case, and m domg so referred to the able way in which the mern bers had been instructed.

In thanking the class for their gift, Dr. Miles said how pleased he was to be associated with the ambulance movement and to do anything to help forward the work.

Certificates, &c., were presented to members of the Chester class on November 26th by Mr. E. Hitchcock (Divisional Superintendent), Dr. Butt, lecturer to the class presiding.

There was a good attendance, and eloquent tribute was paid to the lecturer for the kind and able manner in which he had instructed his class, as also to the zealous manner in which the secretarial duties had been performed by Mr. E. Tomkins.

The Swindon class, the largest on the Great Western system, held their annual meeting on the 12th December Mr. G. J. acted as chairman and presented the awards gamed m the recent examinations.

The present officers with one exception were all re-elected for the ensuing year. Revised rules were it was announced that both junior and senior competItIOns m team and individual work would be held in the following N ovem ber.

The Chairman in his remarks prior to distributing the awards congratulated the class on the work they had in the past year, but stated that it had been mtImated to him at Paddington that the class was not all it should be in point of membership. He said there seemed to be something in this, because if there was one place on the G. W. system or in the country where there be a first aId class WIth a large membership it was He asked those present to induce their fell?ws to JOIn classes and thus strive to place the Swmdon class m the front rank.

The meeting of the Tyseley class for the purpose of presentmg the awards gained by members was held on the 9th ult., and took the form of a social gathering at the Sydenham Hotel, Small Heath.

The certificates, &c., were"presented by the chairman, Mr: H. Carlton, who counselled the members to continue theIr study of aid work and strive for further honours.

Opportumty was taken of the occasion to hand to Dr. Neal, the class lecturer, a fountain pen subscribed by the class members. Mr. H H. Jones, the energetic class was WIth a pipe in case in appreciation of hIS able serVIces.

During the proceedings musical selections were given, whlch were much appreciated by all present.

Al D.- January, 19 1 2.

The distributi?n of certificates, &c., to the mem bers the Bnxhat? class was recently made by Dr Jones Supenntendent), who, in making the saId how pleased he was to associate himself WIth ambulance work, and emphasised the value of am bulance training, not only in the course of one's da;n duty but also in the home. On behalf of the class MI Y J d 'l rs. ones presente a SI ver mounted walking stick to D Seale, who has acted as honorary lecturer to the class. r.

WEST LONDON AND WEST LONDON EXTENSION RAILWAYS:-A

concert organised by Mr. J. Clarke, hOI?orary mstructor to the classes, was held at Hammerst?Ith, on 14th. An excellent programme was apprecIat.ed by a large audience. During the mterval the ChaIrman (Mr. R. Davis) presented awards to the successful team in the competitions :Shield.-In competition three teams competed, VIZ., a team of sIgnalmen, station staff, and The marks were secured by the staff team WhICh comprised Mr. G. Doughty (captam), Messrs. W. Adams, W. Craig, S. Clarkson an d E. May. Each man was presented with a medal 'while the team holds the shield for twelve months.

Cup. members participated in thIS cup, whIch was presented with the object of mduc10g the men to maintain efficiency and knowledge .of ambula?ce work, and it was won by Signalman J. Bndge D.Dman was or.ly one point behind.

Bronze Medallion.-E. M. Cooper was awarded the bronze medallion for passing his third examination.

At the conclusion of the distribution of prizes, Mr. R. DaVIS .addressed a few remarks to the audience, in which he saId they had present with them that evening Dr. Carvell, the gentleman who undertook the examination of the candidates, and he was pleased to inform them that out of the 17 candidates who went before him 16 succeeded in passing. They would notice he had distributed bars to men who had their 3rd, 4th and 5th examinations, they were gIven to encourage the men to continue wor.k year by year so that they might always be effiCient m ambulance knowledge and work. Personally, apart from policemen, he did not know to whom a of first aid more useful and necessary than to rallwaymen, and he IIkE:d to see the knowledge of it the men. The speaker recited an mstance m WhICh, m a recent accident, the men had been able to render one of their colleagues-named May-a great service. In conclusion he read a letter from the injl!red man thanking the' members for the kindly aSSIstance they had rendered him.

AUSTRALIA.-By the inward mail we have news of the gr.eat ,Preparations which are being made at Ballarat, Victona, for the annual gathering and competitions (which last for several days) of the 98 Victoria Fire Brigades 2,000 firemen are expected, accompanied by many of their brigade bands.

At the Geelong Fire Brigade annual meeting recently Mr. M. Hitchcock, their hon. captain, was agam elected Bntlsh representative of the brigade.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

January, 19 12

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Painting.

THE late Mr. William Bell, of South Shields, who died on the 5 th September last, has bequeathed £roo to the South Shields Nursing Guild Branch of the Association.

invitation calico dance, in aid of the IpswIch Centre, was held on January 12th. The idea of the promoters was that none of the dresses should cost than a and be of cotton, the spectacle presentIng a very ammated scene. "

The guests were received by Miss Coulcher. The arrangements which were made by the committee were of a very complete nature. Some 200 persons were present.

PRESTON.-Nearly all the students who were up for examination recently have successfully passed. Dr. A. Toulmin was the lecturer and Mrs. Howard fulfilled the duties of hon. class secretary.

SHEFFIELD.- The 29th annual meeting of the Centre was held on Jan. 15th. In the report submitted it states tha the of the classes during 191 I was 907, as compared WIth 819 m 1910. At the close of the year there wa.s a balance in the bank of £66, as compared with 35 gUIneas at the commencement.

The Committee expressed the opinion that there was room for very considerable extension of ambulance work in Sheffield, among the men employed in the big works, and they mVIted employers to encourage the men in the formation of first aid classes.

At the examination held, 338 students of the Centre passed the first examination, 168 passed the second, and 14 passed the final examination; 48 passed in home nursing, and five passed the junior course. The total num ber of passes since the formation of the Centre is now 12,49 8

The competitions organised by the centre will be held in April.

Dr. R. Gordon, who presided at the meeting, made a reference to the fine service rendered to the Association in Sheffield by the late Dr. Martin, who acted as hon. secretary of the Sheffield Centre since its formation. He added that Mr. H. C. Else, who for many years held the position of Superintendent of the Sheffield Corps of the Bngade, had accepted the position of hon secretary of the Centre in succession to Mr. Martin.

The following gentlemen were appointed to form the General Committee for the ensuing year :-Sir Nathaniel Creswick, Colonel Hughes, Mr. F. Batty, Mr. G. E. Branson, Mr. G. Denton, Mr. J. Dixon, Dr. Dyson, Mr. R. Favell, Mr. Bernard A. Firth, Mr. G. Franklin, Dr. R. Gordon, Mr. A. Hallum, Mr. J. Marshall, Mr. W. A. Matthews, Mr. R. J. Pye-Smith, Mr. George Robinson, Mr. J. G. Ronksley, Mr. G. H. Scott, Mr. G. K. Thorpe, Mr. E. M. E. Welby, Dr. Lewis Husband, and Dr. J. W. Stokes.

SEEING that of accidental illnesses.(as they may be termed) which first airlers are called upon to treat, fainting forms a very large proportion, it seems worth while to devote attention to its various causes and the different varieties of it that we see, and also to its prevention. It is an old and a true saying that "familiarity breeds contempt," and we get accustomed to see so much of this affection, that there is a danger of not paying that attention to its treatment that it deserves. The sensation of losing one's consciousness without being able to control it, and the knowledge that there is a liability to another attack coming at any time from some slight cause or another, is not pleasant, and persons afflicted in this way deserve all the sympathy and care that we can give.

Fainting may be described as a loss of consciousness or suspended animation due to sudden failure of the action of the heart, and is recognised by a particular set of symptoms. It may be due to causes acting (I) through the heart itself, (2) through the nervous system, (3) through the blood, and (4) through some or all of these together. By considering these separately we shall get a much better idea of the whole subject generally.

(1) Fainting due to causes acting through the heart is seen in heart disease, and in compression of the heart by tight articles of clothing (such as are worn by ladies), and by poisons such as chloroform and tobacco. Excessive heat either from the sun, as in sunstroke, or from a bath that is too hot, acts directly on the heart and impedes its action. The importance of all this will be seen in the treatment.

(2) Nervous causes are those brought about by excessive motion, either of joy, fear or grief. Certain conditions of the stomach, intestines, and abnormal organs cause fainting by what is called reflex nervous action, and fainting from painful injuries is due to the same cause. injuries to the central nervous system, such as conCUSSIOn of the brain, cause fainting mainly through the nervous system.

(3) Fainting may be caused. by the blood deficient either in quantity or qualIty, as may be seen 10 h::emorrhage. Young girls who are subject to an::emia will often faint on the slightest exertion, the condition lasting some time and often becoming serious.

(4) Most cases of fainting, however, are the result of two or more of these causes acting together. I think the cases we see most of are those of persons in a crowd, or in a hot and impure atmosphere, and it will be seen that the causes may be traced partly to the direct effect o.f the heat upon the circulation of the ?lo?d, partly to the Interference with the breathing, and mdirectly WIth the heart, produced by carbonic acid and ot.her waste products. In fainting from hunger, the heart IS affected thr?ugh the nervous system and through the blood, and m severe injuries there is often a comb!nation of all causes.

If the person is constitutIOnally weak faIntIng may brought on by very slight causes, th':ls we see m patients suffering from serious hear-t or hystena, or an::emia, the slightest excitement ?r exertIOn, unpleasant smells or sights, or exposure to an .Impure or h.eate? atmosphere may cause giddiness or famtness, whIch m some cases may prove fatal.

Those who have been on ambulance duty m the streets of London on the occasion of a big crowd will. have noticed that often hunger and exhaustion are the pnmary causes

and pressure, heat, and impure atmosphere combined are the immediate cause of an attack, and it will be further observed that the subjects are nearly all women , for a man who has a sound constitution and a fair amount of physical strength will not succum b to these trivial causes To me personally it is very interesting to find out the cause in each case of fainting, no matter how slight it is.

The course of events that produce unconsciousness may be traced as follows: - The contraction of the ventricles becomes feebl e, causing the blood to collect in the auricles and large veins, thus depriving the brain of its proper supply of arterial blood, and in consequence the important nervous centres refuse to act, causing loss of consciousness and the general paralysis of the muscular system, which is also increased by the deficient supply of blood in them. If the contractile power of the heart be not soon restored, it will become completely paralysed with, of course, a fatal result. Recovery takes place by the restoration of the cerebral circulation (brought about by the recumb e nt position), thus stimulating the cardiac nerve centre in the brain, and also by the partial restoration of the respiratory and other functions, which quickly react on the heart.

SYMPTOMS.

There. are certain signs by which we know a person is go1Og to famt before the loss of consciousness takes place. The face becomes pale, she gets giddy and staggers about and the pulse fails. There is feeling of "sinking" and great weakness, vision becomes obscure, and then insensibility becomes complete, with relaxation of all the muscles. At this stage the surface of the body is almost white and perhaps col.d and clammy, eyes closed, pulse and breathmg almost Imperceptible. If there has been a considerabl e amount of hcemorrhage convulsions may be present. In case of recovery the first thing to be noticed is a deep sigh, then the pulse gets stronger, the colour returns to the face and lips and sensibility is again restored.

It is important not to ,?istake for other conditions in which unconSCIousness IS present. The history of the attack, the pallor of the surface, and the weak pulse ought to put you on the right track. persons often become "faint" after excitement IS but the strong pulse will show that there is nothing senous.

TREATMENT.

two great points to bear in mind in treating a case of famtmg are, to remove the cause which brought on the attack, and do th e best you can to restore the action of the heart. In most of the cases which first aiders are called upon to the .cause is easily found, being generally due hea!, Impure aIr, or pressure, combined with some predispos1Og cause, such as hunger, exhaustion, weakness of the heart, or general bodily weakrless. Hcemorrhage although rare, must not be lost sight of as a cause. from air, laying the patient fiat down, and unloosening all tIght clothes round the neck chest and ab?omen are the first measures to be adopted. lants WIll then proba.bly be required, such as smelling salts to. the nose, alcohol 10 the shape of brandy, sal volatile, Wine, &c. If unable to swallow, cold applications to the temples and hands and similar methods of help to excite the heart throygh the nervous system. If th e patient does not WIth t? ese remedies the case must be regarded as be10g very senous.

PREVENTION.

The old saying that prevention is better than cure

AID. - January, 1912.

applies to fainting in the fullest degree. When a per bbegins to feel fair:t and giddy and is just' on the etw:en unconSCIOusness and recqvery any slight cause is suffiCIent to turn the scale. Remove into the fresh a' putting the head between the knees, a glass of cold are often enough to prevent the attack. The cold wat directly the heart and helps to drive the to the extremItIes of the body.

Artificial Respiration.

By lette.r published below, which appeared in the Medzcal recent.ly, .it would seem that the Schafe: method of artIfiCIal respIratIOn in the instan ce of the. WrIter produc.ed blood congestion in the neck and face ThIS no doubt IS the effect, for anyone who has had upon them must have experienced the heavy feelIng .that at once t? the face, which is venous However, 10 spIte of this disadvantage, its effectiveness has been proved paramount over the other known methods. In the event of it proving futile it i always recommended that another ' method shouI'd b S essayed, before the case is given up as hopeless. e SIR,-As a. member of the committee which su _ par ted 8:doptl?n of the Sch a fer method by" the polIce, I ]omed In that recommendation. Last autumn unfo.rtul!ately, I was called on to perform artifi ci al respI.ratlOn a man and a boy who lost the ir li ves in a boatmg aCCIdent. The man was (ound floating with his he ad under water, and was brougnt to shore about ten mmutes after the boat was overturned He was c d d I I . . yanose an 'pu se e.ss. I carned out the Schafer metho d, and contInued It With the help of a coastguard. Hot- wat er bottles and blankets were quickly fetched and th r b of the man rubbed by willing helper;. The method produced great venous congestion of the face and neck, due l!0 doubt to the of the blood out of abdommal organ s, the ltver m particular. On changmg, after some perIod of to the Sylvester

I found the c?,ngestlOn rapIdly disappeare d. On gOIng back to the Schafer the congestion at once :eappeared. The same thIng happened again on repeatt he change. I came to the conclusion from th is ver stnkIng appearance that the best thing to do in a simil1r case would be to change frequently from the Schafer to the Sylvester and back. ag ain This procedure eVidently must keep up an artIfiCIal circulation of the through the head. I would urge others to follow thiS course and not stick to the one method only

In the case of aged 9, I used the 'mou th-tomouth ,method of mfiatlO!l, placing a handkerchief over the boy mou.th, and pressIng a hand over his stoma ch to prevent mfiatlOn of that organ. I found this method very easy and effectual, and a lady after watching me carried on the method very while I was called away to attend another rescued chIla. The boy had been found after some delay under. the sail of the overturned boat and could not be resuscitated.

The mout.h-to-mouth method is far the most effectual for chIldren, and on another occasion I should try It on an adult, .and alternate this with other metho ds

From my .practlc<l:l experience I am convinced it is not 'l. the best thIng to stick to <:tnyone, but to frequently change the. method. I am speakmg, of course, of help given by a traIned man.-I am, &c.,

LEONARD HILL

London Hospital College. Loughton, Dec. 26th, 191 I.

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January, 19 I2

-FIRST Reviews.

VOICE AND ITS NATURAL DEVELOPMENT.

Illustrated by photographs and drawings. London: George Allen & Co., Ltd. Price JS. 6d. net.

OWING, no doubt to neglect, voice tr ai nin g and a disregard of the anatomical laws governing its production there few people who possess good as well as "singing" voices. ThiS book deals briefly With a few common-sense laws to be observed, touching the points that are essential in order to obtain clear enunciation and to protect the vocal orga ns from Mr. Jennings gives sound advise on physical training and breath control and deportment which are naturally of fundamental impartance in the development of the voice. Numerous exercises are given to show defects in voice and speech, and the author points out that if children were taught a sensible system of voice development their colloquial speech would greatly improved. The careful study of the book would no doubt do anyone good, for the advice which the author gives will have the effect of improving organs of the body which now seem to be seriously neglected.

RED CROSS MANUAL OF FIRST AID AND STRETCHER DRILL.

London: George Gill & Sons. Price, 7s. net.

IN a large measure this book is intended to meet the requirements of students for Red Cross Work. While the limits of the subjec ts dealt with are confined, the book should however adequate ly meet the purpose of giving a general knowledge of first aid I t is less techni ca l than the well-known books on the subject and more advanced than some of the simpler works. The aut hor h:=ts dealt with the subjects in a very easy style, and at the beginning of each lecture a few notes are suggested for the use of the lecturer. These show how to conduct the lectures in systematic order and at the same time to illustrate and demonstrate to the students the particular principles of the subj ects. At the conclusion of each lecture a few questions are given for the student. Squad and stretcher drill ha ve been dea lt with and illustrated.

IMPROVISED METHODS OF AID IN FIELD.

IT is recorded by Myrdac z that at the third battle of Plevna in 1878, the Russian Field Hospital which should have provided one of the principal dressing stations was blocked on the road by a breakdown in the baggage train. During the day there were 2,000 casualties, and for these no aid of any kind was forthcoming; the wounded were left where they fell, an d later in the day those that still remained a live were despatched by the Turks.

The moral in this is, that although there may be well filled depots of mobilisation accidents play havoc .with the most liberally-designed equipment, and hundreds of Instances of catastrophes due to accidental are in the history of European campaigns It IS Incumbent ?n the Territorial Medical SerVice, Inc\udmg the Voluntary Aid Detachments, to make themselves Independent of state provided equipment by becoming familiar with, the a:t ,?f improvising appliances necessary for their duties, In fact It IS

-

AID.

one of their most dl!ties to aCCfuire a knowledge of the methods of the Improvisation of eqUIpment and the utilization of local resources.

This. little book is intended to impart this knowledge in a systematic manner. It deals with improvised methods in the collecting zone, improvised transport in the eva cuatio n zone improvised transport by rail and water, and improvised and hospitals. The author, in his general principles of the usefulness and fitness of extemporised methods, says :-

"The should be a simple one and capab le of being easIly carned Into effect, and the workmanship spent on the method should be directed towai'ds usefulness alone, and the result should never degenerate into over elaboration. The time spent should be in strict proportion to the degree of usefulness obtained.')

Mr. Mackay has drawn a lot of his information of a most useful character from the official manuals of continental armies and some of the methods of in,provisation are ingenious to a degree, and the knowledge of them should prove helpful to all tho se engaged in Voluntary Aid work.

FIRST AID TO THE INJURED AND SICK.

By F. J. Warwick, B.A., M.D. Cantab., M.R.C.S., L.S.A , A.K.C. (Lond. ), and A. C. Tunstall, M.D., C.M., F.RC.S., L.RC.P. Ed. Bristol: John Wright & Sons, Ltd. Pn'ce IS. 6d. in paper, 2S. 6d net in leaflzer.

So popular has Messrs. Warwick and Tunstall's handbook become that a seventh edition has just been issued, the last edition being exhausted in a little over IS months. The new edition has been thoroughly revised, and some 50 additional illustrations have been added. The new stretcher drill, so far as it embraces the unloading and loading of stretcher and wagons with patients, has been incorporated from the RA.M.C. Training Manual, I9II, by permisss ion of the Director General of the R.A.M.C., and generally the book retains the high standard of its predecessors.

The Bristol City Ambulance and Marine Corps.

IN the eleventh annual report it states, that as a Volunteer Corpf:, its position is unique, no other seaport in the kingdom possessing a similar organisation, whose ch!ef object is the training of seamen and others in first ald. The Corps' transport department consists of 4,Paid dri:ers, duly qualified, who are on duty day and nlght, aSSIsted by volunteers, whose services with up-to-date amb.ulance carriages are obtainable at any hour for aCCIdents, free of cost. The number of cases c3.rried during the past year was 3,350, an increase of nearly 400, with a grand total of 18,500 since the inauguration of the work. Members were on duty at all public gatherings in and around the city and on regular duty at the theatres and places of amusement throug?out year. The Committee points out that the eqUlp,?ent IS In good order, to maintain it in a state of effiClency they appeal to thelr fellow citizens for the necessary assistance.

A general meeting of the Fire Council will be held on the occaSlOn of an InternatlOnal Fire Service and Fire Prevention Congress at St. Petersburg and Moscow, from the 25th to 30th .May next. A preliminary programm e of the Congress WIll be shortly sent to the members of the Council.

-FIRST Brevities.

ACCORDING to a Board of Trade report for the year ended on June 30th last, 143 lives were saved by means of the rocket life-saving apparatus and gear in the United Kingdom, or 8 less than the number saved by the saf!1e means during the previous year, and 26 less than the previous year, and 26 less than the average for the previous 10 years. The total number of lives saved by the lifesaving apparatus since 1870 is 9,450. This number does not include the large number of lives saved by means of ropes and other assistance from the shore.

* * *

THE members of the S.J.A.B. of New Zealand met in conference in October last, and a request was then made to the Railway Department of the State for a concession in the matter of fares for its members travelling on ambulance work. This request has since met with a curt refusal, and a strong letter of protest has been sent to the Government, pointing out that the Ambulance Services were free to the Government, and that it was only right that it should compensate members for travelling expenses incurred in their work.

IT must be remembered that the State Railways of New Zealand the number of employes qualified in first aid is comparatively small, and in case of disaster the Brigade would be of inestimable use, not only in saving life but also by saving the Government monetary loss in the shape of damages, surely the members deserve special consideration at the hands of the New Zealand Railway Authorities having in view the assistance they are likely to render. * * *

WE hear that the railway men of the Sittingbourne Division, for some reason unknown to ourselves have resigned in a body, and application has been made to the Deputy-Commissioner to form a Railway Division which, we understand, has been refused. As the railway men constitute two-thirds of the members of the Division, we do not know what is going to happen unless the resignations are withdrawn. It would look as if the Sittingbourne Division will not send a team to represent them in this year's Brigade Competition. We also hear a rumour that considerable trouble is brewing in connection with the Brigade in Ireland. We shall be having further news of this later on.

OUR readers will be glad to learn that the Office of Works has sanctioned Waterloo-place as the site for the Florence Nightingale Statue. According to a recent proposal it will be enhanced by the removal from the quadrangle of the War Office of the statue of Sidney Herbert, who was Secretary of State for War during the Crimean Campaign, and who, indeed, was responsible for sending Miss Nightingale to the

AI D.- January, 19 1 2

front. There is no doubt that the placing of these two statues in relation to each other will awake many reflections in any passer-by who has the smallest inklin g of the condition of our sick soldiers before Florence Nightingale took up their cause.

***

IN the coal mining districts of Australia efforts are being made to provide adequate means for rendering first aid to miners injured in accidents. In New South Wales twenty collieries are now equipped with ambulances-an important adjunct-especially at mines at a distance from hospitals. The Queensland Department of Mines is investigating the respective merits of rescue apparatus, with a view to equipping the rescue stations.

* * *

BEFORE General Baden-Powell's departure on an extensive tour in various parts of the Empire for the purpose of developing the Boy Scouts' Movement, he said, to use his own phrase, "The movement is going jolly well," but the lack of scoutmasters has caused anxiety! The lads do not want much encouragement to join the movement, and if scoutmasters are lacking, where will the boys receive their tution from?

* **

N ow that the instruction season in ambulance work is drawing to a close, competitions will soon be the order of the day. From our railway reports it would appear that in some instances they have already commenced. We hope that Centre and Competition Secretaries will not fail to send us a copy of their test papers and marking sh eets as, no doubt, the publication of these are of immen se benefit to ambulance workers. Personally, we are pleas ed to note the progress these competitions are making, the friendly rivalry they provoke amongst the competing tea ms ensures a much higher state of efficiency in am bulance workers. We would certainly advise all first aiders not to neglect the opportunity of enterip-g for competitions whenever they can-all cannot be winners-but those defeated are not disgraced; something new can always be acquired at every contest.

* * *

THE L.C.C. is grossly neglecting its obvious duty to provide an ambulance service for the metropolis. The City Corporation has an efficient and up-to-date system which has now been in operation for some years, but although the County Council possesses the necessary powers, it refuses to exercise them. Even borough councils are incensed at the inaction of the central authority, and they have made representations to Spring Gardens urging the central body to carry out the powers of the Metropolitan Ambulance Act, 1909. The Act empowers the County Council to establish and maintain, or contribute towards the cost or otherwise, in aid of establishing and maintaining an ambulance service for dealing with accidents or illness (other than infectious disease) within the county, and the Council is given the necessary powers

January, 19 12 -FIRST

to employ persons, acquire and appropriate lands, erect buildings, and provide ambulances and other vehicles.

Modern Methods in Ambulance Competitions.

A PLEA FROM THE CO MPETITORS POINT OF VIEW

PROBABLY few persons who have been associated with ambulance competItions for any length of time have failed to observe the considerable changes which have taken place in the tests imposed upon the competitors. That the tendency of such changes has constantly been on the lines of making the competitions of higher educational value whilst, at the same time, rendering them more exacting from the competitors' point of view, is excellent testimony alike to the efforts of those members of the medical profession, who have been so closely associated with the movement, and of the large body of ambulance workers who enter these contests with so much enthusiasm.

The changes introduced have been largely in the direction of making the tests resem ble more and more actual cases which the ambulance man may, at any time, be called upon to deal with, and if the purpose of these competitions is to measure the ability of the competitors to administer correct treatment in cases of emergency, then those responsible for the newer order of things are surely working on ri ght lines as taking realism as their keynote.

The day is now passed when the ambulance competitor had simply to deal, on more or less well lines, with a straightforward case of injury or sudden Illness, and possibly in addition to reply to one or more familiar questions relying for his answers upon his ability to commit to memory port ions of the first aid handbook, assisted more likely than not, by a series of easy mnemonics? Today he has to lHake use of his powers of "observation, resourcefulness and discrimmination "-blended with that admirable faculty "common sense "-·in a much larger degree. In fact he must be as far in advance of his prototype as are the methods which now obtain for arranging the tests and judging the work compared with those of earlier days of competitions.

Whilst in the principal contests throughout the country the importance of making the tests realistic has doubtless been recogpised, it is questionable whether the fact is as widely appreciated as it well might be. In the majority of cases the competitors start considerably handicapped by reason of the fact that their memories are needlessly taxed by having to keep in mind the "story of the case" which must, in some measure militate against best efforts: In this connetion it is suggested that a good deal more might be done to assist competitors by the provision of "properties" which would enable them to keep in their minds the supposed surroundings and circumstances of the case they are called upon to treat, for it should be remem bered many marks are often entirely dependent upon the .a bilIty of the competitors to see the whole of the case With th.e "mi nd's eye." For instance, take the case of a man who IS supposed to have fallen on a heap of stones certain injuries; marks are awarded for "removIng patIent from cause of injury," but the best of ambulance men may omit to do this when nothing is supplied to represent the heap of stones and the competition takes place indoors.

Again, it is the practice in some contests to deduct a

AI

D.- 10 5

certain percentage of the marks awarded to competitors in the limb, or. side of the body, is treated, £.e., left of or. VIce-versa. !he test imposed may consist. of InJunes, one of whIch IS to the right leg, and thIs pOSSibly demands treatment last of all. There is nothing at all to indicate which limb is injured beyond the particulars of the whole case which would he read out when the treatment of the patient was first taken in hand. the leg injury is dealt with the right limb is, quite by a slip of memory, treated instead of the left and, as a result anything up to a third of the marks awarded in respect of this injury may have to be forfeited. It is, of course, quite out of the question that any trained ambulance man-or even anyone entirely £gnortlnt of first aid methods-would make such a mistake in an actual case, and it certainly appears as unfair as it is unreasonable, that, having treated his case in all other respects quite satisfactorily, the competitor shall be penalised on account of a mistake of this kind when nothing is done to indicate the injured limb.

Whilst there has been a great advance in making the competitions more realistic in many ways there has also been a growing tendency to make them more involved, not as to the actual injury, but with regard to the whole "case," which is set out so carefully that almost every word has a special significance with a result that, unless the competitors are gifted with vivid imaginations, having the special ability of "seeing" the case they have to treat in the whole of its supposed surroundings, they stand at a considerable disadvantage however well they may be trained. This may account to some extent for the fact that such a large number of really good ambulance men are failures in the competition field. It is not too much to say that in some contests a vivid imagination is essential to success. Certain competitors, doubtless, possess the particular ability of adapting themselves to supposed circumstances, but it is hardly the object of a first aid training to cultivate this gift and it is quite possible to attach too much importance to it.

An excellent suggestion was made some time ago in the pages of FIRST AID to the effect that members of the medical profession, who have had experience in railway and other accidents, should give the ambulance m()vement the benefit of such experience so that, as far as possible, the tests imposed in these competitions may be based upon actual cases which have occurred. Here is a valuable suggestion worthy of adoption, and one which, if adopted, should make the competitions realistic indeed, but it must not be overlooked that from the competitor's point of view a little realism is also desirable, and it is hoped that consideration may be given to this suggestion when the tests for the 19 I 2 com petitions are bei ng arranged. What the competitor requires is more in the nature of visible indications to show him where he is supposed to be, what the supposed surroundings are, and what the supposed injuries are that he has to treat.

MALTON AND N ORTO N.-Supt.-Secretary Atkinson, of the Hull Corps, delivered a lecture to the members of the Division on December 16th, on the Order of St. John. He closely traced the history of the Order from its inception to the present day and his were interspersed with illustrations by lantern slldes. Dr. Holt, Hon. Surgeon to the Division, presided. Supt. Roe proposed a vote of thanks to both the lecturer and chairman.

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No. 1 District (Prince of Wales's Corps.)

ST. JOHN'S GATE NURSING DIVISION.-For many years past the Nursing Sisters attached to the Headquarters Division have work in their leisure time during the year in making garments which are distributed at Christmastide to the deserving poor of the Parish of St. John in which the historic "Gate" is situated. How much their efforts are appreciated is evidenced by the increasing number of applicants each year. On December 17th, the occasion of the last distribution at St. John's Gate, outside of which was to be found a long queue of mothers and children of tender age awaiting to be admitted, to receive some useful article to add to their small comforts. They were admitted in small batches and were attended to by the Nursing Sisters, who had arranged on the tables piles of garments consisting of jerseys, socks, petticoats frocks and caps, and, in one corner, was a table ladened with oranges, cakes and toys. The Nursing Sisters, under Lady Supt. Mrs. J. Calvin Lines, were occupied for about three hours dis.tributing these articles, and, when our representative arnved, he found them busily engaged in equipping several small children and the expression of delight which they bore on their faces must have shown the Sisters their appreciated. During the evening a VISit was paid by Sir Herbert and Lady Perrott, the Rector of St. John's, and Mr. W. H. Fincham.

TOTTENHAM AND HAMPSTEAD JUNCTION RAILW AY (No. 25 DIVISION).-This division held a successful " Cinderella" at the Public Hall, Kentish Town, on loth. The Mayor of St. Pancras (Alderman DaVIes, J.P.) attended and presented the prizes gained for the best fancy costumes, and also the army reserve badges awarded to members of the corps.

His Worship paid a warm tribute to the excellent work done by members .of the division, who had attended the Alexa.ndra 38 times, the Lord Mayor's Show, the .of Coronation, Progress Day, Visit of their MaJesttes to North London, Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon, a Sports meeting at Hendon. the Cou.rt Exhibition (3 times), Shepherds Bush Exhibition (3 times), Coronation Sports at Bruce and Cricklewood Skating Rink (185 times), making a total of 257 public duties in the year. The number of cases attended on public duty was 279, 14 of which were taken to hospItals after treatment and II sent to doctors. The members had also attended to 126 cases while not on public duty, making the total number of cases attended 405.

A vote thanks was passed to the Mayor for making the presentatIOns.

WALTHAMSTOW (No. 29 DIVISION).-This division turne? out in force t? form a guard of honour on the occasIOn of the marnage of two of its members Mr. James Kemp and Miss Wilkinson. The wedding' took

AID.- January, 19 1 2

place on December 26th at the Parish Church, Waltham_ stow.

No. 3 District.

BLACKBURN.-At a gathering of the members of the corps on Jan uary 9th Colonel Trim ble presented twelve medals for three years service, and ten labels, seven medallions and forty certificates to the members who have become efficient in the various grades. He declared, in the a that the sig?ification by the King of hIS mtentlOn to mspect the BrIgade was a distinct recognition. The branches of the Brigade throughou t the country were all accomplishing a noble and Christian work and the corps at Blackburn were both smart and cient a state of affairs, upon which he congratulated the officers. There were at the gathering Col. J. Johnston, Y.D., who occupIed the chaIr, and Captain Dr. Henry, RA.M.C. (T.); Captain Dr. Elliott, divisional surgeon of the men's division; Dr. Jones, divisional surgeon of the nursing division; Captain Griffin, Lieut. Duckworth, Major Dixon, Mrs. M'Carthy and Mr. Fred Tattersall, divisional secretaries.

DUDLEY.- The division had a benefit performan ce at the Public Hall on January 19th. During the proceedings a short ambulance display was given by the members of the division.

KETTERING.-It is with much regret we have to record the death of Sergt. N. Bagshaw, who died suddenl y on December 31St. The late gentleman was only 26 years of age, and was very popular with the members of the corps which he was recently appointed han. secretary, and by hIS death the corps loses one of its energetic workers. The funeral took place on January 3rd at Kettering Cemetery, and the members of the corps, under Corps Supt. Lane, Supt. Raby and Lady Supt. Farmer, were drawn up outside the church, and the following members acted as bearersSergts. C. W. Curtis, J. Miller and A. P. Lewis, Corpl. J. Harman and Privates J. Luaqnorish and W. Whitworth. The members also sent a floral emblem.

OLNEY.-SUPt. W. T. Knight was recently presented with a surgical haversack, affixed to which was a suitably engraved inscription plate, together with a testim onial signed by each member of the division as a mark of appreciation of his services as instructor to the ambulance class and the excellent work he had done on behalf of sufferers in the town and neighbourhood for many years. Mr. J C. Nicholls made the presentation and referred to the many services Supt. Knight had rendered to the ambulance cause.

WELLINGBOROUGH.-Corps Supt. Nicholson has now com pleted 2 I years active service as a member of the corps, and he has in no small measure contributed to its success. He has held the position of Corps Supt. since 19 08 Mr. Nicholson has bEen in charge of the transp ort service, which position he has just resigned to Supt. J. Cairns Parker.

NO.4 District.

COLNE.- The annual inspection of the R.N.S.B. R. took place, on December 7th, in the Division':; Drill Hall, by Surgeon A. C. Bean, RN. Thirty-six mem bers parad ed and the Inspecting Officer complimented them on their efficien cy. Supt. W. Heap and First Officer J. Stephens on were in charge of the parade.

January, 19 12

No. 5 District.

-FIRST AI D.-

We are pleased to record that Mr. F. S. Lambert, District Supt. of Stores of the District and Chief Surgeon of the Lincoln Corps has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner.

DEWSBURY.-The annual dinner in connection with the division was held on January 1St, First Officer H. Fowler presiding, supported by Supt. Secretary C. Thomes Supt. H. Allatt and First Officer H. Greenwood (Batley), and others.

The toasts included that of the superintendent of the division (Mr. E. Y. Barraclough), who is at present in America, and Dr. J. W. Applegate, hon. surgeon of the division.

A whist drive followed, and the prize-winners were: LadieS-I, Mrs. R. Oldroyd; 2, Mrs. L. Grossland. Gentle men-I, Mr. T. E. Summerscales; 2, Mr. H. Fowler. Messrs. G. Peace and R Oldroyd received the " booby" prizes.

this alteration several changes in the staff have been made. Lieut. C. B. Palmer h a s relinquished his post of Corps Supt. to that of Treasurer. The other changes are: Mr. W. Handyside to be Corps Supt.; Mr. J. F. Booth, Corps Secretary j Mr. W. Troy, Corps Inspector of Stores. Other appointments are: Mr. M. B. Bell, Supt. of Headquarters Division, and Mr. R. Wilson, First Officer in charge of Transport.

For the gallantry he displayed in the endeavour to rescue two of his colleagues in the Felling Colliery accident in October last, Mr. J. F. Booth, the corps secretary, was on January 13th presented with a bronze medal awarded to him by the Order of St. John for his bravery. Mr. Booth has also been awarded the King's medal, and as a mark of appreciation of his heroic conduct, Messrs. John Bowes and Partners, the proprietors of the colliery, presented him with a gold hunter watch. The presentations were followed by a dinner, at which Mr. C. B. Palmer and Mr. H. Armstrong and IS0 members of the corps were present. We congratulate Mr. Booth on the honours

WELSHPOOL DIVISION, No.

7 DISTRICT, S.J.A.B.

The remainder of the evening was devoted to music and dancing, Mr. C. H. Thomes acting as acco m panis t.

No. 6 District.

District Chief Supt. Anderson has been appointed As sistant-Commissioner to Deputy-Commissioner C. B. Palmer. We heartily congratulate Dr. Anderson on his promotion. He has been associated with ambulance work since 1882 and was for many years Hon. Surgeon to the Gateshead Fell Division. Few men are better known or mo re highly esteemed in connection with ambulance work in the North of England, and we hope Dr. Anderson may long be spared to enjoy the promotion which has been co nferred upon him.

FELLING.-The title of the Felling Colliery Corps has been changed to " Felling and ?n of the inclusion of the Wardley CollIery DIVISIon. WIth

which have been awarded him. We believe he is the first mem ber of the corps to receive either the King's medal or the award of St. John.

No. 10 District.

IpswlcH.-Chief Surgeon S. O. Eades presided at the first smoking concert held at the Ambulance Hall on January 3rd. In proposing the "S.J.A.B. and District Staff" he referred to the good feeling and relationship whic'h existed between the officers and men, and if there was any little matter which caused them trouble at any time they could not do better than bring it before the staff officers. The fact that the district had been divided into two, he thought gave them great as far as Ipswich was concerned, had n?w untted front.

Col. C. S. Elliston, m respondmg, saId he was pleased to be present that evening in order to support their new commanding officer, Corps Supt. J. T. Brooke, because he was convinced that he had introduced a new spirit into the

-FIRST

Ipswich Corps, and under Lis command he predicted a great future before them. For the last fifteen he had been Deputy-Commissioner of the old No. 3 DIstrict, and it had long been felt that the district was getting too large for one man to command, and when Sir Andrew Clark was appointed Chief Commissioner the first thing to which he turned his attention was the division of Districts.

Col. Elliston pointed out that he had selected to retain the Eastern Counties, for, although they were not so numerically strong as the Central District, they had some very good counties under their regime. In the new District Ipswich would be the senior and premier corps, and he asked them to always bear this in mind and help their Supt. to keep up their standing.

District Supt. Major F. A. Brooks proposed the " Ipswich Corps," and he announced that a new division had been formed at Naston and would be in charge of Mr. E. R. Moorson, with Dr. Havell as the Hon. Surgeon.

St. John Ambulance County Companies.

IT is gratifying to state that the work in connection with the formation of the St. John Companies for the York District is going on satisfactorily. The Committee are hoping to form two female County Companies in the course of the next few weeks, and these companies will have as commandants Dr. Evelyn and Dr. Wightman. Thirty-seven ladies are fully qualified for service with a company, that is, have obtained a pass in first aid and in home nursing.

Dr. Wightman has been giving a course of home nursing lectures to ladies in the Mount district, and this class is to undergo examination shortly. The men's first aid class, under Dr. Fell, are also to be examined early next month.

Mr. Wilfrid Gostling, M.B., has kindly consented to give a further course of lectures for ladies on first aid to the injured. These lectures commence on the last day of the present month, in the Board-room at the York County Hospital. There is still a small number of vacancies in this class, so any ladies anxious to qualify themselves as members of County Companies should communicate as soon as possible with the Hon. Secretary (Miss Ramsay), High Petergate, York.

The Bradford St. John Company held a whist drive and dance at the Unity Hall on December 29th. About 150 guests were present, including Dr. and Mrs. Percy Lodge, Dr. Rabagliati, Dr. McDonald and Dr. and Mrs. Sam Lodge. After supper, Dr. Rabagliati said however much they disliked war, and he was very strongly opposed to the military spirit of the age, the am bulance part of the Territorial movement ought to be encouraged. He congratulated Dr. Percy Lodge, the medical commandant, and officers on the large gathering and the enthusiasm shown in the work. The effect of ambulance training was most beneficial on the individual, and contributed to the buildup of a strong people. To govern others we must learn to ourselves. Dr McDo.nald joined in congratulatmg the branch on It effiCiency. Dr. Lodge suitably replied.

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AI D.- January, 1912.

Brigade Orders.

THE following Brigade Orders have been issued to the members dated December, 191 :-

RO. 192.-Amendments to General Regulations: Amendments to Brigade Regulations are circulated with these Orders for the correction of the Regulations into which they should be pasted, opposite the paragraph they allude to. In these amendments the words "Chief," "Superintendent," and "Honorary," have been in certain cases deleted. "Chief" is to be restrict ed to the three senior officers of the Brigade, viz , the Chief Commissioner, the Surgeon-in-Chief, and the Lady Superintendent-in_ Chief. " Superintendent" is to be confined to those officers who are appointed Superintendents of divisions, corps, or districts being intended to denote the nature of their duties and not their rank, the terms "district," " corps," or " divisonal," notifying the rank of the various officers. Officers of the same rank in the Brigade will take seniority by the date of their appointment to such rank.

"Honorary."-As all the members of the Brigade are " honorary" members, this term will be confined to members admitted under Rule 42, page 2 5 of the Regul ations.

B.O. 198.-Royal Inspection :-His Majesty the. King, Sovereign Head and Patron of the Order, has expressed a desire to inspect the St. John Ambulance Brigade next year at Windsor. Deputy-Commissi oners will be good enough to forward to the Chief Commissioner as soon as possible, the probable number of officers and members of Ambulance and Nursing Divisions who will be able to attend the parade.

The date on which the parade will be held cannot be arranged until His Majesty's return from India, but it is suggested that Whitsuntide would be the most suitable as far as the Brigade is concerned.

(Signed) James R. Andrew Clark, Chief Commissioner.

DEWSBURY.-Corp. W. Postlethwaite, of the Batley Division, has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and Ptes. P. Mara and H. Hudson to Corporals.

DUDLEY. - A handsome timepiece has been presented to Mr. J. A. Harris, a mem ber of the Division, by the employees of the Hart's Hill Iron Co., as a mark of appreciation of his valuable services as a member of the S.J.A.A.

In a recently issued German official report it gives an admirable illustration of the value of modern rescue apparatus, viz. - Rescue apparatus were used in twentyseven instances-on two occasions with success in savmg life; five persons being recovered alive who would otherwise undoubtedly have perished. At the same time, th.e bodies of two other victims were also recovered; and thiS occurred also in two other instances. Two cases of successful restoration to consciousness are reported, but in three others the efforts were unavailing. In the remaining eighteen instances the apparatus were employed in labour operations with an economic object, and contributed to the prevention of accidents in irrespirable gases.-The makes prominent mention of the fact that even where It was not possible to save life, no other persons were endangered in the course of recovering the bodies.

We are in no way responsib.e tor the opinions txpressed, or the statements made, by Corresjondents.-EDIToRs.

INJUR Y ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD.

DE.\R SIR, A footballer being charged from behind received a heavy blow upon the buttocks with the knee of his opponent, which ca,uses him to fall being unable to rise, they went to hIS aSSIstance, when It was he had .lost all power in the limb and there was a deal of pam 10 the neIghbourhood of the g luteus muscle.

The injured man was being removed by four persons. 10 a lying position to the side of the .field when he that It felt as if something had released and the pam was m.uch easier. He was taken to the dressmg-room, and on exammation the part appeared quite normal. A good rubbing of liniment was applied, and in about ten minutes he returned limping to the field.

Would it be possible that the thIgh had been and gone back during removal? Or would loss of sensatl.on to the muscle cause this effect on the limb? Can you adVIse me as to the treatment at tbe time of accident which would be best to apply. - Yours faithfully, CON STA NT READER

[Assuming the position of the limb after the injury to h.a.ve been free from abnormality, the disability in all probabIlIty was due to severe muscular contusion (bruising ) and temporary displacement of some of the deeper structures, a degree of contusion of the large nervous trunk-the SCIatIC nervewhich lies in this neighbourhood.

The treatment adopted appears to me to have been perfectly correct, though probably the .have been spared much pain if, after the appl!catlOn of warmth and" counter irritation," he had been kept at rest WIth extra flannels applied over the painful parts. -

FRACTURED HUMERUS A JD FOREARM.

DEAR SIR, Regarding the treatment of humerus and forearm, I should be glad to know If It IS necessary to flex the a,rm ?

Supposing a first-aider be single-handed, It not be less distressing to the patIent to Just apply two the full leng-th of the arm, as it would be probably lymg almost straig ht, in such an injury? Of course s.uch would add to the difficulty of carriage, patIent to be prostrate. I am thinking of the IOJury the one fractme while a single-handed first-alder IS attendmg to the other fracture. A long splint for the whole arm could be applied quicker than treating two separate fractures.Yours truly, MARY.

[The flexed position IS m my 0!le to be preferred always provided there is no speCIal 1OdICation to the as, for example, fracture of upper end of the ulnar and displacement backwards of ItS upper fragment (analogous to fracture of the patella).

Assuming the injured limb be found 10 POSltIO!l ?f extension, which is improbable, It cannot be saId that It IS absolutely necessary that the. forearm should be upon the arm but it is more than lIkely that such a posltlOn would give to increased comfort to the when once .such a position is attained, the most natural POSitIon of rest bemg one of flexion, and in this position the broken fragments would be

AID.-

A GREAT FI ·RST AID TO AID.

A WORK that justifies its claim to be an epitome of all that specialised medical and surgical knowledge necessary for First Aiders, as well as an authoritative manual of reference on all information relating to Health and Disease, is a work to be welcomed by all our readers who wish to study their subject more deeply than is possible from superficial text books.

In "The Modern Physician," by Dr. Andrew Wilson, fullest space is devoted to "First Aid" and Ambulance Work. In respect of completeness, accuracy of description, and wealth of illustration, "The Modern Physician" stands without a rival amongst the works published on this important subje ct in the United Kingdom. It is scientifically accurate and reliable without being dull j the name of its editor, so long and popularly known as an expositor of Health laws and a teacher of Hygiene, is a guarantee of this. This work is absolutely complete as regards Health and Disease, and is thoroughly up-to-date.

As a knowledge of the body in Health is necessary to the due understanding of the body when its functions are deranged by disease, a description of every part of the frame will be found here. The skeleton, muscles, digestive system, heart and lungs, brain and nervous system, organs of sense, skin, kidneys and the body's microscopic structure are duly described. In this connection the illustrations are of particular value, the "mannikins" or dummies more especially in these the organs are made to overlap each other exactly as they do in the human body.

The section devoted to Hygiene includes the full exposition of the Laws of Health, and attention is devoted to Physical Culture. Such tOP1CS as beverages, air, exercise, clothing, sleep, baths, hohdays, temperament, &c., are treated in this section.

The last volume is especially devoted to the Health of Women, and Dr. Wilson has here been assisted by a nnmber of eminent women physicians. Midwifery and treatment and Diseases of Infants are here fully dealt wlth. ONE OF MANY OPINIONS.

Mr. J. DANIEL, 23, Kent Avenue, Ashford, Kent, writes:" It's all-round excellence makes it a valuable acqu isition. The section dealing with ambulance work is especially good. The book is wrilten in splendid style and the illustrations are first rale. The method of payment places it within the reach of aU."

A FREE BOOKLET.

110 -FIRST

less likely to give rise to injury to the surrounding soft parts

In this particular case, no outside help being available, the assistance of the patient should (if possible ) be invoked. Assumin g the presen ce of suitable material and the absence of profe ssional help , the best mechanical support (should transport be necessary) would be achieved by the use of a well padded a ng ular splint, carefully applied on the principles previ ou sly outlined - Dec 19 1I. - L. M FRANK CHRISTI AN.]

THE CORONATION MEDALS.

D EA R SIR, It is an understood thing that the members of the S.J.A.B. on public duty on Coronation day in London would re ceive medals. It is now six months over that time, and n one ha ve yet been recei ved, except the high officials of the b rigade duly noted in your journal. I t is a fact that the militar y poli ce and others have long since received theirs, and I think you will agree that the S.J.A.B. members on duty, and comin g lon g distances, payin g their own expenses, should have better considera tion.

Perhaps, sir, in your next issue you or your readers may be able to g ive us some reason of the delay.- Yours faithfully,

X. Y. Z.

[We regret that we cannot give any reason for the delay in the issue of the medals to those entitled to them. On the occas ion of the Coronation of the late King Edward a similar dela y wa s experienced. - ED. "F.A. "

COLD OR WARMTH IN CONTUSIONS.

DEAR S IR,- Will you k indly inform me through FIR ST Am whether hot water is benefi c ial or otherw ise in the case of bruises?

A man dropped a weight on his big toe and severely bru ised it. I treated it with cold water application and pressure, but met with adverse comments su g gesting that I o ug ht to h av e used hot water. B ll t I persever ed with the tre a tment that I had been t a ught by D r. Cantlie s text book - Yours re s pe ctfully,

F. C S.

[The lo cal ap pli cat ion of cold g ives Lse to contract ion of the mu sc ul a r fi bres conne c ted with the blood vessels, and thereby tend s to lessen the ca pillary h ce morrhage into the injured parts. In certain po sitions where the t issues a re loose, e.g., in the re g ion arou nd the e ye (and the scrotum ) unless prompt steps are taken, swellin g will rapidly t a ke pla ce, with annoying and disfi g urin g results The simultaneous applic a tion of ca r efully applied pressure (and in so me cases, elevation ) further che cks any capillary h ce morrhage and correspond in g ly lessens the swell in g a nd dis c olouration that may otherw se q ui ckly result.

Ve ry hot water promptly applied possibly would act in the same way as cold, i. e., would excite contraction, but for this purpose it cann o t be con sidered suitable, and cold is di s tinctly more con venient.

AID. - January, 19 1 2

Warmth, however) has its decided advantages in another I I?- the case under i.e .' severe bruismg of the bIg toe by a heavy weIght Upon it the prompt and careful removal of the covermg, and appl ication of cold and carefully applied pressure with elevation would be the correct first treatment. But in such a case the surround_ ings are an unyielding character, and it is only. too likely the pam become alm.ost unbearable, especially if the IDJury gIves rise to a collectIOn. of blood under the nail. In such a case the use of fomentatI?ns or prolon&ed batbing in very warm water would be adVisable, the object bein g not merely to soothe the injured nerves, but to soften thc surrOunding unyielding parts, and thereby to lessen the pressure an d its resulting pain. Medical attention is often necessary in such cases, especially if there is, in addition, any wounding of the skin in the neighbourhood. Compare" simple" and " co mpound" fractures.-L. M. FR ANK CHRI STIAN.]

RE SWIMMING AND LIFE SAVING.

DEAR SIR,-The Newcastle Division of tbe St. Joh n Ambulance Brigade bave already adopted the above, a nd at the last examination four proficiency certificates and two proficiency certificates plus medallions were awarded by the Roya l Life Saving Society to members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in the district.

Forty-seven men have received instruction in swim ming and life -saving since August. If Newc astle is not the firs t actually in takin g up this humane branch of ambulan ce work it is certainly one of the first.- Yours, &c"

GEOR GE TINNION, Certificated Instructor and Han. Representative of the Royal Life Saving So c iety.

DO WE

GET THE PETITIVE BEST N.C.O .' S BY E X AMINATION?

C OM-

DE AR SI R,- At our last distri c camp a controvers y aros e on the above subjec t. It wa s c ontended that we did n ot get the most suitable men by the present method, and the summary of the arg uments was to th is effe c t :-

That a man m a y be able to answer any question fr om th e book like a parrot , put on any bandage as per copper -plate illustrations, and know the intrica ci es of parts 1 and 2 of the Infantry M anual line for line, and know the exact m o ve men t every man should make, and yet not be a good leader or practical worker, but owing to his edu cation or business tra ining he can score on exams

He is all theory, and no more fitted to be a N.C.O. th an a stretcher pole. The alternative was, "Get your N.C O .'s by ballot. You want a man who is, first, popular in his divisi on, a hard worker and a good pra ct ical man,one who has his work and the interests of his corps at heart, and is keen on the effi ciency and attendance, setting the example himself by attend ing all the drills he possibly can, at t imes sacrificing other pleas ure s to do so, who has the confidence of his men and can ha ndle

I&xa £r G

THE CELEBRATED HOUSE FOR & PRESENTS.

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ShoWI'oonlS: 125-126, FENCHURCH ST., STERLINC SILVER PRIZE CUPS. PRIZE CUPS A SPECIALITY. LONDON, E.C. LARCEST STOCK IN THE WORLD.

January

" WITH U" FI RST AID No.3.

Th

112 -FIRST them and drive them to energetic work by his own example. Men who only get the stripe to look at, and who attend irregularly or when there is any" show" work to be done, are not what we want. We desire" stickers" not" shirkers" and who is better able to choose a N.C.O. who can best fill the place than the officers and men of the division by ballot? Any man who was so chosen would of cours e qualify himself to pass the necessary exam.

I shall be glad to have the opinions of on this subject, for I am sure it is one of moment III the lllterests of the brigade.- Yours, &c., " PRIVATE."

NO.7· S.J.A.B. MILITARISM AND CIVIL AMBULANCE SERVICE.

DEAR STR -Personally, have an objection to what appears to me a' gradual innovation, an objection which I have little doubt will be shared by many of your readers of even limited experience, from the fact that directly anything away goes the least hope of treatment III any shape or form, which fact all III thIS country, been allowed to do its level best, whether Illtended or not, to k!ll the volunteer spirit, while calling for and admitting its dependence on volunteers.

The real spirit that is so rampant at the present day, disguised maybe in a hundred ways, is lacking of sincere sympathy -the cause of so much of the national unrest. No sympathy, no confidence, no continuity, no response. This being the case, let us hope those with ,:uthority in the amb';llance world will make it clear that there IS no room for such lllfluences or chance for them to take root under the White Cross badge.

Men and women who experience all kinds of hard work during the day, and attend ambulance classes, pass examinations, and perform ambulance duties, in what to them is the

Cedes Electric

A I D.- January, 19 1 2.

only time that they might call their own, do not want to find themselves working under a cast.-ir.on system, however go.od them they may be .told It all your military drill. figures so III hftmg and transport ing the Injured, I very much doubt If It IS, or ever .could be, gone through in cases of emergencv. I t IS questIOnable whether you have the time or space for wheeling this way or the other in order to reach the proper .( drill ) places. On the railway, for instance, traffic cannot walt for you to go through these evolutions. Yet limbs are fixed in splints, tourniquets ad. justed, and patient lifted on stretcher as carefully as on parade.

As you truly observe the pres en t poslbon IS very unsatisfactory, being neither one thing or the other, and I venture to think that if a ballot were taken of the entire members of the S.J.A.B. the great majority would be in favour of no more militarism.

Sincerely hoping there IS an encouraging future for our dear" F.A."- Yours, &c., ERNEST JA JES R ACKWITZ.

CANTJ;;RBURY AND COAST DISTRICT, N.Z.-It is with pleasure that we congratulate this district of the overseas dominions on the progress it is making under the supervision of Mr. McKinney. While we in England are in perpetual gloom, sleet and fog, the Canterbury District is holding its annual camp, and from the reports Just to hand a most sl:1ccessful gathering it has been. Interdistrict competitions were held, and field days and fie ld hospital work formed part of the proceedings, · intersp erse d with social functions.

Pronrierors to make this Jou rnal as instructive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can.

Super intendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John

Am bu lance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Sugges· tions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the] ournal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication. Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on the back of the 5ame the name of the individual or the Corps or Brigade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay·for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing.

"First Aid" Is published on the 20th of the month.

EDITORIAL. ·

its repetition would be a comparatively simple matter, the event being repeated each year in some convenient centre. Of course, we well realise that su bsequent gatherings would not be of such magnitude as is expected this year; nevertheless, we do not hesitate to say that all those who are enthusiastically interested in the Brigade would be present, following on the same custom as now prevails in the Volunteer Fire Service. These annual meetings would contribute in no slight measure to the furtherance of the movement, inasmuch as we should be securing that interchange of ideas which is so essential to progression. On this ground alone the utility of the proposal should appeal to those interested; but quite apart from this, the gathering would bring into immediate contact those who have a common interest at heart, thereby cementing friendship.

We hope that some move will be made in the direction of our suggestion in future years, for we believe that such gatherings would make for the policy of co-operation, which is after all the desideratum of success.

An Annual Ambulance Day.

THE ambulance movement is spreading and is being taken up with so much zeal and enthusiasm all over the country that a day especially devoted to it, in the form of an "annual gathering," woul d no doubt appeal to many interested in the work. Suc h a proposal, we think, should commend itself to headquarte rs.

This is not the first occasion that we have thrown out the suggestion, for some years ago we dealt with the subject at the instigation of one of the prominent members of the B rigade, but it did not then meet with as favourable a reception as we had hoped. We are again prompted to mention the subject by reason of the fact that to a certain extent the proposal this year will materialise, for at Windsor the units of the Brigade will assemble from all over the cou nt ry and colonies to be inspected by the King.

We anticipate this will be one of the largest gatherings of amb ulance men that this country has ever seen, and it should give a considerable" fillip" to the Brigade. vVith the organisation set in motion to bring these units together,

History of the Order of St. John.

WE were told by Colton that "to cite the examples of history, in order to animate us to virtue or to arm us with fortitude, is to call up the illustrious dead to inspire and improve the living."

The History of the Order of St. John is no doubt a " magnificent weapon" to utilise in order to inspire those who are not familiar with its humane work to emulate the example of the Knights of St. John by becoming proficient in the modern-day work which had its origin with them.

We are not going to attempt to give the history of the Order on this page, but the subject is peculiarly fascinating to those who once turn their attention to it. What is surprising to us is that more use is not made of it by those who are propagating the work. We are pleased to see in this connection that Mr. C. B. Palmer, the Deputy-Commissioner of the No. 6 District, has been delivering a lecture on the subject at South Shields. It should not only impress upon the public the necessity of undertaking the work, but instil in the members of the Brigade that example of duty which has been set by the ancient Knights.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]

Home Nursing and Hygiene.

(Contillued from page 99·)

FOOD.

Object 0/ Eood.-Speakillg generally all substances which assist in the formation and repair of the tissues, the maintenance of their functions and the production of heat may be regarded as foods. We are all conscious of the

Nutrients and NOl't-Nlttrients.-Our ordmary food materials, such as meat, fisb, eggs, potatoes, wheat, &c ., consist of :-

Rejitse. -As the bones of meat and fish, shells of eggs skin of potatoes, and bran of wheat.

Edible PortiolZ.-As the flesh of meat and fish, white and yolk of eggs, wheat flour.

The Edible Substance Consists of:- Water; nutritive ingredients or nutrients.

The Principal Kinds of Nutrients are :-( I) Protein (2) fats; (3) carbohydrates ; (4) mineral matters. )

The water, refuse and salt of salted meat and fish are called non-nutrients, because they have little or no nutritive value. The contained in and beverages has the same composltlOn and propertIes as other water' it is of course, indispensable for nourishment, but is lnot nutrient in the sense in which it is here used. In comparing the values of different food materials for nourishment, we may leave the refuse and water out of account and consider only the nutrients.

It is necessary, however, to say something upon the composition of food, and just as we ar range foods in two groups acc.ording to their uses in the body as (a) ('2, 4- tlSSUC producers anJ (b) force produ cas, so also can we arrange foods in two groups ac21 2. cording to their composition, vi z. :-(1) Those which contain nitrogen, and (2) those which do not contain nitrogen. Th e COIllC)'9 position of food is such an important subject that I feel I must try to interest you in its ";) .,- study. There are certain substances known to chemists as elements which, when com-

bined, form compounds. Now our foods are amongst such substances as are formed by th e combination of elements int o com- 9 pounds. The chief chemical elements which enter into the composition of the (:, organic constituents (substances) of our food are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. Of these we can form two groupsthose which contain nitrogen and those which do not.

February, 19T2. -FIRST

all the chemical constituents of the tissues of animals and vegetables, e.g , white of egg, gluten of wheat, &c.

NOlt-NitrogensOlts.- The starches and sugars (carbohydrates). The former are generally introduced into the body in an insoluble condition, e.g., starch in rice potato flour. The sugars are highly soluble, e.g., beet, g;ape and cane sugar. Carbohydrates are usually associated with proteid matter in various forms of vegetable foods.

The fats. Both animal and vegetable tIssues contammg varymg proportions of fats e 0" fat of meat, butter, olive oil. 0

Mineral matters :-Lime, phosphates, common salt, iron, &c.

The following diagrams will help to a clearer understanding of the subject. Remember the fact that the of our bodies and those of our food, are very slmLlar.

COMPOUNDS OF THE B0DY OF A MAN WEIGHING I48 POUNDS.

Protein Fats Carbohydrates Mineral Matters Total POUNDS. 9°'0 26'6 230 o'! 8'3

USES OF THE FOOD IN THE BODY.

Food slt}}lies tlte wants of tlze body in several ways.

Food Furnislzes.-(I) The material of which the body is made (2) the material to repair the wastes of the body, and to protect its tissues from being unduly consume d ; (3) food is consumed as fuel in the body to produce muscular and intellectual energy for the work it has to do.

WAYS IN \VHICH THE NUTRIENTS ARK USED IN THE BODY.

The body is built up, and its wastes are rE;paired by th e nutrients, which also serve as fuel to warm the body and supply its strength.

A I D.-

Ambulance Work at the Durbar.

FROM time to time. in this Jo:'nal we have recordecl the of the Indla Branch o.f the Association and Brigade whlch IS n.ow on a sound and is making steady progress tbe CoronatlOn Dunbar it offered a unique and for the employment of the units of the IndIan Empire.. A scheme was placed before the Durbar CommIttee whIch met with its approval and nearly 100 men under the command of Major R. J. Black-

ESTIMATED PROPORTIONS OF THE CHIEF

fact that food is necessary in order that we live. It is not so obvious that the body

ELEMENTS OF THE BODY.

Nilrogmolts- The proteids or alb uminous substances are the most essential of lS formed so as to enable it by work to obtain the food it requires, and further that its functions are subservient to the food supply it demands, in other words the income and expenditure that is amount of food and the value of work should equal one another.

f-,n

ESTIMATED PROPORTIONS OF CHEMICAL COMPOllNDS IN THE HUMAN BODY.

Tlte Proteins of flood.-These form the nitrogenolls basis of blood, muscle, sinue, bone, skin, &c., and there can be no doubt that in all cases nitrogenous food determines, to a large exte nt, the oxidation of non-nitrogenous food, and so is favourable to all vital action.

The Fats of Eood.- They are stored in t3e body and are also consumed fuel in the production of bodily heat.

Tlte Carbolqdrates of Food.- These may be changed into fat, or they may undergo but slight change before being consumed as fuel for the body.

(To be contt"nued.)

MALToN.-The members of the nursing division held a cafe chantant on February 13th, in order to raise funds for the purchase of uniforms before forming a Voluntary AId f:ompany. An attractive programme was given, and the function proved a great success.

COLCHESTER.-The annual meeting of the division took place on January 16th, Mr. R. C. Bullough occupying the chair. Supt. Edgell, in his resum e of the work during the year, said it had been very satisfactory. At the recent exam ination four members had qualified for vouchers, ten for medallions, and eight for labels. He hoped the Colc hester people would help with subscriptions for sending the men to the Windsor inspection.

MAJOR BLACKHAlIL

ham, R.A. M.e, were encamped on a site immediately adjoining the State Railway Camp, and their duties a period of nearly a fortnight. The contingent: was well equipped in every respect and had the following transport establishment-Fifteen ambulance carts, three transport carts, thirty-six draught ponies, thirty riding ponies and eight followers. The ponies were placed at the disposal of the Brigade by the kindness of His Highness the Maharaja of Jaipur, G.es I.

The members of the contingent having riding ponies, proved a valuable asset, for its ambulance carts could move rapidly in the extensive area. They rendered valuable services to many hundred of cases, and were fortunate enough to be on the scene at the only two serious accidents, which occurred in the immediate vicinity of their Majesties. This is the first occasion on which voluntary am bulance workers have been officially employed in Indi a

The contingent was inspected by Colonel Bamber, I.M.S., Administrative Medical Officer, Coronation Durbar, the Hon. Sir T. R. Wynne, K.eI.E., and LieutenantColonel Pedley, Y.D., M.D., the Senior Volunteer Medical Officer of the Durbar Troops. All these officers expressed

themselves highly pleased with the camp arrangements and the general turn-out of the brigade.

Major Blackham, whose photograph we gIve, has received the Durbar medal, in recognition of his services. He is the Hon. General Secretary of the Indian Branch of the Association.

Improvised Stretchers.

SEEING that in the conditions of the Inter-Railway Competition it is laid down that a stretcher may have to be imjJrovised, it will not be out of place to mention a few of the methods adopted in their construction in order to be conversant with them. It must be borne in mind that in extemporising a stretcher the material at hand is what a competitor is restricted to, and, therefore, his resourcefulness of mind will, to a great extent, bear in proportion towards the usefulness of the complete article.

In the improvisation of stretchers many articles can be used for the purpose, such as doors lifted off their hinges, gates, boards, ladders, hurdles, &c. These should all be properly padded and in every case they should be 6rst tested before placing a patient on them. neglect, in every instance, to observe this rule, for not only in competitions would marks be deducted, but in aC.tual injury the collapsing of a stretcher might have fatal results.

In dealing briefly with the best methods of improvising stretchers, perhaps the most frequently used, is the coat stretelzer. This is made by taking two coats, and after turning the sleeves inside out, they are placed with their lower ends touching each other, a clothes pole or strong broom-handle is then passed through the sleeves on each side, button the coats down the middle, having the buttons on the underside. In place of two ordinary coats, one greatcoat may be used instead.

The Rug or Blanket Stretcher is made by spreading a blanket on the grounrl and laying poles parallel to each

AI D.- February, 1912.

The returning loops pass between the previous ones and take a fixation turn round each one in doing so.

Sack or Bag Sirectci'ter - These can be made with sacks or bags of any discription if larg e and strong enough by cutting two holes in the bottom corners of sacks to allow room for th e poles to pass through. Two or even

February, I912. -FIRST

A I D.-

town, so that in case of accidents persons would know where to seek assistance; also that stretche rs be placed at the Town Hall, Police Station, Thames Hotel, and Clewer.

No. 3 District.

OLNEY.-A successful entertainment was given by the "Mountebanks" in aid of this division on February 1St. It was well patronised, and resulted in the sum of £9 being handed over. This is to be used towards payment of the men's expenses in the forthcoming Royal inspection.

No. 2 District.

WINDSoR.-The annual meeting of the Division was held at the Guildhall, on Jan. 15th. There were present the Mayor, A: Harris, who presided; the Dep uty-Mayor, SIr Frederick Dyson; Drs. H. Fairbank, A. G. Osborn, and Mr. F. Lloyd and Mr. R. Copeland.

Dr. Osborn presented the report of the work of the Brig ade for the eight months ending Septem ber 30th last. The Brigade made a start with a membership of 20, includrn g officers, and three members resigned, through leaV Ing the town. Fourteen were in uniform. During the eight months 24 drills were held. Sergt. Short att ended everyone. He had been of great assistance, particularly in imparting his knowledge of the work to the ot he r members. The number of public duties on which th e Brigade were at work-excluding individual workwas 13; Sergt. Copeland and Sergt. Skinner attending on each occasion.

An function took place on February loth 10 the Bntish .School. A large influential company assem bled to wltness the presentatlOn of service badges to the members of the division, and certificates to the successful students of the recent first aid class.

The chair was taken by J. W. Mann, Esq., J.P , and he was s ..Jpported by Deputy-Commissioner Woolston District Supt., Harvey Reeves, Supt. F. Adnitt (Northampton), Dr. Grindon and Supt. Knight (Olney).

The service badges were gracefully pres ented by Miss Allen.' and the certificates by Col. Bowyer (Weston), who heartIly congratulated each man.

After the presentation a social was held, when a capItal programme was gone through, consisting of songs and dance The party broke up at eleven o'clock, all agreeIng that It had been one of the most pleasant evenings on record.

No. 4 District.

ALTERNATlVE METHOD OF LASHING TREVERSES BARS ON IMPROVISED STRETCHER.

three sacks are drawn on to the poles, the open mo uth of one passing inside that of another till a length of 6 ft. is obtained.

Treverses.-In making extemporised stretchers it will generally be found necessary in order to give comfort both to the patient and the bearers to provide cross pieces or treverses to the poles to keep them apart, these can be made in several ways :-By taking a piece of board and cutting two notches 22 inches apart and lashin g the stretcher poles into the notches as shown in the illustratio ns and also by cutting two notches in the end of a board 23 inches long before being cut, two cross-bars are nailed to the board to which the poles are lashed.

IMPROVISED COAT STRETCHER

other, each about 10 inches from the centre of the blanket. Turn a fold over the er:ds of the pole; bring the right side over the pole on. that SIde to the pole, then similarly fold to the left SIde. A stretcher IS thus formed consisting o.f folds of blanket. Canvas or sacking may be sImIlarly employed

The pole and rop e stretcher may be improvised by two poles, placing them parallel to each other about 22 .mches apart and then a rope of sufficient length is first tWIsted and a secure loop fastened to one end of a pole to the traverse. A series of loops are then passed oblIquely backwards and forwards over the two poles.

GRANGE MOOR.- The ambulance competitions and sports will be held on June 15th. Particulars, &c., can be obtained from Mr. T. Westerby, Secretary, Grange Moo r, near Wakefield.

BRIGHTSIDE WORKS AMBULANCE CORPS. - The am bulance corps formed at Messrs. W. Jessop & Sons' works held a concert on February loth. The occasi on was taken during the evening to present the prizes gained by the members of the corps in the recent competition. Mrs. S. J. wife of the managing director, kindly made the presentatiOn.

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The annual inspection took place on September 14th by Asst.-Commissioner P. M. Tombs, who was satisfied with the bearing and appearance of the members, and who remarked at the time that they had acquitted themselves bett er than many brigades of much older standing.

The Mayor moved the adoption of the report, and Dr. Fairbank, in seconding, said the report was a satisfacto ry one. He thought the division promised to become more prominent; it was started on a £,ood foundation, and it had every appearance of being successful, particularly as th e men took an interest in the work and attended the dr ills extremely well. It was a most institution, but it could not be kept up without money. He did not think the members who gave their time to the work should be asked to support it also from a monetary point of view. T he people of the town ought to help it forward, and it did not require large subscriptions, but small annual subscriptions would meet the demands. They had to remember that next June the King proposed inspecting the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and it was important that Win dsor should make a good show. They could not have less than twenty men in uniform, and it was the uniforms which entailed expense. A good beginning had been made by one member collecting a good sum of money, and if the mem bers got together and tried to do the same they ought to have a good balance before the King's review next June.

Pte. Skinner was appointed Inspector of Stores. The vacancy was caused by Pte. Steer leaving the town.

The following members we re elected: Messrs. Disbury, Coombs, Trowbridge, Weatherall, G. Simmonds, Fry, Hobb s, Cripps, Murray-Smith, Webb, Gray, Burden, Steve ns, Brion, T. Miles, Newcom be and Fountain.

On the proposition of Pte. Oxley, seconded by Pte. Howard, and it was decided to purchase six new uniforms.

It was also agreed that a list of mem bers, with their addresses, be printed and posted in different parts of the

entertainment organised by the NurSIng DIVISIon In ald of their equi?ment fund took on Friday, the 26th ult.; but this year, instead of a socIal and dance, the form taken was a benefit performance at .the Apollo T? eat re, BootIe. Mr. Ludwig Blattner, the geOlal manager kmdly offered to hand over the entire receipts to the Nursing Division, and as there was a very special programme arranged there was no difficulty experienced 10 filltng the house. The Nursing Sisters, under Lady Supt. Mrs. A. Mc Taught, in their new regulation uniform, acted as Stewardesses for the evening, and greatly added to the artistic effect of the hall.

TherE; was quite a number of medical gentlemen present, also Lady Supt. Stuart (Waterloo), Corps Supt. J. C. Ellison, Hon. Sec. J. C. Roberts (Liverpool), Supt. W. V. Smith (Waterloo), and other officers. The entertainment beg an and ended with the National Anthem rendered by a fine orchestra. The performance proved a great success both socially and financially.

No. 5 District.

LINCO LN .-The annual dinner of the Coros was held in the Drill Hall on February 7th, the of Lincoln being in the chair, supported by the Sheriff, Councillor W. S. White (vice-chairman), the Deputy Mayor (Councillor C. H. Newsum), the Re\,. E. M. Bland, Corps-Surgeon F. Lam bert, Drs. Cbapman, C. J. Coleman, and Chater (Divisional Surgeons), Supt. Deighton, Divisional Supts. Cooper and Dickinson, and Dr. Yates. A feature of the function was the presence, in uniform, of a number of nurses of the newly formed Nursing Division of th e Corps-who looked particularl), smart.

Councillor W. S. White, in proposing the toast of the " Lincoln Corps of the Brigade," said it was fifteen years that month since the Lincoln Corps was first formed. There was a doubt at the commencement whether the

lI8

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venture would live or die, but through the careful nursing of Dr. Lambert and others it had survived He (Councillor White) spoke of the headway the Corps had made its inception-it had never looked back-and, besIdes increasing its membership, it had increased in usefulness and influence. By the united efforts of members of the Corps and the public they had now a horse-ambulance, and it did really good work it removed, on an average, nearly two patients per week.

Corps-Surgeon Lam bert, in responding, said that the Corps had a successful year's record. In B Division they were really excellent, and had performed so well that when they entered for the shield for competition amongst the employ es of the Great Central Railway Company they won it. It was a handsome trophy, and it was a competition which embraced the whole of the G.c.R. system. They had three teams out each week attending football matches in different parts of the city, and they were frequently needed to attend accidents. During the Fair and Races, too, th e y had a team in readiness in case of accident. Referring to the Am bulance-van, Dr. Lambert said the vehicle had been out seventy times since it was procured, and the very fact that it had been used twice a week since was a full justification for the large expenditure. The time ought not to be far distant when they had in Lincoln a motor ambulance-which would cost about £500 or £600.

DEN ABY - The fourth annual dinner or this corps was held at Denaby Main Hotel, on January the 27th, when about eighty of the members were present. At the conclusion of the repast the secretary submitted the report for the year ending Septem ber, 191 J, which showed the total strength of the corps to be 3 I I, an increase of 27 over the previous year.

The average attendance at drill, &c , 47 present at annual inspection, 186 passed at annual examination, 290 in possession of medallions, 1910, 159 19II, 191 increase 32 in possession of service badges, 62. Three officers, seven men, one nursing officer, and fifteen nurses attended for duty in London during the Coronation. One nursing officer and fifteen nursing sisters attended for duty at the Agricultural Show at Rotherham.

Commenting upon the report, Chief Supt. Chambers said he thought they had set an example to all corps and divisions, for th e irs was now the strongest corps in the NO·5 District, notwithstanding some corps counted in their numbers fire brigades, tramway men, railway men, and others who used the official uniform of the St. John AmbuBrigade as .their own. Their corps was completely eqmpped as any In the country. The men were efficient, because the officers were determined that they should not serve merely for counting purposes but for efficiency first and foremost.

Sergt. Power proposed the toast of the officers, which was responded to by Chief Supt. Chambers.

No. I District.

RH ONDDA FAwR. - Corps Supt. Tom Davies, on behalf of the Rhondda Fawr Corps, recently journeyed to Shrewsbury to present to Colonel Cureton the wishes, etc., of the corps, and he was warmly received by the respected Colonel.

The following letter was subsequently received by Mr. Tom Davies from the Colonel ;_

!o the Corps Officers and Officers, Assistant-CommiSSioner, Officers and Men of the Rhondda Fawr Corps.

AID. - February, 19 12

Gentlemen and Brother members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade,- Corps Supt. Tom Davies kindl y camp here last night and presented to me the very han dsome stick which you have very kindly given to me on my givin g up the command over you.

The kind hearts which prompted such a lovin g dee d has touched my heart more than I can say, and alt hough I can only say I thank you very mu ch, stIll I sh all always remember with this kindly act of yours, wh ich has softened my regret In partmg from you.

It is seven years this very month since I first cam e to Ton Pentre with my. friend J. W White. And how kindly you listened to LIS, and took Our work on with su c h splendid zeal and devotion to d uty.

I could not attend your banquet, as Mrs. Cureton was and is, ill. She, however, desires me to say that, although she does not know you as well as the Mard y boys, she thinks you have been so very good me.

I will not say good-bye but onl y au revoir and wi th best wishes to everyone of you. -Yours faithfull y, E D CURETON.

The third annual banquet of the Rhondda Fawr Co rps was held on Saturday, January 27th, at the Glandoor Hote l Yytrad, Rhondda Valley. Corps Superintendent presided.

No fewer than nine am bulance di visions, all un der the command of Mr. Tom Davies, were represented, an d the re was a gathering of about 110, amongst those pre sen t bei ng Capr. Lindsey, Ch ief Constable Constabular y ;

Mr. Herbert LeWIS, Deputy -CommIssIOner, Cardi ff Co l. Pearson (H.M.I. of Mines), Major R. C. Dyk e (A.S.C.).

Mr. George Payne, Corps Secretary; Sergt. M aj or Ne wbury Dr. D. Cummins, Division Surgeon and Sup t.

After an excellent repast, provided by Sergt. Caple, th e Chairman gave the loyal toasts, which were duly ho noure d.

The Chairman said they regretted the absen ce of Co l. Cureton owing to the illness of Mrs. Cureton, bu t at th e same time he had been good enough to enclose wit hin his letter a cheque for £1 IS. in the hope that the company would drink his heal tho

Mr. H. Lewis, the new Deputy-Commission er, also contributed, and Capt. Lindsay (£1 each) towards the entertainment side of the evening.

Corps Supt. Tom Davies then delivered his ann ual address in a stirring speech. He said they had a mongst them that evening not only a proof, if such were n e cessary, of the interest tak e n in ambulance work, but also an ass urance of bright pospects in store for the movement in the ir populous mining district. He was sure they were glad to welcome their new D.C., Mr. Lewis, together with t he ne w staff of officers, and Dr. Wallace (Cardiff), and on behalf of the corps he extended to them heartiest good wi shes in their new appointments. He was pleased also fo r more than one reason that Col. Pearson was amonst them , and he was glad indeed to be able to testify to the practical intere st which Col. Pearson took in ambulance work. W he n a gentleman who was so prominently and closely ass ocia ted with the coal mining industry as Col. Pearson did ta ke that interest in the work, they could rest assured th at his example and influence would go a long way towards ensuring success.

Already in the Rhondda no fewer than nine divi sio ns, fully equipped, with a membership of about 280, incl uding officers and men, had been formed, and that one fact spoke more eloquently than he could as to what had already been accomplished, and judging by the presen: indicati on he confide n tly looked forward to the number being doub le d.

During the past year the corps had held their mo nthly field days and parades.

February, I912. -FIRST

A large amount of public duty had been done by officers and men, members having figured at the Coronation and Investiture, and those duties were done voluntarily. Much had bew said from time to time about get ting first aid taught in the elementary schools. He was sure that he was giving expression to the views of all present when he said that that would be much more useful to th e children in after life than many of the subjects with which they were now crammed. He was sure it would be rea dily taken up by the youngsters.

Unlike the religious controversy, there was no sects or cree ds connected with its teaching, hence he was sure its inclusion as the school course would receive the cordial sup port of all parties.

Capt Lindsay, who heartily thanked the gathering for t he ir cordial reception, said it was a great pleasure to see a co rps like the Rhondda Fawr making rapid strides. Rather tha n go into the valu e and tec.hnicalities of ambulance wor k, he would say that men who belong to such a fine cor ps they had something to be proud of, and something to s tand by them on occasions of necessity happening. If pos si ble th e y were trying to convert their efforts into an acc omplished fact in regard to the police, that was to say, the y would, if possible, get the whole force into the work. The re was no oth e r district in whi c h mor e work could be do ne by th e polic e in that respect than in the mining di5 t r icl.

He ext e nded his best wishes for every success and co rdial thanks for having got up such a grand organisation.

Corps Supt. Tom Davies responded, and thanked the Cap tain far his kind remarks. He mentioned that he ha d in his corps police who were capable ambulance men, and who were rendering very useful services indeed.

Mr. Watkin Jones, M.E., proposed the toast of "St. Jo hn Ambulans e Briga de. " He knew from personal expe ri e nc e that the brigade had done an enormous am ount of good, it had relieved a good deal of painful suffering, and that ought to b e regarded as one great part of their religion.

The D e puty -Commissioner, Mr. Herbert Lewis, who was enthusiastically r e ceived, responded H e wanted to tha nk them heartily for the esteem they had shown for him whe n the Chairman mentioned his name as the new De puty-Commissioner, and he hoped sincerely that every me mber of the corps would volunteer to give him the same he lp as they had b ee n kind enou g h to give his predecessor. H owever good a man might be, he could not properly na vigat e a ship unless he had the proper help from those wh o were under his control. He was pleased to hear of t he good work the men of the brigade were doing in th.e co llieries, and he went as far to say that he knew from hIS ow n experience that much had been done by them to re lieve a good deal of suffering.

He was also glad to see that the corporation had vo lunteered to r e cognised and promote the objects of the Voluntary Aid Detachment.

P e arson, who was warmly received, said that in his early days in Wales, there was no such thing as am bulance work, and so many men lost their lives through t he inability of other men to know the right thing to do in t he matter of treating them. On the other hand, he could say that in those days a larger number lIves we re saved in the nursing districts through the lOstrume ntality of the work e rs in conne c tion with this noble brigade.

They had witnessed an instan:e of the of the brigade a few days ago. Dunng the. aCCIdent at the local collieries, where two men lost theIr hves, and but for

A I D.-

the timely assistance received by one man, who was present at the time, several others would certainly have lost their lives also. That man resuscitated into life men who were absolutely dead to this world, and if any man ever deserved a St. John ambulance medal, or King Edward's medal for life saving, that man did.

Dealing with voluntary aid, he was glad to find that the St. John Brigade had fallen in with the best wishes of the War Office in that direction. In time of an invasion of this country he could assure them that the invaders would in the first place attack Glamorgan.

Corps Supt. ]. W. Davison, Rhondda Fach Corps, replied.

Mr. George Payne (Corps Secretary) presented a beautiful ebony walking stick to Colonel Cureton by proxy, which was received by the chairman, who would deliver the same to the Colonel. The inscription on the gold mount read - " Presented to Surg.-Colonel E. Cureton, M.D., V D., J.P., Deputy -CommIssioner No. 7 District, by the Rhondda Fawr Corps, January, 27th, 1912."

Corps Supt. Tom Davies accepted the present on behalf of his late commanding officer. He again regretted that he was not able to be present to receive it personally, but when he presented it he would extend to the Colonel the very good wishes of the officers and corps. They all knew that the district had been divided, and that the C olonel had severed his connection with the corps. No one regretted his loss more than he did, having had to do a great deal with him for the last seven years, and whenever he required his assistance he was at all times re ady to render it. It is my earnest wish that the Great Architect of the universe will look upon him and give him strength and health for many years to come to serve this noble cause.

Mr. J. Pearce briefly proposed "The Army and Navy," to which Major R. C. Dyke responded. The latter paid a tribute to Mr. Haldane for having instituted the Territorial Army, which was a magnificent idea.

Dr. D. C. Williams (Division Surgeon and Supt.) toasted "Our Guests. " Sergt. -Major Newbury responded.

Dr. Williams, Sergt. Caple, and others rendered s o los. The proceedings were brought to a close with a rt ndering in Welsh of" The L and of my Fathers. "

The first section of the British Field Hospital under the Red Cross Soc iety, for work among the sick and wounded in Tripoli, left London on February 14th. It is expected that the staff will be a:,my for six months. It consists of two surgeons, two aSSIstant doctors, two male nurses and a manager. The funds, it is understood, have been subscribed by sympathisers in this country and in India and Egypt.

LEI GH.-In the annual report of the Division for the year ending Sept., 1911, it states that the rendered valuable assistance at the Hulton Colhery disaster. During the year new headquarters acquired at the Council Scho.ols, and the annual InSpectIOn was held in June and a satIsfactory report was returned. The weekly meetings of the Division and by Hon. Surgeon A R. Jones were well attended and ItS strength is 3 z officers and men.

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Brevities.

By an Act which came into force in December last, a penalty is incurred for using as a trade mark, without authority of the Army Council, the red cross on a ground, or the words" Red Cross." Not only the importance, but the international duty of limiting the use of the Red Cross, name and insignia to the official organisation of the country, is a matter in which we are pleased to see the Government have taken action. For the various manufacturers who use as a trade mark this insignia, created for the benefit of the sick and wounded, it may not be easy to change at once, but the Act allows traders who use the insignia four years for the disposal of existing stocks on which it is used.

***

SOME interesting facts about the growth of the Boy Scout movement may be gathered from the third annual report issued by the Boy Scouts' Association. The 191 returns indicate that there are now 124,000 boy scouts, an increase of 16,000 over the previous yeu. The Scoutmasters total 4,212, and the assistant-scoutmasters 5,79 2 This is phenomenal progress of a movement which was started just four years ago by the publication of General Baden-Powell's book" Scouting for Boys," and it would that there is still enormous scope fer it, for not only are there troops organised in nearly every British Colony, but the movement is spreading rapidly in continental countries, where scouts are to be seen wearing exactly the same uniform which is familiar in England.

***

A NEW hospital ship is providtd for in the Navy

Estimates for the current year The proposal is for a rather interesting vessel of nearly 400 ft. in length. This will be the first fl ee t auxiliary to be specially designed and built for the purpose. What that means is excellently indicated by the difference between an old ship adapted for the training of lads and the new Exmoutlz which Professor Biles designed and Vickers (Limited) built for the Metropolitan Asylums Board. It is difficult to make the accommodation of old ships conform to modern health requirements. The Maine, a yacht of 4,000 tons displacement and 1,250 horse-power, is the only seagoing hospital ship in the Royal Navy.

* * *

THE Duchess of Albany will present at the Portman Rooms, on May 17th, the St. John Ambulance Shield and prizes and the" Dewar" Shield and prizes after the finals in the inter-railway and S.J.A.B. competitions.

* * *

THE ambulance arrangement in connection with the Royal Show at Doncaster, in June, has been handed over to the Denaby Ambulance Corps. It will involve the attendance of a dozen men, some two or three nursing

AID. - February, 1912. sisters and an officer each day. , The Denaby Corps is well equipped both numerically and with apparatus, and no doubt its work will be effectively carried out.

* **

A PROPOSAL has just been put forward at New castle _ on ·Tyne by Mr. C. B. Palmer, that a fitting memor ial to the late King Ed ward would be to build am bulance headquarters for the brigade in the city. The proposal is no t meeting with the consideration which we think it des erves and the committee which is considering what for m memorial shall take are bound down by resolutions whic h does not empower them to act upon Mr. Palmer's proposal. We are of opinion that no better way of hon ouri ng the late King's memory could be named. We have statues galore, and a memorial which serves a useful purpos e is, we should say, the correct lines for the committee to take

* * *

WITH the death of Lord Lister it removes on e wh o has, perhaps, saved by his work more lives th an were sacrificed in the whole of the devastating wars of th e 19 th Centuary, and the whole world ought to pay th e last honour to Lord Llster, lor his work has benefitte d bot h poor and rich. By his aseptic methods he revolut ionised surgery and it is now adopted the world over.

Up to 1882, Lord Lister 's work was practically unrecognised, and even he was subjected to scoffing an d criticism, yet, with constant perseverance in his wo rk, he clearly showed the enormous effect it had on the saving of human life, when it was recognised he was the recip ient of a large num ber of honours, but it has never been suggested that these awards were commensurate with the ben efits his achievements have conferred upon mankind.

* **

COLONEL MEND S, speaking at a meeting at Don caster recently on the work of the West Riding Territorial Branch of the S lA.A. said, the German crises had passed- but it might come again, and then it might not pass off. It we had gone to war, what might have happened? We are bou nd by solemn obligation to help our allies-the French -and and the WilOle of our fighting force would have to be sent abroad to help them. The fight would have taken plac e not far from the Channel. A battle with 160,00 0 me n engaged would have been a desperate fight for life, and it was not unreasonable to suppose that we might hav e had 20,000 wounded men in the course of a few days. Tbo se people could not have been kept where they were.

* * *

A GENERAL'S first action was to get rid of his wou nde d and sick, and they would have been landed in thou sands at any port in our land, where provision would have been found for them. Situated as Doncaster was so near Hull, it was certain that they would have had a large number in their town. All the Hospitals were full now, but accom-

February, 1912.

-FIRST

modation would have had to be provided. What was wanted was to have their organisation ready. They must not stand on one side, and say it was not their care. If war came the strain on the country would be so great that it would touch everybody.

Irish News.

THE St. Patrick's Ambulance Association with a very influential and representative Committee of lay and medical gentlemen, has just entered npon its career of usefulness.

The first class to be held under its auspices has been formed in connection with the C. Y. M. S. at their Hall situated on the South Circular-road, Dublin, and already the course of instruction has begun under the direction of Dr. R. P. McDonnell, who in his recent series of lectures to a first aid class (of St. John's) at Fairview, at once established himself as a successful and highly interesting lecturer.

The personnel of the Committee has been so arranged that all shades of religious and political opinions are represented on it, a.nd, therefore, free any one-sidedness, a pomt of the utmost Importance m thlS country. , The head offices of the Association are situated in one of the best localities of Dublin, 124, St. Stephtn's Green, and it is anticipated that much greater headway will be made in first aid work in Ireland according to the rules of St. Patrick's than has been hitherto attained.

KEIGHLEY.-The annual meeting of the corps was held on January 29th, the Mayor (Corps Supt. S. Clough) presiding.

Mr. J. A. Jowett (corps secretary) submitted the annual report and balance-sheet for the year ended September 30th, 191 r. The total membership was 190, sisting of three corps officers, 33 officers and men m Keighley A nivision, 27 in Keighley Di.vision, 24 in Haworth, 19 in Silsden and SteetolJ, 28 m Bmgley, 28 m Skipton, 13 in the Keighley an,d IS in the Silsden and Steeton Nursmg DlvlsIOn. Smce the report was completed, however, a nursing division at Glusburn, consisting of 30 members,. had joined the corps. At the end of 1910 the membershIp numbered 178. In all 378 practices had been held, and 358 cases which had been treated by first aid were recorded. At the annual inspection 123 members were present, and 125 were present at the re-examination held during the year. Seventeen members of the corps were also members of the Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve, the Bearer Company, or the Military Home Hospital Reserve. The balance in hand at the end of the year amounted to £4 7S. Sid., as compared with £3. 3S: Id at th.e commencement of the year. The pnnclpal Item m the receipts was £28 6s. 8d. from honorary members' subscriptions.

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AID.- 12I Our Portrait Gallery.

DIVISIONAL SURGEON AND SUPT. D. C. WILLIAMS L.R.c.P., L.R.C.S., L.P.F.S., RHONDDA FAWR No. XI. DI STR ICT.

THERE are few more popular surgeons in the county of Glamorgan than the gentleman whose portrait we produce in our "gallery" this month His father, Mr. T. Valentine Williams, was mathematical tutor of the Training Swansea College. Born in Abercrave, Breconshire, in 1870, the subject of our sketch spent his scholastic life at Friars School, Bangor, where he won a scholarship for ;{,40 for two years, and from there he to Llanrwst Grammar School gaining another scholarsl:.lIp for £3 0 for 3 years. He went to Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, and at the latter, in 1900, he obtained the medal of the of Medical Jurisprudence and Public Health; also gamed 1st class honours in Practical Anatomy, PractIcal Pharmacy, Medicine, Midwifery and Dise.ases of Women:

For some while Dr. Williams was medIcal officer to the Albion Coal Co., Pontypridd, and while at this place in 18 94 the terrible explosion occurred. He was one of the first to descend the shaft, and render. service to those below ground. On the occaSIOn of. hIS leaving Pontypridd he was the recipient of presentatIons from both the colliery officials and workmen as a mark of appreciation of his valuable. service_so

He is at present medlcal officer to the Coal Co., Treherbert, and to the Collieries, and takes a great interest in the conductmg of ambulance classes, and an active part as an officer of the Treherbert Division of the Rhondda Fawr Corps. He takes a keen

-FlkST

interest in sport, and is president of several local societif's devoted to this end.

In the large district over which he now ?as supervision he is popular, and ":'Ith hlm wife shares that populanty whlch has been attained by theIr kindness of heart in endeavouring to do good.

AI D.- February, 19 1 2. butts, Miss Dunn, Mr. Jas. Howorth, and Mr. W. well.

The hon. secretaries of the Mr. E. Millington, and Mrs. Howard, were unantmously re-elected, and thanked for work rendered.

A vote of thanks for presiding was passed to Dr. Sellers, whose long and valued service to the ambulance cause was

February, 1912.

AI D.-

number of the staff and foremen. Dr. Marshall and Mr. G. H. Nutter were the judges.

FO.r the individual and questions there were 23 co.mpetltors, and the fO!lOWlOg were the winners :-First 1. second prize, J. Ward; third and fourth pnze, equal, F. E. Dean and J. Burns.

The following appeared in I he Morni?zg Post, February 5th :-

TWISS-SPRAGUE.-On February 3rd, at St. Mary's Sholing Lieutenant-Colonel George Edward Twiss, F. R.C.S.I., late Royal Army Medical Corps, of St. John's, Sholing, Hants, to Ethel Mad eline, elder of the late Arthur John Sprague, of The Chestnuts, KImbolton, Hunts. (I rish and New York papers please copy)

Lieut.-Colonel Twiss is hon. secretary to the Southampton Centre of the S.J.A.A. and a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John.

PRESTON.-At a special meeting held on January 18th, over which Dr. W. H. Irwin Sellers, lP., presided, the report, presented by Mr. H. B. Brierley, hon. secretary, stated that the ambulance classes had been well attended, and the results of the examination had oeen highly satisfactory, reflecting great credit on the medical staff. Compliments were paid, for a great amount of work accomplished, to the class secretaries, Mr. E. Millington and Mrs. A. Howard, and appreciation was expressed of the kindness and generosity of the chairman, Alderman Woods.

In moving the adoption of the report, Dr. Sellers referred to the effort made five years ago to stimulate an interest in ambulance work among the employees in the mills and workshops of the town, and said the result unfortunately proved that there was not a very keen desire on the part of the masters and the head officials of works to take advantage of the opportunity presented for the instruction of their workpeople. There were two exceptiom-Messrs. Horrockses, Crewdson & Co. and Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., who appreciated the offer, and in connection with whose works classes were formed. The Corporation had given every encouragement to their employees-the police, firemen and park keepers. The speaker mentioned that while two female Voluntary Aid Detachments had been established in the Preston district they had not yet been able to form a male detachment. This was not due to apathy, but to lack of men, as all available young men so far had been absorbed by two other movements connected with the association-the Bearer Company and the Naval Sick Berth Reserve.

There was a balance of a little over £22 in hand, and of this amount it was decided to allocate £10 to the funds of the male corps, and £ 5 to the nursing division.

Col. Carter, V. D., was re-elected auditor, and a working committee was appointed, consisting of Miss Sower-

NEwcAsTLE-ON-TYNE.-We have received a copy of the annual report for the year ending September, 19II. It is evidence of the useful character of the work which has been done. During the year seven classes have been held in first aid for males and seven for females ; two in home nursing for females, and two in military sanitation for males. The following have received instruction under the auspices of the Centre since its revival in July, 1910 :-First aid, 320; home nursing, 37 ; and military sanitation 40. During the past year the members have not only done their duty locally, but their representatives were sent, at their own expense, to do duty at the Coronation, the Royal progress and the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon.

A new Post Office Division was formed during the year and several others in parts of the city are in course of formation, and it is hoped that within the next few months these divisions will be large enough to form a corps.

Obituary.

WE have to record with regret the death, on Januar y 17th, at his residence at Faversham, of Mr. Charles Dudley Garrett, M.RC.S., L.RC.P. Mr. Garrett had been in indifferent health for some years, but his death at the early age of 45 was somewhat unexpected. He was the son of Mr. Charles William Garrett, of Norfolk, Northam pton, and received his medical education at Westminster Hospital, where he distinguished himself.

After obtaining the diplomas of M.RC.S. and L.RC.P. in 1894 he settled in practice at Dewsbury and while there he took a great interest in ambulance wor k, and from 1902 to 1906 was Hon. Surgeon and Supt. of the Dewsbury Division of the Brigade, and was one of the examining officers for Yorkshire.

In 1900 he was made an honorary life member of .the Association in recognition of his able and valuable ser VIce s as lecturer. After settling at Faversham he became Honorary Surgeon and Superintendent of the local ambulance brigade, and later on was appointed Commandant of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. He possessed the long-service medal, and was an Honorary Serving Brother of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

ADVERTISEMENTS

of every description inserted in London and Provincial papers at Office Rates.

EXPERT ADVICE FREE.

L. B. & S. C. R.-The results of the examinations of the district have been very satisfactory, and at a meetlOg held on January 18th it was announced that L candidates had passed their examination for certificates for vouchers, 10 for medallions, and 49 for labels. It 'was also announced that Mr. H. A. Baily had renewed his genero us offer to provide a social, and the date of the function was fixed for 23rd March.

Dr. Shadlow, in criticising the work at the examinations, said that, as Dr. Dow (the examiner) had suggested those men who h ad failed did so partly through nervous: ness, but it was known to him that where that nervousness was most apparent it was upon the vexed subject of hremorrhage. This was a must important subject, and one on which the men were generally weakest.

During the proceedings Mr. White, on behalf of the rnem bers of the classes, made the presentation of a revolving shaving glass to Dr. Shandlow and four volumes of Dickens' works to Mr. Girling, in appreciation of their services to the classes.

the Ambulance Hall, York, on January 31st, Mr. R. PIck, works manager of the carriage and wagon works, York, presented the awards gained by the men at the examinations held early in the month. The chair was by Mr F. Pcnty. opening the proceedings, the ChaIrman saId that Mr. PIck passed his first examination twenty years ago, and quite recently many of the chief officers of the company sat for examination so great was their interest in the work. '

Mr. Pick, before making the presentation of awards, saId he followed the movements of the ambulance men of the Carri.age and Wagon Works very closely, and it was a great achIevement to them when a team was awarded first position out of 47 competitors at Nottingham. He then presented the awards, of which the following is a list :_

First Year Certificates: Albert E. Grimes Fred Wilson, Bert Watson, John Wm. Beal and Fr'ed C. Stead.

V Fred Fisher, Herbert H. Routledge, Fredenck Brown, Stanley Stronghair, William O. Smithson, Ronald Seller, Joseph Ord, and Ralph Edgar Morton.

Medallion: Edwin Percy Turnbull.

Labels: Thomas Hutchinson, Sydney Fisher, William H. Farrar, George Carter, Robert H. Marshall, Edwin Cardwell, Edward Dale, James Taylor, Alfred Atkinson and H. G. Mallard.

Mr. Pick afterwards presented two handsome pipes to Dr. and a tobacco pouch to Mr. Atkinson, in of their valuable services respectively as lecturer Instructor of the class. In doing so M r. Pick spoke hIghly of the efforts of both to promote the success of the class.

L. &: Y. R.-The Newton Heath Carriage Department held an inter-works competition on February 3rd. There were present Mr. McLoughlin (works manager) and a

S.tretcher Test.-Four teams competed, with the followmg result :-Tin shop team: A. Crossley, J. Bennett, E. FIrth, T. Hornl.Jy, H. Bull, first prize, 65 marks. Wheelwright team: A. Barrington, T. Hamil, J. Dunn, E. J.. Dunn, L. Tumlinsun; second prize, 50 marks. TrimmlOg shop team: J. Ward, H. Cable, A. Morgan, S. Cooper, l A. Butterworth; 49! marks. Brass foundry: l Burns, A. Wild, T. Donnelly, W. Young, l Mark; 43 marks.

Mr. Henry Thorp (hon. secretary) thanked Dr. Marshall and Mr. Nutter on behalf of the class for the time and trouble they had given in judging the competition. They were very fortunate in being able to get gentlemen to come and judge their competition.

Dr. Marshall, in r eply, said the competition had been a very good one, and he was pleased to have the opportunity to come and judge them.

Mr. Nutter also said his services were at their disposal for am bulance work, and gave the mem bers some excpllent advice and useful hints.

G. E. R- The annual meeting of the Cambridge District was held on January 15th, Mr. A C. Hutcherson district goods manager, occupying the chair. He gratulated the members on now having a commodious room for classes, and he proposed that a vote of thanks be sent to the Directors and the General Manager for providing it.

The vote of thanks was seconded by Mr. J. Kimm and carried unanimously.

The Officers were elected for the ensuing year, with Mr. Hutcherson as President, Dr. F. E. Apthorpe Webb as Hun. Surgeon, and Mr. A. R. Bishop as Hon. Secretary.

The Secretary, in su bmitting the report for 1911, said that out of 32 members who had presented themselves for examination, all but one had satisfactorily passed. This was considered good. During the year first aid had been r€ndered at Cam bridge to 98 cases.

G. W.R-For some time past the interest taken in first aid on this System has been steadily increasing, and, if we may judge the progress made by the reports which have been received of the formation of new classes up and down the line, there has indeed been little short of a vast revival in ambulance work amongst the staff.

This is doubtless, to some extent, due to the efforts which have been extended from headquarters, and these, apparently, the staff have not been slow to appreciate. It only remains for us to express the hope that the renewed interest may be well maintained in the future.

We understand that several class examinations have already taken place and that the percentage of candidates who have been successful is highly satisfactory. This should be gratifying to both the Company and the staff alike.

From all parts of the system one hears of teams training assiduously in preparation of the forthcoming competitions, and it ,is anticipated that the number of entries for these contests will show a considerable increase over those of last year.

The preliminary competitions, which take place at various centres throughout the G. W.R System, will, it is

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understood, be held early next month, and are being looked forward to by the competitors with more than usual interest. In view of the additional prizes offered by the Company this year, particularly those for beginners in the individual work section, it is expected that a greater proportion of first and second year men will enter the arena than heretofore.

The final competition will in all probability be decided towards the end of March, and in this contest a team will be selected to represent the G.W.R. in the competition for the Railway Challenge Shield and prizes offered by the St. John Am bulance Association. .

We hope in our April issue of FIRST AID to give the results of both the preliminary and final competitions.

Electric Ambulance.

THE essential features which require consideration in the selection of a self-propelled ambulances are the smoothness and quietness of running of the vehicle, the facility of its operation, its speed capacity and q.uestion of its expenses, coupled with the Intenor fitments b.eIng designed to give every comfort to the patIent. Electric ambulances, providing they have been designed on scientific lines meets these requirements to a letter, the entire absence of noise and the elimination of gearing

AID. - February, 1912.

makes them highly suitable for the special work to be done, and they attain a speed of twenty miles an hour which is quite an adequate travelling pace for a loaded ambulance. However, the drawback in the past has been the difficulty of recharging the batteries, but this has now been overcome for the charging current can be taken from the lighting mains while the vehicle is in position for immediate service.

The satisfactory working of the electric ambulances in the City of London has no doubt prompted the Port of London Authority to adopt similar vehicles for use in the Docks. The service will consist at the commencement with four of these ambu.lances and the order building them has been placed WIth the "Cedes" Electnc Traction Ltd. Their specially constructed chassis renders am bulance proof against vibration, due to the inequalities of the road and with their system the entire absence vf gearing ensures that the car will retain its absolute silent and smooth working after long and continual ser vice, special brakes have been designed so that even with sudden application bad jars are obviated.

The motor is situated either in the front or back wheels and on one charge the vehicle will travel a distance of sixty miles. These vehicles combine in a high degree all the refinements necessary for this work. Their facility of handling and comfort and economy of running have been com bined in a successful manner.

BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY.

COUNTY OF LONDON BRANCH.

WE scarcely feel that any apology is needed for the introduction of this new sectior. of FIRST AID, for the purpose and objects of which the Brilish Red Cross Society is co ncerned, to give aid to the sick and wounded in time of war is an integral palt of ambulance work, and therefore it sh ould find a place in a journal devoted to this service.

This section of the Journal will go primarily to memof the <;:ounty of Branch of th e Society, and It wIl l contain the offiCial announcements of the branch it should be .o f service. It aims to a surve y of what IS gomg on In the branch and outside of it when that is of moment to Red Cross work; we hope therefore, that it will inform and stimulate 'p resent and attract The section has been possible by the co-operation of certain influential members, but others can assist by sending us whatever has a leaning on the Red Cross either as news or suggestions.

The vast plans of the Red Cr0ss Society needs a vast membership, so overwhelming are the requirements of the si ck .and wounded in war, that unless due heed is given to preVIOUS lessons, and unless the membership is forthcoming, the Red Cross Society will not be able to fulfil th e noble obligations which are imposed upon it both by name and constitution The existing standards of the Red Cross Societies of other countries leave us a long way behir:d. In Germany it has a membership of 5 00 ,000, by noble and civilian alike; and Japan, With Its mIllion and a half members make it the greatest in the world. We are not immume from war, and we must have an organisation competent and prepare d to aid the si ck and wounded in the event of this country being invaded, hence the organisa Lion of the Voluntary Aid Detachments, and the work of the moment is to build them up to meet with the demands required in case of natio nal emergency.

In the results which have already attained, they must be as creditable and satisfactory, in the U. K. so me 500 detachments have already been raised and registe red by the War Office, and in the County of London Branch there are 45 detachments with a personal of I, 20 5.

In conclusion, we hope that this new section will lend interest to the Journal, and that it will be one of Its a ttractive features.

THE ANNUAL The General Meetof the Branch will take at Grosvenor House, by the kmdness of His Grace the Duke of Westminster, on Wed nesday, March 27th. The County Committee will meet at 3 p.m. for the General Meeting at 4 p.m. Names of sp eakers will be announced in our next issue.

BELOW we print a letter from the County Secretary of the. County Branch of the British Red Cross SOClety appointing FIRST AID the official organ of the As we point in our introductory remarks, we shall, In the future, publIsh the official announcements and we hope that this section will add additional interest the J ouma!. To meet this new departure we have increased the size of FIRST Am ;-

CRAIG'S COURT HOUSE, CHARING CROSS, Lo TDON, S.W. I2tlz February, I9I 2 To tile Editor FTRST AID.

DEAR SIR,

I have much pleasure in informing you that the Committee of this Branch decided at its last meeting to recognise FIRST All) as the official organ of the Branch and to accord you the right to so describe it. lam

Yours faithfully, (Signed) H. J. STAFFORD, COlmty Secretary, County of Londou Branch British Red Cross Duties and Formation of Detachments.

TH E principal duties connected with the work are as follows ;-

I. The formation of a personnel for accompanying sick and wounded in transit, preparing rest stations and temporhospitals, !mp;ovising .met hods of transport, and study109 and collatIng informatIOn as to local r esources available for use in tim e of emergency.

2. Th e collection of material and promises for same and the and management of depots for storing goods receIved.

Two class es of Detachments are recognised, viz., Mens, consisting at full strength of 48 men, with Commandant, Medical Officer, Quartermaster, Pharmacist and four section leaders; and Womens, consisting of 20 women, with Commandant, Quartermaster and L'1dy Supt.

With certain specially skilled exceptions all members must hold a first aid certificate, or undertake to produce such within 12 months of enrolment.

Voluntary Aid Detachments form part of the Technical Reserve, and are duly registered at the War Office. Members undertake no responsibility, and are under no obligation to leave their homes or even join their units if called upon to do so, yet it is believed that, should neccessity arise, volunteers from among them in sufficient number to meet all requirements would ue forthcoming.

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H.R.H. Princess Royal.

IT is fitting with the introduction of this new feature of FIRST AID that we should publish the portrait of the President of the Co unty of London Branch of the British Red Cross Society-H.R.H. Princess Royal. It will be remembered that early in December last her Royal Highness was wrecked on the coast of Morocco. was travelling with her beloved husband and daughters In the

I D.- February, 1912.

Red Cross Work in London.

Clzairman if the C01l7lty of London Brandl oj the Bn'lislz Red Cross Sortety; .Kniglzt if Grace of th e Order of St. John ofJ emsale17t in England.

THE Editor has paid me the compliment of asking me to give a short account of the work of the County of London Branch of the British Red Cross Society, and it is therefore chiefly with that organisation that this article deals. But I cannot refrain from alluding to the magnificent work which has been done for so many years by the St. John Am bulance Association and the St. John Ambulance Brigade in London, and to the valuable aid afforded in later days by the lectures of the London County Council. We are all working for one common end, and we all have our sphere of usefulness, and with good will and a little tact all friction and overlapping can be avoided.

It is unnecessary to point out to habitual read ers of FIRST AID the great advantage which accrues to the individual who has obtained some knowledge of how to deal with accidents and emergencies while waiting for the arrival of a doctor. Many lives have been saved by a little timely knowledge, and many injuries have been prevented from becoming more severe by the skilful handling of the injured person during transport.

ORGANISATION.

The experience of every street accident, of every local mishap, shows that good-natured people come forward with generous offers of assistance, and in the event of any national disaster, embarrassing help is proffered on all sides, as it was during the late South African War. The War Office has seen the need of regulating in times of peace the voluntary channels through which person al service, money and stores are likely to be offered. Only by such organisation can confusion, waste, and overlapping be prevented.

DUTIES OF THE INDIVlDUAL CITIZEN.

February, 1912. -FIRST County of London Territorial Force Association, summoned a meeting of the Mayoresses of the London Boroughs, and the County of London Branch of the British Red Cross Society was inaugurated under the Presidency of H.RH. the .Pnnc.ess Royal, whose sad home-coming we are now expectmg With profound sympathy. It was determined to try and form a Red Cross Division in each Metropolitan Borough, excluding the City, which has formed a separate branch of its own.

The earliest Voluntary Aid Detachments raised were those of the Regent-street Polytechnic, followed by Kensington, Westminster, Greenwich and Woolwich S0 that in April 1910, when I had the honour of being ;ppointed of the Branch, thirteen Detachments had already been registered at the War Office, thanks a great deal to th e excellent pioneer work of our late County Secretary Miss M. Pitt-Taylor.

In July, 19IO, the Army Council at the War Office informed us that the Voluntary Aid Detachments after re gi stration were to become a portion of the Technical Reserve, thus forming part of the mIlitary organisation and coming. within the official cognisance of the military authonl1es.

I am constrained to mention this because I do not think it is universally known that our Detachments are officially accepted at the War Office, and are annually inspected by the principal medical officer of the London District or his representative.

PRE SB:NT STRENGTH OF DETACHMENTS.

Red Cross Conference.

THE Red Cross Conference will be held at Washington from 7th to 17th May. It is probable that delegates from cou?try will attend to discuss the ways and means of saving hfe, and that representatives of the other Red Cross Societies will be present and have something to say of what the Society is domg In hiS own land.

The Central Committee of the Russian Re d Cross Society announce that the subjects selected for the next (second) competition for the Empress Marie Feodorovna Fund, and for which a sum of 18,000 roubles is available as prizes to be awarded to the author of the best invention in one of the subjects mentioned below, by the International Jury, are as follows :-

One first prize of 6,000 roubles, two second prizes of 3,000 roubles each, six third prizes of 1,000 roubles each.

I.-A scheme for the removal of wounded from the battlefield with the minimum number of stretcher bearers.

2.-Portable wash-stands for use in the field.

3·- best way of carrying dressings for use in regimental aid posts and dressin g stations.

4· - Wheeled stetchers.

5· -Transport of stretchers on mule back.

6. - Easil y folding portable stretcher.

7·-Transport of the wounded between warships and hospital ships and the coast.

P. & O. liner "Delhi" to Egypt. The terrible experience which they went through, and the subsequent loss of her husband, and of whom the country is now mourning the sad loss, was learnt with deep regret and called forth universal expressions of sympathy. The Princess Royal has been the President of the County of London Branch since its inception.

Nos. I AND 2 DETACHMENTS, MARYLEBONE DIVISION.

-A grand evening concert was held at the Regent-street Polytechnic on January 17th. During the evening the chair was occupied by Robert Mitchell, Esq., and Col. James Cantlie, F.RCS., Commandant of the Detachment. The event of the evening was when Mr. Mitchell announced that it was Col. Cantlie's birthday. An item which was not on the programme, viz., "Many Happy Returns of the Day," was sung with great expression by Mr. Harold Watts, after which Mrs. Cantlie was presented with a bouquet by Miss Evans, one of the Red Cross nurses.

It is not given to everyone to enjoy the supremes.t honour of manhood, to serve in th e Navy, Army, or Terntorial Forces, but any man or woman who has reached the age of seventeen years, and who is able-bodied, now the opportunity of doing something for their country 10 which it stands in need. In former days, ambulance students complained that when they had passe d their examinations there were no worlds left for them to conquer. To-day that sense of injury is removed, for every private citizen can qualify himself or herself to join one of the Voluntary Aid Detachments enrolled at the War Offi ce.

The Territorial Force is actually in need of assistance for the relief of its sick and wounded in our own country, and therefore Red Cross work has a military as well as a humanitarian value. It appeals to everyone, without distinction of sex, religion, politics, or class of soci ety.

"Here and here did England help me; how can I help England ?"

INCF.PTION OF RED CROSS WORK IN LONDON.

In December, 1908, soon after the Secretary of Stat,e for War had issued a scheme for supplementing the Terntorial Medical Service in the event of war in the home territory, and had recommended the British Red Cross Society as the body for carrying out this important work, Viscount Esher, G.CB., G.C.V.O., Chairman of the

W e have so far only succeeded in registering Detachments in 12 Boroughs, Kensington leading off with eight, seven in Greenwich and Woolwich, six In Westminster five in St. Marylebone, four in Chelsea and also Camberwell, three in Hampstead, two in Hammersmith and only one in Battersea, Bermondsey, Islington and St. Pancras. Our total of 45 Detachments includes only th ree of men, but classes now being held will shortly bring us ne w Detachments to be registered. movement has been accepted with steady enthUSIasm by all classes, and we have had no difficulty in securing a list of distinguished vice-presidents and an influential County Committee. It is possible that this may meet the eye of a recruit or of one who can only give money instead of personal service, and all information about training may be obtained from th e Red Cross County Secretary, Craig'S Court House, Whitehall, who devotes his time to the work without fee or reward.

VALUE OF A RECOGNISED PERIODICAL.

It is obvious that we shall be greatly helped in our labours by being represented in literature by a monthly magaz ine, which may have before it a great future, and I would suggest to everyone interested in Red Cross and St. John Ambulance work the advisability of giving FIRST AID generous support, both in "copy" and subscriptions.

A course of instruction in stretcher drill (arranged by the Kensington Division) will be given at the Marlborough L. C. C School, Keppel-street, Chelsea (District Railway, South Kensington, six minutes), on Wednesdays at 5 p.m., commencing 21St February, 1912; no fee will be charged. Further particulars can be obtained from the Divisional Secretary, Kensington Division, Lieut.-Col. J. R Forrest, 32, Warwick-road, Earl's Court, S.W.

8.-!he bp-st method of heating railway carriages by a system mdependent of steam from the engine.

9· The best model of portable Roentgen apparatus for the employment of X-rays at the dressing stations on the field of battle.

sent in for the prize competition must be submitted to the Central Red Cross Society, and further particulars can be obtained on applica tion to the Secretary 9, Victoria-street, London, S.W. '

County of London Branch Detachments.

CAIIIDERWELL.-On Monday, January 29th, the annual meeting of the Division was held at the Town Hall. The Mayor (Alderman W. Brenchley) presided supported by Colonel Magill, C M., M. D., Organising Secretary to the Society, and Major H. J. Stafford, County Secretary. Mr. Frank Hastings, the General Secretary, wrote regreting his absence and stated that the Society had noted with pleasure the important and practical work carried out by the Camberwell Division, and expressed the appreciation of the Committee for the very important progress made during the year. In moving a vote of thanks to the Camberwell Committee and Detachments, Colonel Magill gave some interesting details concerning the progress of the movement. He pointed out that now numbers had been secured, increased efficiency must be striven for.

Dr. Shapter Robinson, to whom the initiation of the Division is due, in replying, pointed out that he hoped to bring the Division up to a strength of 300 or 400.

Mr. C W. Tagg (Hon. Divisional Secretary) announced that in all probability the Detachments would be able to make use of the Paddock at Grove Vale for their Saturday afternoon practices this summer. He had also been able to arrange with the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway Company for the provision of a railway van at Grove Vale siding for practising the entraining and detrain -

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ing of wounded-probably the most important branch of their work.

During the Cedd was presented with a badge In recogmtlOn of hIS work towards establishing the Division.

In the General Committee's first annual.report of the work of the Detachments during the year, It shows that the first four women's detachments, with a total strength of 95, were enrolled on April 27th of last year. .Two more women's detachments are in process of formatIOn, and a start has been made in the formation of a men's detachment. By these detachments m?ch useful work. has been accomplished during the year, In fact the CUrriculum of subjects has been gone through, and the members have made themselves proficient. Colonel Matthews, a.fter the Inspecti on of the Detachments, on July 21St, complImented the members upon the work done, and said that he should have no hesitation in recommending them for actual d,uty should occasion arise. Colonel Magill and Dr. Sandwlth, Chairman of the London Branch, also expressed themselves as highly pleased with the effiCiency of the members.

The Detachments have also proformed a number of public duties besides furnishing six ambulance squads on the occasion of the Royal Progress through Camberwell. The financial statement shows a cash balance in hand of £3 3s. 2d.

General HospitaJs.

THE County Committee have now in hand the .arrangements for the equipment of tw') General HospItals for London. The buildings selected are St. Paul's School, Hammersmith, and the Patriotic Schools, Wands worth Common. Each has a minimum capacity (capable of being doubled) of 520 beds, and the and nursing staffs are complete. Each Divisional Committee has therefore be e n asked to appoint an Equipment Registrar and Staff establish collecting stations and depots, and prepare a scheme for the collection of material, in accordance with promises received from private persons, in order .no time may be lost through lack of system when mobilIsatIon takes place. Detailed instructions and "promise forms" will shortly be issued. The members of the detachments will willingly form sewing parties in this connection, but it is hoped that that they will be considerably strengthened by the formation of circles of adherents drawn from those who are willing to assist the Society and its objects but are unable to carry out active work by joining the detachments.

First Aid and Nursing Instruction.

IN connection with the instruction and examinations in first aid and nursing the Army Council has informed the Society:

I. "That the definition of a 'Matron of a Training School' as laid down in paragraph 12 of the 'Scheme for the Organisation of Voluntary Aid in England and Wales,' may be extended to mean a lady actually employed at the time of the examination as a Matron of any Hospital, provided she fulfils the requirements necessary for a 'trained nurse' as laid down in the second footnote, on page 6 of the a.bove-mentioned scheme."

2. That the minimum number of beds in a General Hospital which should be regarded as coming under the term 'Nurses' Training School,' as used in the footnote already alluded to, is 100."

We are in no way responsib.e /01' the opinions expressed, or the statements made, by Correspondents.-EDITORS.

MILITARISM AND CIVIL AMBULANCE SERVICE.

DEAR SIR -I have been greatly interested in the letters appearing in 'FIRST Am regarding S.J.A.B. its a military force. I was espeCially the remarks contained in the letter from M r. the January issue, and I. quite agree, placmg the Bngad e under military authOrity would be disastrous and amb ulance work as a whole would suffer cnnsiderably.

I am a medallion holder and take a III ambulance work and do all I can to encourage It aI?on gst the young people with whom I cC?me in contact, but If the chance of receiving recognltlon as an. a.mbulance man IS through military channels then whCl:t use IS It to contmue the encouragement when the parents, m many cases, are opposed to militarism and its red-tape.

If a first aider desires to be a military man he has an opportunity of joining the H A. M.C., but let us not be and let the S.J.A.B. be ,,,hat it always has .been a clVlilan force which receives recognition from all senSible people (and deserves more )

This is a question which ought to be thoroughly ven tila ted and hope that many more letters. will be in your valuable Magazine ( FIRST Am ) expressmg the disapprov al of an attempt to militarize what I conSider the most useful voluntary force of the present day.-Yours, &c. JAS. Hy. NEWTON.

Sheffield, Feb. 2, 1912.

ST. JOHN'S ARM BADGE.

DEAR SIR -A controversy having arisen in our class as to the arm upon which to wear the badge 10 the case of Railway Constables, Firemen and Postmen, an through the medium of your valuable J oumal Am ) will oblige.-Yours, &c., J. F. REA DY.

Ley ton, E., Feb. 8, 1912.

[Th h th t one on which to wear the e rig t an;,; IS ., e correc badge.-EDITOR, F.A:]

DO WE GET THE BEST N.C.O's COMPETITIVE EXA !'v1.INATION. BY

DEAR SIR,-Having read the Januarx issue of FIRST Am I should like to add a few remarks 10 regard to the subject. I have taken a great interest in Brigade matte rs f?r a number of years, and I this our friend In NO.7 District has raised requires senous attentlO.n. I I happen to know of a case in my own dlstnct whlC 1 occurred not long since, and I can quite endorse all that " Private NO.7)) has said. This case is of a young fepow who has been a member of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade fOJ thirteen years-who in t.he A,frican War-an a who has never failed at a First Aid Examination, nor f!lls sed Re-Exam. during that period; he holds M edalllon, also Nursing Certificate and regularly attends drill; he IS well up both in drill and ambulance work. There has been a co:n' petition for N.C.O's and men of two and three years'Ser vlce have got promoted, and the long man has been left t the ranks. I maintain that this lS a scandalous shame! for one, feel confident that if Staff-Officers of the variOUS,

February, I912. -FIRST

districts knew what was going on behind the scenes, there would be an alteration in such matters.

Hoping that the subject- on ballot for N.C.O's- will be taken up by other interested readers of FIRST AID. Thankin g you, Sir, for giving the subject publicity. - Yours, &c. PRIVATE, NO.5, S.J.A.B.

GENERAL RULES IN FRACTURES.

SIR,-Will you kindly describe more fully and in detail the general rules to be observed in the treatment of fractures, and how they weave themselves into the treatment of special fr ac tures.

I am attending a class in which there are old members present, and when they are given, a supposed case of fracture, they treat it, to my way of thinking, by simply" dabbing " on splints and bandages, no other consideration seems to be thought of, or mentioned, and it appears to me that some general rules ought to be observed.

I take it that the instructions and illustrations for special fr act ures in the official text book (C antl e ) are for merely showing the most suitable method of applying splints and bandages I shall be pleased, Mr. Editor, to have your expert's advice, through the medium of FIRST Am. Thanking you, Sir, in anticipation for same.-Yours, &c., " NOVICK"

[The subject upon which enquiry is made is one the importance of which, the amb.ulance student's point of view, can hardly be overestImated. I t IS unfortunately too true that in a vast number of cases, ambulance practices have their practical value intensely crippled in consequence of the utter lack of consideration regarding most elementary principles. The curious point is that those elementary principles of first aid which are so grievously neglected are of the utmost practical importance, so much so that, from first to last, they should actually dominate the entire treatment of the supposed disabili ty.

The thoughtfully expressed enquiry by " Novice" is highly encouraging, for it not only indicates that the fut lity of the usual mechanical methods of bandaging in ambulance practises is b eginning to arouse the criticism, its importance so fully demands, but it also proves that really il1tellz/;ent concern regarding principles of first aid is awakened

In order that the student should be in a position to properly comprehend the practical significance of the general rules for first aid in cases of fracture, it is absolutely imperative th at when studying his thoughts should be centred upon what may reasonably be conceived to be the condition and surroundings of the patient at the time of the injury, bearing in mind that in actua emergency the first aider must make his own diagnosis.

Similarly, when in the practice room he is enRaged in the attempt to demonstrate how appropriate assistance should be rendered, the "patient" should be dealt with as though he were an actual sufferer, and the treatment meted out to him should be of such a character as is suited to the surroundings such as, in the emergency stated, are supposed to exist. On such a basis alone is intelligent practice possible (see December issue of FIRST AID )

If practical work were only conducted on such a plan, then-how the general rules for the treatment of fractures "weave themselves into the treatment of special fractures " ""ould be readily appreciated. (S ee pages 7, 8 and 9, "Aids to Memory," for more definite guidance.-· L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

FRACTURE OF THE BASE OF THE SKULL.

DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly inform me through the columns of FIRST AID the treatment for fracture of the base of the skull, as opinions were divided at our weekly ambulance class. Wishing your J oumal every success, and thanking you in anticipation.- Yours, &c.,

ERNEST CUERo

[The student should consider (1) What are the dangers connected with this condition, in general, and with this supposed or actual case in particular. (2) How are those dangers to be in any degree minimised, and (3) What else can be clone to further the best welfare of the patient in question.

A GREAT FIRST AID TO AID.

A WORK that justifies its claim to be an epitome of all that medical and surgical knowledge necessary for First Alders, as well as an authoritative manual of on all information relating to Health and Disease, IS a work to be welcomed by all our readers who wish to study their subject more deeply than is possible from superficial text books.

In "The Modern Physician," by Dr. Andrew Wilson, fullest space is devoted to "First Aid" and Am bulance Work. In respect of completeness, accuracy of description and wealth of illustration, "The Modern Physician " without a rival amongst the works published on this important subject in the United Kingdom. It is scientifically accurate and reliable without being dull; the name of its editor, so long and popularly known as an expositor or Health laws and a teacher of H)giene, is a guarantee (,r this. This work is absolutely complete as rega rds HeGtllh and Disease, and is thoroughly up-to-date.

As a knowledge of the body in Health is necessary to the due understanding of the body when its functions are deranged by disease, a description cf every part of the frame will be found here. The skeleton, muscles, digestive system, heart and lungs, brain and nervous system, organs of sense, skin, kidneys and the body's microscopic structure are duly described. In this connection the illustrations are of particular value, the "mannikins" or dummies more especially; in these the organs are made to overlap each other exactly as they do in the human body.

The section devoted to Hygiene includes the full exposition of the Laws of Health, and special attention is devoted to Physical Culture. Such topics as foods, beverages, air, exercise, clothing, sleep, baths, holidays, temperament, &c., are treated in this section.

The last volume is especially devoted to the Health of Women, and Dr. Wilson has here been assisted by a nnmber of eminent women physicians. Midwifery and the treatment and Diseases of Infants are here fully dealt with.

ONE OF MANY OPINIONS.

Mr. J. DANIEL, 23, Kent Avenue, Ashford, Kent, writes :" It's all-round excellence makes it a valuable acquisition Th e section dealing with ambu lance work is especially good. The book is written in splendid style and the illustrations are first rate. The method of payment places it within the reach of all.))

A FREE BOOKLET.

TO THE CAXTON PUBLISHING COl\IPANY, rs6, Surrey Street, London, W.C.

- F IRST

No definite dat a being gi ven definite instructions are impossible The fir s t aider must adapt to the .speci<i:l under consideration su c h of the general rules for msenslbility a s a r e ajJjJ Ncable to that individual case This. is to be done by prorr.pt obser va ion of all determmm g pomts (none of whlc? are to be gathered from the query ) c oup led with c areful applicat on of su c h of those g eneral rules that apply to all c ases of emerg en cy of a cc ident o r sudden illness.

The a dvantag e s to be derived from the use of cold to the head m a y be dedu ced from the knowledge that there is a head injury with the po s sibility of immediate or reactionary danger to the brain. - L. M. F RA NK C HRI ST IAN.]

THE SPINAL CORD

D EAR S IR - I should like a litt le enli g htment on the followin g que s tion s. On pa g e 11 7 of Cantl ie's Te x t Book, it s a ys, "The sp n a.l cord e x tends to the upper lumber If t hat s s o a nd It comes no further down, for what are the holes in th e lumbar vertebra! and sa c rum ? I have referred to two other b o ok s on the s ubje c t and they sa y the same as C a ntl ie.-Y ours, & c.

" D OU BTFU L."

[The spin a l c ord does not extend beyond the first lumbar ve r tebra. From e ac h side of the lower p a rt of the cord sprin g a s er es of ner ve trunks whi c h ex tend verti c ally down the spin a l c anal to emerg e throu g h the hole s mentioned Those extendn g o the sac r a l and c oc cygeal re g ion are necessarily longer than the others, a nd from their appe a rance in c onnection with spinal c o r d the term ca nda equina ( horse's tail ) is g iven. - L.

M. FRANK CHR JSTL\N. ] PHLEBITIS.

D EAR S IR, - I s hall b e glad if you will g ive me some inform a io n on the fo llo win g enquiry - A youn g woman workin g on a farm g ets a k ick on t he inside of r ight knee where there is a vericose v ein ( whi ch is a lway s bandag ed ) Cold applic a tions we re at on c e appl ied , and the le g rested from Saturday to M onday, then a d o c tor wa s called in. The c ase wa s di a gnosed as phlebitis.

1. Is phlebit is d a n g erous ?

2 What is the c ause ?

3 What is the best trea tment fo r such an injury ?

4. When infl a mm a t10n subsides, does the clot disappear, or remain st a tion a r y ?- Yours, &c.

E. K. B [ P hlebitis is a d a n g erous c o n dition that requires the earl y interven ti on of medi cal authority.

It ma y arise from a ny condition that will give rise to nflammation of t h e walls of the vein

As to the appropriate treatment and to the after results of su ch treat ment t hese are medi c al m a tters that are altogether beyond the field of study of first aid workers. - L. M F RANK CHRI ST I AN.]

C A R R O N OIL - ELECTRIC SHOCK, &C.

D EAR S IR - Many thanks for your correspondent's reply to my last query. I v enture to s end other q uestions; perhaps you would select those (if any ) likely to be of general interest.

1. As Carron oil is so effective n external burns, would it be the same for internal, such as scalded throat or acid poisonin g? It is a mixture kept in many houses, chiefly for slight mishaps in c ookery.

2 In the case of a bleeding hand, cut by poison bottle, should one apply the antidote that would be given for the same poison internally?

3. In artifi c ia respiration c ould not an assistant help by pumping air in o the lungs in conj un c tion with the artificial movement ? A bi c ycle pump would force a little in. Is it ever done ? If not, what is the objection ?

4. I n c ase of contact with live wire on tram route, would it delay too mu c h to take off bi c ycle tyre (supposing agreeable cyclist to be clQse a hand ) by qui c kly deflating it and cutting loose? Also woulci it be safe to use it if sli g htly damp on outer side? The inn e r side and edges would be dry. The St. John text book does not specify dry inc1iarubber (page 143 ) The

AI D.- Febru a r y, 19Le

tyr e to be us e d as a loop to drag pati e nt away from wire._ Yours, &c., "M ARY."

[ ( J ) I n the absence of oth e r remedies Carron oil undoubtedly could be used for the purpose indicated.

As a local application for burns (except for those of a m inor character) Carron oil is not to be recommended. A burn or scald, when it involves destruction of the skin, must be looked upon as a wound; and in th e ambulance t reatment of Wo un ds prompt" protection" from entering germs of mischief is a most important object to be held in view. Carron oil prote ct s from air, it is t ru.e, and giv e of pain at the inj ured parts. ThiS, however, IS a mInor pom m bad cases Aga inst the germs of sepsis it affords no protection. Carron o il is a relic of past days, and is now supersed e d by antisept ic ap plications

(2) Some poisons affect the parts touched by the poison ; others have no local effect but act only after absorpti on int o the system.

Should the poison in question be one of those th at acts locally, z'. e., a corrosive acid or alkali, and slt ould z'njury (rom co nta ct be lz'kely, then unquestionably there should be app lied locally (if possible ) a solution of the substance that has a neutralisin g effect.

(3) Any attempt such as suggested would be a ltogeth er unjustifiable. Its objections would be g reat, its ad vantages m 'l. A compli c ated life -saving apparatus devised for he. purpose of alternately pumping oxygen gas into, and sucking the respired air out of the lungs is described in FI RS T A ID of Februaryand De c ember, 1909

(4 ) The idea seems to be considerably far fet c he d. D ry clothing is practically always available, sayan over co a t , a coa t, or a waist c oat folded inside out. Of course, provided there is a complete absen c e of anything else suitable, resour cefulness after the manner indicated would be commendable. A ssuming c are is taken to pre vent conta c t with the damp part, or wi th any other c ondu c tor, there would be complete insulati on by the use of ind iarubber under the condit ions stated. - L. M. FRI\NK CHRI STI AN .]

PRUS S IC ACID POISONING.

DEAR S IR - I have a great pleasure in lookin g up back numbers of your J oumal FIR ST AI D, by doing thi s I obtai n some very valuable information.

While doin g this re c ently I c ame across in " F.A." for May, 1911, the followin g remarks by "F.R.C S.E. " re specti ng prussic acid poisoning :-

Febr u ary, 1 9 12 -FIRST

aiel work ) The presence of food in the stomach, which would be the means of lessening the absorption, would be a point in the patient's favour.

An emetic introduced into the rectun. would serve no useful purpose whatever, but be actually mis c hievous as tendin g to interfere with appropriate treatment.

For the purpo s e of introducing brandy or whisky, the enema would undoubtedly be j u s i fiable as a n in va lu a ble Ildjl mct to otller m eth ods of r esuscitatlon t lt at are bez'ng a dopt ed, alcnholic stimulants in such c ases being of vital moment. - L. M.

FR ANK CHRI STI

T he

AN.]

" Ottes t" Wate r Heater.

THI S apparatus, which has recently been placed on the mar ket is designed to meet the requirements of everyone who wants hot water where fire, gas, or electricity is not avai lable. All that has to be done is to fill the burne r with benzoline, light it, and place th e apparatus in t he bath or tank, having first put in the water. The pate ntees claim that the water is heated at the rate of

London., Hospital Contractors.

1 gallon in I minute to roo d e gs. Fahr., and th e cost of heating 10 gallons is 1d.

"

One of the first symt o ms of a dose of prussi c a cid is to c alise a rapid expulsion of the rectal contents, as anyo ne who has tried to poison h is family cat will have discovered. "

Having assisted to destroy numerous cats and dogs by prussic a c id, I c an say from experience that I do not agree with" F R.C.S.E.," as I have never seen a case where it ha s oc c urred.

My experience has been that where a suffi c ient dose has been given the animal has died almost instantly, or as D r Andrew Wilson states, referring to this poison, "as th ough it had been shot."

Would the poison, or the cause, have time to reach the rectum before death took place, or would it only cause a rapid expulsion of the rectal contents when it had been g iven in foo d thereby acting much slower.

This is very important to a first a lder, who depen ds so much upon c onspicuous signs and who may have an enem a, but never have seen an hypodermic syringe. - Yours faith fu ll y, L. G EAR

[Loss of rectal control is, of course, natural to all of nsensibility. When the case is compli cated by c onvul SIOns then expulsion of the rectal contents is al:nost c ertain to occu r.

In case of prussic acid poisoning, so rapid is the tion of the poison, that for vomiting to be of any It should be brought about almost immediately after the pO ison has b ee n taken, in other words, the greatest haste is nece ssary when dealing with such cases. This should be done by the usual methods, or by m e ans of the stomach tube or by h ypodermic injection (the two la tte r be ing a lt ogether outside firs

It will be seen by the illustration that no boiler or pi pes are required, the apparatus being self-contained, and wh e n placed in th e hox in which it is s e nt out it occupies a sp ace of 36 in. X 12 in. X 9 in. It should prove of muc h use to the Royal Army Medical Corps or the Voluntary Aid Detachmeuts when a supply of hot water is requ ired in the field.

The patentees are Messrs. Hewitt Smith & Co., Uxb ridge Works, Burton-an-Trent.

W HEN OORR ER POND I N G W I TH ADVER · TISE RS PLEAS E MENTION "F IRST AID ."

SHOWROOMS - 5 FLOORS

As it is the wish and desire of the Proorietors to make this Journal as instructive and entertaining as correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Diyisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it kno wn amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication.

Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on the back of the same the name of the individual or the Corps or Brigade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing.

" First Aid" Is published on the 20th of the month.

EDITORIAL.

THE want of more officers in the Brigade

Lack of was a point raised by Deputy-ComOf ficers of the missioner W. H. Woolston at the S.J.A. B. anniversary dinner of the Northampton Corps last month. In what we might call the "volunteer" services this same need is felt. In the Territorial force the shortage of officers is acute; the Scouts Association also lacks scoutmasters, and the Cadet Corps are in a similar position. In some districts of the Brigade there is undoubtedly this shortage felt, but in others we can point with a certain amount of pride to the fact that, in spite of all obstacles, many public-spirited gentlemen can find time to carryon the work of officers in the Brigade. Week after week they attend drills and practices and spare no expense to bring about efficiency. We venttlre to think that the whole success of the Brigade is on the shoulders of the officers, for they can instil some of their own enthusiasm into those who are under their command, and so help to promote the aims and objects of the work. The thoughtful, capable and intellectual man is the type of officer required in the Brigade. He must understand local conditions, for local administration can

only be conducted by those on the spot, though he looks for his guidance in the matters of policy to his district staff.

If the Brigade IS to develop, this shortage of officers must be remedied. We well realise it is a difficult matter, for we attribute the cause of Deputy·Commissioner Woolston's complaint to the rush of business which is experienced nowadays, and which does not admit of much leisure. The duties devolved upon officers are such that they must assiduously attend meetings and practices of their Corps or Divisions, otherwise their functions are useless. A united action on the part of officers in the districts where there is a shortage might be the means of overcoming the difficulty.

WE look forward with the keenest

The interest to the review which, as we King's R.eyiew. mention in another column, has been fixed for June 22 nd. As one of the events in the history of the Brigade, everyone should work heart and soul to make it a success. It will secure for the Brigade a more solid and authoritive backing, and should bring about results in the progress of the Brigade never before anticipated. It will be necessary to make elaborate arrangements with the Railway Companies, and working plans should be made from headquarters and be transmitted to the districts, and from thence to local corps and divisions. As an example of perfect organisation, the Children's Fete at the Crystal Palace last year is well worthy of careful study.

We do not know what evolutions are to be gone through at Windsor Park. Someone has mentioned " Brigade" Drill, if there is such a thing in the S.J.A.B. ; but we should say it would be a "tall order" to tackle, for generally speaking the members are not accustomed to drill together in large numbers. We would suggest the careful attention of officers to drill during the next month or so, in order to avoid any hitch in the proceedings.

OLNEY.-Mr. W. J. Field gave a Cinderella dance in the New Hall, on March 6th, in aid of the funds of this division. During the evening Supt. Knight heartily thanked Mr. Field for his kindness, and also the company for their support. The profits realised the sum of £2 4s., which has been handed over to the division.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] Home Nursing and Hygiene.

( Continued from page I I5.)

AIR.

Composition of Air.- The air is a material substance, it constitutes a gaseous ocean in which we live, as fishes live in water. Chemically, air consists of a mixture of various gases and vapours. These are chiefly oxygen and nitrogen, but in addition there are minute quantities of carbon dioxide, water vapour, ammonia, ozone and suspended matters. Oxygen is required in all processes of combustion (oxidation), whether in living organisms or in the inanimate world. Nitrogen serves as an innocuous diluting agent, and has no active properties of its own. Carbon dioxide (carbonic acid) is always present in the air in the proportion of about 4 parts in 10,000. It is a heavy gas incapable of supporting combustion, and therefore of supporting animal life.

The Air in Relation to Respiration.- The oxygen of the air is absolutely essential for the continuance of life. In every organised animal, lungs or similar organs are provided, in order to supply the necessary oxygen to the system, and to remove the impure air from it. The inspired air and the expired air must therefore differ in composition.

Examination of expired air shows ;-

I. That it is heated in its passage through the blood it has acquired a temperature approaching that of the blood.

2. Its moisture is increased. By the skin and lungs from 25 to 40 ounces of water off in twenty-four hours, the relative amount varies somewhat.

3· It contains 4 to 5 per cent. less oxygen and 4 per cent. more carbon dioxide than inspired air. Children require more oxygen and expire more carbon dioxide than adults weight for weight.

4· It contains organic impurities These are probably partly gaseous, and partly suspended, the latter being particles of fat and putrescible nitrogenous matter.

AIR.

Inspired.-N ominally pure.

AID.- March , 1912.

Suspended Impurities of Air.- Pure air being essential to life and health, it is important to ascertain the character an.d origin of t.he i.mpurities of it.. Suspended matters are mmeral or orgamc, the two bemg commonly associated together. The mineral matters consist largely of fine particles of common salt, silicon, clay, iron rust, dry mud chalk, coal, soot and similar matters. The organic in the open air are most commonly fragments of wood and straw, dried horse litter, fr.agments. of insects, the spo res and pollen of plants, and mIcroscopIC plants and animals In additiol'l there is the putrescent organic matt er respiration.

I1l Sick Roo?Jls. - Any of the above-named matters may be carried into the sick room by the air. Often the poisons of specific diseases are diffused in the air as minute suspended matter, and may thus be carried from one individual to another. Flies and other winged insects are important auxiliaries in the diffusion of such disease producing particles.

Gas eous Impurities of Az'r.-Gaseous impurities of the air are very commonly associated with suspended matters and it is in many cases difficult or impossible to the effects of the two.

Many injurious gases are evolved in various trades an d manufacturing processes, e.g., carbonic oxide, sulphurous acid, ammonia fumes, and others.

The Effect oj Air Rendered Impure by R espiratio n.It has already been stated that carbon dioxide is given off from the lungs, and that it is associated with oth er products. These products are chiefly organic gases and solid s which (unless quickly removed) render the atmosphere close and stuffy. When the air reaches a state of impurity from excess of these products it is said to be vitiated. The tendency to catarrhs is greatly increased by livin g in a vitiated atmosphere.

A "cold" most commonly results from breathing a vitiated and infected atmosphere, it is seldom the result of mere exposure to cold.

Every infectious disease is intensified and rendered more dangerous, both to the patient and those attending upon him by an atmosphere rendered impure from the products of respiration.

Cases of consumption rapidly prove fatal where the ai r of the dwelling is vitiated. Wherever com bustion is going on, whether in the production of light or heat, carbon dioxide is given off, hence provisions must be made for its removal.

The amount of carbon dioxide in the air of an inhabited room is a fair indication of the associated impurities, the breathing of which is not only dangerous, but in some cases fatal to life. The question now is. How are we to avoid breathing these dangerous products? The answer is by thorough ventilation.

( To be continued.)

As we go to press a number of the final competItIons, to decide the team which will represent the various railways in the Inter-railway contest, are being held. These should all be practically concluded by the end of the month, and we ho pe with our next issue to publish the marking sheets and questions of some of the competitions. By the courtesy of some of the centre secretaries we are enabled to give the questions of some of the group competitions this should give an excellent idea to competitors of the th e style of questions they might expect in the final co nte sts.

From the competitions that have already taken place

A I D.-

135

to competitors, "To be ever observant, ever tactful, ever resourceful, adapting themselves to the full to each case according to many varying contingencies." These are the first p:inciples that every student must adopt, and by observmg them is what counts in competitions.

S. E. & C. R.-We give an" illustration of a new shield which has been presented by Sir Thomas R. Dewar to the centre. This shield is for annual competition, and is open to teams all over the system.

Owing to the coal strike the annual dinner which was to be held on the 20th was cancelled. This no doubt has been a source of disappointment to many ; it has been in the past one of the most popular functions in connection with the social side of the railway, and this year it had every prospect of constituting a record as regard to attendance. We hope, however, that the function will be re-instituted at a later date.

We give below the results of the Group Competitions.

Group I Competition, held at St. Peter's Hall, M anorstreet, C;;lapham, S.W., Friday, March 8th.

Hither Green, No z5zt Victoria, No. I 223

Cannon Street, No I 242 Ashford Wagon Shops 212t

Sitt ingbourne, No. 238 Deal, No. 209t Redhill, No. I 236 Beckenham Junction 208l

Judges: -Drs. R. D. Duncan, Lewisham, S.E. (stretcher test ); H. J. Manning Watts, Tonbridge (individual); J. N. Robins, Rochester (vi va voce). Maximum marks, 300.

The first six teams will compete at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday, March 20th, in the Representative Competition, for the privilege of representing the S.E. and C.R. Company in the Inter-Railway Competition.

Group 2 Competition, held at St. Peter's Hall, Manorstreet, Clapham, S .W. , Wednesday and Thursday, March 6 th and 7th.

Hastings ...21 It Nutfield Ramsgate... Folkestone Harbour Ashford Station, No. 189 Ashford Joiner Shop Faversham I Ashford Station, No.2

Dover Harbour

184; Bexhill

Wells, No. 1. 173 Strood, No.

Judges: Drs. F. Noble, Sittingbourne, and H. Southey, Maidstone. Maximum marks, 300.

Group 3 Competition, held at Margate (Munn's Hotel, The Parade), Monday and Tuesday, March 4th and 5th. B'Arms Loco, No.

SHIELD PRESENTED BY SIR THOMA S R. DEWAR TO THE S.E & C.Ry. CENTRE.

-Drs. T. Halliwell, Forest Hill, S.E., and R. Ingram, London. Maximum marks, 300

Group 4 Competition, held at the Foresters' Hall, Canterbury, Thursday, February 29th and Friday, March 1st.

I Oxygen 20'8r

Nitrogen 79'r5

Carbon Dioxide 0'04

Watery

SHEFFIELD.-The sergeants of the corps held their 9 th annual ball at the Royal Victoria Hotel on the 23rd of February. There were a good number of guests present, including Asst.-Commissioner H. C. Else. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and those responsible are to be congratulated on their efforts in making the gathering such a success.

1st Class Sergt. Buxton acted as M.C., Sergts. Foster, Growden and Watkinson were Stewards, and 1st Class Sergt. Browne was the Secretary.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

the standard of work is good, and there should be seen at the Portman Rooms this year excellent work by all the team s It has been asked of us on several occasions for wh al purpose are the numbers on the left-hand side of th.e mark ing sheets, and for those who not happen to know It is worth mentioning-it is the number of the page o.f the te xt- book where can be found the answer to the questlOns by th us having the reference page it makes the study of the su bje ct an easy one. . . , "

In conclusion we would repeat Dr. ChnstIan s advice

Hither Green, NO.3 206 I Mid

Ashford Saw Mills 1992' Channg 52 1

B'Arms Clerks, No. I 197 B'Arms Loco, No.2 1511

Slades Green United 188t Aldershot North Camp ISI'2' Margate 176 Tonbridge... 15 1t

Maidstone West 167 Slades Green Loco, No.2 15 0 2

Victoria, NO.2... ...1 60t Smitham 148

Blackfriars 58 Robertsbndge ...14 8

Ashford Works, No.2 lS6 t Folkestone JunctIOn

Longhedge 'Works ... 156 Platelayers... ...148

Redhill Platelayers , New Brompton Loco, 2 147

-FIRST

Westcombe Park 142k Shalford... 12 3

Sevenoaks, Tubs Hill 139 Reigate... ...lzIt

Strood, No.2 137 Wellington College II7V

Reading, No. z... ...133 Tunbridge Wells, NO.2

Lordship Lane, No.2 130 Westgate... ...102

B'Arms Goods Staff,No. I B'Arms Goods Staff, 2 [00

Faversham, No. Z lzsi Southborough 9 1 London Bridge... 123 B'Arms Loco, NO·3 76

Judges: - Lieut. -C ol. Lees Hall. R.A.M.C. (retired), London and Dr. J. Wood, Hither Green. Maximum marks, 300 Beginners' Group Competiti r)l1, held at the Constitutional Club, Chatham, Wednesday, February z8th.

Deal, NO.2 218 Margate West Loco 57

i<:ngineer s Office 203k Reading, NO·3 · I 57

Hither Green, NO.4 202 Bricklayers Arms Loco 155

Ashford Station Ashford Body Shop ." 144t

Tunbridge Wells, NO.3 174l Battle 14 1

Ashford Boiler Shops 174 Dunton Green 86

Judges :- Drs. P. Duckworth Barker, London, and P. A. Mansfield, Sevenoaks. Maximum Marks, 300.

GROUP 3. STRETCHER WORK.

Card I.-A gentleman, who is accompanied by his coachman, is driving in his dog-cart along a country road on a dark night and, in turning a corner, meets a motor lorry drawn up against the road-side, which has two bright lights burning on the front of the engine. The horse shies at the lights, and the wheels of the cart are pulled on to the bank, the gentleman being thrown out of the cart, and under the lorry. You arrive on the scene just after the accident has happened and find the patient lying in a heap.

Doctor lives half·a-mile away, but is known to be away from home, and all appliances can be obtained at his house.

18,41 At once warn motorman not to move lorry

18 Approaching patient

17 Ask judge if coachman also illjured (Judge to say" No."

Ask if patient is conscious (J udge to say "No.")

Examine mouth for obstruction to throat by false teeth, &c.

Examination of patient for injuries ofHead Upper limbs Trunk Lower limbs Note to Judge.- I ! minutes to be allowed for this examination.

17 If breath smells of drink do not misjudge Z

Card 2.-Patient is suffering from concussion of the brain fractured right clavicle, and fractured left thigh. '

18 Send coachman to doctor for appliances ( written message ) 128,13 1

Position of patient

Raise head slightly

Undo all tight clothing

Nothing by mouth Thigh.

Ask if fractured thigh simple or compoul1':l (Judge to say" Simple." )

ExtenSIOn Splints

Bandages Clavicle.

Steady and support limb

Remove clothing necessary

Examine fracture '"

Pad in armpit-after outside thigh splint is fixed St. John sling '"

Remov.al from Ul?Aerneath lorry Prepanng, exammmg and placing stretcher

Al D.- March, 1912.

18, 17 Loading on to motor lorry for conveyanc(" to hospital '" 3

Card J.-(To be handed to NO.4 when patient IS loaded on lorry ) Patient has recovered consciousness.

135 Further treatment of shock

Iz8, 131 Cold water to drink

132 Encourage sleep

Care of patient en route ...'

Card 4.-You have arrived at hospital. Remove lorry and put patient to bed in ward on ground fioor.

I? I Removing stretcher from lorry

181 Unloading Placing on bed General smartness INDIVIDUAL WORK.

I.-You are called to a shed where you find the patient who has had all the fingers of his right hand cut off at the knuckles in a chaff-cutting machine. Two of his mates are. with him and one of them lives close by.

72 Position of patient

77 Elevation of lim b

77 Digital pressure to brachial 77 Tourniquet on brachial-temporary measure

77 Instruct one bystander to go home and fet ch dressings, &c.

20 Instruct other bystander to write message and take to doctor

Apply pads (cor ks ) to radial and ulnar at wrist

Marchi 19

over

John Sling Remove boot, &c. Well-padded splint to foot Figure of 8 bandage over splint Carry patient by 3-handed seat to house

Care of patient Note to Judge.-Deduct 5 marks if doctor sent for

5.-The patient has a fracture of the right radius near the wrist, with bleeding from the radial artery.

77 Digital pressure on brachial artery 3

Tourniquet on brachial artery 3

77 Clean light dressing over wound

AID

Position of patient

Position of limb deformity foot outwards

If any marks on trousers leg

Compare fractured limb with sound one for shortening

Remove clothing and examine

Notice if much swelling

Notice the age of patient

Note the surroundings

Enquire of bystanders, if any, how accident happened

Keep patient perfectly still until fracture is secured by splints and banda ges

Loss of power in fractured limb

Treat shock

Extra marks

Z Z 2 2 2 2 Z

Card l. - What quantity of air is expelled from the lungs at each expiration?

120 About 20 to 30 cubic inches

Card 2.-When is the inhalation of oxyg en necessary in firs aid.

142 I n cases of suffocation by prod ucer or water gas 4

Card 3.-What are the signs of capillary h re morrhage ?

95 Red in colour 3

Flows briskly in a continuous stream, or 3 merely oozes from the wound 3 Wells up from all parts of the cut surface 3

With other members of your team, you are passing a man who is serving a boy with ice cream from a barrow. You hear an argument proceeding between the lad and the owner of the barrow, the latter alleging that the boy has not paid for some ice cream received. Just as you go by, you hear a cry, and on turning round, find the lad lying n the roadway. You go to his assistance, and on reaching him, find a quantity of blood making its way his waistcoat, low down. You are told that the ice cream vendor has stabbed the bov in the stomach. On examination, you find a vertical wound 'of the abdomen. with bowels protruding.

Treat and remove to hospital, 250 yards away (patient IS lying on side).

18 Keep crowd back

2.-Card I.-YOU are called to the patient who has just arrived home: He tells you he bas walked two milt' s after having been thrown from his bicycle, on to his right shoulder. He has a severe wound over his right eye, from which he has lost a lot of blood. As you are talking, his brother arr ives nn bicycle. Nearest doctor lives two m iles away. Act as you would in such a case.

18 Ascertain if wound still bleeding (Judge to say" No.")

18 Position

17 Tactful enquiries

8 Examination for further injuries

Card 2.-Fractured right clavicle.

zo Send brother with written message to doctor

49 Carefully remove clothing, braces, &c.

49 Pad in armpit

49 St. John sling

So Bandage round body

77 Examine over eye wound for foreign bodies

77 Do not disturb blood clot unless Joreign bod y visible

77 Dressing

78 Bandage

135 Treatment of shock z

3 and 4.-Card I.-Your patient is a gateman and has been knocked down by an engine when opening his gates. You find him on the ground with the 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand torn clean out of the sockets at the knuckles. Tre at him and take him to the gatehouse, which is about 10 yards away to wait for the doctor who has been sent for.

17 Ascertain if patient is clear of rails

77 Digital pressure to radial and ulnar arteries

78, 88 Instrumental pressure to radial and uln ar arteries

Examine for further injuries. z

Card 2.-( When examination of patient for furthe r injUrieS is completed ) Patient has a fracture of 3rd and 4th right metatarsal bones.

17 Ascertain if simple or compound ( Tudge to say" Simple.")

20, 135 Message to house for room, also tea, &c., to be prepared

77 Examine wounds of hand for foreign bodies

77 Dressing applied to hand

2.-How would you treat a patient who had a quantity of vit ri ol thrown in his face?

10 4 Bathe part with alkaline lotion 3

10 4 Washing soda, bakmg soda, magnesIa or slaked lime 4 In warm water 2 Apply mask of lint, leaving holes for eyes, nose and mouth Z

104 Dipped in oil or smeared with vaseline 2

104 Covered with cotton wool, leaving holes 2

103 Bandage li ghtly 2

13 5 Treat shock

3.- In lifting an iron rail a man drops the rail and complains of pain in the right groin He conJm ences. vomltmg, an d on examination you find a swellmg about the nght grom.

De sc ribe the nature of the injury and the treatment you would ad op t.

114

Rupture ( Hernia) a protrusion of an internal organ, probably bowel, through n,uscular wall of abdomen

Send for doctor at once

Lay patient down buttocks raise.d

Apply ice or cold water dressmgs to affected part ..,

Encoura g ing to patient.

As soon as pOSSIble get assIstance to remove patient home

Extra

4.- Card I.-When is a ring pad used?

When a wound of the scalp or forehead is

associated with a fracture 4 Card 2.-How would you treat a person struck by li ght ning?

r 44 Loosen clothing

Free circulation of air

Place in recumbent position

Flick face and chest with towel dipped m cold water

Artifi cia l respiration

Laborde s method often useful

Treat burns

Extra

113 With care lay patient on back

(Judge to say conscious )

Bend knees

lIZ 77 II2 II3 18 135 I? 20 20 19 135 173 178 IIZ 179 179 179 179 179 179 179

Raise shoulders

Expose wound

Apply lint to wel, or cotton wool wrapped in soft linen

Keep patient warm

Ascertain from patient if comfortabl e

Chat:acter of encouraging words used

Ask patient where he lives

Send for medical assistance (written message)

Written message to home and hospital

Instruct messenger to hospital to bring back stretcher with h im

On no account give ice to suck

Preparing and examining stretcher

Loading stretcher

Maintain flexed position of legs

L ifting stretcher

Adjusting slings

Marching '

Examining patient en route

Ask bearers if they require to change

Lowering .., ..:

Patient not to be unloaded unless under lDstructions of hospital authorities

Do not leave patient until told by hosl2ltal a uthorities that services no longer reqUIred

Z 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 Z 2 2 2 4 3 4 6 2 6 2 2 4 2 2 6

& 2.-Silvester's method of artificial respiration after drowning. No bystanders allowed. (Pati ent lyll1g on face )

r Patienf on back

Use of inclined plane , Remove all tight clothing from neck and chest

3

I

I 26 1

12 3 Bare front of body to pit of stomach

Unfasten braces and top button of trousers

127 Raise and support sho.ulders

128 Cleanse lips and nostrils

One bearer to hold patient's tongue fo,rward, L apply smelling-salts or snuff to nostrils and 3 2 Z 2

Z

Cleanse mouth

AID.- March,

5.-(a) What is the use of an emetic? (b) Give examples.

(

(a) To induce vomiting

(b) Tickling back of throat

I M ustard-dessert-spoonful In tumblerful of 4 luke-warm water

ISO Salt-tablespoonful in tumblerful of

water

4 Ipecacuanha wine-for cbild-teaspooolful repeated at intervals of fifeeen minutes 4

L. & N. W. R- The final competition is to be held at Manchester on the 31st inst, and the district com petitions are now proceeding over the line; the firs t tea m in each will compete in the final.

At the Shropshire, South Wales and Central Wales District competition, which took place at Ludlo w on the 6th inst., 9 teams competed, and were placed in the following order :-

Road

Loco. ( Coleham )

4

March, 1912.

Card 3- The left leg is fractured above the ankle.

Card 4.-The fracture is simple.

Leg steadied and sl1pported

Examination of injury

Ascertain if fracture is simple, complicated or compound...

Limb carefully extended

Secured by splints and bandages

Card S-No further injuries.

Gen eral Treatment.

Encouraging words

Examine and enquire for further injuries

Loosen cloth ing

Cover well

Smelling salts, sal volatile

Cold water to drink

Sprinkle cold water on face

Cautioning against excitement, to guard against the onset of compression

Written message to doctor, or reliable telephone message

Telephone message for ambulance

Tactful person to convey news home to. ambulance van, or waiting room pending Its arrival...

Application of hot water bottles in waiting room or van

Observation of general condition as to state of breathing and circulation

Preserve bottle

Smell bottle

Detection of smell

Examine mouth

Examine eyes

Medical aid

Card 2.-The poison is prussic acid.

Open air ..,

Dash cold water, spine

Dash cold water, head

Artificial respiration

Smelling salts

Shock

No. 5.--This man has fallen a considerable distance. You find his left forearm broken. He is unconscious and you find a small bruised wound on the top of his bead, through which protrudes a portion of bone. You must improvise all splints and bandages, etc., from bystanders (that is the examiner) if necessary.

The best individual compelitor was found t o be Mr. J. W. Jones, of the Willaston team; he gained 3 7 m arks and will receive an extra prize.

Dr. Farmer and Dr. Orr acted as judges, a nd t heir decision gave complete satisfaction.

The Southern District competition was held at E uston Station on the 7th inst. Ten teams took part. Th e ju dges were Col. Lees-Hall for the stretcher work, and D r. W. R. Brewer for the individual part.

The result was declared as follows :-

individual competitor ML R. W. Judd (Camden " A")

The Manchester District competition was h eld on March 6th, in Belle Vue Gardens, Manchester,

Eight teams took part in the contest, the judg es be ing Drs. J. Mandall Coates and R D. Cran. STRETCHER TEST.

Card I-While working on a station platform y ou see a gentleman, who is hurrying for his train, trip ove r some luggage and fall heavily to the ground. There is a wellequipped ambulance station close at hand.

Preiimin a1'y.

Method of approach

Warning to patient to keep still

Keeping back crowd and removing luggage

Obtaining assistance of bystanders if required

Obtaining ambulance materials promptly

Card 2.-Arterial blood is issuing from a wound over the right temple. He is pale and appears dazed. He als o complains of great pain in the left leg above the ankle.

Prompt digital pressure on right temporal arter y immediately below wound 4

Examining wound (a ) foreign bodies 3

Examining wound (b ) fracture of skull 3

Pad, clean dressing, bandage 3

Head raised. Cold water applications

Watchfulness as to the onset of unconsciousness Prompt preparation

Stretcher.

N o. I.-Treat for complicated fracture of left thigh in up per third, the femoral artery being torn.

(2.) The examiner is the only bystander_

pressure at groin 8

to bystander

No. 2.-vVhilst working this man has received a superficial cut an inch long horizontally across the front of left arm, midway between the wrist and elbow. Bleeding is severe.

(2.) The blood is dark 10 colour and flows steadily from wound_ Lay patient down Elevate limb Digital pressure direct Remove constrictions

bandage below

No. 3.-The wheel of a motor lorry h a s pJ.s sed over this ma n's left leg midway between the knee and ankle. State to E xaminer most probable injury and treat for same.

Compound

Comminuted fracture

Tibia Fibula

Tourniquet Tie legs together

Only outside splint

Five bandages Shock

4 -This man is unconscIous. Undo tight clothing

No. 2.-A sudden swellin g appears in a man s groin. He is si c k. State nature of case and treatment. Hernia

raised

-A man has received a blow on his left loin and is passing blood in his water. State injury and treatment.

No. 3.-A man is standing close to a revolving wheel, and his bare elbow comes \0 slight contact with the surface of the wheel. State probable injury and methods of immediate treatment.

Brush wound Apply oil

Apply vaseline Apply lanoline Apply cold cream

Boracic acid

Raw potato... .. . Envelope in cotton wool

Envelope in flannel Apply elbow bandage I mmerse part in warm water

Add a dessert spoonful of baking soda

Deduct 2 for removal of clothing.

2 2 z 2

No. 4.-During the night, some hours after a lantern entertainment in a large country house, an explOSIOn of

gas takes place, causing a fire. State method of rescue and treatment of a rescued person. Apply wet handkerch ief to face

AID.-

March, 19 12.

12th at Rugby. Six teams entered and were judged by Dr. W. E. Audland and District Supt. W. Harvey Reeves. The teams were pla.ced by t he m in the following order :-Castlethorpe, 201 pOints ; R ug by No. I team, I95; Rugby No.2 team, 19 2 ; Colwlck, 18 8: Nuneaton, 165; Northampton, 12.9·. G Walk er of the Rugby No. Team gained the 10dlvldual prIze.

G. W.R.-At the time of going to press the sec tional competitions are in progress at various centres this system. We understand that Dr. J. M. again acting as judge. From the recelv:d It IS evident that these contests are creatmg considerable interest among the ambulance workers.

At Newbury Station recently the awards gam ed by the members of the ambulance class were presented by the Mayor (Councillor Knight) who congratulated th e staff upon the loyalty to. Company and the on the occasion of the Stnke 10 August last, and complIm ented the recipients upon their success.

g ht patella. Treat

convey him home

A I D.-

John for his presence, alluded to the importance of the new duties they had now undertaken, and pointed out that in the event of the necessity arising, they would be prepared to do their best at whatever cost, for the good of their fellows.

Mr. Gerhold, the quartermaster, who seconded the vote of thanks in a felicitous little speech, thanked Sir John and the other distinguished visitors for their kindness in attending the function, and was pleased to say that the officers and men of the new County Company, the first to be formed in the Post offi ce, were keen to maintain their present high efficiency and to acquire the additional knowledge indispensable to their further responsibilities.

Mr. Somers, in responding for the visitors, assured his hearers that he would gladly help by every possible means the ambulance movement in the Post Office, as it was rendering great and useful services to the community.

After a thorough examination the London-road Team were declared winners, having obtained 210 marks out of a possible 300; the results being as follows:-

London Ro a d 2 IO

St ockp ort I 89!

Ords a ll Lane 183

Edgeley Jun ction 181

Li verpool Road 173

Lon g sight I5 6!

Plodder Lane I5 0!

Heaton Norris I IO

Alfred Broxton, of the Edgeley Junction team, and Charles Wood, of the Lvngsight team, were chosen to compete for the prize for the best individual competitor. After "tieing " seven times the judges were unable to decide which was the better, and it was agreed to present each man with a prize.

Mr. Prebble, the Manchester District Engineer, with Mrs. Prebble, atte nded to present the prizes, and he was supported by Mr. Carter, the Manchester District Supt., and others.

The London Road t eam will, as winners of the district competition, compete in the" final."

The second: team (Stockport) were each presented with a mounted china salad bowl with servers; the third team (Ordsall Lane) with a case of fish eaters (6 pairs) each, and the pri ze for the best individual competitor was an electroplated fruit stand (Two of these will be given).

The mem bers of the Tredegar class were presented with their certificates, medallions, etc. by Mr. J. A. Findlay Traffic Superintendent) on February 17 th , and the occasion was tak e n to present Dr. Brown with a pipe and Mr. Skinner a walking stick, in recognition of their services as lecturer and secretary respectively to the class.

The Liverpool District Competitions were held on Thursday, March 7th, as the Crewe Arms Hotel, Crewe, the judges being Lieut.-Colonel T M. Dawson, v'D., and Dr. Morgan, M . D., of Liverpool. Eleven teams competed and after an interesting contest the Brunswick Dock (Goods) team were d e clared the winners with a score of 235 ! points, the Alexandra Dock (Goods) team finishing second with a score of 202 points and the Stafford (Loco.) squad being third with] 82 points.

The pri ze given for the best individual competitor was awarded to Mr. F. H. Bradley, the captain of the Parklane (Goods) team who gained 38 marks out of a possible 40, and hi£ success was very popular.

The Rugby District competitions were held on March

The mayor was accompanied by the Mayores s an d among others present were Colonel Lyon, Dr. and Mrs Heywood Mr. and Miss North.

Dr. L A. Taylor, of Brierley Hill, was the judge in the competitions recently held in the Shirehall, Worcester, for the Worcester Ambulance Challenge Shield. These competitions have been in abeyance since 1906, wh en the trophy was won outright by the G. W.R. Sheet ,I?ep a rtmen t Team, who have now given it back for competitIOn.

The following teams entered the contest :-Messrs Fownes Bros. t;.r. Co., G.W.R. Sheet Department, Volu nta ry Aid Detachment, G W.R. Carriage Department. Th e result was as follows :-( I) G. W.R. Sheet Depart ment; (2) G. W.R. Carriage Department; (3) Messrs. F ownes Bros. &: Co.; (4) Voluntary Aid Detachment.

A most successful dinner was given by the me mbers of the Swansea Class on February loth. The chair was occupied by Mr. Hopkin Davis (Shipping Agent) wh o was supported by Messrs. W. R. Fortune, G. J. Weston, E. J. Thomas (Hon. Secretary) E. Elias, P. J. Hopkin s an d others. In the unavoidable absence of the Presiden t (M r. J. Rees) the awards were presented by Mr. W. R. Fortune who drew special attention to the fact that all the candidates had been successful. Subsequently Dr. Mark s (lecturer) was presented with a silver dish fro m th e members of the class. An excellent musical programme was carried cut during the evening.

L. & YR.-The first annual competition o f th e Eastern Division was held at the Co-Operative Hall Bradford on February 8th. There were nine teams competed. 'Dr. Coates (Horwich) assisted by Mr: Nu tter, Centre Secretary, acted as judges, the an d their awards were as follows:- (I) Sowerby Bndge, case s of cutlery; (2) Halifax, barometers; (3) Wakefield L oco ., double alarm clocks.

In the absence of Mr. Cowell (Halifax), Dr. C oate s made the presentations, afterwards he briefly word, and also gave valuable instructions to competItors In first aid work.

Votes of thanks were passed to Dr. Coates, Mr. Nu tte r, Mr. E. Hirst, Wakefield, Competition Secretary, and. Committee for the creditable way in which the competi tIOn was carried out.

The tests were as follows :STRETCHER.

This man has fallen from a ladder, and is bleeding fro m a wound over the rig-ht temple. He has also sustained a frac ture

1. - The patient is sllffering from a simple fracture of the bones of the right forearm.

2.- Patient sitting on a chair is suffering from a simple fr ac ture of the tibia.

3·-Thi s man has a small p iece of steel embedded in his right eye ball. "

4. -Perform Schafer's method of artIficIal resplratlOn.

).- This man is suffering from a fra c ture of lower Jaw.

VI VA VOCE.

I.- Des c ribe a joint.

2 - 'What are the signs and symptoms of a dIslo catIOn?

3·-\Vhat is Hernia; and what treatment woul d you ado pt in such a case?

-l- - Where may blood issuing from the n:outh come from ?

j. - Give the signs and symptoms of stram.

Post Office Ambulance Corps.

T HE a b ove corps has recently exte.nded. its usefuln.ess. by forming a County Company for service .wlth the Terntonals in time of war. The company, under Its commandant and medical officer, Dr. Bashford, received its first inspection on the 8th February last, when Sir John Furley, c.B., assisted by Mr. Darvil-Smith, of the St. John Ambulan.ce Association, attended to perform duty. Dr. Smclair who is always ready to render assIstance for the welfare the corps, took the chair, supported by H. C. Somers, Esq., Chief Clerk at Mount Ple.asant.

Dr. Sinclair, in opening the proceedmgs, congratulated the company on its public spirit in responding to the. call for am bulance men to serve their country should a natIOnal emergency arise.

The inspection then followed, and the certificates of enrolment were presented to the company. Sir John Furley, in his address, stated that he was extremely gratIfied at the excellent qualifications held by the members of the company, and expressed the opinion they were .second to none in that respect. He also referred !o. the Invaluable assistance the St. John's Ambulance Bngade ha9 dered during the South African war, where many then members had sacrificed their lives, and he felt qUlte sure the company would be ready to follow their noble Dr. Bashford, in proposing a vote of thanks to Sir

The proceedings, which then terminated, were characterised throughout by considerable enthusiasm.H. A. V,

A C OUNCIL meeting of the S.P.A.A. was held on Monday, 4th ult., at the head offices, 124, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Dr. George Burbidge White in the chair.

A considerable amount of correspondence was dealt with, mainly referring to the of classes .

Dr. Trevor N. Smith was unammously elected treasurer, the account to be opened in the name o f the Association at the College Green Branch of the NatIOnal Bank.

A vote of condolence was proposed by Dr Andrew Charles and seconded by Dr. R. Percy M'Donnell, with Surgeon Wardle, one of the vice-presidents, i? his recent bereavement occasioned by the death of hiS daughter. The secretary was directed to .same.

The following were elected vice-presidents of the Association-Professor James Craig, M.D ., F.R.C.S.1. Sir Thomas Myles, F.R.C.S.l.; John McArdle, M.Ch' r F.R.S.C.I. ; W. A. Shea, Esq., J.P., D.L., and Joseph Mooney, Esq., J. P.

Collie and Wightman's excellent httle book has been adopted as the text book of the the. sixth edition of which contains many additIOnal pages With an increase also in the illustrations; in fact, so much has .been altered and added that this addition may be practically said to be a new book.

One ladies' class and four men's classes for first have already began work in the city, and classes In the country districts are in process of formatIOn.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

-FIRST Brevities.

H.M. THE KING has fixed June 22nd (or his review of the S.J.A.B. in Windsor Park. We anticipated that it would be held during the Whitsun tide holidays, as this 'would have given those members who are unable to leave their businesses an opportunity to be present. However, from what we hear, there will be no lack of representatives from the provinces, in fact, funds are b eing collected by means of concerts and entertainments to cover the expenses of the men to town.

WHILE on this subject we might call the attention of the members to the Brigade General Regulations with regard to Travelling on Duty. To obtain the special travelling facilities which the English railway companies grant to members of the Brigade travelling on ambulance duty, officers of corps and division should obtain a book of vouchers, price 6d., from headquarters, in order to reap the benefit of these.

A MEMBER of the London County Council suggested that the scheme of the Council's special classes for first aid, home nursing, hygiene, and infant care is not justified by results. Mr. Cyril Cobb, Chairman of the Education Committee, however, quickly dispelle i this idea. He stated that about 5,000 students took the various courses and had gone through the examinations, while about a third 3.S many again took the courses but did not go in for the examinations. Of those who entered the examinations 77 per cent. passed. The total cost of the examinations was about £500, and the total cost of carrying on the whole of the classes would amount to ,,£'5,000 a year.

* * *

A PROPERLY trained ambulance man or woman is a useful asset to the community, when accidents happen they are the persons most welcome, for they have a knowledge of the simple things which are worth so much at first, and they have more coolness in such an emergency than an untrained man or woman. If the member of the I"CC had only taken the trouble to go amongst the industrial classes his idea that the teaching was not justified by results would have readily been dispelled.

* * *

THE Mining Association of Great Britain have accepted the modification in the draft order made under the Mines Accidents (Rescue and Aid) Act. The provisions of the Act states that the draft shall be republished as amended this has been done and objections to it had to be made by March 18th.

THE amended draft states, among other things, that there shall be organised and maintained at every mine as soon as is reasonably practicable, competent res'cue brigades, each of which shall consist of no fewer than five

AID.- March, 19 1 2. persons employed at each of the mines, carefully selected on account of their knowledge of underground work, Coolness, and powers of endurance, and certified to be medically fit. A majority of those selected shall be trained in first aid, and shall hold a certificate of the St. John Ambulance Association or the St. Andrew's Association. From the ranks of each rescue brigade will be s elected one person, who shall act as captain. A brigade will not be deemed competent unless it undergoes a course of training approved by the Secretary of State. Regulations are also made concerning the maintenance of apparatus for use by the brigade.

'* * *

OWING to the length of the railway test pRpers we are compelled to omit anum ber of Brigade reports this month. We hope, however, to deal with these in the next issue.

The Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England.

Chancery of the Order, St. John's Gate, Clerh en well, London, E. c., 4tlz .Ll£ar clz, 19I2.

H.M. THE KING has been graciously pleased to sanction the fOllowing promotions in and appointments to the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England :-

As Ladies ofJustice (from Ladies of G1'ace) " Mary Caroline, Mrs. J. C Dalton. Mary Theodosia, Mrs. A. C Yate. The Viscountess Hythe.

As Chaplain:

The Rev. Mortimer Egerton Kennedy, M. V .O. , M.A.

As Knights of Grace:

Lieut.-Col. Lord H e rbert Andrew Montagu-Dou glasScott, D. S. O.

Lieut.-Gen. John Wimburn Laurie, CB., D CI"

Lieut.-Col. Frederick Minden Cole.

Lieut.-Col. Robert Heaton Rhodes.

John Astley Bloxam, Esq., F.RC.S. (from Honorary Associate).

Lieut.-Col. Sir Robert William Inglis, V.D.

Surgeon· Gen. Hayward Reader Whitehead, c.B., F.RCS.

Charles Claude Carpenter, Esq.

Brigadier-Gen. James Aylmer Lowthorpe Haldane, CB., D.S.O.

Major Percy Garratt Shewell.

William Edmund Cant, Esq., M. D. (from Honorary Associate).

As Ladies of Grace:

Lucy Cecilia, Countess of Scarborough.

Maud Jacqueline Marie Beauclerk, Countess of Arran.

Rachel Annie, Miss Cox-Davies.

Mary, Mrs. Edgar Sheppard.

Elizabeth Mary, Lady Strong.

March, 1912.

-FIRST

AI D.-

As Esquires:

Colonel William Graydon Carter.

Captain Charles Comyn Scott Scott-Gatty.

Keith William Murray, Esq. (Carnavon Pursuivant Extraordinary).

J esse Wallwork, Esq.

Strachan Holme, Esq.

The undermentioned selections and enrolments have been made on the recommendation of the Central Executive Committee of the St. John Ambulance Association :-

As Honorary Serving Brothers:

William Henry Trimlett (Hospital Saturday F und Cen tre).

Peter Cameron (Consett Branch).

Frank James Emms (Cromer Branch).

Henry Purvis (Addison Colliery Branch).

Robert Routledge, Junior (Aberford Branch).

William Robert Magnus (Ilford Branch).

As Honorary Serving Sister

Kate, Miss Handy (Gosport, Alverstone and Fareham Ce ntre).

Enrolled as Honorary Associates:

William Robert Williams,L.RCP.(Cambrian Railways C entre).

Richard David Thomas, L.R.CP., F.RCS.E. (Cambrian Railways Centre).

Edward David Rees, M.RCS., L,R.CP. (Cambrian Rai lways Centre).

Charles !\ugustine Hayman, F.R.CS., M.D. (Bristol Ce ntre).

John Henry Pearson Fraser, M.RCS., I"R.CP. ( Southampton Centre).

William Prior Purvis, M.RCS. (Southampton Centre).

Henry M. Case, M.RCS., L.RCP. (Gospo rt, Alverstoke and Fareham Centre).

The Secretary, Mr. Boles R. Rainsford, is to be congratulated on the compilation of the report.

An influential meeting presided over by Prin cess Christian was held at the Duke and Duchess of Somerset's town residence at 35, Grosvenor-square, on March 6th, to advocate the formation of Voluntary Aid Detachments in the County of London connected with the Ambulance Department of the Order of St. John. There were present the Duchess of Hamilton, the Countess of Leicester, the Countess of Verulam, Viscountess Falkland, Viscountes s P.arker, Lady Nunburnholme, Sir William and Lady Portal, Sir Dyce and Lady Duckworth, Sir James and Lady Clark, Mrs. R McKenna, Sir John and Lady Furley, Mrs. Seymour Corkran, Sir Herbert and Lady Perrott, Lord Cheylesmore, the Earl of Oonnald Donnald, Dr. Sand with, Mr. A. M. Oppenheimer, the Hon. Treasurer and Mr. R. G. Darvil·Smith, Hon. Organizing Secretary.

Sir Herbert Perrott traced the history and work of the Order of St. John and pointed out that the Association was first formed for the purpose of giving training in first aid to the sick and wounded in war, but it soon became apparent to its originators that there was work to be done in civil life, and its outcom e led to the formation of the The work which it had accomplished since its formation made it one of the recognised institutions of the country.

Surgeon-General Sir Launcelotte Gubbins (Dire ctorGeneral Army Medical said, that in the absence of Colonel Seely, he would explain the attitude of the War Office in connection with the Voluntary Aid Detachments. He had been requested by Lord Haldane to express appreciation of their valuable services. In time of war the Voluntary Aid Detachments would furnish the personnel of the Military Home Hospitals. There seemed to have been a doubt whether the assistance of the Association among the Territorials was officially welcomed, but he now stated that it would be recognised by the War Office, and he had the authority of Lord Haldane for saying that if the Association came into line it could be assured of a hearty welcome.

Colonel Sir J. Andrew Clerk, who dealt with the Brigade and its varied branches, pointed out that its success had been due to the fa ct that its members made themselves efficient year by year. He mention ed that their work in time of peace was voluntarily and without payment. He was glad to think that the War Office was anxious to accept the Brigade Companies it would clear the ground and lead to harmonious working.

The 21st annual report of the New South Wales Ce ntre for 19 just received gives a good idea of the prog ress which is being made in the colony. The comprehensive article which appeared in the Tt'mes last year is gi ven as a preface to enlighten those who do not know the aims and objects of the Association A short statement is give n of the various meeting held during the year which is followed by the branch reports which give a clear and concise record of the year's progress. Then a complete list of the various classes with the Hon. Secretaries and the number of certificates, &c., gained during the year these total 2,989, concluding with a statement of accounts which show a cash balance of /.,67 8s. rd.

Incidentally the whole report shows a very satisfactory state of affairs in New South Wales, and it reflects the greatest credit on the committee and officers of the centre.

Sir Dyce Duckworth (mem ber of the council of the Order of St. John) said the Association was no amateur association. Its training was complete and efficient in every respect. The additional training which the nurses were now undergoing in some of the London Hospitals would keep up their practi ce

Colonel H. R Meads described the work of the coun ty sections.

On the motion of the Duke of Somerset, the thanks of the meeting were heartily given to Princess Christian for presiding, and at the instance of Lord Cheylesmore the Duke and Duchess of Somerset were thanked for providing accommodation for the meeting

OORRESPONDING

WHEN

WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASE MENTION "FIRST AID."

-FIRST

Our Portrait Gallery.

Al\IBULANCE competitions of late years have undergone many changes for the better, this change supplanting automatic methods which in no way assisted the ambulance student to gain a better knowledge of the careful and intelligent treatment of a patient in cases of emergency.

We can say without hesitation that the pioneer in directing the study of first aid upon modern lines is the

AID. - March, 1912.

years, and,. whether as Lecturer for the Higher EducatIOnal Committee of Stockport, or as lecturer for th Great Central, Midland, L. & N. W., and the other way companies, &c., or as Examiner for the St. John Am t.he importance of a practical recognitIOn and applicatIOn of fundamental first aid principles has always been kept forcibly to the front. This fact will be fully. by. all students who have passed through hIS hands, eIther m class, examination, or actual emergency.

He was appointed a member of the Stockport Centre of the S.J.A.A. in 1899, in which year he took an active part in introducing to Stockport the St. John Am bu1ance Brigade movement.

His connection with the Centre being severed in 19 0 7 he was shortly afterwards elected an Honorary Life memb e r of and Examiner for the S.J.A.A., and in the same year he had the honour of acting as one of the judges in the final contest of Competition.. It was this year also that hIS book" AIds to Memory for FIrst Aid Students " was first issued to the ambulance public. Its publication arose out of the following fact. For th e benefit of a railway class he was conducting a few tabulated details had been written out and distributed. 'At the following meeting a week later, it transpired that in the interval, these details had been printed by the members of the class, at their own expense, for wider circulation. encouraged by this evident appreciation and fully alIve to the very many difficulties that surround the of first students he made up his mind to spare no pams that mIght have as a result the assistin g of ambulance workers generally in their efforts · to master thoroughly the subject of how to act, with efficiency, in cases of emergency. These efforts have had most be neficial effects, as will be gathered by the preface to the official text book on first aid.

In December last his name was added to the official list ?f Examiners First Aid and Nursing under th e auspleces of the Bntlsh Red Cross Society.

For past Dr. Christian has acted as judge in Important railway and other first aid competitions, and it will be a source of gratification for our railway readers to learn that he will be one of the judges in the Prelimin ary heats of the Inter-Railway Competition taking place at 8 t. John's Gate on the IJth, I8th and 19th April next. H is impartial judgment and care in the conduct of thes e competitions has earned the gratitude of all those who hav e had their work judged by him.

March, 19I2.

SU OHN A,MBUlA.NCE..

No. I District (Prince of Wales's Corps.)

WEST LONDON DIVISION (No. 44). - The fourth annual dinner of this division was held at the Bush Hotel, Shepherd's Bush Green, on February 16th. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. P. Holmes, and a large number of fri ends were present, including District Chief Supt. W. J. H. Pontin, Corps Chief Supt. J. Calvin Lines, District and Supt Sec. Vdven, Corps Supt. of Stores Goodman Div. Supt. W H. Maunders, Div. Surgeon and Supt. McCarroll, Ist Officer and Mrs. A. W. Journet, Sergt. A. F. Hall (Postal Di vision), and Sergt. and Mrs. E. C. Hatcher.

In proposing the toast of " The Brigade, District and Corps Officers," Sergt. R. W. Stone said that the position t he division had achieved was due to the valuable time that had been rendered to it by the officers. Every help it ha d been possible for them to give they had always willingly given. They also owed much to the assistance that had been rendered them by the Curps Supt. of Stores Goodman, and D istrict Supt. Sec. Vilven, whose help they greatly appreciated. Before he asked them to drink this toast, he would lik e, on behalf of the West London 44 Division, to send to t he headquarters staff, the side drum that had been prese nted to the headquarters Drum and Fife Band. He as ked them in the name of the officers, non-commission offi cers, and men of this division to accept the drum for the ba nd.

District Chief Supt. W. J. H. Pontin, in responding, t hanked them for the fine present of the drum, which, as t hey were aware, was an innovation, but he hoped yet to make it the bugle band of the Metropolis.

A D.- I45 No. 3 District.

NORTHAMPToN.-The Corps has now been established 25,Years, and its anniversary was celebrated with a dinner, wblch was held on February 15th under the presidency of Sir Henry Randall, J.P., who was one of its founders. It has had at times an uphill fight, but with enthusiasm the mem bers have achieved notable success, as the reports of past years show. Of the seven members who started the movement five are still alive and well; besides Sir Henry Randall, one of them was present in the person of Dr. Milligan. Other guests present were Deputy-Commissioner T. H. Woolston, I)ist. Supt. Harvey Reeves, Divisional Surgeons W. M. Robson, W. H. Chamberlain and Cornwall, Supt. Sec. W. Y. Groves, Supts. Patenall and Adnitt, 1St Officer W. H. Percival and Sergts. Lloyd and Edwards.

In proposing the toast of the S.J.A.A., Mr. H. Hankinson, in commenting on the report of the centre and corps, said it was one which anyone might be proud, he thought that if their work was brought prominently before the public they would realise its usefulness, and support it in the future more than had been the case in the past.

Sir Henry Randall in reply, said he had been connected with the centre since its inception. Reading from a minute book of 25 years ago, he said that the seven founders were Dr. Buszard, the late Mr. J. Eunson, Mr. T. J. George, the late Dr. A. H. Jones, Dr. Milligan, Mr. G. H. Percival and the Rev. Dr. Sanders. He (the chairman ) had been honoured by being elected on the first committee, and his interest in the noble work had grown with years.

Mr. G C. Wells, who also replied, said the work of the Association could not stop, it must make steady progress The dangers of living were becoming greater. He hoped employers would recognise the value of employing men proficient in ambulance work He would like to see insurance companies recognise that by giving a substantial rebate to those employers who had a certain percentage of workmen efficient in first aid. In the Northampton Centre 7,000 men and women had gained certificates and many of them medallions.

gentleman whose genial countenance graces "our O'allery" this month. He is known to very many our readers who have bad to "face the music" in the competltlOn and examination arena, and by name to his carefully thought out replIes to .theIr difficulties which he so kindly contributes to this Journal month by month. In first aid circles Dr. name is, we might say, a household word, the work which he commenced some years ago IS now havmg far-reaching effects.

The .early part of Dr. <;:hristian's. career was spent in the colomes-he was born m AustralIa and was educated in ma.triculating at. the of that city, his medIcal educatIOn was received at Edinburgh University :-r here he graduated M.B., C.M. in 1884 and he has m practice in Stockport for the l'ast 2 S years. HIS mterest in the work of the St. J Ambulance was first aroused in 1897, in which year he conducted his first course of instruction in am bulance work. The interest then awakened has been more than maintained in succes-

In recognition of his services to the ambulan ce movement he was elected in 1909 as Honorary Associate of .the Order of the Hospital of 8t. John, an honour whIch he justly deserved. We hope Dr. Christian 's services in ambulance work may be lon g retamed, for we can justly say he has done much to promote its efficiency.

SOUTH WALES BORDER CORPs.-We have received a copy of the annual report and balance sheet of the Rhymney Division for the year ending September, 19 I. Steady progress is the feature of the report. Division maintaining its strength, acquiring new headquarters, and th e books show a balance on the right side. Like many oth er divisions, this one is making a special effort to raise funds for uniform equipment in order to send a strong contingent to the review, and an appeal is made in the report for this object.

Corps Supt. J. Calvin Lines submitted the toast of " The Division," and in doing so he congratulated the me mbers upon what they had done. They had not only increased their but they had branched out in several directions. Other divisions had sprung into existan ce from them, and he believed there was a prospect that an other division would emanate from them. It was with great pleasure that he asked them to be upstanding to drink t o the toast of "Continued success and higher efficiency to t heir own Division."

The Chairman, in responding to the toast, said that he ha d heard that the Coronation medals would be ready in about three months. They would be silver medals, and t he reason for delay was in consequence of some difficulty in the striking of them.

Division Surgeon and Supt. J. C. McCarroll proposed the toast of "The President and Vice-Presidents," which was enthusiastically received and responded to by the Chairman.

The final toast, that of "The Visitors," was submitted by st Officer A. W. J ournet.

A musical programme was given during the evening under the direction of CorpI. E. Haughey.

Hearty congratulations are due to Lance-Corp!' F. G. Crust, who so ably made all the necessary arrangements for the dinner, which proved eminently successful and enjoyable.

The toast of the "Brigade and the Northampton Corps" was given by Mr. B. Champion in an interesting speech, in the course of which he referred to the keenness of the men who deserved the gratitude of the townfolk, and the help of the authorities.

D eputy-Commissioner Woolston, who replied, said that they wanted more officers in the district and he hoped all would use their influence to get them young offi cers. Referring to the King's review, he said he was not going to be satisfied with anything less than a thousand men at his back. He had 2,000 men under his command, and he did not think one out of two was too much to ask.

District Superintendent Harvey Reeves, also responding, said he believed they might have h a d more financial support if they advertised themselve s more. The Northampton Corps badly needed a motor ambula nce. Their voluntary staff had moved 1,800 patients to the Hospital, but the last few years urgent cases seemed to have corne along more quickly. When they improved their fire arrangements they should have police ambulance officers. If the Corps provided half the cost and the town the other half, the motor ambulance could be kept at the fire station and manned in the daytime by the police. He thanked every member of the Northampton Corps for and work during the 25 years he had been assOCIated WIth it and he appealed for more recruits.

, Supt. E. F. Adnitt submitted "The Divisional Surgeon W. H. ChamberlaIn and DlvislOnal Surgeon W. M. Robson replied.

BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY. +

COUNTY OF LONDON BRANCH.

Notes and News.

THAT this new section incorporated in FIRST AID last month has met with general interest and approval is evidenced by the many letters we have received which testify to the value it will prove in assisting Red Cross work. It is to enlarge .on the need of Red Cross work all the world over, and more especially in this country in order to assist the Territorial Forces. It is not wise to prophesy, but we believe a remarkable promise stands before the movement. It is a question of gradual development in efficiency to prove that the V.A. Detachments are capable of what is expected of them.

'* '* '*

A ruling has been given by the Central Executive that the brassard is to be worn round the left arm with the cross facing to the left. There seems to have been very conflicting opinions as to which was the correct arm on which to wear the brassard, and we are glad to see that the Central Executive have definitely settled the matter. In this as in other matters, uniformity should be aimed at, and it is just a question of a ruling from the Central Executive to put these matters in order.

'* '* *

We have received a copy of a leaflet entitled « What Marylebone is doing to further this National Effort," referring, of course, to the detachments formed in the borough. It gives a brief resume of the work of the British Red Cross Society, and an exhortation on the necessity of the detachments. Marylebone has the credit of being the first to volunteer to form detachments under the Society, and the first two Voluntary Aid Detllchments were formed in the borough. There are at present six detachments and others in course of formation. We congratulate those who are responsible for the leaflet. In its brief form it gives one a concise idea of the work, and should, if well circulated, attain the object for which it is issued, viz., to obtain subscribers. '*

It is to be realized that if progress in V.A.D. trammg IS to be made, some form of centralized training will have to be developed. Many Detachments are commanded by medical men and women and of all people, owing to the uncertainity of their professional engagements, they are unable to bind themselves to a definite day to give instruction, and it thus happens that on occasions a particular lecture or practice has to be at last moment. To overcome this difficulty centralIzed trammg of say four to six detachments on a progressive system is essential and we are glad to learn that the Branch Executive is now endeavouring to devise such a scheme.

While on the subject of training we should lik e to mention thllt the Society'S First Aid Manual No. I, by Dr James Cantlie has j ust published. This book comprises one of a series of three volumes which Dr. Cantlie has prepared at the request of the Council of the British Red Cross Society. The other two volumes are the Nursing Manual and the Training Man ual. This textbook No. I is the basis of all Red Cross work, it is therefore imperative to have a thorough grasp of the contents of it. It contains many illustrations and the name of its author is sufficien t' to guarantee that it is prepared in an excellent manne r and should prove a real help to all those undergoing trai ning. The publishers are Messrs. Cassell & Co., Ltd., Lond on.

* * '*

In order that the Branch may be in a posItlO n to meet any sudden call on the personnel of its Branches in the event of an'y sudden disaster or emergency other than an invasion by an enemy's forces, it has been decided that an "Emergency Service Roll" shall be issued

This Roll will consist of two classes, "A" and "B"; " A" Class will consist of those officers and members wh o are available at short notice for service anywhere in the United Kingdom. " B" Class will consist of those officers and members of Detachments who are available at short notice for service within the area of the Coun ty of London and its environs.

* '* *

Invitations have been issued to all members an d associates of the branch to attend the annual me eting of the branch which will be held at Grosvenor H ous e on March 27th, by the kind permission of the Duk e of Westminster. This meeting promises to be ver y representative, and many of the Mayor's of the Londo n Boroughs will be present. Viscount Haldane will b e th e principal speaker, and we understand he will deal wit h the subject of the finance of the Branch. Sir Fred erick Treves and Sir Alfred Keogh will have something to say on Red Cross work.

***

We regret to learn that Sir Frederick Treves has resigned the post of chairman of the Executive Comm itte e of the Society. Sir Frecierick has also retired from the Arm y Medical Advisory Board, and from the Nursing Board of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service. H e retires from active work at the War Office now partl y probably because he thinks he has served lo ng enou ghhe was the only original member of the boards who had remained continuously in office. Mr. E. Ridsdal has bee? elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Sir Frederick on the Executive Committee.

March , 1 9 12 - FI R ST

F leming Mant 5and w ith , M.D., F . R. C.P.

DR. FLEMING SANDWITH, who so ably occupies the Chairmanship of the County of London Branch of the British Red Cross Society, is a gentleman who has had a very varied career in the course of his profession.

In 1876, within a few days of gaining their first medical diploma, a small party of EnglIsh surgeons, of

AID. - 147

be transported to the sea by bridle paths, which allowed no wheeled traffic, and even the guns had to be abandoned. For his services he received the Order of Medjidieh and war medal.

After returning to England Dr. Sand with acted as Lecturer and Examiner for the St. John Ambulance Assocition, and assisted in starting the Centre which is now No. 10 Metropolitan District. For his services he was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John.

In 1883 the call of the East was again paramount, and he volunteered for service in Egypt during the cholera epidemic. At the conclusion of this, he was invited to stay in Egypt and became for a time the first English head of the Public Health Department. For his services he received the 3rd Order of Osmanieh.

In I goo he spent his summer leave in South Africa, whither he was sent by the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital Fund. At the command of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, he commandeered an estate outside Pretoria, and with the valuable aid of Colonel Kilkelly and a staff of civilian doctors established on the site a general hospital which was found to be so well equipped that it was kept on for a time by the military authorities, at the c.lose of the campaign. He received the Queen's South AfrIcan Medal with three clasps.

Rather less than two years ago he was invited to become Chairman of the County of London Branch of the Brit ish Red Cross Society, and with his experience of the reqUIrements of the sick and wounded in warfare It would be difficult to find a more able man to occupy the position he holds.

Dr. Sand with has contributed some masterly works to medical literature, more especially dealing. tropical medicine. He is Gresham Professor of Medlcme, Lecturer at the London School of Tropical Medicine; he is also a Guardian of the Poor of St. Marylebone.

Employment of Detachments the Voluntary Aid on Mobilization.

whom Dr. Sandwith was one, left St Thomas's Hospital in London, to help the Servian army, who were then fighting for their freedom against Turkey.

The Servian Govern ment had never heard of wounded soldiers being cared for on the battlefield, so that all sorts of difficulties arose upon arrival in Belgrade, but eventually the Englishmen were allowed to proceed to the front, and found themselves under fire on the very first occasion that they went out to form a Dressing Station. Many small engagements followed, many operations were and at the end of the short war some of the party remaIned behind at the request of the Servian Government to continue the service of an English hospital which had been formed in Belgrade, under the auspices of the Aid Society for Sick and Wounded in War, of WhICh Society the present British Cr?ss Society is t.he legitimate successor For hIS services Dr. Sand wIth received the Order of Takova and war medal.

In 1877-8 Dr. Sand with served with Turks. as an ambulance surgeon in the Russo-Turkish campaIgn, under the orders of the Stafford House Committee. He was present during the severe fighting at Shipka Pass, where he originated a system of stretcher bearers to pick up the wounded. Later, he served on the staff of Valentine Baker Pasha during his celebrated retreat across the Rhodope Mountains, when 500 wounded men had to

IN reply to enquiries made by the British Red Cross Society regarding the conditions under which members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments will be employed on mobilization, the following information has been issued by the War Office in a Circular Memorandum dated March I stb, 19 [2 :-

(I.) The normal functions of bers of the Detachments will be the care of the Sick and w?unded within the immediate neighbourhood of theIr. homes and as they will while so employed lIve m their houses, it is not contemplated that they should receive anything in the nature of pay and allowances.

(2.) A certain number of organ.i zations (e.g., hospitals and ambulance. trains) whIch have existence in time of peace WIll, however, be formed m the event of active operations, and the personnel ?f these units may be drawn from the Voluntary Aid Detachments, among other sources. The members of Detachments who volunteer are accepted for such specific duty will temporarIly part ?f the Royal Army Medical Corps orgamzatlO?, a.nd wIll be required to assume the duties and oblIgatIOns of

-FIRST

that service for the time being, including a liabilIty for service outside of their own locality.

(3.) Members of the Aid Detachments so selected for service outside of their locality will be given a military grading in accordance with their qualifications and the requirements of the service, and will then receive the ellloluments attached to the grading in question for the duration of their employment.

Division News.

KENSINGTON.-A lantern lecture on Red Cross work will be given on March 25th in the Drill Hall of the I3th (Kensington) Battalion, The London Regiment, Iverna Gardens, Kensington, W., at 9 p.m. The lecture is designed to be of special interest to members, arlmission free.

MARYLEBONE.-A display was given by the detachments of the Division on March 14th, and demonstrations were given in rendering first aid to the wounded on the battlefield the formation of a temporary hospital; various methods of conveyance of the wounded from the field of battle; improvised shelter, operating, and hospital tents a field kitchen.

A large audience was present, and during the proceedings Sir Frederick Treves and the Mayor of Marylebone spoke on the progress of Red Cross work and the patriotic· aIm of those who undertook to prepare themselves in it. There were one men and five womens' detachments present, and Col. Bedford, R.A.M.C., and Col. Valentine Matthews, Y.D., County Director, inspected them, and each expressed their satisfaction of the parade.

CAMBERWELL.- This division has acquired from the Borough Council the use of the Grove Vale Depot for the purposes of headquarters, and in future practises will be held monthly on Saturday afternoons and evenings due notice will be given to the members. Capt. B. Page gave a very interesting lecture on "How to Form a Camp," to the members of the division on March 15 th

The badges which may be optionally worn by those who belong to the Society or its Voluntary Aid Detachments may be had on application to the County Secretary through their respective commandants, and can be worn so long as their connection with the Branch is maintained. The badge is of gold gilt and enamelled in red and white with the emblem of the Society as a circular pendant attached to an ornamental bar, on which is the name of the

AI D.- March, 1912.

County: In circul.ar issued by the Central the InstructIOns for the wearing of the It states It IS to. be worn on the left side. We shou ld ltke some further partIculars as to the exact position on th left side it is to be worn. e

March, 1912. -FIRST

What does it really mean? It is that assistance which is first fortllcomz'nl{ in .c ases .of emergency, based, z'n many cases, not upon d ejimte dzagnoszs, but only 012 possibilities.

I n real emergencies patients are not labelled as to their (See FIRST AID, June 1908, page 186.) This is a POlOt that IS far too often utterly lost sight of by ambulance stl!dents, much to their. own disadvantage. Its importance ari ses from the fact that zn actual cases ofemero-ency provz'sional diag nosis and szt£table first aid must PRECtDE precede more definite dia.gnosz·s and In other words, diagnosis an d first aid must hand-m-hand. (See February issue of FI RST AID, re weavlOg of general rules into the treatment of sp ecial fractures.)-L.

MILITARISM AND CIVIL AMBULANCE SERVICE.

A GREAT FIRST AID TO AID.

A WORK that justifies its claim to be an epitome of all that medical and surgical knowledge necessary for FItst Alders, as well as an authoritative manual of :eference on all information relating to Health and Disease, IS a work to be welcomed by all our readers who wish to study their subject more deeply than is possible from superficial text books.

We are in no way 1'esponsib.e (01" the optntons expressed, 01' tke statements made, by Correspondents.-EDIToRs.

"FIRST AID" IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO DIAGNOSIS.

DEAR SIR,-A young man, alpine climbing, falls a distance of 50 ft. and was found hanging over a rock- head uncons,=ious; top of head flattened; a deep cut In forehead; bleedmg profusely, and in which there is much grit; left eye bloodshot; four ribs broken; muscles of left arm torn and abrasion on left leg. \Vhat is the first aid treatment, with an assistant, a cottage near, doctor three miles away?-Yours faithfully.

E. K. B.

[From the point of view of actual treatment the above query is comparatively unimportant, inasmuch as, with such a dangerous head injury it i;; extremely unlikely that treat ment carefully and ronsistently applied, would have any benefici a l effects. Treatment, however, must be in accordance with rules, special attention being paid to prompt preventzon of further through improper position , improper movement, and Improper treatment. I n such a case much discrimination would have to be exercised.

From the point of view of those engaged in ambulance study the query is of considerable importance, fnr it illust rates a subject to which attention should be specially directed. This query, like so many more one has seen, shows lack of a proper sense of perspective regarding first aid requirement s.

" Fou?d hanging." A,s ,worded, the actual position of the patient WIth regard to hIS Immediate surroundings is really ambiguous. Hangillg by what? How far above the rock?

I will assume that what is meant is that the patient is found lying on a rock, his head hanging down over the edge.

The student is now invited to consider by what extraordmary.method of.procedure could so complete a recognition of hl .s IOJunes pOSSIbly be effected such as would justify an enqUiry as to the character of the /irst aid to be rende red.

a practical point of view the query is very illogical. In thIS case a whole catalogue of details are given, some of extreme others comparatively trivial. Regarding the whole, directIons as to ji1'St aid are desired. I t is quite clear there is a total misconception with regard to the true SIgnificance of the term "first aid."

How TO ACT IN CASES OF EMElRGENCY.

Aids to Memory for 'First Aid' Studen ts.

By L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN, M.B., C.M. Edin.

"A fourth edition already demanded a better proof of the utility of the book .than any by a reviewer." "Contains many addition al bints, warnIngs, and IllustratIOns, whIch canno fa il to prove of the greatest assistance to thos;:, wh? would to acqui re a sound knowledge of ambulance work."

It 15 splen<:hd, and clearly shows the painstaking care and study the author has devoted to hIS book." "The advanced first·aider will find it a treasure."

" One of the best things o f the kind have ever seen." " To my mind it fills a ong felt want." "Of tremendous service for Police Post Office Officials, and such men as Territorial Instructors."

'.' The' ultima thale' of suggestiveness and sense in ambulance work."

PrIce: In Cloth, 6d. net-by post 7d. In Leather, 2S. net-by post 25. 2d. Orders lor doz. and upwards Post Free.

STOCKPORT: CONNELL & BAILEY, LTD., "EXPRESS" OFFICE, ST. PETER'S SQUARR and The St. John Ambulance Association, ST. JOHN'S GATE LONDON.

DEAR SIR,- I have read with interest the letters appearing in FIRST AID on the above subject, and they make me wonder if the writers really know what the objects of the Brigade are a nd under what rules the men serve?

If our friends are members of the Brigade, will they please rea d Object 3 of the Brigade, which reads as follows :-" To en role a body of civilians qualified in first aid and trained in am bulance drill or nursing duties, willing to be placed at the dis posal of the military and other authorities, as a supplement to the public medical services in case of ne cessity either at ho me or abroad."

N ow Sir, this should convince our friends that whilst we are a civil force, we are at the same time a military force, and in order to carry out our field duties in time of war, it is very ess ential that we should have military training, and I think tha it makes a man better qualified to render first aid in civil li fe either in the workshop, the street or the field.

I have been a member of the Brigade for fifteen years and have had any amount of practIcal work. One of our friends say s that" if a first aider desires to be a military man, he has a n opportunity of joining the R.A.M.C." That does: not apply to a large number of men in the Brigade; it does not apply to me, nor married and middle-aged men. The members of the Brigade do not join the R.A. M. C.(T.) for the same reason which the Territorials do not join the regular army, i.e., it pays hi m better to remain in civil life, but he nevertheless wishes to serv e his country in times of National danger, and so gives his ti me to make himself efficient. We, in the Brigade, are both wi lling and ready to fall into line and do our best when the tim e of necessity arrives.

I still say that the Brigade is what it always has been, and it receives recognition from all sensible people for its smart u p-to-date military appearance, and because they know that wh enever and wherever its serv ices are required ts members are always willing and ready to answer the call.

N ow, if our friends are Brigade men, they should know thi s! Let them fall into line and do their best to help on the go od work we all have at heart; but if they are not, they have no right to interfere with the working of the Brigade, but sh ould confine themselves to civil first aid. -Fa ithfully yours, PTE. H. J. ALCOCK, Nuneaton Town Division. March 4th, 1912.

DOOR PLATES FOR AMBULANCE MEN.

DEAR SIR, - As a first year student might I offer a suggestion to the controlling power of the S.J.A. B. Would it not b e possible for each member to have upon h is door a sm<l:ll plate similar to the arm badge in order that the general publtc would know where to go in the event of an accident happening in the vicinity.

This plate would, in a short time, become recognised even as a doctor's plate, and would doubtless be the means of saving hundreds ofiives, which would otherwise have been lost through lack of immediate treatment.

In addition to the advantage expressed above it would ca use the student to keep in constant practice and fitness, and would keep in the Association or Brigade the vast number who pass an examination and forget all abou.t it.

It would also bring the S.J.A.B. IOtO the promInence It

In "The Modern Physician," by Dr. Andrew Wilson, fullest space is devoted to "First Aid" and Ambulance Work. In of .completeness, accuracy of description, and wealth of IllustratIon, "The Modern Physician" stands without a rival amongst the works published on this important subject in the United Kingdom. It is scientifically and reliable without being dull ; the name of its edItor, so long and popularly known as an expositor of Health laws and a teacher of Hygiene, is a guarantee of this. This work is absolutely complete as regards Health and Disease, and is thoroughly up-to-date.

As a knowledge of the body in Health is necessary to the due understanding of the body when its functions are derange? by disease, a description of every part of the frame WIll be found here. The skeleton, muscles, digestive system, heart and lungs, brain and nervous system, organs of sense, skin, kidneys and the body's microscopic structure are duly described. In this connection the illustrations are of particular value, the "mannikins" or dummies more especially; in these the organs are made to overlap each other exactly as they do in the human body.

The section devoted to Hygiene includes the full exposition of the Laws of Health, and special attention is devoted to Physical Culture. Such topics as foods, beverages, air, exercise, clothing, sleep, baths, holidays, temperament, &c., are treated in this section.

The last volume is especially devoted to the Health of Women, and Dr. Wilson has here been assisted by a nnmber of eminent women physicians. Midwifery and the treatment and Diseases of Infants are here fully dealt with.

ONE OF MANY OPINIONS.

Mr. J. DANIEL, 23, Kent Avenue, Ashford, Kent, writes:-

" I t's all-round excellence makes it a valuable acquisition. The section dealing with ambulance work is especially good. The book is written in splendid style and the illustrations are first rate. The method of payment places it within the reach of all."

A

-FIRST deserves, and would stimulate public interest in its work, which is now done in darkness and obscurity. The badge would not cost a large sum, and would repay outlay by in c reased donations.- Yours faithfully,

E. W. R UMBOL.

[The suggeestion which our corre spondent makes is one which has been previously ventilated in these columns, and of which the medical profession does not approve -ED F.A."]

RESIGNATIONS AT SITTINGBOURNE.

DEAR SIR,-The paragraph in the Janu ary number of FIRST AID, re the resi g nation of the railwaymen of the Sittingbourne Division, is ent irely without foundation Two railwaymen resigned in September, 191 I, since their work prevented them from attending the drills and prac tises ; and one has resigned s ince. The first two, on application, were reinstated by the Asst.-Commissioner on January 6th, 1912; the latter is under consideration of the Chief Commissioner. vVe are all proud to belong to the division which has held the "Dewar" Shield for the past two years, and hold s the K en t, Sussex and Surrey Shield and the East Ke nt Bowl.

Besides this, we have a good record of practi ca work, 48 cases being recorded for the year ending September Ith, including removals to London, Chatbam and Canterbury.-Yours faithfully,

J. L. PRIOR, Divisional Secretary.

[We heard on good authority that a letter which was signed by twelve members of the division, was sent to a gentl em a n interested in the division, that the railwaymen had or were about to resign. We hope it is not so and the d ifficu lty at Sittingbourne has been amicably settled.-ED. " F.A.]

WHEN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASE MENTION II FIRST AID."

MALTED MILK.

Malted Barley Wheat, and Milk , in Powder Form. THE

SfJohn Anhulance Association Regu1a1ion Uniforms and Outfits

S1ll'gical E'tuipments etc

Everything for the Service

rflIfRRD1JS L1JJ LVNJJVN, SW RICHt!1.R.D

V.D.

" The book will be found of great service, not only to those who join the R ed Cross Society, but a lso to others who wish to learn how they should proceed when constructing impro vis ed means for providing shelter and transport for the llljured in time of emergency."-Tlte Field.

Each profusely illustrated. Price IS., net each" post free IS. 2d. CASSE

Garrould's,

London, Hospital Contractors.

JUST PUBLISHED. With 43 Coloured Illustrations Price 1s. 6d. net. Postage 2d. extra.

ATLAS OF FIRST AID TREATMENT.

DEDICATED TO LIEUT-GENERAL SIR ROBERT S. BADEN-POWELL, K.C.B.

T his Atlas, by Bernard Myers, M.D., Late Lecturer and Surgeon to St. John Ambulance Association, consists of a number of beautifully coloured plates, describing the art of Bandaging in all its varied forms: it also portrays in a most

Extraction, Burns and Scalds, Poisoning, How to Act if Clothes Catch Fire, etc., etc.

Published by BAILLIERE, TINDALL & COX, 8,

to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Sugges. tions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication. Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on th e back of the !>ame the name of the individual or the Corps or Brig ade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing, First Aid" is published on the 20th of the month.

EDITORIAL.

Divisions that feeling of true comradeship which has been the purpose of the Order of St. John, as its history proves. A purely voluntary organisation, to be successful, must be run as such, more especially seeing that its members pay an annual subscription to belong to it. Of course, it must be apparent to all that dicipline is an essential factor to efficiency, but none can deny that a no more loyal body of men exists than those giving constant attention to duty and hard work in order to improve their standard of efficiency.

We feel that these facts are of sufficient weight to resist any innovation which would overthrow the independence of individual members and deal a death·blow to their hopes and lofty aspirations.

Officers Meetings.

Militarism and Civil

THI S important subject has been taken up by our readers , and is one upon which there seems to be a variety of Am bulance. opinions, From our point of view the question is likely to raise complications in t he minds of the member of the Brigade. This work is essen tially one of self-sacrifice, and the purely voluntary service of the Brigade, which places its work at a high level, is to its individual members such a charm. Under military regime the Brigade would be of far less value in enge ndering enthusiasm, besides tending to belittle that freedom of brotherhood which it has been the happy lot of the members of the Brigade to enjoy. The maximum of efficiency with a minimum of control is the desideratum, and the high state of p e rfection which has been arrived at must have proved that the success of the Brigade has only been attained on these lines.

Of late years orders have been incorporated in the Regulatio ns which we consider to be the "thin end of the wedge" towards placing the Brigade on a more military basis. We lament to see this incorporation, for we feel that it will have the effect of takin g away from Corps and

WE are glad to see that the officers of the Prince of Wales' Corps recently instituted a social meeting, which is to be held quarterly. At these gatherings open discussions on the policy and administration of the District take place, and suggestions for its progress and betterment are offered. We do not know who should be credited with having originated this innovation, but whoever he may be we offer him our most hearty congratulations. It is certainly a most excellent idea, and one which, if carried out on the right lines, should do much to improve the District.

We have always been advocates of the annual conference, knowing th at unless a variety of opinions are laid before us we have no opportunity of selection; and in the experience of several officers of the Brigade, many valuable suggestions are lost because no opportunity has been afforded for th eir being properly ventilated. These quarterly meetings should stimulate an interest in the District, and n o doubt the fertile brains of its officers will be brought into play, resulting in the expression of original views which sh ou ld tend to the benefit and progress of the work. We hope that the proceedings of these meetings will not be held in camera. The S.J.A.B. has hidden its light under a bushel too long, it is now a case of "waking up" to the times. We should like to impress upon the officers of the Corps that our columns are always open to them, and we hope to hear something more of these meetings.

C(

THE recent miners strike, although it did not prevent the holding of the "finals" of the various railways, nevertheless, owing to the disorganisation of the traffic an? the consequent rush of the staff, they were more or less 10 the of private functions and were debar;ed of muc.h of interest from a spectators point of vIew. In spIte ?f thIs the work of the competitors generally was of exceptIOnally high standard. As will be SE;en by the and results which we publish. The elaborate detaIls whIch are worked out on these papers make a competitor use his wits and resourcefulness if he is to score a fair average, as the results will show the majority did.

Without wishing for a moment to venture to criticise the merits of the various marking sheets, we mllst says that the paper of the final of the S.E. & c. Ry. is a masterpiece as regards to detail work. Every conceivable. point that is likely to arise has been included and marks gIven for each, and th8se who are responsible for it are to be congratulated.

We are pleased to see that the South-Eastern, in order to make the competition more realistic had a model train on the scene of the supposed disaster, and of which we give an illustration. We believe that this idea will be more generally adopted by other railway centres in the future, for its cost of construction is slight and it gives to competitors the benefits of actual surroundings as would be in case of accident instead of their having to play upon their imagination to presume this or that in order to (leal effectively with a case.

By the courtesy of the Centre Secretary of the L. & N.W. Ry., we had an invitation to attend the final competItions at Manchester. This was a very representative test, and the results are recorded below.

Owing to the strike the N.E. Ry. competitions were held at York instead of Hull, as the difficulty of the train service made it necessary to hold the competition privately. The length of the marking sheets make it imperative for us to deal in brevity with the distribution of awards which generally accompany the competitions, but we adopt this course, knowing the general interest which these marking sheets cause.

S.E. & C. Ry.-Final competition held at Crystal Palace on March 20th. Judges, Drs. R. D. Muir, of New Cross, and W. W. Linington, of Folkestone.

Result:-I, Hither Green Corps, No. I, 267i; 2, Red Hill, No. I, 224; 3, Cannon Street, No. 1,203; 4, Sittingbourne, No. I, 203f 5, Victoria, No. I, 183!; 6) Ashford Wagon Shops, 168. Maximum number of marks 340 STRETCHER WORK.

Card I.-You four men form part of a gang unloading f:-om a ballast train working between two country statIons 10 the early hours of a winter's morning. You are about a mile from either station, and the only men on duty are the signalmen, who cannot. leave their boxes .. You are working togethe.r near rear of and hear shout1Og. You run up th.e to see what IS wrong, and find a heavy-built man lYIng 10 the four-foot way, with his legs over outer rail between two trucks. He is being rolled over on to his back

AID.- April, 1912.

when you get to him, and is moaning with pain. blood is spurting from a of left palm. HIS shirtsleeve in front of left elbow IS wet WIth blood. There are no other men in the gang with a knowledge of first aid.

An ambulance box is kept in the rear brake van. Act as you would in such a case.

18 18 18 135 17

Prelz'lIlz"7zary Precautions

Prevent movement by non-first aiders

Warning to driver of train not to move

Warning to patient not to move

Encourage patient

Observe promptly, position and surroundin gs for indications

18, .p Treat on spot

18, 135 Cover well, and promptly

H a' JJlOrrhag e 1

18, 76 Immediate digital .on brachial 3

Note to Judge.-If by fleXIOn, dIrect pressure, or on radi al and ulnar, deduct 2.

17 Tactful question of patient re seat of pain or discomfort

(Judge to say: "He feels great pain just above left h iphe cannot stand." )

J7 Tactful questioning of witnesses as to how occurred I

(Judge to say: "He was on truck with man and was knocked backward, over end of truck, fallIng coupling before dropp;ng to the ground." )

17,45 Test for fractured spine. ., .,

17 18 18 18

(Judge to say: In hIS legs:)

Careful examInatIon for Injury to other parts I nstntctions to bystande1 s.

Carefu'lly uncouple trucks ...

Arrange for driver to pull up' length or with instructions not to agaIn move

See that rear brake is properly secured, to prevent movement of rear trucks when engine pulls up

1 ., I 2 :!

comfortably supported

Cold water, if available, on face (1) ; smelling salts to nostrils ( I ) 2

Avoid other stimulants 2

Cold water to drink (if available )

Note to Judge.-Deduct 2 if ice mentioned

Cold-water cloth over region of injury (if known )

If patient collapsed, bandage limbs, &c. 2

19 Care of patient on journey 2

Card 4. - Handed to NO.4, on arrival at station, by messen g er sent to doctor.

Doctor says he will be at patient s horr.e as soon - as you are.

19 - Examination of station stretcher

46 Unload ing from brake van 3

18 I mprovisecl stretcher to be laid o n top of station stretcher

17, 18 Inquiry a s to comfort of patient

179, 19 Marching to patient's home 3

18 Messenger in advance to see th at home preparations complete . ..

Card 5. - You are at patient's house, and doctor re q uests you t o put pat ient to bed. The bed is an old -fashioned four-poster, and cannot be moved.

18,20

20

VIEW OF MODEL TRAIN USED IN THE S. KRy. FINAL COMPETITION

Method and care displa yed

Give medIcal man full history of case

Act under directions of medical 3 mm 2

General utility of treatment and resourcefulness displayed 8 General smartness 10 WORK.

Bearers to avoid moving trucks 18

18

Send for first aiel case 2

18 Arrange supply of lamps, etc i

Card 2 - Your patient has sustamed a fracture .of pelv is, and there is a gaping wound from front and thIrd of forearm to front of and above elbow, accompal11ed by a rten al h ce morrhage.

You find, on inquiry, that the patient's home IS 100 ya rds from the station in advance.

18, 136 Instructions as to preparation of sweetened tea

18, 136 Patient to be well covered

Method of giving hot tea to patient

I nstructions as to preparatIon of 18 front brake (verbal ) Tra mjJort.

19 166 Early improvising of stretcher

19, 169 Testing same

J69 Value of improvised stretcher ,

bearing in mind that the pat ient is a heavy man

station, advise signalman, and prepare stretcher ready for use on arrival of patient H O!17torrhag-e.

20 Written message to doctor 18 Value and method of despatching same 19, J 8 Warning to patient's home to prepare bed, et c 18, 19 Instruct another messenger to proceed to 77

Forearm wound exposed and examined, with caution 2

77 77 77 18 18,78

Pad and bandage on brachial Test efficiency Remove foreign bodies seen - forearm Remove foreign bodies seen-palm

Properly protect with dressing-light bandage -forearm

Properly protect with dressing-light bandage -palm

Arm to be kept straight on account of vertical wound - no sling

Support and securing to side Pelvis.

56 Lay patient in position of greatest ease

56, J 13 Test for injury to bladder...

(Judge to say: "No injury to bladder.")

Flex or straighten...

(J udge to say: "Flexion gives greatest ease.")

56 17

Method of carrying out flexion

I S 45,46

Use of engine irons or couplll1g poles

Danciages under head, shoulders , &c., with spe c ial broad bandage beneath pelvis

Scarves, towels, &c., to be used

Position of these Lifting .., Bystander to pass stretcher underneath patIent

19 18 18

Transfer to brake va n I nstructions to driver to proceeu lO next station, with special warning to run steadily

tions

2 2 3 3 3 2 4 2

2 P iL oto by ] lEVl'r;tt, / -lorwood, S E.

Card J.- ( Handed to No. 4 when patient loaded in brake van. ., A TEAl\I AT WORK IN THE FINAL OF S.E.Ry. CENTRE.

Your patient's face is very pale. HIS p,!lse IS weak and he seems to be breathing under Finally he and you have a suspicion that there IS internal hce morrhage. d'

1"5 18 See that wound has not started blee Illg agaIn, .) , and that tourniquet is in order

96 135 Patient flat... f

96 Free circulation of air by openmg tdoors 0

19,135 Loosen clothing r 2 April, 1912. -FIRST A 1 0. - 155 135 18, 135 72, 135 135 135 18, 135 136 IIead

moaning with pain, and you are just able to g a ther from her that she has hurt her left shoulder and left leg, when sh.e collapses. A lady, who is following, also stops to see what IS You tell her that you are quallfied ambulance wrong. Th' else n and she volunteers to assIst. ere IS no one

The nearest building is a farmhouse half a mIle away.

-FIRST

AID.- April, I 91 2

18e 19,9 18c ]8,5

18r1

Carefully support injured part

Conduct to waiting-room obtain assistan ce of bystander (§)

Restful position

Instru c tion to bystander as to maintainin g s upport, and see that it is done "

April,

AI D.- 157

4, Hull, II3 ! ; 5, Middlesbro', 106 6, Leeds, 102 !

Maximum, 300.

STR ETCH E R WORK.

lady to accompany

18 Frequent change of bearers en route, using men from farm to help ... ... ... 2

18 Watchful care en route

18 (e) Do not use No.2 as bearer for fear of further fainting attack 2

20 Do not leave patient till arrival of doctor 2

20 General smartness 10

4·-Card <;t. - You are standing on the platform, watching a train, which is running into the station. A passenger, attempting to leave the train whilst in motion, stumbles and falls on the platform. You are close to him when he falls. On inquiry as to whether he is hurt, he tells you that he has grazed the palm of his right hand badly. You find capilliary bleeding slowly oozing up from all sides of the wound.

18d & c Warn patient to keep still for fear of other injury 2

17a Inquire, tactfully, if any pain elsewhere

18

Observe for any other suspicious signs

If any seen, at once lessen risks - I

Card 2.-He cannot use his right arm, btlt is inclined to nurse the limb with his left hand, his head being inclined towards his right shoulder.

9,1

7a Carefully remove coat, et c ex a mine ca re& b fully '"

43,5

Ascertain whether of clavicle simple, compound or complIcated '" '" 1

(Judge to say" simple fracture. " No triangular b andage available.

18c,49

Pad. Improvising sling. Broad bandage improvised

Applied with special care lest mis c hief 111creased

18c 135 18,7

19,9

Efficiency

Cover well Sal volatile 0)

Encouraging words

Protect hand wound

Transport to doctor- how VI VA VOCE.

I.-When a regulation stretcher is not available , other means could you adopt to remove a patient ?

166 Improvise stretcher on p()les through sleeve of coat turned inside out '" '"

166, 168 Additional coats if necessary

166 , 168 Strips of wood lashed to poles at ends to keep apart

169 Poles through holes in bottom corners of s acks

169 Poles wrapped in carpet sacking tarpaulin C!) , or strong blanket, &c

169 Hurdle (t) , broad p iece of wood shutter (1)

169 Straw, hay, or clothing placed on , and

169 Cover with stout cloth or sac king, &c.

169 Properly test before use

169 Patient to be carried in accordance with exercises laid down

167 Fore and aft method

165 If nj ury permits, assist by arm round ne ck

161 Two-handed seat helpless patient

162 Three-handed seat en to support either lower limbs and when patient is able to use upper limbs

160 Four -handed seat (t) , when patient can assi s t and use his arms (t)

164 Fireman's lift-to be attempted only by stron g

man.. 2

166 On no account use" frog s march " 2

2. - ( a) How are the muscles of the body c lass ified ?

(

b) State all you know about them.

( a ) Voluntary

( b) Volu n t ary

Met with in limbs he a d (n ne c k surface of trunk

Ends atta c hed to different bones (t); and crossing joint '"

Becoming fibrous cord or tendon when c rossing joint

Contraction ( I ) and rela xation ( I )

Fed by blood -ves s els traversing them

Entered by nerves

Under dire c t control of brain and spi n al c ord .Involunta ry.

Met with in walls of stoma c h and intestines air passag es and in most of internal organs ...

I n heart, in special form

Not under influen ce of will

Re g ulated by sympatheti c nervous system

Extending as chain on each side of spinal column, along entire length Branches to all organs of chest and abdomen 1 on this man the course of any arte ries you know of, naming them as you ·proceed.

Arranged for con v enience in markin g only)

you saw a person out of doors who looked ver y pale, on the verg e of collapse and about to lose conscIOus -

s, how would you act ? •

128 Prevent falling and lay gently down t

128 On back, or inclined to one side. Head low... J

129 Loosen clothing

129 Fresh air Keep c rowd bac k Note to judge. -( Deduct 2 if mention m a de of opening doors, etc. ) 20, 129 Written message to d? c t?r

129 Noth ing by mouth while ll1senslble 18 E xamine for injuries

18 Examine for obstruction to air passages

129 Artificial respiration (i f necessary )

19 Suitable transport to shelter 20 Do not lea ve till in proper hands

130 On return to cons c iousness water sal volat le and wat er warm tea or coffee if h re morrhage not p resent ( 1)

135 Smellin g salts

J 30 Not to be m isled by smell of alcoh o l

13 5 1"6 P romote warmth by covering tested hot ,.) water bottles (.}-), hot drinks (I) with sugar

a dded wa rm bed in ventila ted room

Raise foot of bed

Watchful care for rela p se

Food sparingly at first

Avoid thoughtless questions

En c ourar- e sleep

General value of a nswer

5.-If you are c alled to a case of poi s onin g , and had no m eans of finding out the poison taken, what would you do for the patient ?

149, 150 Send for do c tor at on c e, with all available particulars

149, ISO If not insensible , promptly gi ve emetic .( described ) except when lips a nd mouth stamed or burned by acid or alkali

149, I So If not insens ible, g ive milk raw egg s beaten up with milk or water c ream and flour beaten up to g ether (1) , or ve g etable (-.$-) exc ept in phosphorous ("2) '49 , 150 On no g ive mac hine or para ffi n o l (t)

149,150 Demulcent drink s ( nature of des c nbed )

149, 150 Strong tea

15 1 If patient threatens to go to sleep, keep awake at all costs

, If throat swollen threatening obstru c tIOn to alrpassages (t) ; apply hot flannels or poult ices to front o[ necf' and gi ve frequent (t) SIpS cold

Artifi c ial respiration if breathin g fails Treat sho ck and c ollapse

Preserve any vomited matter

Endeavour to CTain therefrom, n a ture of pOlson t a ken, anl ac a ccordin g ly

2 2 2

N. E. R. - Final competition held at York on March 30th. Judge, Major G. H. l?arwin, M.D., V. D. I, York, 2, DarlIngton, 134 ; 3, Newcastle, 122,

This point cleaner, attend ing to his duties outside York Station, was knocked down by a light en g ine. No.1 sees the accident and proceeds at on c e to gi ve the m a n first aid. Two minutes later the rema inder of team arr ive. The man has a severe wound at the back of his head.

Treat him, and carry him home placing him on the bed.

No. immediate digital pressure

Loosening- neck

Supporting head on knee

Arrival of team.

Special precautions

Approach

B lock line

En courage patient

Removal of patient from danger.

St ill keeping up digital pressure

Carefully tying legs together

Two be a rers ;;upporting shoulders and body

One carefully lifting legs

Watching patient...

Speaking to him of his comfort

Send written message for dor:tor

C a refully and properly examin g him for further injury

If Judge is satisfied gives card A.

F racture of right tib ia :-

Immediate attention and question is it simple, compound, or c ompl ic ated

If Judge is satisfied gi ves card B. (C ompound )

Position

No extension

Remove any fore ign bod ies seen

Properly protect and band ag e

Splint and bandages qUickly p repared and secured properly

Head wound.

Wound examined, &c

Pad and bandage

Test efficiency

General conditions.

All clothing freely loosened

Covered well

Head up and comfortable

Sal volatile and water

Fresh air

Unnecessary or irrJPossi ble ad vi c e

Deduct 5 marks.

Preparation for transport

Br inging up and testing stret c her

Properly testing sl ngs

Plac ing patient on stret c her

Cov ering well and promptly

Lifting and carrying stret cher

Examining patient on mar ch

Enquiring as to his c omfort

Lowering stretcher

Lifting patient on to the bed

Further remarks at home

(a) Treatment.

Bandages examined

Covered well

(

b) Message left.

To prepare hot bottles and test them

Hot drinks...

Improvise cradle , Boiled water ready

Notify do c tor

Extra marks

I NTUR I E. AN D V IVA VOCE.

I - Th is g oods: is suffe r in g from burst va ri c ose vein

i n his right leg. G ive him ald. 4

Lay patient flat- elevate !tmb

Remove clothing, garter, &c.

Direct digital pressure () 6

Pad and bandage on wound (2), above (2) below 2

Send for doctor , ,. 2

2 -This porter, going the left luggage office, has ?ver a tIn trunk on hIS rIght arm. There is a fracture Inv,?l:,mg the elbow joint. Give him first aid. POSItIOn of patient

dr iv er has a vertical wound In the

Al

D.-

Question. Is there a compound fracture?

April, 19 12.

Card C.-.The leg has been cut off just above the joint. Treat hIm and remove to a cottage ten minutes walk away.

Tourniquet on femoral

Examination of wound

Remove all foreign bodies

Do not disturb clot

Clean absorbent dressing Bandage...

Treat for shock Loading of stretcher.

stretcher

message to doctor

Encourage patient when conscioLls

Card 4 falls down faint and exhausted want of food, havll1g recently had an attack of influenza. To be treated by No.2, Loosen tight clothing

Lay on back with head low

Stimulant and water, or hot drinks sugar

Food sparingly at first ...'

Cover and keep warm

Remove him to station Transport.

Lifting and carrying stretcher

Hot bottles and testing , , General care of patien t

April, 1912. -FIRST

Free circulation of air

If he can swallow, give an emetic. Salt or mustard and water

Preserve vomit ..,

Giv.e milk, raw eggs, cream and flour, oils, tea

WrItten message to doctor

Artificial respiration, Schafer's method

Keep patient warm

Treat for shock

Extra marks

No. 5.-Patient has .fallen on back halfan- hour later he complall1s of pam on the right side of the back of the chest: There is at the spot marked, and he cannot raIse the arm wlth011t pam and crackling noise. Act as you should.

Fracture of shoulder blade with h ce morrhage.

Broad bandage over scapula ,...

Cold cloths or ice bag

St. John sling

Place in sitting position, supported

Till able to walk with support

Treat for shock

Extra marks

Question. What fractures are treated without splints?

Scapula

Clavicle

Ribs

Sternum

Pelvis

Jaw

Base of skull

5·-This number taker has fallen down the steps leadin; from slgna,l box,. and has, broken his right leg. You have no splInts. GIve hIm first ald.

Enquiry is it simple or compound?

Resourcefulness in utilIsation-umbrella or stick ExtenSIon of 11mb Tying feet together ::

L. & Y.R.-Final competition held at the Manchester Athenreclm on the 21st March. Judges :-Major WestmaF.R.e.S., and Dr. H. E. Watkins, of Newton-IeWillows. Result:-

], Bolton 194; 2, Horwich Works, No. 2 te.am, 188; 31 Works, .No. (last year's wInners), q8"l:l' 4, AIntree Sortmg SIdIngs (Liverpool) I7!t; 5, .North Docks (Liverpool), 162' 6 Bridge StatIOn, 156!. ) , STRETCHER WORK

A man is seen be knocked dow'n and run over b a tram He IS bleeding from the head and rIglht leg, trouser IS torn. The right leg four mc es onger tha? the left. Act as you should.

dd N.B.-Quest.lOns as to the nature of injuries be a ressed .to Judge. may

Exammatlon to ascertain nature of injuries

Attend to first

Undo all tIght clothing

Protect the line

Head wound.

Is there a scalp wound? Yes

I s there bleeding from the ear? No

I s the skull fractured? Yes

the There is a fracture

Dig ital pressure on the temporal artery

Elevate the head... foreign bodies

RIng pad...

Absorbent dressing :.

N 3.rrow bandage tightly over wound cloths or ice to head

Leg Injury.

pressure on femoral artery

Cuttmg up seam of trousers

AID. -

Position and extension

Splints

Bandages

Secured suitably

Head wound.

vVound examined, &c.

Pad and bandage

Test efficiency

General conditions.

All clothing freely loosened

Covered well

Head up and comfortable

Sal volatile and water

Fresh air

Unnecessary or impossible advice.

Deduct five marks.

Preparation for transport.

Bringing up and testing stretcher

Testing slings .,.

Placing on stretcher .. . well and promptly

LIftIng and carrying stretcher

Examining patient on march

Enquire as to his con,fort '"

Lowering stretcher

Lifting patient on to the bed

Further remarks at home.

Treatment.

Bandages examined

Covered well

Message left.

I nstructions to clear passage in cotta e

Place stretcher on the bed I:> Leave patier.t on stretcher Attend to patient till surgeon arrives

No. I..-Explosio.n in a shop; man in the street injured by glass of. left brachial and left femoral arteries.

Treat him of an untrained bystander. dIgItal pressure on femoral artery in groin... 4

DIgital pressure on brachial 4

Instruct bystander to make pad and bandage for two tourmquets

Apply tourniquet to femoral

Apply tourniquet to brachial

Remove clothing and examine wouncls

Remove broken glass , Pad and bandage on both wounds

Treat shock

Send for medical aid. (V erbal message )

Extra mark.s :

No. 3.-ThIS man IS found with a foot much turne d ou twards, and the bone is protuding through the sock, with a smooth end. sock IS soaked with blood, and grating is felt on the outer SIde of the leg above the ankle. Treat him and afterwards convey him into an adjac ent house with help of an untrained bystander.

Question. What has occurred?

Answer. A compound fracture-dislocation of the ankle ._.

Pad and bandage on femoral artery .,.

Prompt digital pressure

Remoye boot and sock and cut up trouser leg

Examme wound

Straighten limb

Apply dressings

Splints

Bandages , I nstru ct bystander

Transport by hand seat

Care of limb

Extra marks

No. 2_ as bystande·I:.

No. 4.-ThIS man IS 111 convulsions livid in [ace feels suffncated and limbs are stiff The back is arched. Act as you should.

Undo all tight clothing about chest 2

Vault of skull

Upper end of humerous

Spine

L. & N.W. RY.-Final competition held at Belle Vue

Ga rdens, Manchester, on March 29th. Judges, Major G. H Darwin, M.D., V.D., and Captain George Aston, M.D., R.A. M.e. Result :-.

I, Manchester, London-road (coaching), 2 T 6; 2, Bangor (permanent way), 197 ; 3, Crewe (loco electric shop), 184t; 4, Broad-street (goods), 18 3!; 5, Wolverhampton, (goods), q 5t; 6, Peasley Cross, qot; 7, Buxton, 162; 8, Carlisle, 156; 9, Liverpool (B ru nswick Dock goods), I37 ; 10, Castlethorpe, 12 71; I I, Builth-road, 94·

Maximum number of marks, 3 6 3. STRETCHER WORK.

This point cleaner, working outside Euston Station, is seen by No. to fall in front of a light engine. In two minutes the other three members of the team arrive. After giving the necessary treatment, carry him to bed, a distance of about one-third of a mile. (Stretcher Exercise No. I, First Aid Handbook), No.

Immediate digital pressure

Loosening neck

Supporting head on knee

Arrival of team.

Special pre cautions

Approach

Block line

Encourage patient

Removal of patient.

Send written message to doctor

Still keep up digital pressure

T {After carefully tying legs together

wo Support shoulders and body

One-Carefully lifting legs-to safety

Watching patient

Speaking to him of his comfort , Carefully examining for any further injury

Judg-e, satisfied, gives card.

Fracture of upper third of right femur

Immediate attention and question. Is it simple, compound, or complicated?

J uclg'e informs.

3 5 3 .3 [0

Prepare hot bottles and test them

Hot drinks

Boiled water

Notify doctor ,

Prompt attention to stretcher

Extra marks

INDlVIDU"-L INJURIES AND QUESTION

No. 1.-This man has a simple fracture of the left humerus near the shoulder joint, and a deep cut across the back of left elbow, injuring the joint.

Sit patient down

Caution against movement

Remove coat

Expose wound

Search for foreign bodies, i.e., pieces of c lothing

Clean pad to wound

Cotton wool round joint

Elbow bandage

Keep elbow straight

Broad bandage round shoulder

Broad bandages to secure limb to side in straight

position -t

Treat shock

Take to doctor

No. 2. - This man has a simple frd-cture of the middle of the left humerus, and a simple fractue of the right fibula. No splints of any description and no assistance are available.

Caution patient against movement .3

Instruct patient to steady the left arm with his right hand 3

Extension of leg... 3

Tie both feet together .3

Broad bandages round both legs 3

Broad bandages round knees 3

Broad bandages above knees 3

Sec.ure arm to side by two broad bandages

Small arm sling ,.. 3

Send for doctor 3

Arrange for transport 3

Treat shock .3

NO.3. --Vlhat signs and symptoms might you find In a case of greenstick fracture, and what do you consider the most likely cause of such a fracture?

Partial loss of powt>r

Pain , Deformity Swelling most likely

2 "2 4

3

No. 4·-\Vhat uses may be made of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in first aid, and how would you use it? Burns and scalds

Place injured part In a basinful of warm water temperature 98 degs. ), to which has been added a dessert-spoonful of baking soda

Corrosive acid burn

Bathe the part with warm water to which baking soda. has been added} before applying the dressing Stings of Plants and animals '" Apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and sal volatile

Wash the mouth out with baking soda in water, and afterwards let the patient sip a little of it 4

Not to be given in oxalic acid poisoning 4

No. 5·-You are leav ing your house and you see a mJ.n stagg.er and fall insens ible. A crowd quickly collects. You examl11e the man and find his breath smells of bitter a lmonds. Act as you would.

At once, commence Schafer's artificial respiration

Send messeng er for doctor

I nstruct one man to keep the crowd back

Send one man to your house for jugs of cold water.

When procured, instruct him to dash cold water on head and spine continuously

Send another man for smelling salts '"

When procured, instruct him to hold to patient s nose '"

Send another man to your house for hot water bottles, rugs, &c.

Instruct him to test before applying to patient '"

No <l:ttempt t? give anything by mouth whilst patient IS I11senSI ble '"

If patient regains consciousness, sal volatile and water '" '"

Do not leave patient, unless in charge of responsible person '" '"

For correctly doing artificial respiration

Search for and preserve poison bottle

CHES.HIRE LINES.-The final was held at the Central StatIOn, LIverpool, on 22nd, and Dr. F. de B. Pim, of acted as Judge. The C)mpetition created considerable lnterest and the a wards were decided as :-r, Engine.ers; 2, Manchester; 3, Warnn&ton StatIOn; 4, Husklsson; 5, Stockport; 6, Mr. K generally manager, presIded, and the prizes were dlstnbuted to the winners by Mrs. Charnley. To Mr. K O. Lloyd, who has been the hon. of the for twenty years, a suitable was made In recognition of his long and valued .Mr. K M. Walker, his success')r, was for thIs year's arrangements, which were most satlsfactonly carried out..

L.B. & S.c. RY.-The competition for the Director's Cup and to decide a team to represent the Company In the All England contest, was held at Brighton on March 29 th There were three teams entered, and Major F. Westmacott, of Manchester, adjudicated. Comon the work at the conclusion of the competition, he It was more extended than he had been accustomed to In the North. of England. The final results were as follows :-1, BrIghton Locomotive No. I, marks' 2, Southern Team, 155; 3, Selected Team, 149· The highest possible number of marks was 260

AI D.- April, 1912.

The fourth annual social of the Brighton District which was given through the generosity of Mr. H. J. Baily' was held on March 23rd. An excellent concert was vided and during the course of the proceedings several of the connected with .the district gave general Crltlclsm of the work at the exammations.

G. KR.- The final competitions for the Company's challenge cup and other pri zes was decided at the Leyton Hall on March 26th, the judges, Brigade Dlstnct Supt. Secretary W. A. Glbb, M.D., and the Brigade Hon. Surgeon Mr. C. J. R. McFadden, M. D., made the following a wards :-

Kings Lynn, 222 points out of a possible 300' March 2 I 9; Stratford (loco), 19 6 ; Liverpool-street, 19 I ;) le-Soken, I9 0 ; Lea Bridge, 179; and Stratford (stores department), 176.

In the evening a concert was held, at which Mr. Hugh Flower handed the prizes to the first five teams.

The R.t. Hon. Sir Alwyn E. Fellowes, K.C.V.O , preSided, and. m the of his .he said the com pany now con tamed 48 divISIons, and smce Its formation in 18 9[ certi.ficates in first aid had been secured by 3,03 1 men. DUrIng the past year 416 men presented themselves for examination. and of these 379 satisfied the examiners.

M. & G.N. JOINT RYs.-Dr. W. E. Audland of We.llingboro', judged final competition of the foint RaIlways held at SpaldIng on March 14th. His com men t was that the work was carefully done but the comp etitors were too slow. The South Lynn team, which won th e AllE.ngland shield last year, were badly defeated, and they WIll not appear in this year's preliminary. The final results were as follows:-

I, Spalding, I85§; 2, Wisbech, 17 3, Nor wich, 16 9; 4, Melton Constable No.2, 152 5, South Lynn, 15 2 ; 6, Eye Green, 149; 7, Melton Constable NO.3, 144. Mr. Bullock presented the prizes at the conclusion of the com petitions.

L. & Y. AND L. & N. W. J01NT Rys.-The 2n d annual competition was held at Blackpool on March 28th. Seven teams competed, and were judged by Col. Trimble, of Bamber Bridge, with the following results :_

I, St. Annes-on-Sea, 227; 2, Leeds Goods, 2 16; 3, (Talbot-road), 202; 4, Blackpool (Centra l), 19 6 2; 5, Preston (No. I team), 179; 6, Preston (No.2 team), 159; 7, Kirkham, 149.

Three prizes were awarded for individual work, vi z. :I, W. Price, Preston (No. team); 2, G. H. Tarr, Blackpool (Central); 3, R. Benson, St. Annes-on-Sea.

G.W. RY.-The results of the sectional competitions held at various centres throughout the Great Western System were judged by Dr. J. M. Carvell.

The six teams aggregating the highest number of .in sectional contests and the eight comp etitors obtammg highest marks for individual work in these competitions again competed at Paddington on the 1St. inst. Drs. Carvell and J. Wuod were the judges. The results were as under:-

Stretcher Teams (maximum marks 220 :-1, Paddington, 147l; 2, Oxford, I 34J; 3, Birmingham, 4, Newport, Dock-street (Traffic), 125; 5, Gloucester, 121; 6, Plymouth, North-road, r03!.

Individual Work (maximum marks 4 0 ) :-1, C. H.

-FIRST

Overbury, Birmingham, 17; 2, G. A. Burgess, Paddington, I 5f; 3, C. T. Drinkwater, Gloucester, 13 ) 4, W. A. Furber, Paddington, 12; 5, E. Keefe, Oxford, lIt; 6, J. H. Hill, Newport, Dock-street (Traffic), I ; 7, W Rich, 4!; I, J. Comley, Swansea, 3t·

The winning team in the final competition strengthened if considered desirable) will represent the Company in the Inter-Railway competition.

The silver medals awarded to members of the winning team-Messrs. J. J. Scaplehorn, W. Gaffney, G. A Burgess, W. A. Furber and K C. Chamberlain; and gold and silver medals for Individual Work were presented at the close of the competitions by the General Manager, Mr. Frank Potter, who was supported on the platform by a ber of the chief officers of the Company. The opportumty was also taken of presenting the gold, silver and bronze medals and certificate awards for exceptional efficiency in first aid rendered by members of the staff during the year 19I I.

In making the presentations, the General Manager

A I D.- 161

Colliery Workman Watkins, at Cwm Bargoed Station, on March 31st.

Silver Medal and Certificate award: Signalman Evan Owen Jones, Swansea, for first aid rendered to Passenger T. Matthias, at Landore Station, on July 13 th

Bronze Medal and Certificate award: Examiner Arthur Illidge, Oxley Sidings, Wolverhampton, on January 3th, for first aid rendered to J. Grim bley (trespasser) found on line between Albrighton and Codsall, January 8th.

Certificate awards: Signalman William Henry Whiting, Clerk Edward Tully Moxham, Checker Richard Phillips, Packer Charles Henry Hopkins, Alexandra Dock J unction, Newport; Examiner William James Beynon, Landore; Signalman Thomas Morris Davies, Port Talbot ; Passenger Guard George Warlow, Landore ; Plumber Ernest Robert Wingfield, Plymouth North Road; Foreman Thomas Charles Davies, Worcester; Foreman Alwyn Ilott. Plymouth; Signalman Clarence Ralph Cruse, Melts Road.

READ1NG (G. W.R.).- The Hon. Algernon Mills (Director) recently presented the handsome Challenge Cup for Individual Work, of which he is the donor, to Mr. H. Banks, the winner in this year's competition, and in doing so referred in glowing terms to the am bulance movement.

The gathering took the form of a con ce rt, and excellent vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Miss Mabel GiUinder, Miss N. Jones, Messrs. Hives, O'Callagan Middleton, Skinner and Owen, which were much by the large audience present.

The. awards gained in the recent examinations were also handed to the successful students.

We have pleasure in producing a photograph of the ChaUange Cup by courtesy of the Great Western Railway Magazine.

Coming Events.

Particulars OT forthcoming events will be inserted in this columl1 free of charge, if received not later than the I4th of each month

Yarmoutlt.-The Borough Ambulance Competition win be held at the Town Hall on May 9th. Hon. Sec., Peart, 2:2, South Quay, YarmouthHu?tsta?tton.-A Red Cross Display will be held here on May 30th, and several competitions open to members of a!lY V.A.D. in Norfolk will be held. Entnes must be sent to MISS Long, Victoria-avenue, Hunstanton.

CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY HON. ALGENON MILL S FOR CO;\IPETITION TO READING, G.W.R., AM 8ULANCE CORPS.

spoke in feeling terms of the good work being done. by the ambulance men, and after personally congratulatIng each of the recipients, said the directors and officers of the Company were pr?ud of having suc.h a large number men in their service who at the saCrIfice of some of their leisure time equipped themselves to r.ender. assistance to others in time of emergency; the work m which they were engaged was in the highest degree hUI?ane.

The awards for exceptionally effiCIent first aid rendered during the year 191 were as under :-

Gold Medal and Certificate award: Engineman Ernest Frank Hobbs, Dowlais, for first aid rendered to

Woodlands.--The Brodsworth Main Colliery Ambulance Brigade's 3rd annual competition will be. held on 29 th Particulars of Mr. L. Hutton, 23, CopPICe-road, Hlghfields near Doncaster.

DEWSBURY.-A combined parade of about 120 officers and men was held on April 9th. Supt. Allatt was in command, accompanied by Tra?sport Officer Greenwood, and the inspecting officer was DistrIct Supt. K Charlesworth, of Gomersal, who was accompanied by Corps Supt. Secretary C. Thomes. Supt. Charlesworth, after. maklOg a careful inspection, complimented .them on their field. work, said that their company drill movements reqmred a httle more attention.

The Ravensthorpe Division is presentmg the new horse ambulance wagon for public use on April 20th, when a general parade will take place.

Brevities.

A CORRESPONDENT has suggested to us that we should start a Readers Sales and Exchange Column in the Jour·naJ. We shall be pleased to do so, and for such advertisements which appear in the column a small charge of IS. for three lines and under will be made, and for each additional line or part of a line, 4d.

* * *

UNDER this heading last month we stated that a book of travelli.ng vouchers, in order to obtain railway facilities, was supplied by headquarters at price 6d. We regret this was an error, as they are supplied to officers of corps or divisions free of charge.

***

A CONTROVERSY has been going on in a French contemporary as to the origin of the stretcher. A few words may be ?f interest to our readers. An American surgeon once claimed the invention, but we are inclined to think that the French were the first to use what we now use as a stretcher. One of the earliest forms of stretchers that can be is thai of Baron Percy of the French Army. It conSisted of two parts, interchangeable. Each bearer carried a part, and thus any two bearers could in two or three minutes put together a stretcher and carry a wounded man off the field. Each part consisted of a pole, 8 [t. long. At one was fitted a lance head, of such <l. shape and so fixed that It could be detached and sheathed in a scabbard the bearers side. When it was fixed in the pole it proVided the bearer with a weapon of a lance description, and when detached it could be used for attack or defence.

***

THE other end of the pole was provided with a ferrule. Another pnrtion of each bearers equipment was a piece of canvas of the proper length for the stretcher but only half the breadth. Along one side was a road hem, into which the pole could be passed, along the other side of the canvas was a row of eyelet holes. When each bearer had taken off the lance shaped point of his pole, and passed the pole along the hem of his piece of canvas, he had half a -stretcher, and these two halves were laced together by a cord fastened to the sacking. The stretcher was of course incomplete, for, if laid down, a person lying on it had nothing between him and the ground. So each bearer carried a piece of wood long enough to reach from one pole to the other. In each end was a hole through which the poles passed. Each end of this wood was turned downwards, so that when placed on the ground it acted as a foot thus keeping the stretcher off the ground and also the canvas taut.- T. J. * * *

IN a communication to the press on the use of dogs m ,:ar, Major Hautonville Richardson, the author of "War, Pollee Watch has some very pointed things to say regardmg the hmltatlOns to a dog's utility. "As regards

AID - April, 19 1 2.

ambulance work," he writes, "it is only necessar t h h · Y 0 say t at t IS service IS only userul where there have been very large numbers of slam. I found collies useful for the purpose, but they lack drIVIng power especially l' , n great heat, and fa: this reason I have found a good bloodhound useful, as thiS breed can stand heat well and neve r se ems to tire. When working under the Sultan's orders t OU In Turkey, m mtense heat I found my collies all becarne exhausted, whIle my bloodhounds did all the work of finding a large number of men put out as wounded in very thick cover in a large area."

* **

PROFESSOR CHARLES RICHET the famous sc ' t' " ,len 1S t, 10 an article on "The Education of the MInd and of t he Body," lays stress on the urgent necessity of bodl ly exercise for everyone, men and women alike, not only for t he sake of the mental and physical health of the individu a l but the welfare of the entire race. He declares that, if possIble,. every man, woman and child, particularly th ose engaged sedentary occupations, should devote a coupl e of hours dally to the exercise of their muscles, a great deal of unnecessary suffering might be averted, both from th emselves and from their descendants.

*' * *

IN the City of London and elsewhere men are n b ow emg asked to enrol in a reserve of special constables for emergency duty. This organisation, if called upon, wou ld serve purpose, as did a similar force during the Chartists RlOts, and we hope that training in ambul ance work will be given to the recuits in order to make th em thoroughly competent in the duties a police constable has to undertake.

C. A. Hayman, of Richmond-hill, ClIfton, has Just .had conferred upon him the distinction of :S:onorary of. t,he of St. John of Jerusal em England,. 10 re,cogn?tlon of hiS valuable services rendered 10 connectlOn with It.S Ambulance Department." Dr has been actively connected as Corps Surgeon with the St.. John. Am bulance in Bristol for some ten yea:s, dUring which time he has devoted himself most to the . His many friends will conhim upon thIS dlstmction being conferred up on him.

At the invitation of the Divisional Superintendent and Mrs Parker ,Barton-hill Division), a tea and social evemng was held at on March 30th. a. very enjoyable musIcal entertainment was gIven a capital programme being contributed by Mr. J. B., Reed Lord Mayor's Secretary) who gave some readmg; ,Miss Thorne, Mr. Chant, Messrs Wlth.ers, Chamberlame, and Sixsmith. During the C?rporal T. H e.o:: was presented with a very fine wal,kmg. stIck, as DlvlslOn's appreciation of his efforts whilst In the Brigade, on his leaving the District for London.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mentIOn "First Aid."

April,

1912.

-FIRST ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] Home Nursing and Hygiene.

Honorary Associate oj the Order 01 Sf. John, Lzfe Membe1 oj, and Lecturer and Examiner of the SIA.A.

Hon. Surgeon to the Malton and Norton Division, No. V I District, S IA. B.

(Continued from pag e I34,)

VENTILATION.

W E shall limit the subject of ventilation to the requirements of an ordinary room. The movements of the atmosphere are essentially dependent upon differences of temperature in the air. The simplest illustration of these is .to be found in the old method of ventilating a mme, a dIagrammatic represention of which is here given.

A furnaced is place at the 90ttom of the shaft D. The air is drawn into the mine in the direction of the arrows down the shaft A, and, becoming heated in its passage over the furnace, escapes from the mine up the shaft B. The "drawing in" of the air in such is simply an effect of

AID.-

sitting immediately beneath, to the risk of "catching cold."

Ir: b,edrooms, where we remain eight or ten hours at a tIme, It IS important that the escape of vitiated air should be prOVided for. It is a little curious that under o:dinary circumstances bedroom windows are closed at mght when the need for them being open is greatest, and

open during the day when the need for them being so is not so great. Is it because we allow the air to become so stuffy during the night that it takes the greater part of the day to sweeten the bedroom. Why not breathe the fresh air at night, and never allow the bedroom to become stuffy either night or day? You will nev er catch cold by proper ventilation, always keep the upper sash of the window down an inch or so.

Let us take the same room under the ordinary conditions which exist during the daytime, when no artificial light is required, the lighting being from the window, the inlet of fresh air is from the window, the outlet of foul air being the chimney as before. The direction of the air is indicated by the arrows. This is the ordinary method of ventilating a room where there is a fire burning in the grate. Another very useful method is the Hincks Bird, which is explained by the diagram.

The same result may be obtained with the use of

pressure. Air is a -fluid, and if any portion of it be displaced as by heat, cooler portions must fall in or take the place of the heated air.

The annexed diagram representing the atmospheric current in a room lighted by a gas jet, and warmed by fire in an ordinary grate may be instructive.

The horizontal arrows at the base of the diagram represent the currents of air pwceeding from the doors D D towards the fire. It will be seen that the cooled carbonic acid gas as it descends along the walls is similarly drawn to the fire, and escapes up the chimney in company with the smoke and other products of combustion. Had a grating or ventilator been placed at the top of one of the walls, as at A, the deleterious exhalations would have escaped, and the air been preserved in a fit state for respiration.

A glance at the diagram will make it plain that if there is no ventilator near, the carbonic acid must be respired in its progress towards the fire by persons sitting in the room. In the absence of any proper provision for ventilation, our only resource is to open the windows an inch or two at the top. This will effectually get rid of poisonous exhalations, without subjecting anyone, not

"glass blinds," which at the same time are decorative and make for privacy, while there is less draught.

It is very necessary to distinguish between the ventilation of a loom and the chilling of a room. The chillirJg 01 a room is brought about by a careless disregard of the simple principles of ventilation, e.g., opening windows and doors in cold weather whilst allowing the fire to get low.

-FIRST

The ventilation of a room is brought about by careful attention to details, sufficient air being allowed to keep the air of the room fresh and at a proper temperature and avoiding draughts. A cross blind made of thin muslin and stretched across the lower part of the window frame, is a much better arrangement than an ordinary screen. It is cheap, washable, and does not take up space required for other purposes.

(To be continued.)

No. District (Prince of Wales's Corps.)

A division of the brigade has been formed in the royal borough of Kensington, and through the support given by the Rev. Prebendary Pennefather the St. Mary Abbotts Mission Hall, St. Alban-road, has been acquired as headquarters. The new division promises to be a success. Any ambulance man will be welcomed, and all information can be obtained from 1st class Sergt. R. W. Stone lIS Clifford-gardens, Willesden. ' ,

The No. 24 (Doulton) Division is to be congratul ated upon the very excellent entertainment given for them by The Costume Concert Party, under the direction of Mr. Alfred Kent, on March 16th. All the arrangements as to seating, stage management, &c., were perfectly carried out, and the labours of 1St Class Sergt. F. W. Rittman and his assistants were rewarded with a hall filled to overflowin g by an appreciative audience.

The chair was taken by Supt. S. H. Vilven, and there were also present Miss L. J. Law, the lady supt., and several members of the No. 10 (Balham and Streath am) Nursing Division. and cst Officer T. Saunders, of the No. 33 Division, and Mrs. Saunders.

The Costume C oncert Party, who style themselves the " Kentish Cobs," were represented by "Kernel, the Chief of the Nuts, " Mr. Alfred Kent, Miss "Barcelona" Abson, Miss" Filbert" Noruschkat, Miss Little "Cokernut, " Mr " Almond" Kent and Mr. " Chestnut" Turner.

The interesting and varied programme inclu ded chrouses, songs-grave, gay and humorous, a monol ogue by Miss" Barcelona," and two graceful Spanish dances by Miss Little" Cokernut."

April, I912.

-FIRST

General Manager G. W.R.), and Mr. J. Dunster (D ivisional Superintendent G.W.R., Paddington).

In the course of the proceedings th e Chairman handed to Pte. W. Gaffrey, the silver challenge cup won by him in a competition open to all members of the Division, and vouchers, medallions and labels gained by members of the Division were also presented.

The loyal toast having been duly proposed and honoured, the Mayor proposed "The St. John Ambulance Brigade," and in doing so stated h ow pleased he was as Mayor, to associate himsdf with this Division of the Brigade. He congratulated one and all on the work they were doing, and said he had only just learnt that the members rec e ived no remuneration for their services.

Col. Lees Hall respond ed, and stated that in the

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ciation under him, and that number did their work as well as the best trained men of the R.A.M.C.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close with " Auld Lang Syne," followed by the "National Anthem." No 8 District.

FOLKESTONE.-A team representing the Nursing Division was successful in winning "Decies " Challenge Cup on March 14th. The cup was presented aboyt nine years ago for competition, by Lord and Lady hitherto it has been held by the Ramsgate NurSing DlVlsion. The Folkestone team did remarkably well, securing 23 8 points out of 250, and Dr. Wood, of was the judge. The members of the t:am or: then return home met with an enthusiastic receptlOn, being receIved at

THE work of organization and the formation of new classes for instruction in first aid is steadily progressing. Although rather late in the year, two male's classes will begin work during the coming week in Dublin, and two more.in districts. These are now almost ready for exammatlOn-one male and one female class.

Many additional names of prominent members of the profession and of laymen have been added to the Council -making it thoroughly representative.

A notable feature has been the election of Lieut.Colonel George E. Twiss as an Honorary Life Member in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him for many years to the cause of ambulance work.

From the number of enquiries constantly coming in trom parts of country, a wider knowledge of under the ausplces of the S.P.A.A., is speedily antlcipated.

MALToN.-Dr. H. M. Holt, who presided at the recent presentation of certihcates, &c., to the members who recently passed the examination, was made the recipient of a copy of Howell's. Text Book of Physiology by the members, as an n.ppreclation of his services to the class.

The excellence of all precludes special mention , with the exception perhaps of Kernel's song "The Trumpeter," the beautiful Barcarolle of Offenbach rendered as a quartette by the Misses" Filbert" and" Barcelona," "Kernel " and Mr. "Almond."

A dramatic selection from Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities," and a humorous monologue, were contributed by Mr. John Morgan.

A course of lectures in first aid is being given weekly at the Doulton Institute, High-street, Lambeth, c')mm encing on Friday, April 19th. Full particulars may be had on application to the Divisional Sergt. Thos. J. Thompson, 49, Grandison-road, Clapham Common, S.W.

No. 37 DIVIsION.-Tne sixth annual dinner of the Great Western Railway (Paddington) Division, was held on Saturday, March 16th, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, under the genial chairmanship of Colonel Lees Hall, the Deputy-Commissioner, who was supported by Divisional Surgeon Dr. J. M. Carvell, Divisional Supt. W. H. Maunder, Mr. Douglas G Monteith, Asst.-Sp.c. St. John Ambulance Association, and 1st Officer A. E. Evans. The Mayor of Paddington (Councillor W. G. Perring, J.P.) was present cordially welcomed. Letters of regret at their inabIllty to be present were received from Col. Cantlie, R.A. , M.C.T. Chief District Surgeon, Mr. P. Glover (Assistant

P /wt o Ii;.] [ffa.l!"s1uortlt IriJal.-r, Fo/I.·, stolle.

Nursing Sister F. Strood, Corps Supt. F. A. Adams, Sist er A. Moore.

Sitting: Lady Supt. the Hon. Florence Daly, Nursmg Officer F. Palmer.

Prince of Wales's Corps the number of I?em?ers was steadily increasing, and they .now something lIk: 2,000 members. During CoronatlOn tim e last year theIr men a ttended over 1,000 cases, and on the occa5ion of the late King's funeral over 6,00:) in one day. He .hoped the Division wJ uld be well represented on the occaSlOn of the review by H. M. the King at Windsor on J ur:e 22nd next. "h Other t01stS were II No. 37, G.W.R. DlvislOn, t e "Visitors, " and finally" The Chairman" j and .in ackn?wledging the last of these, which was received wlth musIcal honours, Col. Lees Hall said that in the lat.e Boer war h e had 7 I men of the St. J01\11 Ambulance Bngade and Asso-

the station by the corps and band under Supt. F . A. Adams and L'1dy Supt. the Hon. F. M. Daly.

No. 10 District.

IpSWICH.-The Nursing Division was to have been inspected by Chief Lady Supt. Lady Perrott, but, in her absence, Miss Joseph performed the duty on !'1arch 19 th The Division was in charge of Lady Supt. MISS Cuulcher. A guard of honour was by the men of the Ipswich Corps, under Supenntenden.t J. T. Bro?ke; and a large number were on parade. MISS complimented them on their efficiency. It IS mterestlng to note that the Division has a strength of 7 2 •

BRITISH RED CRO SS SOCIETY .

COUNTY OF LONDON BR A NCH.

Notes and News.

THE figures just issued by the Secretary of the Office respecting the rise and growth of the Voluntary AId Movement are extremely interesting. On the 1st of January, 1912, the number of detachments registered at the War Office, was 1,238, the total strength of which is approximately 37,000, as contrasted with 12,000 on December 31st, 1910, showing that the movement hlis made remarkable progress during the past year. The counties that lead in the matter of numbers are Hampshire, Sussex, London, Devon and Glouster, eac:h of which has over 50 detachments, while in Scotland, Fife and Perth follow with 39 and 28 respectively. There has been 535 inspections either of single or grouped dEtachments throughout England and Wales. These inspections were carried out by R.A. M.e. officers, administrative medical officers, and. county directors.

This is a good thing to be remembered by the many critics of our Territorial Service, who are ever ready to deplore the lack of patriotic zeal of their fellow men, while they themsel yes blandly look on. From the point of view of figures, the above report looks well, but numbers are not everything-we must have efficiency. And whether the organisation can stand the test in this branch and come out as well is another matter. I have not been slow to criticise the Voluntary Aid Detachment Scheme, where it is weak, but I confess the above figures are pleasing. Personally I do not think one drill per month is sufficient to keep a man right up to standard unless he is of course carrying out the work in another branch of am bulance service. However, it is all a question of time and money, and no doubt all will be soon in a good swimming condition before long Uniform for one thing will, I venture to think, attract a good many.- T. J.

* * *

Some clever work was witnessed at the display given by the Marylebone Detachm e nts at the Polytechnic, Regent-street, on March I4th. They formed a stationary hospital of eight beds, and in treating "wounded" scouts, who were conveyed on improvised stretchers and chairs to the hospital beds or to an ordinary country cart in which the stretchers were cleverly slung. Improvised filters were also prepared from sheets and sacks supported by the poles of the stretcher-bearers, and an improvised operating tent was erected, and the patients were fed with materials cooked on an improvised fireplace. Under the supervision of Colonel Cantlie we can well understand that the members of the Detachments are proficient in improvisation, and Col. Bedrord, M.P.O., London District, and Col. Valentine Matthews gave them the praise which was justly their 's for such excellent work as was witnessed.

The County of London Branch is appealing for help in the form of service, of stores and money in order to enable it to make complete preparation for war. Buildings suitable for general hospitals have to be found, and beds, bedding, linen, crockery, and all other requirements so arranged for in time of peace that directly the order tu mobilise has been given the County Territorial Associ ation can at once proceed to clear the buildings chosen fOl: hospitals of their occupants and to equip them with all that is necessary for the required purpose.

* * *

Members can do much to assist in this appeal by enlisting the sympathies of their friends in the good work they are undertaking. The Branch, to fulfil its obligation, must make all for war, complete, down to th e smallest details, for the care of the sick and and it must have, to carry out its task, the wherewith al to do so.

* * *

The Women's Sick and Wounded Corps over the Easter holidays camped in Hertfordshire with the Army Service Corps. This is the first occasion in this country that women have performed the same duties as men, and this interesting experiment should serve them in good stead. The corps is attached to the County of L0ndon Branch.

* * *

The Royal Humane Society have awarded their testimonial on vellum to Commandant Richard H. Lam b, of Camberwell Detachment 66, for saving from drownin g, at the risk of his own life, a boy who had fallen into the Regent's Canal, and afterwards applied artificial respiration with success.

***

The death is announced of Miss Clara Barton , the founder of the Red Cross Society of America. Miss Barton was born in 182 I, and renaered valuable service during the Franco-Prussian War. Early in life Miss Barton was a teacher, and at the outbreak of the American Civil War she gave this up, and the greater part of the remai nder of her life was devoted to the service of wounded sold iers. Miss Barton was the American Florence Nightingale. * **

The Executive Committee are meeting the commandants of Detachments at the Polytechnic, Regentstreet, on May 3rd, to disc uss the question of future training. As was mentioned in these notes last month, some form of centralisation is required and we understand th at a scheme on these lines has been drafted for discussi on. This will have an important bearing on the future efficiency of the Detachments and we are glad to see that the Executive has taken thi s step. We shall deal more fully with the proposed method of t rai n in?; in our next issue.

April, 19I2. -FIRST Ar rangements for Camps.

By the courtesy of the author we a:e enable t.o give to our readers a r elume of a lecture which he delIvered to the Camberwell V.A.D. on March loth last.

CONFI GURATI ON OF GROUND.

The site should be dry and upon grass if possible. Avoid steep slopes, but gentle slopes are good as they facilitate drainage. Avoid large woods WIth undergrowth, low lying meadows and newly turned soil. ., Clay is usually damp and the best sub SOlI IS gravel. Ravines and watercourses dangerous.

Another important point to be considered under thIS heading is facility of approach, especially if there are any horses or waggons to be taken into account.

WATER SUPPLY.

This is perhaps almost the most importa?t of all.

As a rule it will generally be found possIble to obtam a supply from some system, but, if not, recourse must be had to streams, rivers or springs.

I shall refer more in detail to water supply later on. There are a few other general points which may ?e

I. Comfort of troops and sanitary consIderatIOns. The latter of these I shall deal with more fully.

2. Each organised body of troops · should be kept together under its own commander. ,

3' Areas should be allotted for fuel and grazIng.

4. Roads should be allotte,d to umts.

5. Positions of latrines, kitchens, refuse pits should be defined.

We will now go rather more closely into the attaching to formation of a camp and rules and regulations to be observed during camp life. ,"

It is a little difficult for me to deal With thIS subJect from your point of view, as for one thing, I aI?, of course, accustomed to dealing with men only, but still I may be able to give you some useful hints.

As to nu m bers, I understand that these would to about 50 all told, but in case i,f there were mo:e It is only a question of arithmetiC to at space reqUIred, number of tents, amount of water reqUIred, &c. The number of tents required works out as follows:-

Divisional Director Commanders Quartermasters Supt. Medical Officer Instructors Nurses

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The first thing to be ascertained is how much will you require per diem.

In standing camps it is laid down that a daily average of 5 gallons per head is sufficient for washing and cooking.

It therefore follows that we shall require 2 So gallons a day. If it is possible to obtain a connection with a permanent supply there will be no difficulty on this score. It is as well, however, that you should know something of the method of ascertaining, say, the yield of a stream.

Firstly, as you probably know, cubic ft. of =61 gallons, and incidentally a gallon of water weIghs Iolbs.

The average yield of a stream may then be roughl ascertained as follows :-

Select some 12 or IS yards of the stream where the channel is fairly uniform and there are no eddies, measure the average breadth and depth in feet in or four places, drop in a chip of wood and find the tIme It travel, say, 30 ft. You thus ,the velOCity m feet per second, four-fifths of thIS WIll you velocity, and this multiplied by the sectloml Will give the yield per in feet of ThiS all sounds a little compltcated, but It IS really qUIte Suppose we take an imaginary stream, say, 20 ft. Wide, and say the average depth is 5 ft., this gives a sectional area ?f 100 sq. ft. By dropping in a chip uf wood we find It takes 10 seconds to travel 30 ft. The surface v,eloClty IS therefore 3 ft. per second, and the mean velOCity about 2 2-5th ft. per second. Multiply the mean velocity of 2 2-Sth by the sectional area of 100 sq , ft., and we get as a result that the yield per second is 240 cubic ft. of water. ,

Now cubic ft. of water = 6 gallons, so that our YIeld per second = 1,040 gallons.

There is another important pomt to be remembered (apart from which I will deal with later), and that is that drInkIng water must always be drawn from above that used for washing.

Water supply is usually marked as fol,lows : -White for drinking water. Blue for dnnkmg for ammals. Red for washing or bathing places.

Now with regard to the purity of water, whether thiS IS a subject which you specially study.

Water should have neither taste, colour, nor smell, and it is always wise to sterilise water obtained from a stream or river before using it for drinking purposes. (To be continued.)

Numbers. Tents.

2 IO 50 17 .

County of London Branch.

ANNUAL MEETING.

2 3[

We therefore have a total of I] tents for sleepmg purposes these would all be bell or circular tents. in addition to the above, there be reqUIred, officers' mess, canteen, recreation tent, hospItal tent, guard tent, store tent. .

These I have set out on a plan whIch gIves a suggestion as to arrangement. Of course this woul,d probably have to be altered to suit the ground, but that IS a matter of detail afterwards. The great point is to get. as many tents as you possibly can, i.e, if you are draWIng fro; Government store, but I think the above would be sucent. We now come to the all important question of water supply.

This annual meeting of the Branch was. held on 1;1a:ch 27 th at Grosvenor House, Park-lane, by kInd permIssIon of the Duke of Westminster. Lord Haldane was ced to pres ide but at the commencement of the announ " h' , proceedings a letter was received from hiS lords. Ip s private secretary, to the effect that he would be detame? at the House. In the absence of L?rd SIr Frederick Treves presided. Dr. submitted the the annual report which showed that dunng the past 's and sixteen women s detachments were raIsed two men ffi k' th ttl f d r "'g istered by the War 0 ce, rna Ing e 0 a 0 and forty-two women s d etachments. The total enrolled personnel at the end. of the, year, I, I C 'd ble difficulty was expenenced In ralsm g men s onsl era h h h t bl' hment detachments, principally owi?g to t e lr Ig es a , IS for whereas the total establtshment of a women s detach-

ment was 23, that of a men's was 56. Energetic steps were being taken to raise additional men's detachments in various parts of the country.

The balance sheet shows a balance in hand of £67 2S. IS. But omitting a special donation of £100, the subscriptions are remarkably small. The report and balance sheet were adopted.

Colonel James Cantlie pointed out that the Japanese Red Cross Society numbered over a million, and in Eoghnd th e y only mustered 50,000. At the lowest minimum we wanted 500,000 to start off with, and he would not be satisfied until they had that num ber.

Sir Frederick Treves said the Society required a little encouragement, and had Lord Haldane been there he would have convinced them of the immense interest he took in that movement, for at every stage of its existence he had shown the greatest possible anxiety to help it in every way. Sir Fre derick pointed out that there had been enormous difficulties in raising detachments in the county owing to its wide area, but they were to be congratulated on what had been done, and they owed a debt of gratitude to their chairman, Dr. Sandwith, Sir V. Matthews and Surgeon-General Muir and Miss Pitt -Taylor for their services. He pointed out that simply because the British people had not taken the trouble to realise it that the movement had not spread as it should have done. It was but the barest statement of the case to say that if this country was invaded the wounded would be left absolutely to look after themselves, were there not any voluntary aid detachments. He referred to the fact that as the War Office refused to supply them with any equipment they evidently relied upon the Society's resourcefulness in i m provi sation.

Division News.

WE hope that Divisional Directors and Secretaries will avail themselves of this column in order to report their Divisional news.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught has presented a complete equipment of stretchers to the Surrey No.2 Detachment.

CA IlIBERWELL.-Classes have been started in the borough for instruction in first aid. The lectures will be given by Dr. Shapter Robinson, and will probably be held on Friday evenings.

BROMLEY.-The British Red Cross Society has now started work in Bromley, Kent, where three Ladies Voluntary Aid Detachments have been formed.

The Commandants are: Dr. Mabel Russell, Dr. Ethel Mordaunt and Dr. H. Vaughan Craster

The Lady Superintendents are: Miss Rudd, Miss S ciOdle and Miss Bawdon. They are all fully trained hospital nurses.

The Quartermasters are Mrs Lewin, Mrs. H. B. Mallam and Miss Coad.

There will shortly be another detachment formed under Dr. Randall as Commandant and Miss Larkins as Quartermaster. The Society is also being pushed in Beckenham, Chislehurst, Orpington and Side up.

In Bromley 25 buildings have been secured for use as temporary hospitals with accommodation for 1,000 beds.

The annual meeting will be held on May 2 lSt, when Slr F. Treves, Bart, K.C.V.O., will be the principal speaker.

AI D.- April, 1912

There is also in course of formation a Male Briga de Company of the St. John Ambulance Brigade which will be composed solely of members of the local division. Its Commandant will be Dr. Yolland, of Bromley; Medi cal Officer, Dr. J. Allen; of Chislehurst; Quartermaster, M r T. Healey, of Farnborough. This company forms th e male detachments of the Bromley Voluntary Aid system

The women's detachments are comprised of members of the British Red Cross Society. The Male Brigade Co mpany will shortly receive a course of lectures, with special reference to Voluntary Aid work, based upon that excellen t book upon the subject by Dr. J. Cantlie.

The following classes for ladies for certificates of th e Red Cross Society will be held at the South-Western Polytechnic, Manresa-road, Chelsea; a first aid Cours e of five and on at 2.30 p. m" commencmg Thursday, Apnl 25th, fee 7s. 6J ,; a nursi ng course of six lectures and on Tuesdays, at 2·30 p.m., commencmg Tuesday, April 2yd, fee 7S 6d. Ladies wishing to attend either course should send th eir names as soon as possible to Mrs. C. E. AlLin, 38, Che yne Court, Chelsea, S. W.

SOUTHAMPToN.-Lieut.-Colonel Twi ss was th.e recip ient on :March I3th, of an illuminated address signed by all the members of the corps on the occasion of his re cent marriage.

The Wigston M.R. Division again secured the Leicester Centre Challenge Shield in the competition h eld on March 20th. The judges were Drs. W. E. Audland and P. Phelps, and this is the third year in succession t hat the Wigs ton team have been successful.

CHELTENHAM.-Major P. G. Shewell, District C hief Superintendent and acting District Treasurer of the No.2 District has been gazetted Knight of Grace of the Or der of St. John of Jerusalem in England. Major Shewell, who performed distinguished service during the Tirah Campaign, is also officer in charge of the Cheltenham Corps.

The competitions of No. 6 District were held on March 30th at Newcastle, with the following results ;Bronze Shield, op e n only to divisions of the Brigade in Northumberland: I, Newcastle Division, 227 ; 2, Bluch er Colliery A, 197; 3, Dudley Division A, I72; 4, Bluc her Colliery B, 148. Highest possible number of marks, 285. Deputy-Commissioners' Bowl, open only to memb ers of divisions of the Brigade in No.6 District who have n ot previously been in a team holding any of the distr ict trophies: I, Carl Division Ashington Corps, 253; 2, Blucher Colliery C, 2°4; 3, Hirst Division of Ashington Corps, 195; 4, Dudley Colliery B, 176. Highest possi ble number of marks, 285.

The C. B. Palmer Challenge Bow], open only to bon a fide miners: I, Blucher Colliery Division C, 168; 2, Hirst Division Ashington Corps, 162; 3, Walker Division, 93Highest possible number of marks, 285.

:Jhe lndian J\mbulance Gazette.

A jo urnal of Ambula n ce TVo rl' n .India , Burm a a n d th e East, Price 4 shillings per annum post free.

Published Quarterly.

Can be obtained on application to the Editor, Peshawar, Indi a

We are in no way resDonsib.e tor the opinions expressed, or the statements made, by Correspondents.-EDITORS.

FIRST AID IN IT RELATIO N SH[P TO DIAGNOSIS.

DEAR SIR,- Will you be kind enough to answer the following question through the medium of your monthly Journal-FIR ST Am, vi z.:-

An ambulance man is sitting in a village cir cus watching a performing lion- when the !ts trainer. The c ircus manager has shot the lion; It IS lymg dead on the man. The nearest doctor is two miles distant.

After enterin g the c age, and with assist a nce removing the weight of the dead animal, the unfortunate trainer is found on examination to be suffe r in g from the following injuries :Lacerated wound on r ig ht cheek ; he has bitten his tongue t hrough (both ac companied by arterial h c-c morrha g e ) ; lacerated wound on left side of chest; fifth and sixth ribs fractured, complicated by in j ury to lungs; injury to le ft kidney, caused by striking his back on a stool whilst falling; pressure on c hest and collapse, from h c:e morrhage and lacerated wound, have brought about failure of respiration? - Yours, &c. H ER BERT.

[If the reply .in last month s .of Am, under the above heading, IS carefully stud ied, It will be seen that the present q uery is ope n to a similar criticism-" lack of proper sense of perspective regarding first aid requirements ." In cases of emergency first aid must , in m a ny c ases, be based "n ot upon definite 'd£agn ost s, bu t only on p ossibilities "

How has the detailed diagnosis regarding fracture of the ribs, injury to the lungs, injury to the k idney, et c., arrived at? Looking at the matter in a common sense light, It must be obvious that recognition of the existence of such complications as named, would, under the conditions stated, be practically an impossibility. (See p ages ,1-7, 95 , 96, 97 and II3 Cantlie) , . The real points o(pra c t ical ambulance mterest thiS case are- failure of the respirat ion, a ccompanied by a contmuance of arten'a l h re morrhage. The h c:emorrhage would at be a faintly encouraging sign, a proof failure of respiration- the stili, to a certa.m capable of carrying on the clrculatlOn of the (rapidly vitiatIng) blo?d.

First aid in such a case must be prompt, and based upon Vital needs· i.e. imme dia te steps must be taken - even at the expense 'of injuries- to restore the respiration, otherwise death Will rapidly ensue.

This is no doubt perfectly clear to. "Herbert:" Cor.respondents should state definitely the POInts regardmg they seek enlig htenment. It is mu ch to expe c t detailed replies when Wide and complicated Issues are mvolved. - L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

COMPOUND FRACTURE OF RIBS, &C.

DEAR SIR,-On M arch 30th I was present at an ambulan ce competition. The stretcher test was a? follows ;--

"This man has fallen from a tram and has sustamed a compound fracture of left ribs. His right thigh is broken and the femoral artery is ruptured."

I shall be pleased if you can give c.orrect as there seemed to he a difference of opmlon. With regard to compound fracture of ribs, judge that no other injuries were present. What I Wish to know IS, should wound be dressed and bandages be passed round chest as for simple

AI D.-

fracture, or, should the patient be lreatfd a s for inten al b ce morrhage, inclined to left side, no band ag es round chest, apply cold applications and alm in a r g e sling.

In treating fr ac ture of femur shoul d the ( 0 b roa d ba ndag:e s round the trunk be left off or should the y b e ap pl ied takm g care not to make too mu ch pres s ure on frac ture d ri bs?

Thankin g you in a nti cip a ti on. - Yours &c., " STOKE."

[In this case, of course, arrest of the h ccmorrh ag e fr om the injured femoral by ind irect digital compres sion mu s t precede any other treatment.

So far as the wound on the chest is concerned, a compound fracture of the ribs should be dealt with in a manner similar to other compound fractures, i. e. , by prompt and careful prote ction from germs of mischief.

If circumstances permit, and the condition of the patient is such that no suspicion of other injuries exist, the fra c tured femur should be carefully sec ured with banda g es in the ordinary manner.

In cases of fractured ribs, the bandages when applied, must be applied with suffi c ient firmne ss to keep the r ibs at rest, otherwise they serve no very definite purpose. Breathing, in such a case, is carried on by means of the diaphragm.-L. M. FRANK CHRI STIAN.]

SMELLING SALTS.

D EA R SIR,- Would you kindly enlighten me in your ne xt issueof FIRST AID as to the correct treatment for the followin g :A man is shot throu g h the chest, fra ctur in g the breast bone and injuring the lungs.

I am in doubt whether you should use smelling sa lts or not, as the St. John text-book sa ys smelling salts to be used in the treatment of internal h c:e morrhage.- Yours, &c., T. G. F. P ADIER

[With the exception of cases of cerebral injury, smelling salts may be used with safety whene ver a temporary stimulants to the brain is required. The dangers asso ci ated wi th pressure ot e ven a very small quantit y of blood upon the bra in substance are so g reat, that in injuries involving the bra in, stimulant of all k inds must be st udiously avoided.

The strength of smelling salts varies consid erably , it is a wise precaution to make a personal test before appl ying to a patient, lest undue irrit a tion should be the result.-L. M. FR ANK CHRISTI AN.]

THE RED CROSS BAD G E.

SIR,-Many members of are very an xi ous for some enli cr tenment on the follOWIng pomt ;A letter was issued by the Central Red Cross Office on 29th November" I 9 II, by which the adopt ion and of a special badge by the V. A De ta chments was authorised, but the only mstru c tlOns as to wearing of this badge is that it "is to be worn on the left Si d e. " took the trouble to call at the office of the London bran ch to enquire e xa c tly what this instruction and was shown a copy of a letter from the office, .the Branch office that the Central Exe cutive dId not conSider It ne cessary to add anything to th is instru ction. What is left . Q UIS.

[The instructi on IS very we cannot the intentions of the Central Exe cutive as to exac t. posltl0n ?f the left side. Perhaps it will g iv e a defimte rulIng on thiS poiot].-ED. "F.A. "

THE FORMATIO N OF SINGLE RANK. D EAR SIR,-Should be ple,ased if would kindly enlighten me on the follOWIn g subject, on whICh there has considerable argument, and which may prove useful m the near future. In accordance with the latest edition of R.A.M.C. Manual, page 2II, Order ,3 80, we are told to si ze company as in drill ; after dOIng so the next order, 38 r , b four's fives or sixes number. Sq uads at the halt-left IS y , . I l' r form Now the men have to be brought Into .SIng e Ine. Jor this purpose. Which is the corr,ect to them mto single file? As varioLls officers dlffe.r In the carryIng of thiS order, it leads to very much confUSIOn. I have seen It done

-11'1 RST A I D.- April, 1912. on parade in two different ways. ( r) Company from the right form single rank. When both ranks open out to the left, and the rear rank men step up on the left of the man directly. in front of him. (2 ) The rear rank have the order left turn, march, and halt on the left of the front rank, and come up In line.

I made enquir ies of an ex-army sergeant. His way is : Ranks to the ri g ht or left, to two paces extend, i. e ( two paces between each man ), rear rank two paces forward, right, or left dress.

In an inspe c tion and examinati?n of and N.C.? s of our d ivision I was asked by the mspectmg officer to brIng t he men fr o m double rank to single rank. I proceeded to do it as I had been taught by my superior officer, who, by the way, had been an offi cer in the Volunteers for a great number of years. That is by number ( J ) from the right form single rank. The I nspec t in g Offi cer drew me up, and said that was not the wa y it should be done. Then he brou g ht them up as In NO. 2 I should be ver y please if yourself or some of your readers would kindly enli g hten me on this matter as it may help many others ou t of a difficulty. - Yours, &c.)

" DOUBTFUL. "

Me r thyr Tydfil , April 8 th, r 9r2.

[The s implest way of bringing men into single rank is : r. Company, from right to left, two paces extend. 2. Form single rank. The rear rank men will take one to the left with the left foot and then one pace to the front WIth the nght fo ot, thus align themselves with the front rank.-ED. "F A. "]

CLASSIFI C ATION OF AMBULANCE CANDIDATES.

DEAR SIR,-Having in past years had some experience in both first aid and home nursing, as well as assisting in the train ing of classes, it has occurred to me after careful considera t on th a t it might be desirable to adopt some system of class ifi ca tion of the successful candidates showing more clearly their order of merit. I therefore suggest the words first or second being inserted in the certifi cate, so as to give distinction to tho se candidates whose oral or practical work shows a more careful study of and deeper insight into the subjects under examination.

Sho uld the day ever come, God grant it may be far distant, when the knowledg e of first aid in its deepest and widest sense will be needed, mere superfi c ial knowledge would do mOre harm than good, and what seems now to some to be a pleasant pastime will be then a grim reality. That peace is the time of preparation for war is an old truth all first aiders should bear in mind, and keep themselves in read iness for such work by doing their best to become as proficient as they can.-Yours fa ithfull y

A VETERAN FIR ST AID ER

MILIT A RISM AND CIVIL AMBULANCE SERVICE.

D EA R SIR, - As a constant reader of your Journal I quite agree with Mr. Rackwit z and Mr. Newton with regard to l\lilit a rism ; both these gentlemen may have seen the results

of the Volunteer Forces. It would be well to mention that through militarism good volunteers have left the present Terr itorials, and in our district they have had hard work to get the young men to join on account of militarism, and as we know these men are paid for their services, if there is a difficulty in getting men who are paid, how much more difficult will it be to get those to j oin who are not, as in the case of the S J .A B.

I will ask Pte. Alcock to answer these questions: If he had a serious case and had to call on the bystanders to hel p him, would he instruct them in militarism or drill, and so on till he got to the pra c tical work, while his patient was sufferin g. Has he been in active service in the late South African war?

If so, I will ask him how did they bring in their wounded comrades; did they go through all the forms and ceremonies of militarism before they went ? If he has not been on a ct in s ervice let him ask someone who has.

If the S.J.A.B. want to make headway at all it will ha ve to Ilave a first aid drill manual of its own in simple a for m as possible.

In the Annua l Report for 1910, your correspoc!ent will find one of the chief offi c ials of the Brigade at an inspe c t ion saying, "I do not take much noti c e of your drill, but I d o of your jJ ra ctica l work, " which every offi cer should do. Loo k at practical work and leave militarism alone. Wishin g your paper success ,-Yours , & c. , "F AIR PLAY TO A LL."

D EAR SIR, - The interesting ami comprehensive of your correspondent Pte H J Alco c k is welcome, becau se it shows that a subject that may become of vital imporfance to all ambulance workers, especially the rank and file, is at least recognised. To me your c orrespondent seems to look a t the subject from a standpoint instead of a national point of view. It is becau s e feel how essential it is that the matter should be viewed from the broad standpoint that I ventured to write.

I am well aw a re of Object 3 of the Brigade, and it is because I realise th a t, as your correspondent so truly points out, "whenever and wherever the ser v ices of the S.J.A.B are required, its mem bers are al ways w illing and ready to a n swer the call," and be c au se I al s o would do my best to help on the good c ause we all h a ve at he a rt, " that feel somewhat strongly the splend d org a n sation of the S. J A. B. as it st a nds to -day should not be put under the thumb of the War Offi ce. To illustrate wh a t I mean: In Fm. s T AID for O c tober 19 10, we find under headin g Ed itorial: "It h as long been com mon knowledge that the Territor ial For ce created by Mr (now Lord ) Haldane has failed to realise the expe c tations which were formed of it. " And the reason of the failure might have been given : it v,:as, par a do xic al as it may seem, "rr.ilitarism." Men were expe c te d to volunteer and carry out exa c tin g en dless duties, altogether in consistent with voluntary servi ce, or else find themselves in the Poli c e Court!

There is too mu c h of the" no compulsion, only you mu st" about the War Offi ce and its methods. Let a volunteer be a volunteer, likewi s e let all the readers of "F.A." ponder over this and consider whether the subje c of" Militarism and Civ il

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April, (912.

-FIRST

Ambulance Service" is not worth discussing openly and unreservedly.

In "F.A." for December, 191 I, under heading Editorial we find: "I n speaking at the opening ceremony of the Brig-house Corps Bazaar, Sir James Clarke said that so.me people the objection that the Ambulance ASSOCIatIOn was becomm g too military. " And again, to be brief, in " F.A." for November, 191 I, also under Editorial, there is a on the drastic orders issued to members of a voluntary InstItutIOn. While desiring to avoid imposing on your valuable space as little as possible, I should like to remark. in conclusion that I have been present at all the great gathenngs of ambulance workers from all over the world of recent years, and have hac! opportunities to converse men and nursing .sisters of various ranks from many dIstncts, and have been Impressed with the fact that in course of conversation of Bri g ade affairs this subje c has frequently a pla.ce.

Feeling sure that" F.A. " wIll, as It has ever done, use Its influence in the welfare of ambulance workers of whatever rank, - I remain, yours sincerely, ERNEST J. Ri\ CKWIT Z

D EAR Slj{, - Referring to upon l\lilitar ism and Civil Ambulance SerVIce, I should lIke to obser v e that although the member of the Nuneaton T.own tells us in your March number that .he has IJ1 th e Bnga?e for fifteen years, he has evidently mIssed the chIef object of Its organisation, which is obvious to who Rule 7, v z.: "That a list of members and theIr respect Ive addresses shall be kept in such public and as ma y b e determined. " No one can doubt thIS IS for a ml ambu lan c e ; s o that your correspondent has no business to tell" our friends, " who prefer to look upon the Brigade as. a civil that they have n? t to in terfere WI I for 1t ,:s h e who interferes WIth It when he names It a MIlItary force.

No doubt he wouln in time of war be one of the instalment of ambulan ce workers which would come from the ranks of the S.J.A B., but this is no evidence that this is a "Military force " although we are undoubtedly the finest cradle for the ambulan ce worker, whatever may be his destined fie ld of operation..

If our friend is so anxIous to assume the war, pamt at once, it is open to him to j oin the ranks BrItIsh Re d C ross So c iety) whlch-zmlt k e th.e In sense of the word a military orgamsatlOn., catenng for CIvIl work whatever a nd he w ill find himself 111 company o ther men, who .have thus i n dividu ally mdulged theIr m ilitary spirit -Yours faIthfully, HAROLD C. SHORT ER, Hitchin Division No. 10 District. l\lar c h 30th, 19 12 _

CORONATION MEDALS.

DE AR SIR, - I shall be glad if you will inform me if the men and officers who were on duty in London on the FrIday of the Coronation week will receive a medal as well as those w1:o were on duty both days. Wishing" F.A." every success,Yours, &c., "S.J.A.B. " [We have not yet heard. offiCIally, but we understand that t he list of names of those domg duty on both, one day,. h8: s been submitted in the right quarter, and there IS every lIkelIhood that all will receive medals.-E D " F.A."]

Mr J. Keary, of Guisley Cottages, Stasion -road, Royston, 13arnsley, Yorks) asks us for particulars ambulance petitions. Will secretaries of open competItIOns COnlmU11l Cate with him.

Price 6d. net. Post free 7d.

NOTES ON FIRST AID SIMPLIFIED. By Sidney H. Lamb.

A Handbook in a tabulated and simplified form giving the main points 01 first aid, so arranged as to impress them on the memory of the student.

DALE, REYNOLDS

,,, proof of the utilit y of he book than any comments wnt t<:n by a Contams many hm s, warn ngs, and llustrat ons, wh ich can no t fa il to prove o the greates a7,slstallce to t hose who wo uld wish to acqui e a sou nd kn ow}edge of ambulance work , '" I t s s lend d, and clea r ly shows be ca r e a.nd s udy the"au hor has devoted h is book " " T he adv,:llced firs t-a lder Will fi!?d n " O ne of the best hings o f the ki nd have eve,: seen 10 my I fills n ong fe l t wa nt. " "O tremendous ser v ce or Pol ice, Post Office OffiCials and such men as T err itori a l Ins ruc to s " . I k " T he' ultima tha e' of s uggest veness an d sense 111 ambu ance wor"

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The Independent Journal for the Ambulance and Fire Services.

To Our Readers.

As it is the wish and desire of the Proprietors to make this Joumal as instructive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Joumal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication.

Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on the back of the !.ame the name of the individual or the Corps or Brigade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing.

uniform are worn out or missing, we would recommend that early attention is paid to this, all renewal parts of uniforms can be obtained from the advertisers in this Journal. It is essential to see that one s kit is in perfect order and that it is thoroughly cleaned up. Another p0int of importance to which we should suggest attention be directed to, is drill. During the next month Corps and Divisions should put in as much time as possible at drill in order to be perfect in the various movements.

EDITORIAL.

" First Aid" Is published on the 20th of the month. The Reyiew.

Owing to the Review by H.M. the King falling on the 22nd of June, "First Aid" will be published on the 27th of that month. It will contain a speci,al supplement illustrating the principal events of the day. This issue should be of special interest to the members of the Brigade, for it will contain a record of one of the principal events of its history. We anticipate a large sale for this number and we would recommend that our readers should order their copies of their newsagents, or direct from the publishers, early in the month.

The organisation of the Review is going on apace; it requires no small amount of detail work to congregate 12,000 men-the approximate number attending-at a given place and at a given hour, and we hope that the machinery will be in perfect order and no hitch will occur to mar the proceedings. Many divisions in the course of formation are been hurriedly completed in order to Send men to Windsor, and the keenness generally displayed is a good sign that the Review will be throughout a success. At the eleventh hour, members will find that parts of their

THE Home Office issued an order on Rescue Work May 6th giving the details of training in Mines. approved by the Secretary of State for rescue work in mines. The Order will come into force at once, and will apply to all mines in which coal is worked, except in the case of such mines employing less than 100 men as may be exempted. The course of training will consist of practices with breathing apparatus in a gallery so constructed as to represent the conditions existing in a roadway of a coal mine, and will extend over three consecuti ve months. There is to be at least one practice a week, the first to be carried out in a respirable atmosphere, and subsequent practices in an irrespirable atmosphere. Each practice must last at least two hours, unless, in the opinion of the instructor, it is desirable in the interest of safety to curtail the practice in respect of any member of the Brigade or of the Brigade as a whole. Each Brigade will consist of five persons, the majority of whom must be trained in first aid and hold a certificate of the 5t. John Ambulance or the St. Andrew's Association.

The order further stipulates that no person, unless authorised by the manager or his deputy, shall be allowed to enter a mine after an explosion of fire:damp or coal-dust, or after the occurrence of a fire, for the purpose of engaging in rescue work .

There shall also be provided and maintained at every mine which maintains a rescue brigade or brigades;

(i.) Two or more small birds or mice for testing for carbon mon-oxide.

(ii.) Two electric hand-lamps for each brigade, ready for imm e diate use and capable of giving light for at least four hours.

(iii.) One oxygen reviving apparatus.

(iv.) A safety lamp for each rnem be r of the rescue brigade for testing for fire-damp.

(v.) An ambulance box provided by the St. John Ambul a nce Association or similar box, togeth e r with antiseptic solution and fresh drinking water.

Th e re shall be kept and maintained in every central rescue station not less than IS complete sets of breathing apparatus, with means of supplying sufficient oxygen or liquid air to enable such apparatus to b e constantly used for two days, and of charging such a pparatus; and 20 electric hand-lamps ; four oxygen reviving apparatus; an ambulanc e box or box e s, together with antiseptic solution and drinking water; cages of birds. A motor-car shall be kept in constant readiness.

Every central rescue station shall be placed under the immediate control of a competent person conve rsant with the use of the appliances.

All these regulations were r e comm e nd e d by a Departmental Committee, of which Mr Masterman was chairman, in March last year.

The Inter= Railway Shield and the " Dewar" Shield and the "Symons Eccles" Cup Competitions.

T H E semi-final round of th e railway competltlOn was d e cided in London on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The first eight t eams were eli g ible to compete in the final. In this comp e tition the jud ge s were Drs. L. M Frank Christian and Major Caspar R. Laurie, L.R.c.p , and their decision was as

the test. The maximum number of marks to be obtained was 333.

STRETCHER WORK.

When pushing a handcart along the middle of a main roa d this man is knocked down by a runaway horse and cart. night is dark and the street lamps are extremely defe c ti ve The handcart is wreck, and the man lies where he fell, moaning in pain_ A few minutes later, two passers by, hearin g the moaning, drag him away from the wreckage, intensifi cation of suffering being the result. A cyclist and others now arri ve including yourselves ( Nos. I, 2, 3 and 4) You are to the locality, but, having been at an c:mbulance displ a y, you have a stretcher, and a full supply of tnangular bandages wi th you. Act as you should under the c ircumstances stated.

17a, I8c Consistency of approach

17 Tact in assuming authority

18 c Caution against harmful movement

135 Encouraging words to patient

I7 Protect from further traffic acciden t

18 Resourcefulness

18d, 135 Prevent overcrowding 4 2

I7 Enquire re exact seat of pain

17 Observant for any suggestive signs or symptom s (state, &c ) 3

Ca r d A. The patient s breathing does not seem natu ra , but he manages to tell you that he has intense pain at the left collar-bone, and a little below the left knee, at which p arts, unmistakable signs of fracture are immediately detected. From what is felt in the region of the knee, saturation of the cloth ing wi th blood is at once expected.

18,41 ProLnpt support of upper and lower extremities 4

89 Dif,ital pressure at groin 2

18 Promptness (3) ; accuracy (4 )

18, 5 Patient turned gently on back

18d Warn r e spec ial care lest other injur es c o -e xi st 18d Instruct re li g ht

Sc Resourc efulness

18 , 2 18c Expose and test effi c iency of di g ital pressure

18 ,2 Ascertain from Judge if c ontrol of h c:e morrh age may now be assumed

J udge- The h c:e morrh age is not yet controlled

I7a Note character ofh c:e morrhage. If arterial, renew 18,2& 3 efforts. If venous (varicose ) distal compre s-

94 sion, &c., in place of above (state )

Judge- Theh c:e morrhag e was arterial and has ceased 18c,75 Improvise and apply pad

18c,75 Improvise and apply tourni q uet

18, 75 Accura c y 18 Test efficiency

17 Enquire whether any pain or une a smess else-

where

Judge- Nothing special other than at shoulder and le g, but feeling very ill and faint.

I8c 18c

ISC 135 135,1 8 c 135 18d,c

Enqu ire name and address Judge- Lives three miles away

Ascertain from bystanders whereabouts of nearest doctor

J udge - Three-quarters ot mile away.

Ascertain if any hospital near Judge-A m ile away in the same direction as the doctor.

Ascertain if any ambulance call or telephone available Judge- No.

Clothing loosened

Fan for air

Head low

Ask bystander to get water, and if possible smelling salts from house if reasonably near Pad in armpit

Secure fracture efficiently Discrimination and resourcefulness

May, 1912.

Examine head for signs of injury Judge- No sign of injury to head.

I IS Head to one side

-FIRST

AI D.-

young man, who had just been found in his bed in a state of convulsions?

18,140

Force open mouth if ne cessary

T8c Upper and lower limbs raised, and rapidly hut effectively bandaged

Fractured leg secured

Discrimination and resourcefulness 6

Discrimination r e wound 3

Early and efficient preparation of stretcher 4

Placing on stretcher 4

Attention to position 3

Well covered for transport 2

Carriag e of stretcher 4

Promptness 4

Cyclist in advance to give hospital warning 2

Instruct re possibilit ies of quicker transport 6

Card C. - A goods van, carrying only a small bo x overtakes the transport party. The driver offers help.

I 8c, 171 Halt and load van 6

J 3 5 Position of stret c her 2

I 8c Means to lessen jolting 2

20 Sprinkle with cold water, and use smelling salts 2

18c General resourcefulness 10

Tests. -No s. a nd 2. - Patient lying with foot trapped in points, other leg on railway line A train is expected in five minutes_ You noti ce a cottage close to railway bank.

17 Recognition of immed iate needs (pro mptness

18 18

18 18

and completeness )

Resourcefulness re approac hing danger

Trapped boot, vigorously but with due care attempt to remove Jud g e-Fails.

Failing. Take precautions to minimise disaster should attempt to stop train fail J udge- Train is stopped.

Explicitness, &c.

19 Extri c ation of foot from boot

134,135 Encouragement

43 Careful support of limb

18 Removal of boots from p oi nts

18 Removal from position of d a n g er 3

J udge- Train proceeds and is not available for removal of pat ient.

17 18 Examine With care lest injury intensified (state &c ) Judge -What injuries would you think likely with su c h a history?

Wound

Fracture

Dislocation

Sprain

Ca r d A. - You discover what you believe to be a fracture of the fibula 2t inches above ankle and a wound on inner side of ankle exposing lower end of tibia. There is little or no bleeding. A railway station is about a mile distant.

41 Careful support of injured limb 43 Patient covered

Encouragement 76, 34 Avoid contact with wound (state ) 18 Hasten to cottage 18 c d Ta c t and expli c itness re doc tor Judge-Doctor 3 miles away.

r e Boiling water

r e Linen sterili zed

r e 2 or 3 towels for padding

?'e Glass of (e_g .) cold water

r e Couch prepared.,.

re Wash hands

Return with sterilized linen in basin, &c

Place dressing on wound appropriately and lightly secure

Pad freel V between ankles and le g s

Secure feet and knees

Examine, lest ton g ue or fo rei g n body endan g er respiration

Gag, to be ret a ined in pos ition

Head on one side '"

Movements gently restraine d Enquire whether a n y pre vi ou s att ac k Jud g e-N o Enquire as to pat ient s he a lth previou s to att a ck Jud g e-Quite well.

Enquire as to any suspi ci on of a nythin g h avi n g been taken

Judg e- Doubtful.

Smell breath and look c riti cally around to detec t any suspi ci ou s sig n s J ud g e- Th is is fo und on the fl oor b y the s id e of the bed.

An empty bottle with the la hel showin g

I N E SO N Bott e and other suspe c ted a rt icles, an d vo mi t (i f any) preserv ed

Persistent attempt o ca us e vom it in g Resourcefulness re mess a ge to do ctor Instruct r e windows open and fa n pa tien t Body well covered

J48, 129 Artificial respiration, durin g stage of re sp iratory failure

ISO Mustard and water prep a red to gi ve if oppor-

2 3 tunity offers 2

Strong tea prep a red '2

E xtra marks 3

T est No 4 - A porter, c uttin g a r o pe b in di n g a bale of g oods, re ceives a push, and the kn ife b ad e enters th,e inner side of knee jo int to the extent of th r ee- q ua rte rs of a n mc h

Judge-An ambulan c e hamper is s tored in the s a ion

17,18 Caution against mo vement of joint

18 Assist patient til re c umbent pos ition

18 Limb supported appropriately

18c Enquiring as to comfort of pos it ion

I S Send bystander for appliances

19 E x posure of wound, resourcefulnes s

76 I I. Guard against contamination

77 Dry to wound

76 II. Bandage round limb

109 Wrapping in cotton wool

17 a , I8c Splint padded and applied to su it po si tion of limb

held and the markmg-sheet whIch we give below shows the nature of

Cover well temporarily Card B.-The patient has lost and is now completely unconscious. a large amount of blood

129 Examine air passages

Resourcefulness re transport to cottage do. position of patient and limb

Extra marks 3

Test-No. 3. - What would you do if you were called to a

Transport to temporary restin g place

20 1\.1essage to doctor -.

17a,20 Preserv ing clasp knife for doctor to see

2 General resourcefulness 3

T est - N o. 5 . - You are a lone with a platel ay er is on fa ce and neck by a bottle thrown from a pa ssm g tram, mflictin g a wound extendin g from the an g le o f the ey e to b ehmd the lobe of the ear, kno ckin g h im down a nd str ik in g the ba ck of his head violently a g ainst the rail he immediatel y become s insensible; smart bleedin g.

Judge - You are in posess ion of a fir s t a id outfit.

18 Drag patient free of dan g er of traffi c...

77 , 131 Rapidly pla ce coat under head and shoulders

74 Digital pressure ,

76 Ind rectly applied to aVOId contam Inat Ion

128 II 8 Head on one

12 9 Loosen constn.c tlOns .

T29 Noting breathm g, whether fa mt or laboured ;

examine mouth le s t on g ue, false teeth , &c., endanger

Dry dressing folded as pad as a substitute for dig ital pressure

Dry dressing over wound

77

2 2 2 2

-FIRST

I7a, 18, 2 Secure appropriately , 3 17 E xamine lest other lDJury co -exist 2 Judge-What other injuries you think likely with such a history.

33 By direct violence

13 2,43 Compression ( I ) ; fracture of vault ( I ) ; wounds of scalp ( I ) 3

34 By indirect violence

43,45,34 Fracture of base or other lllJunes 2

Ca rd A. - N 0 other injury is d iscovered. The patieI?t recovers consciousness, vomits and requests to be taken to hiS home. A signal box is a short distance from the scene of accident.

131 Caution re danger of exertion or excitement 3 20, 19 Resourcefulness in proucuring doctor, assistance, transport, &c. 3

Extra marks 3

The finals for the shield presented by the Order of St. John for competition amongst the various railways, and the Dewar Shield, presented by Sir Thomas Dewar for competition among Corps and Divisions of the Brigade, took place at the Portman Rooms, Baker-Street, on May 17th, in the presence of a di!:tinguished audience, amongst whom we noticed:-

Viscount Knutsford (in the chair), Sir Herbert and Lady Perrott, Sir Clemtnt Royds, Inspector General Belgrave Ninnis, Col. Lees Hall, Lieut. -Col. G. E. Twiss

L:l.dy Furley, Col. T. H. Hendley, Col. Yates, Drs. L. M. Frank Christian and Carvell, H. Boulton, Mr. W. R. Edwards, Assistant-Commissioner W H. Morgan, District Chief Supt. W. J. Pontin, Major C. R. Laurie, Mrs. Marcus Hare.

The results of the final Railway Competition came to us with surprise, of course, it was impossible to view the individual and stretcher work at the same time on account of them being judged in different rooms, but after seeing the individual work of the L. and N. W. team, and taking into consideration their position in the Preliminary, one would have thought they were the winners, but evidently they fell short in the stretcher test ; again, in the stretcher work, the M. and G. N. Joint Railways made an excellent performance, but their weakness was shown in the individual work. We cannot say the percentage of marks gained by the winning team is quite satisfactory, considering the grand total was 340 and the winning team gained but 212 marks, but perhaps this is accounted for by the extremely difficult paper which was set, it being so full of detail work, and, as we have pointed out on previous occasions, it is almost impossible to imagine actual circumstances unless competitors have some guidance in the form of realistic scene to give them the actual surroundings of an accident. The small percentage of marks can perhaps be attributed to the lacking of this, for the actual first aid was of a high standard, it being evident the marks were lost in the minor detail work, accounted for by the competitors being unable to play upon their imagination. We hope competitions will not drift in this direction for the progress made within the last few years is for the want of a few surroundings to make an Imagmary scene would be a hundred pities. The patients individual acted their parts splendidly 10 the epileptic case and made It difficult for the competitors to proceed in their work.

The D. T. Rocyn Jones, M D. (Newport), and Supt: J. .M. D had a difficult task 10 glv10g theIr declslOn, but although a surprise it was a popular one. The result was as follows :-

Al D.- May, 19 1 2.

I.-Alexander Dock and Railway 212

2.-London and North Western Railway 21O!

3.- Great Central Railway... 174

4. - South Eastern and Chatham Railway

5. - Midland and Great Northern Joint Railways

6. - Great Western Railway 160;

7. - London, Brighton and South Coast Railway

8.-Great Central and London and North Western Joint Railways 15 2

The test was as follows :STR ET CHER WORK.

Ca rd I.-You are on duty together on the up platform a t a c rowded railway station at holiday time, when you learn that a man has fallen on the up line about 50 yards away. You kno w that an up train is due to arrive.

Your stretcher and appliances are some 20 yards aw ay from the scene of accident.

Explicit instructions by NO.4

18 (a ) As to stopping train

20 (b ) As to obtain ing medical help (e g doctor amongst crowd )

18 (c ) As to obtaining appliances

18 (ri ) As to approach

18 Carrying out instructions

Card 2. - To be given on arrival of one or more bearers a t scene of accident

The patient is elderly, his right foot is rolled outwards; he is semi-conscious. Those around him have no knowled ge of ambulance work. He is to be taken to the hospital half a m ile away. Patient is lying on back inclined to right side.

17 Tact in taking charge of case 2

18 Caution to patient and others not to attempt movement

IS Enquiry as to pain..

2 Judge - Patient is too confused to tell you.

41 Steadying a nd tying lower limbs together and careful removal to six-foot way 6

128 Position 3 Advising signalman to allow train to c ome m slowly

129 Loosening clothing...

129 Noting breathin g- whether quiet or otherwise 3 Judge -Patient is breathing somewhat heavily.

17 Attempting to as certain cause of fall by questions put to bystanders, examinat ion of features and studying increase or otherwise of cons c iousness, bearing in mind the possibility of apoplectic seizure 6

Judge-The patient was a ccidentl y pushed off the platform by the crovvd [and you observe nothing beyond the he avy breathing to make you at all suspicious of apoplexy.]

17 Examinat ion of right lower limb and questions as to fracture and h ce morrhage 6

Judge-There is a c ompound fracture of both bones of the leg just below the knee, with sharp h ce morrhage, but n o protrusion of bones.

90 I mmediate digital pressure on left femoral, followed by tourniquet . .

17 Testing efficacy of pressure 2 Judge-H ce morrhage is arrested.

17 Question. I s knee joint affected. 3 Judge-There is no injury to knee joint.

17 Examination of head and body generally... 5

J udge-You discover nothing to make you suspicious of furthe r injuries.

77 Dry dressing 4

41 Straightening limb 2

60 Splints 2

42 Padding splints 2

61 Bandages

135 Covering patient 2

136 Attempts to obtain hot water bottles 2

J udge- You can obtai n no hot water bottles.

135 Preparing stretcher with rug 3

177 Loading stretcher ... 2

179 Adjusting slings (foot of stretcher slightly raised ) 2

M3.Y, 19 12 -FIRST

Judge to intimate that the station can be left without mounting platform. Enquiries as to possibility of obtaining wheeled transport. 2 Judge-None is available.

180 Carrying Changing bearers 2

17 Examination on journey 6

Cardd J. -( To be given only if examination on journey is satisfactory ) You are 600 yards from the hospital and have discovered -

(a ) That the patient has recovered cons c iousness

(b ) That he is in pain when breathing.

(c ) That a little blood issues from the mouth.

A fishmonger's shop is near at hand.

9 7,98 QuestIOns to determine character of blood 4 Judge will indicate bleeding from lung.

96 Obtaining ice and allowing patient to suck it 4 Proceeding to hospital without waiting for ice

whi c h can be brought on later. (Contingent on Card 3)

Judge- You have now arrived at hospital.

8 Unloading stretcher 3

A I D.-

Testin g effi cacy (explain )

Jud g e- H cc morrhage is arrested.

90 Maintain ng pressure until other competitor is ready to assist

18 Joint a ction by both competitors

Control of hce morrhage by one bearer using both hands (if done in first instance, 8) 4 Testing effi cacy (explain)

Judge- H ce morrhage is pra c ti cally arrested.

IS Improvising by other competitor of tourniquet, pads, &c., from hankerchiefs, belts, stone from road, and so forth 10

90 Tourniquet on femoral 2

7 5 Securing "sti ck " 2

90 Maintainin g digital pressure meanwhile 2

90 Testing effi ca cy of tourniquet (explain )

Judge- H ce morrha ge from knee-joint is now arrested by tourniquet.

77 Covering head wound with inside of envelope... 2

77 Adjustin g pads about wound... 2

78 Tight banda g e 2

78 Maintaining pressure on cartoid meanwhile 2

2

2

17 Avoiding thoughtless and superfluous questions 5 Quietness in working, a voiding ostentatious display, and not going beyond first aid

Extra marks

10

J 0

Q UKSTION S.

I. When, in renderi n g first aid, is care necessary, so as to avoid making improper pressure?

In arrest of h ce morrhage.

When foreign bodies suspe cted in wound (2) or dan g er of injury to fracture (2) especially fracture of cranium ring pad (2)

When compressing cartoid, avoid compressing windpipe

78 Releasi ng pressure on canoid and testing efficacy of pads

Judge-H ce morrhage is much redu ced.

18 Covering p a tient with coat 2

20, 18 One compet itor proceeding to doctor 's house, arran gi ng to bring him if at home, otherwise to br in g su itable dressings and means of transport

Askin g name and a ddress of patient

Wat ching for re currence of h ce morrhage 2

Judge now assumes the l o le of doctor and says "I have done what is ne cessary and you are relieved of further respon· sibility

Extra marks 6

I n treating fra c tures. No bandage when fracture of ribs (2) or breast bone ( I ) compli cated

B a ndage round fracutured pel vis not too tight

75 A void pressure on veins on heart side of wound 55 58

52

Thigh, bandage round pelvis- not round abdomen

Humerus close to shoulder knot on other side of body and no splint

42 Splints to be padded

49, 8 5 bone! pad must not com press artery

Always m applym g bandages

42 Avoid constri c tin g c irculation

Various}Knots not to be tIed over soft p a rts (2) or to mterpages fere with lying-down sl ings (2) ... ... 4

Extra marks

Nos. 2 and 3 - You finel patient in a back street. There is nobody in sight. A doctor lives 150 yards away. Patient is conscious and states a lunatiC has stabbed him severely in the right knee joint. He also seems anxious about the blood which keeps running down from a large gash in the scalp behind his left ear..

18 Simultaneous attention to both InJunes (one competitor at first looking after head and the other after knee joint)

109 Caution to patient not to attempt movement

109 Avoiding disturbing position

ExaminatIOn and questions:

17 As to head injury

17 As to knee joint injury... ..·.4

Judge to quest ion.s appropriately, apd when satisfied with exammatlOn, to Indicate exact pOSitIOn of wounds, and arterial h ce morrhage from both.

18 Calls for hel p .., Judge-Nobody comes to help you.

Head - Immediate digital pressure below wound Testing efficacy (explain ) Judge-H ce morrhage IS not arrested. Pressure on left cartoid J is .much reduced.

Making sure that wmd pipe IS not. compressed Knee-joint-Digital pressure on right femoral

4

3

N. B -The Judge will not consider himself bound by the above anal ys is, and in the event of the competitors givin g satisfactory treatment, but on somewhat different lines, he will award adequate ma rks He will place at an advantage those competitors who by forethou g ht have provided themselves articles of general utilit y and make the best use of them

NO.4 Card I.-You are walking in a country lane about half a mile from the nearest villiage when you see the patient with blood tri ckl ing from his mouth He appears to be irr itable.

17 Ta c tful offer of help :?

J udge- The patient is unable to speak plai nl y but man a ges to let you kn o w that he your offer of help

7 Persuasi on , pOlntlllg out the poss lbJllty of dan g er " , , :?

Judge- You have now gained the patienes

J 7 Opening lips and examInIng for a fracture of lower Jaw , :? jaw.

17

Card 2. You have discovered compound fracture of Attempts to dis cover cause by noting surround" ings, &c.

Card].- To be g iven only if compet itor to disc cover cause. Why is it necessary in the cq.se of thiS Injury to find out, if possible) the cause ? .

:2

2

4

44 Other injur ies possible, espeCially base 3

Judge- You have no reason.to complicatIOns.

44 97

Attempts to obtain patient's name and address (e.g., by asking him to write them or to show the way to his home )

Judge-The patient will show the way to hiS home.

Conducting patient home

Treatment of fracture With ImproVised apparatus 10 20

Message to doctor when patient s home is reached

Extra marks 3

NO.5. You are with the patient at his. first aid with prepared apparatus, when he IS seized wlth an epileptic fit, and in his conv ulsions bursts a vancose veIn at the back of his left leg. Act Without any help from bystanders, giving short explanations when necessary.

3

-FIRST

AID.-

breathing, obstructions, &c.

Card 2.-You find a wound with severe h a:: morrhage, as shown by red cloth.

77,88,1Z8 Digital pressure on temporal artery... '" 44, 13 2 Examination for signs of fracture and compression 5 Judge-There is evidence of depressed fracture or skull. Face is flushed, breathing slightly stertorous.

efficacy explain ) Judge - Hremorrhage is arrested.

for other injuries J udge- There are no other injuries.

Warmth to lower part of body by covering

Asking for hot water bottle 3 Card 3.-Th e attendant with the ambulance carriage ha s reportp.d hIS arrivaL

to see if the stretcher can be used on the staircase

to see where ambulance carriage is anu

if it will take the ordinary pattern stretcher

Card 4. --The stretcher can be used on the staircase an d will go into the ambulance.

The Brigade competition never seems to attract

amount of interest which is evidenced in the Railway competition this is no doubt accounted for by the fact that the majority of spectators are employed on the railwayf', and naturally the interest is centred in that competition. In spite of this, some very good first aid work was to be witnessed at this year's compctition-a great advancement over previous years. The winners, the Colliery Division of the No.6 District, did remarkable work in the stretcher test, but generally the test was not in comparison with that of the railway.

The judges were: W. Coode Adams, M.B. (No. I District), F. de B. Pim, L R.C.P. (No.4 District), and J.

Henton White, M.D. (No. 3 District), who gave their results as under :-

breathing as head is moved to one side

Judge if satisfied with examination. Breathing improve s on inclining the head to the side.

I.-Comminuted fracture middle of shaft of right humerus and lacerated wound on back of right elbow joint, no h re morr

bage from wound at elbow.

2.-Deep incised wound across calf of rig-ht leg, with arterial bleediing.

The competition concluded at 4.30, and shortly afterH.R. H. the Duchess of Albany, who is a Lady of J of the Order, arrived to make the presentations. In opemng the proceedings, Viscount Knutsford gave a short account of the origin and history of the Order of St. John. He stated that since the Association had been started 906 ,02.7 certificateS had been issued in addition to 143,795 medallions and 36,013 labels. The strength of the Brigade at present including members was 22,779.

On mobilisation for war about 700 trained men from the Brigade could be drafted to the ships of the Royal Navy, and 500 men could be attached to the Royal Army MedIcal Corps as stretcher bearers. In addition there were 2,300 men who would be detailed to take the place of the Royal Army Medical Corps in military home hospitals. Brigade companies for Territorial Force purposes numbered 153, included in which were 5,360 persons.

Mr. Harold Boulton having proposed a vote of thanks to the judges, a similar compliment was paid to the Duchess of Albany, on the motion of the chairman.

Coming Events.

Pa rticulars offorthcoming events will be inserted in this column Fee oj charge, if received not later than the I4th of each month

Hunstanton.-A Red Cross Display will be held here on May 30th, and several competitions open to members of any V.A.D. in Norfolk will be held. Entries must be sent to Miss Long, Victoria-avenue, Hunstanton.

Woodlands The Brodsworth Main Colliery Ambulance Brigade's 3rd annual competition will be held on June 29th. Particulars of Mr. 1. Hutton, 23, Coppice -r oad, Highfields, near Doncaster.

Grange llIoor.-Ambulance competition and sports, Saturday, June 15th. For particulars apply Mr. J. Westerby, Grange Moor, near Wakefield.

Skzpton.- The Hospital Gala will be held on July 20 th Ambulance Squad competition and Sick and Nursing competition for valuable prizes. All particulars from Mr. F. Cockshott, 19, Duckett-street, Skipton.

Eolsover. -Ambulance competItIOn and Band contes will take place at Bolsover Castle on August 3rd. Challenge cup and other prizes. For particulars apply Mr. J Allcock H orncroft-terrace, Bolsover, near Chesterfield.

Card I. - To be given to the member in charge of the team upon arrivirlg in the room.

You are called to attend to this patient and are told that he was working on the top of a pair of steps, when he overand.in order to save himself jumped backwards and fell, stn kIng hIS head upon the edge of the pail against which IS lymg. T.he room IS assume.d to be in of preparatIOn for a meetmg, and the publIC are arnvmg, therefore the patient must be removed as quickly as possible to hospital about half a mile away. He is unconscious. No medical aid is available. An ambulance carriage has been summoned by telephone.

The surroundings, so far as the building, room and furniture are concerned, are as seen. H ;emorrhage is represented by red cloth or colour.

Approaching Caution bystanders not to touch patient

3.-Compound fracture of 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones of left hand, with hre morrhage from palm.

Arrest h c:e morrhage by digital pressure

wound across middle and front of right forearm with h re

4.

The annual competition for the East Anglian Challenge Cup, which is competed for by teams in the Brigade in Suffolk and Norfolk, was held on May 4th at Ipswich. The cup was first competed for in 190r. Since then there have been ten competitions, out of which Ipswich 1 st Division have won five and Cromer a similar number, so that this year there was considerable keenness, especially between those teams, for the one which should gain the majority. Six teams entered for the competition, and the judges were Hon. Surgeon Hossack and Capt. Crawford, R.A.M.C The results were as fC)llows :-Ipswich, 377; Cromer, 369; Gippeswyk, 366 ; Ipswich 2nd, 344 .St. John's, 310 ; Felixstowe, 285. The Mayoress of IpSWIch presented the cup and aneroid barometers to each member of the winning team.

DUI3LIN.-The mem bers of the recently formed branch at Fairview held a very successful concert and ambulance display on Tuesday evening, April 16th, in the North Strand National School, the occasion being the distribution of certificates.

Besides the members' friends, a large number of the made up the audiencE', who appeared to

AID.- May, 19 1 2.

Mrs. K. Middleton Curtis, Lady Supt. of the Nursing Division, vel y kindly presented the A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of" Auld Lang Syne."

Devon and Cornwall Cup.

THE Tenth Annual Competition for this trophy took plac e at Newton Abbet, on April 27th. Eleven teams competed, seven from Devon and four from Cornwall, an increase of one as compared with last year, and the largest on record

The arrangements for the competition were made by the Hon. Secretary, Supt. T. C. Quintrell, and the local arrangements by Pte. the Hon. D. K. Watson (President, ayd the Officers of the Newton Corps. Competition began at 10.30 a.m. and lasted until about 5 p.m., the judges

:Ko. 55 ( SOUTHALL) DIVISION.

thorougbly appreciate the efforts to provide for their entertainment and instruction.

The chairman, Mr. Wm. McMillan (Holl. Treasurer City of Dublin Division), in a happy speech, complimented tlne members upon the excellence of tbleir and smartness in the work being very the greatest credit upon the energy and intelligence of the instructor, Mr. Thomas McGregor, fOIi the high standard of efficIency attained. He expressed hope that the people of the district would SUppOlit the brandl, arod dealt upon the usefulness of a knowledge of first aid to everyone.

Dr. Lumsden (St. James's Gate Division) spoke upon the great work accomplished by the St. John Ambulance Association, its aims and objects, and congratulated the branch upon the evening's display, wishing it all success.

The Du blin Centre was represented by Dr. Stevenson, and the City of Dublin Division by Supt. J. Thompson.

being Major Webber (Plymouth) and Dr. Makeig Jones (Torquay). The former had charge of the stretcher work, and the latter the individl!lal.

Commissioner Grimbly, who presided at the presentation of prizes, said he considered the work done was exceUent. Whatever the result be the decis ion would be loyalLy received by the teams, although some teams might be disappointed. However disappointed any of them might feel he could assure them, from his experience in ambulance work, that no team need be ashamed of the work they had done.

Dr. Makeig Jones said he could confirm that remark. It had been the best examination he had ever anything to with. Although only a few points separated the teams .had no difficulty in deciding as to the winners, for the posItion of the first five was the same both in team and in individual work.

THE monthly Council Meeting of the Association was held at the head offices, 124, Stephens Green, on Monday, April 15t h, Dr. Andrew Charles in the chair. A letter was read from the Rt. Hon. the Recorder of Dublin, accepting the Presidentship of the Association. The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor also accepted the Chairmanship of the Executive Committee

In recognition of the many years of valuable service give n to ambulance work by Lieut.-Col. .George E. Twiss, F. R.C.S.!., Sholing, Hants, his name was amongst the honorary Life Members; he was also elected one of the Vi ce-Presid ents.

The following medical men have kindly consented to act as class lecturers: Charles Preston Ban, M.D., Andrew Charles, F.R.C.S.L, J. H. Davys, L.R.c.P., S !., Charles Dunlop, L.RC.P., S.1., J. F. Mannix (Cahirciveen), F.R.C.S.1., R Percy McDonnell, F.R.C.S.!" H. E. Redmond, L.RC.P.!., and G. Burbidge White, M.D. Councillor George B. McCaul, M.D., J.P., was elected as representative of the Derry Corporation.

The meeting adjourned to Monday, 27th May.

An interesting ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of the Dublin Corporation on Monday 6th inst., in the shape of a presentation of a cheque for £ 10 and a framed certificate, granted by the Carnegie Hero Trust Fund, to Mr. John Patrick, a member of the North City Class , for saving the life of a boy from drowning in the Ringsend Basin. This is the second life Mr. Patrick has saved from drowning, having been previously awarded £1 and a certificate from the Royal Humane Society.

Councillor Quaid (me mber of the Executive Committee of the S.P.A.A.) introduced the recipient of the award, and the Lord Mayor (Chairman of the S.P.A.A.) made the presentation in a few happily chosen words pointing out the many advantages of a knowledge of first aid.

A First Aid Class for Boy Scouts was formed on Tuesday evening, April 23rd, which bears every promise of success, the youngsters being most enthusiastic on the subject. Dr. Charles Dunlop, who has undertaken the duties of hon. lecturer to this class, speaks highly of the interest and attention of its members.

The new edition of the Text Book is now ready, and the various classes are hard at work upon the study of it. It contains, amongst quite an abundance of illustrations (mainly photo reproductions), three excellent diagrams of the skeleton, the muscles, the scheme of circulation, reduced

AID.-

181

fac similes of the large charts designed under the direction of Sir John Collie. These three diagrams in colours are photos of art, and reflect the highest possible credit upon the publishers. The stretcher exercises have been brought into harmony with the R.A.M.C. manual. A table of cases of insensibility has been added. The detail is excellent, and the manner in which the "register» has been worked out is deserving of the highest praise.

By the outcome of the formation of a V.A.D. at Messrs. W. H. Smith & Sons, 186, Strand, a division of the Brigade is in course of formation, the arrangements being left in the hands of Mr. Wallis. The firm is supplying the uniforms and equipment, and it is hoped that between 50 and 60 members will be present at Windsor on June 22nd. The success of the enterprise can be attributed to the interest shown by Mr. A. D. Acland (Senior Partner of the firm), who has given every facility to those joining. On April 30th Lady Peter Smith presented 35 certificates, 16 vouchers and one medallion to those who passed the recent examination.

The annual whist drive and oance in aid of the funds of the No. 55 (Southall) Division, was held on M&y 8th. In past years this event has aroused considerable support locally, but this year's function edi psed all previous records, about ] 50 guests were present. All the arrangements were in the hands of Sergts. E. C. Hatcher and J. E. Taylor, and Mr. F. M. Fossey acted as M.C. During the interval certificates, &c., were presented by Dr. C. B. McDonald. pro Manning, after welcoming those present, stated that the last year nineteen ladies had passed the exammatlOn and there would shortly be formed a nursing division. What they now wanted was more support from the men.

The extraordinary efficacy of the Draeger Pulmotor is shown by the following case which is reported by. Mr. W. O'N eill Sherman, Chief Surgeon to the Carnegle Steel Ccmpany, of Pittsburgh, Pa. ;-" On March I Ith last, while working on a drill press, Frank aged 53, was strangled by his tight-fitting jacket and shIrts in the drill of the press. When brought to the HospItal he was unconsci ous. Respirations stertorous, 10 or 12 per minute' mouth and throat full of mucous; heart sounds muffled)and feeble with no pulse perceptible in the radial artery at the wrist. We immediately cleared his mouth and throat of mucous and gave oxygen by use of Pulmotor, which was used for 10 or IS minutes; it did splendid ,:"ork, inflating his lungs fully and regularly and establIshed normal respiration. The patient's heart responded equally well, and after 15 minutes use .of .the Pulmotor we had practically normal. pulse and the man was still unconscIOUS from bram put on the train for the hospital. Thomas IS still !tvmg, .and, I understand is on the way to full recovery. In thIS case the worked well and certainly did wonderful. work, as I believe without it, this man would have surely dIed."

Price 6d. net.

NOTES ON FIRST AID SIMPLIFIED.

in a tabulated and simplified form giving the main points or first aid, so arranged as to impress them on the memory of the student.

DALE, R.EYNOLDS & CO., Ltd., 46, Cannon St., LONDON, E.C.

-FIRST Brevities.

DURING the Recent Bank Holiday we visited several ambulance stations around London, at places where a large concourse of people gathered, and it occurred to us that the flag of St. John which is used to indicate to the public the whereabouts of these stations was not of sufficient distinctivecharacterto make them discernible and to indicate their meaning. In the case of the Red Cross Flag this is different-for everyone knows its meaning and it is sufficient to readily show an ambulance station. We would suggest that a flag of a more distinct character be designed to be used at am bulance stations, and perhaps it would be advisable if a pennant with the word "ambulance" were flown below it. * * *

THE S J.A.A. has set £3,000 towards the expenses of the members of the Brigade attending the Windsor Review. This sum is primary intended to be used to refund rail way fares. All fares exceeding '7s., the sum over that amount will be refunded. The Association is also granting a sum of £'500 for incidental purposes. * **

By the returns sent in upon the date of going to press 12,000 members will be present, but it is estimated that 15,000 will be the likely 6gure when the final returns are made up. The Brigade will be formed up in line, with the nursing sisters to the right, in order of districts, the DeputyCommission er twenty paces in front of the line and District officers ten paces in front of their respective corps and divisions, and ambulance and N.C.O. in rear of their divisions. It is estimated that the line will extend 5,000 yards

THREE temporary hospitals will be erected Gn the Review Ground to deal with any casualties which may occur, and a display of colliery rescue work and life saving at sea will be given. A large refreshment marquee is to be erected and Messrs. Lyons' are the caterers.

THE Railway Clearing House has decided that where excursion fares are less than the single rate for the return journey parties of 300 and upwards can take advantage of the excursions, under this number single fare rate for the return journey is available on the production of the travelling voucher. The G. W. Ry. have made arrangements to provide brakes at Windsor Station to take nursing sisters to the Review Ground. The fare will be sixpence each way.

THE Colonial Detachments attending the Review, we anticipate, will receive a royal reception during their sojourn. We und erstand that arrangements are being

AID.-

May, 19 1 2. made to entertain them in a fitting manner, and their colleagues of the Prince of Wales' Corps, assure them a hearty welcome.

MR. HANMER, of the Hickleton Main Colli ery Ambulance Class, who is an ardent photographer, has prepared a series of 150 lantern slides for the purpose of assisting the lecturer to the class, Dr. Malcolm. Th ese slides illustrate many of the cases of accident or sudd en illness, and the treatment necessary. Members of the cl ass posed as models, and for such cases as hysteria and convulsive fits, the mem bers of the ladies class acted as mod els. This is an idea which is well worth following, for lantern illustrations not only encourage interest but assist stud ents.

A RETURN was issued of April 4th by the H ome Office showing the number of accidents resulting in d eat h or personal injury caused by vehicles in streets, roads, or pu blic places during the year ending Decem ber 3 1st, 19 11. The total number of all accidents in the United Kingd om was 35,210, as compared with 31,077 in 1910, of wh ic h 31,157 occurred In England and Wales, 2,971 In Scotland, and 1,082 in Ireland. The total num ber of fatal accidents was 1,557, as against 1,327 in the previous year, their being 1,286 in England and Wal es, r63 in Scotland, and 108 in Ireland, The return furth er shows that the number of accidents caused by horse-drawn vehicles during the year was 684 fatal and 13,427 non-fa ta l, and by mechanically propeller1 vehicles 873 fatal an d 20,226 non-fatal. The ever-increasing number of n onfatal accidents in our public streets points to the advantage of a working knowledge of first aid to the injured. '* * *

THE Navy Estimates recently issued show that it is expected that the hospital ship M ediator, designed by Sir Philip Watts, K.C.B., will be completed during t he financial year 1913-14. She will be a vessel of 5,000 to ns, turbine propelled, and having a speed of between tw el ve and fifteen knots; she will have a wireless telegra ph installation, and a number of boats, motor and others, for the transfe rence of the sick and wounded. From the general wards patients will be transferred by electric lifts to the operating theatres to which preparation rooms will be attached. There will be a laboratory and bacteriological room, an ophthalmic room, a dental room, a padded roo m, ample bath accommodation, a steam laundry with disinfector, an incinerator for soiled dressings, and a mortuar y. Isolation wards, capable of dealing simultaneously wi th three or four types of infectious disease, will be provide d. The medical staff in peace will consist of four medical officers and twenty-nine sick-berth men; in war there will be nine medical officers and forty-seven sick-berth men; in addition there will be a staff of cooks and special arrang ements for cooking for the sick.

May, 1912. -FIRST ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] Home Nursing and Hygiene.

Honorary Associate oj the Order 01 St. 101zn, Lzfe l lfembel of, and Lecturer and Examiner of th e SJ.A.A. )'

I-:Ion. Surgeon to the Malton and Norton Division, No. VI. District, S!A.B.

(Continu ed jrom pag e I64.)

WARMING AND LIGHTING.

THE warmth of a room is a very necessary consideration but you must distinguish between the warmth produced b; an ordinary fire and that produced by gas jets and human occupants, both of these are dangerous sources of heat, in fact, they are producers of catarrhs or colds, and it is just these conditions that we seek to guard against by paying attention to ventilation.

TEMPERATURE.

We have seen that the effect of heat upon the atmosphere is to promote movement, and we have shown how artificial heat is used for the same purpose in ventilation. The best temperature for habitable rooms is 62 degs. Fahr., a variation of 5 degs. above or below this is perm:ssible, but when the range is 10 degs. above or below 62 degs. Fahr the effect is distinctly uncomfortable. At 72 degs. the air of the room is hot and oppressive, whilst at 52 degs. it is cold and depressing, OPEN FIRES.

There can be no doubt that the "cheerful fire" is still the best method of warming a room; furthermore, it promotes fre e ventilation. An open fire will extract from 5,000 to 20,000 cubic feet of air from a room per hour.

GAS FIRES

These have been much improved upon in recent years, but are not advised where a fire can be used; they are cleanly, and where a flue can be inserted to carry off the products of com bustion, they prove handy for rooms that are not constantly occupied.

CLOSED STOVE S

Closed stoves are more economical than open firesbut not so healthy-they heat the air that passes over them and tend to make it too dry.

OTHER METHODS of heating are by means of hot water and steam pipes twisted into coils or in the form of radiators.

LIGHTING may be natural or artificial. Natural light is admitted by means of windows which should equal at least one-tenth of the floor area in measurement. All windows should be made to open for the purpose of ventilation.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.

Gas, oil lamps, and candles all give off products which added to those given off by the lungs, re nder the air of an unventilated room dangerous. These dangers have been referred to previously, and are only mentioned again in order to emphasise the need of ventilation.

SELECTION OF SICK Roor.r.

The aspect of the sick-room should face South or South-West. It should have ample capacity, that is to say, it should be of sufficient height, and have enough floor area. The top and bottom sashes of the windows should open pasily, and the fire grate and chimney should be in working order. Whether the sick-room is to be upon the first,

AID.

-

.second or floor of an average house depends entirely the of the case. The first thing to do IS to ascertam the purpose for which the room is required -whether for or for operation. If for illness, the nature of that Illness-whether infectious or non-infectious. If,the former, isolation is imperative, and in most homes thiS wo uld mean bedroom on the top floor on the other ?and, If. the patIent were suffering from some ordinary Illness, hIS (or her) usual bedroom might suffice. But, when. It .happens that a patient is suffering from some ailment, where constant attention is required, and It may be necessary to wheel the patient out of doors on fine days, then a bedroom arranged on the ground floor is a great boon to the patient and a saving of labour to the household.

L AVATORY, &c.

In all cases it is handy to have lavatory, bath-room and w.c. on the same floor as the patient, provided they are properly placed, fitted and ventilated.

FOOR COVERIN G

If the floor is already suitahly covered with linoleum this need not be taken up. On the oth er hand all carpets and rugs must be removed, since they act as traps for dust and infe ction.

A clean boarded floor with a few Indian mats or squares of linoleum in cases where liquids are likely to be spilt being quite enuugh for ordinary purpos es. Short curtains made of thin muslin may be used for the window they are bright, decorative, and easily washed ; besides, they are of use in breaking draughts or scre ening the glare from the windows.

F URNITUR E

An ordinary single bedstead with wire mattress, over which is placed a horse-hair mattress. Flock or woollen mattresses are to be avoided. Sheets may be of cotton or linen, but preferably of co tton on account of its greater warmth. Light Witney blankets are recomm ended. The outer coverlet should be light, the usual q uilt or counte rpane being laid aside as being too heavy. The pillars ought not to be too yielding they may be lightly stuffed with horse-hair, and, of course, they should be covered with a plain p illow-case.

THE M AKIN G OF THE BED.

There are a few details which, if duly attended to, make for the comfort of the pa tient. The und er sheet must be free from "rucks " and creases these are best avoided by stretching the under-sheet quite tightly acr oss the mattress and securing it by tucking in both at bottom and top as well as sides. The bolster should have a case of its own, and not be rolled under the sheet. The pillows should slope gradually toward the mattress. The upper sheet should fold back near the patient's chin the blankets should not fold back so as to form a thick roll o n the patient's chest, they may be folded over the feet.

THE PO SITION OF THE BED IS IMPORTANT.

As a rule this should be in th e best ventilated part of the room, in other words, b etween a window and the fireplace. Patients lik e to see the sky and sunli g ht during the day, and enjoy a cheerful fire during the night. The glare from a window directly in front of the patient is almost as objectionable as the rlraught from a window that is too near the patient. Avoid this. Sometimes, how ever, there is little choice under these circumstances a judicious use of the blinds is necessary. A washstand, bedside table and a plain, good si zed table are necessaries, so also are cane-bottomed chairs, in addition a comfortable chair for the nurse should be provided. Stuffed chairs are not to be used in infectious cases.

-FIRST

RE QUISITES

The requisites for the sick room will vary according to the nature of the case, but in all cases a plentiful supply of soap, boiled wat er and clean towels is required, and if to these we add a n a il brush we shall not err.

An ordinary bedroom thermometer should always be proyided a nd k e pt hun g up in a su ita ble position. Mackintosh sh eeting, bed-p a n hot-wa ter bottle and other necessa ries will b e r efe rred to in their proper place.

ARR ANG E ME NT OF R OOM F OR OPER ATION IN PRI VAT E HO US E.

An oper a tion ma y be perform e d in the patient's own bedroom, or it m a y be necessary to pr e p a re a special room for the operation , th e reafter r e movin g patie nt to his own bedroom.

For sli g ht op e ra tio ns in pati e nt's own bedroom there is littl e t o add to th e instruccio ns just g iv e n. Th e bed may have to be m ove d n ea re r th e window, and the bedding pro-

AI D.- May , I9 1 2. plenty of water boiling ready for an emergency. Hot-water bottles filled ready for use. Besides the ordinary furnitur e above referred to, and which is generally required, we need an operation table-a firm wooden table about three fe e t high, four to six feet lon g, and about two-feet six inch es in width. A fair si zed tabl e for two washbasins, &c., t wo smaller tables for instruments and dressin g s, and a sm all table next to surgeon for instrument. Two or three stools with caned or perforated wood seats.

THE ARRAN GE M ENT O F THE TABL ES is shown in the diagram below, and is suffici e ntly explan atory for our present purpos e As a rule th e foot of th e operation table is toward the li g ht, but it may be requ ir ed to plac e it otherwise. In all cas e s it is b e st to consult t he surgeon.

( T o be co ntin ued.)

DI AGRAM SHOWING A RRA N GEMENTS FOR A N OPERATION AT H OllIE

tee ted by mackintosh sheeting. Boiled water, hot and cold, and such utensils as may be required, provided.

For more serious operations the preparation of the room must be mor e thorough. It should be thoroughly cleared and cleaned th e day previous to the operation. Nothing in cupboards or corners, just a clean, bare room, that IS all. The fire should be k e pt burning not only during the cleaning, but afterwards, in order to Yentilate and dry the room.

All furniture selected by the surgeon for the operation room .should be thoroughly and placed in position the mght before the operatIon. W e ll aired sheets and blankets, on e pillow, two sheets of mackintosh for operating table. Cl ean jugs and hand basins filled with hot and cold boiled water just before operation. Buckets for removal of dirty water. Ord e rs to be given to kitchen-maid to have

We regret that an error occurred in the short re por t of the M. & G.N. Joint Ry. competitions last month A corr espondent sent us this report, and evidently h e did not ver ify his facts before doin g so. The competition for Fi rst Division teams was held at Yarmouth on March 28th, and not at Spalding, and the South Lynn No. I team were t h e winners. This is the team that won the Inte r-Railway Challenge Shield last year.

L. & Y.R.-On April 17th a Smoking Concert was held in connection with the Leeds class at the Gold en Cock Hotel, Leeds, which was very succ e ssful. Mr. S. Roberts, the local agent, presided, and during th e ev e n ing a presentation consistin g of a brass Coffee Bocca was made to Dr. F. 'Whalley, in r e cognition of his services in lect uring to the class. During the last session 28 mem bers sat for examination, of which 23 were successful, vi z. , o n e first year, seven second year, five third year, and ten for labels. The certificates, vouchers, medallions and labels were presented by Mr. H E. Walton, Chief Canvasser.

During the season the class have sent out two tea ms for competition, one for L. & N.W. District and the oth er for the Joint Companies' Competition, each of wh ich obtained second place in their respective competitions , and as a memento the teams presented the two rese rve men with a set of camp hair brushes and a set of carvers.

The remaining part of the evening was spent in a co nvivial manner. Mr. H Dobson, Mr. H. Clayton, Mr T. Doyle, Mr. A. Archer, Mr. H. Pullan, Mr. H. R. Moore contributed songs, Mr. C. Endley gave" character sketches " from Charles Dickens, and selections were given by Mr. D Priestl ey, and Mr. A. Woodhead (piano), and Mr. C. W. Laycock (piano), and Mr. F. Nixon (violin). The accompanists were Mr. D. Priestley (piano) and Mr. F. Nixo n (violin).

M. R. - The competition for the" Perram " Cup, which was presented in 1909, was held in the Ambula.nce Room at the Midland Station, Bedford, on Sunday, April 12th, and was won by No. 2 team, captained by J. Spencer, with I7 2

May I912

-FIRST marks. The other teams, captained by J. Wright and W. W. Lane respectively, tied with I59 marks, and it was decided to have the two captains and ask them one question, W. W. Lane getting 12 marks and J. Wright 8.

Dr. W. E. Audland, of Wellingboro', and Supt. J. c. Parker, of the Wellingboro' Corps, S.J.A.B., were the judges. There were several friends of the c orps present, also Dr. Perram (the donor), Mr. S. W. Adams (Chief Officer of the Bedford Brigade), Mr. Ward and Miss Ward, Mr. Newton, Mrs. Paine (Hon. Secretary Bedford Centre, S.J A.A.), and a very pleasant and interestin g afternoon was spent.

THE accompanying chart, reproduced from the Grea t TJ/e stern Ra ilw ay Mag a z i ne , shows the progr e ss made in ambulance work since the institution of the movement on the G. W.R. in the year 1888. It will be seen that there was considerable impetus in the years 1896-7, when the G.W. R. became a centre of the S.J.A.A., and the high water mark was reached in the year 1898. Considerable progress has already been made this year, and at its con-

Al D.-

Meetings for the presentation of certificates and pri zes, &c., are now being arranged in each of the districts. The conditions of the new annual comp etition for the " Dewar " challenge shield are now ready, and it is anticipated that the districts will soon be competing with each other for the holding of this magnificent trophy for the first year of its presentation to the Centre.

Arrangements for Camps.

B y CA P T. B. CULMER PAGE, 2 nd L ondo n D iv. E ngs.( T.)

(Con cluded from page 7 67).

A s to the organisation of water supply in a ca mp, speci al places must be assigned for obtaining drinkin g wat e r and for washing purposes, water is not, of c ours e, laid on to each tent. If the washing places can b e put near a ditch so much the better, if not they must be kept a fair

clusion we anticipate the figures will constitute a record for the railway.

S.E & C.R.-The interest taken in ambulance work by the employes of this Company is well maintained. During the present season considerably over 1,00:) men have satisfied the examiner, and since October last over 2 000 accidents have been treated by members of the Centre on all parts of the railway. Amongst th ese must be counted several instances where valuable first aid has been rendered, and the doctors have reported that the assistance given has been of a very high standard, and extremely gratifying.

This season a large num ber of men became entItled to the Company's" seven years" a.nd from. the inter est displayed amongst the members It IS eVident thIS decoratlOn has proved a popular innovation. ..

During the season over 50 have been held at the various towns served by the raIlway, and clearing up examinations are now arranged il'l: the 10 districts into which the system IS dIVIded. NotWIthstanding the labour troubles that have been experienced during the last few months, the results of th e season's work on this railway have proved up to expectations, and we shall be surprised if they fall below the last year's figures.

distance away, and a special sump hol e m a d e wher e a ll dirty water must be thrown, including what has bee n us ed for cooking purposes.

KITCHENS.

Various kinds of field ovens are in use and can b e made without much difficulty. The one we always use is that known as the broad arrow kitch ell, but a s this with the three arms indicated, each 10 ft. long, is suffici e nt for 360 men, you would only need one trench. Th e chimn ey can be built of sods and supported where it crosses the trench with flat stones, slates, wood or anything that is handy.

The inside of trenches and chimney should be plastered with clay which makes them last longer.

These ovens can, of course, only be used for roasting meat· stews, &c., can be made by an arrangement of camp if a proper receptacle is not available, but, I understand, you have or will have special cooking appliances. Of course, I. am ?nly now with the cooking for yourselves not lOvahd cookmg for patIents, that being somewhat out ?f my

While on the subject of cookmg It mIght be mterestIng to state the usual field allowance per head daily which is follows .-Fresh meat, rllbs. j bread, Ii lbs. j or biscuit,

186 -FIRST AID.- May, 1912.

lb.; jam, i -lb.; tea, ! oz.; sugar, 20ZS.; salt, ! oz.; pepper, 1-36 oz.; fresh vegetables, i lb.; coffee, 1 oz.

You will not, however, I expect be on Government rations and will, therefore, make your own arrangements and draw up your own scale of rations, this is, however, a matter which should have careful attention. The scale laid down should be strictly adhered to. Proper times will be apfointed for issue of rations, and an officer should be in attelldance when they are issued, and other precautions taken which I will deal with under the heading of "An Officer's day in Camp.

SANlT ATION OF CAMPS.

The importance of prevention of disease in the field cannot be over esti mated. Neglect of sanitary measures inevitably results in very serious consequences especially when a large number of troops is gathered together. In all camps the utmost care must be given to cleanliness both as regards ground surface and the interior of tents. It is usual to appoint a camp orderly each day who is specially told off to see that everything is kept clean.

Every precaution must be taken to prevent fouling of the ground. Latrines should be made immediately on arrival in camp although probably in your case this will be done before.

In calculating the space required for the latter, one yard per person should be allowed up to, say, 20 per cent. of the num bers in camp.

The usual method of construction is very simple, a trench is dug about 4 ft. deep, 3 ft. wide at the top and 2 ft. at the bottom.

Canvas screens should be erected to conceal these. They should also be placed as far as possible from kitchens, and from any source of water supply, and if possible to leeward.

A supply of disinfectant should be kept in each latrine or some fine dry earth which should always be sprinkled after use.

REFUSE.

For all refuse the rule is burn all you can and bury what you cannot burn. To burn refuse, it is quite an easy matter to make an incinerator :-Dig a circular pit 3 ft. deep, and, say, 10 ft. in diameter ; cover the bottom with loose stones to a depth of about 14 ins.; build a wall round the pit to a height of I ft. above the original ground level and pack the excavated earth against it so as to form a sloping approach and to prevent surface water having access to the pi t.

Build a pryamid of large stones 3 ft. to 4 ft. high in the centre to provide central up draught and steady fire.

Start a wood fire and as the stones become hot throw in refuse, garbage, &c. The liquid portions are dried and are soon reduced to ashes.

I think I have now dealt with the details of the more important matters in connection with camps and I now propose to mention a few important

GENERAL POINTS.

If there is much rain you will find that the interior of the tents probat:>ly_ get very wet. . A good way to prevent thIS, permISSIon can be obtained, is to dig a trench about 9 In. deep all round. Preserve the sods first cut and the trenches can then be neatly filled in on striking camp.

In fine weather the flies of the tents should be rolled up every morning and kept so all day and all bedding should be neatly piled up outside the tents.

J think it might be perhaps clear up a few points by giving the main duties of the officer of the day.

(I) To attend all parades and receive reports as to absentees or sick.

(2) To inspect all meat and other supplies on delivery by contractors.

(3) To attend at all issues of rations.

(4) During each meal to make a round of the tents (if meals are eaten therein) to see if everything is correct and deal with any complaints.

(5) To inspect the camp generally including kitch ens washing places and latrines.

(6) If sentries are posted to attend at guard mountin g and to turn out the guard once by day and once by ni ght.

BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY.

COUNTY OF LONDON BRANCH.

Notes and News.

THE International Conference of Red Cross Societies is being held this month at Washington. Many of the most prominent men of the world connected with the Red Cross work are delegates, and we shall be glad to hear of the improvements and innovations which other countries are making in this work. We hope to be able to tell our readers something more about the conference in our next issue.

NO.2 District.

The competition for the "Twiss" Rose Bowl wi ll take place on ·Wednesday, June 5th, at the Royal Vict oria Rooms, Southampton. Teams have entered from the Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Lyming ton, Woolston, N etley, Ports wood, Canute and Calm ore Nursing Divisions, S.J.A.B. The judges are Dr. Fra nk Christian, of Stockport, and Dr. Mary Morris, of Bath.

ALVERSTOKE.-An interesting presentation took place on the occasion of the examination of the mem bers of the Division on March 30th, when the opportunity was taken of presenting to the examiner Lieut.-Colonel G E. T wiss, -late Assistant-Commissioner of the Brigade, a Queen Ann teapot, on the occasion of his recent marriage. In making the presentation, Dr. W. H. Larnplough, the Divis ion Surgeon, wished Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs. Twiss every good wish, and thanked him on behalf of the Division for the kindness and fairness which he had always shown in the examinations which he had conducted in that Divis ion. Miss Shuttle, Hon. Secretary, of the Nursing Divis ion, asked Lieut.-Colonel Twiss to accept, on behalf of tha t Division, a silver-mounted calendar with the best wishes of all its mem bers.

Lieut.-Colonel Twiss said he wished to thank t he officers and members of the Divisions for their kin d wishes and the presents which they had given him a nd hoped to be spared to continue amongst them and the work in which he was so deeply interested for many years to come.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle, has graciously signified her intention of presenting the awards gained by the members of the Southampton Centre since October, 191 I, of which Her Royal Highn ess is President, at the Hartley Hall, on Monday, July 26th. The meeting will probably be in the afternoon. Some 500 successful candidates will thus be honoured by receiving their certificates, vouchers, medallions or labels from their Royal President. It will be remembered that th e Princess last visited this centre in June, 19 08

When corresponding with Advertisers please men tion "First Aid."

* **

As mentioned briefly in these notes last month, the commandants of detachments met the Executive Committee on May 3rd. The obj e ct of this meeting was to discuss a suggested scheme for centralised and progressive training. I t was thought desirable by the committee, having in view t he concentrated area such as the County of London, to d ifferentiate between detachments that are proficient and t hOSe that are less thoroughly efficient. This is necessary, fo r in case of emergency all would be equally available, but perhaps the services of all would not be required, and therefore the differentiation according to proficiency is most d esirable.

* * *

The scheme which we give below was accepted in p rinciple by the meeting, slight dissension only arising on the question of financial details. Nearly all the commandants of detachments and divisional secretaries were p resent. A committee consisting of the Branch Executive Committee and one commandant representing each division was constituted to work out the details of the scheme, t he members of the committee elected are :-Drs. May Thorne (Marylebone), Morris, CE.O. (Westminster), Seyman Price (Chelsea), Ashton Warner (Kensington), Carter (Hammersmith), Shapter Robinson (Camberwell), Christine Murrell (Hampstead) and Col. Stephenson ( Woolwich). This committee m et for the first time on May 17th.

* * *

A uniform standard of training for all the County of London Womens' Voluntary Aid Detachments is proposed. This training only applies to women detachments. It must be borne in mind that the adoption of this scheme is purely voluntary, and by adopting it it will in no way take the responsibility off the commandants hands, it is as follows :-A three years' course, in subjects which are detailed below, is prescribed as the full training necessary for the holding of the highest certificate (3 star proficiency). At the end of the two years' course members would be entitled to two stars. At the end of the one years' course members would be entitled to one star.

* * *

Owing to the present regulations under which V.A.D.'s are trained as solitary units, a member living in, say, Ken-

might, if her detachment fell to pieces, have to sacnfice her course. It is therefore proposed that units s?ould pooled into centres in the already existing divior Into one or more centres for the purpose of trainIng, enrolment and general management, the training would no longer be at the mercy of the private engagements of commandants, but would be controlled by a Central Body, and a larger esprit-de- corps would thus be created and a uniform standard of training obtained.

Another advantage of the system of a uniform training for all Voluntary Aid Detachments in central schools would be to increase interest in the drills due to larger attendances. As the average attendance is not half the number of members of a detachment the result in single V. A. D.'s is frequently that nine or ten members are present only, and the whole affair is a frost. *

Members who are in their third years' course would be regarded as teachers and would be expected to give their services in this capacity to those in the first or second year. Subject would be divided into (a) compulsory, (b) voluntary.

(a). Comp u lsory Subjects.-First aid, home nursing, cooking, house-wifery, improvisation, camp (once during the th ree years), stretcher drill and squad drill.

(b). Volunta ry Subjects. -Signalling, bicycling or riding; map reading, topography, hospital attendance, lifesaving, &c.

These subjects, except camp, which would be at least seven days consecutively, would be taught by weekly lectures and drills throughout the three sessions of which three years work is comprised, and two-thirds (i. e., eight out of twelve lectures per session, or 24 out of 36 lectures per year) of these must be attended for the purpose of examinations and the obtaining of certificates. The courses are in all subjects progressive and continuous, and members who upon joining can satisfy the Branch Executive that they have alrea.dy passed the equivalent of the first years' course. It would then be understood that the V.A.D.'s would be called upon for active service, not according to chance or fRvour, but for efficiency, which would be evidenced by the number of individuals possessing either the three, two or one star badge.

* * * The Committee of the Ranelagh Club, Barnes, have invited the Branch to provide a Red Cross Display on Saturday, June 29th.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

May, 1912. -FIRST

AI D.-

The Origin of the British Red Cross Society.

THE British Red Cross Society is the outcome of the fusion of two existing bodies :-" The British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War" and "The Central Britisll Red Cross Council."

The British National Aid Society was founded by the late Lord Wantage in 1870, and from its foundation to the year 1905 it had expended nearly £500,000 in assisting the sick and wounded in war.

The Central British Red Cross Council came into being in the year 1908. The then Secretary of State for War invited representatives of the National Aid Society, the St. John Ambulance Association and the Army Nurs ing Service to an informal conference.

On January 19th, 189,:}, the Secretary of State for War notified his official recognition of the British Central Red Cross Committee.

On November 27th, 1902, the Foreign Office notified all Foreign Chancelleries that the Central British Red

ORGANIZATION.

The Society is organised into two branches the area of each branch corresponding to that of a county.'

Each branch has its President, County and Executive <;luty it is to J?etachments and proVide for their eqUipment and tramIng and raise funds

Each branch is divided up into divisions, in the county of London the area of a division corresponds with the area of a metropolitan borough; each division has its VicePresident, Divisional and Executive Committees.

Each branch is self-supporting, no grant from the central funds of the Society being available, such funds can only be used during the actual period of the war.

Division News.

The official inspection of the Detachments of th e Chelsea Division will take place on June 29 th . The Ca mberwell Detachments will be inspected on July 20th.

NEWPORT. MON.-The Newport women's Detachm ent held their first" field day" on Saturday, April 27th. Thirty

We are in no way res'bonsib,e tor the opinions expressed, or the statements made, by Correspondents.-EDITORS.

Re S.E. & c.R. COMPETITION.

DEAR SIR,-" Lady having a compound fracture bone protruding," (page 156, April issue), I notice there are 'marks gi ven for avoiding extension.

I sh.ould feel obliged if you would kindly let me know whether 10 a case of this description you should avoid extension, as in Dr. Cantlie's text book it does not say you should avoid doing so.-Yours truly,

[Yes. Extension in such a case should be avoided.

t is true that in the official text book instructions are not definitely laid down regarding the point of enquiry. In a sm.all text book detailed instructions regarding the innumerable pomts that may have to be faced in emergency is not feasible. Th e first aider must in many cases act on his own initiative, gUllded by general rules.

On page 76 will be found the golden rule, " Prevent injurious germs from getting into the wound." Also on page 18, "Remove the cause of injury or danger whenever possible." The comments made on page 23 at the end of the book, with respect to the "wound pad" there described, give further ma tter for earnest thought. The question naturally arises, " Why should not that part of the pad that comes in contact with the wound be touched by the hand of the person applying the pad ?"

If, following an accidental injury, fracture occurs and the bone protrudes through the skin, this, of necessity, means more or contamination by germs of the protruded portion. Ca reful aVOIdance of extension in such a case is but a practical exemplification of the principles of observation and discriminati on, based upon one's ordinary knowledge of cause and effect. E xtension would have the effect of drawing germs of mischief to the deeper parts whence it may be difficult or impossible to di slodge them, corresponding risk to the patient being the result.

must be in accordance with that outlined.-L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly answer me the following question thr?ugh your monthly Journal ;-

An happened at the colliery where I work. A man was Injured by a fall of,coal, having a compound fracture of the left knee cap, also a SImple fracture of the left thigh. We adopted the following treatment ;- Dressed the wound and a long splint from the heel to the buttock without elevatIng the leg, and then the ordinary treatment for a fractured thigh. Some of the ambulance men thought the back splmt should not have been used, contending that the splints for the would serve to support the fractured knee cap.

Thankmg you for a reply. - Yours, &c., " AC CIDENT. "

[If padded and discreetly applied, a back splint WIth InjurIes .would be an advantage. Whether under the condItIOns stated It would be discreet to delay transport for such a purpose is perhaps questionable.-L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

THE FORMATION OF SINGLE RANK.

DEAR SIR,-With reg-ard to this question raised in your April issue by "Doubtful," I am inclined to think the R.A,M.C. Training ( 1911 ) is misunderstood by your correspondent. In paragraph )80 the bearers are sized and formed up as in company dnllIn two ranks. Paragraph 581 then gives the order _I' Squads at the halt, left form."

This, "Doubtful" says, cannot be done until the men are brought into single rank? Why not? The R.A.M.C. Training ( 191 I ) distinctly gives the order, and no drill book I have ever seen says that a squad or company in double rank cannot righ t ?r left The drill is also laid down in the Infantry Trammg for nght or left form of either a squad, in single or double rank; and for further proof" Doubtful" will find this is carried out during stretcher drill at the R.A.M.C. depot, Aldershot, when all new drill for the R.A.M.C. is drawn up.Yours truly, A ST. JOHN RECRUIT.

DEAR SIR,-The enquiry made by "Doubtful " in your April issue is based upon a misinterpretation of the instructions in R.A.M.C. training. As this mistake is frequently made by S.J.A.B. officers and N.C.O.'s whom I meet, perhaps you will allow me to explain how the squads are formed in the R.A.M.C. schools of instruction.

Cross Committee was the only body authorised to deal Red Cross mattp.rs throughout the Empire.

In May, 1904, the name of the Committee was altered to the" Central British Red Cross Council."

His late Majesty King Edward VII. and Her Majesty Queen Alexandra having considered that it was desirable that the Red Cross movement throughout the Empire should be represented by one society; a meeting was held at Buckingham Palace on July 17th, 19005, at which Her Majesty Queen Alexandra presided. At this meeting the fusion of the National Aid Society and the Central British Red Cross Council was announced, and the "British Red Cross Society" was inaugurated.

The Society was subsequently Incorporated by Royal Charter on Septem ber 3rd, 1908. GOVERNMENT.

The Society is governed under its Charter by a Council. The Council appoints annually an Executive Committee which carries out the general business.

UVRES WITH THE TERRITORIALS.

nurses, together with their commandant, quartermaster and boy scouts (patients) mustered at the farm buildings near Gaer. One section attended to the wounded at the front, another section converted an empty hay shed into a temporary hospital, whilst the cooking section prepared invalid diet for the patients, and tea for the staff and Vlsltors. Col. Wallis, the County Director, congratula ted the members on the expert manner in which they had worked out the details of the scheme.

DEWSBURY CORPS.-The public ambulance carriage for Ravensthorpe was formally opened on April 20th by the Rt. Hon. W. Runciman, President of the Board of Agriculture. The ambulance will be in charge of the Ravensthorpe Division. It has been subscribed for locally, and is invested in the hands of trustees. Mr. W. Ledgard, hon. secretary of the Division, has been mainly responsible for the raising of the funds necessary to acquire th e ambulance, and is to be congratulated on the success which has attended his efforts.

Resourcefulness, after the manner indicated, is of much moment, one of the first duties of the first aider being the prompt prevention of further mischief.-L. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

RECURRING ATTACKS OF CHOKING.

DEAR SLR,-I shall be pleased if you will give me the correct treatment in the following, which somewhat puzzles me:-

It is a case of an old gentleman who on several occasions nearly chokes himself while partaking of food (both liquid and solid). I have always found up to now a good slap on the back has had the effect of dislodging the foreign substance from the throat. What puzzles me now is, that when partaking of liquids, such as soup, &c., the choking occurs, giving me the idea that the throat may be stopped up. The expression on the face and eyes shows it amounts to something more than the ordinary.

What would be the first aid treatment in these cases?

I should, if the necessi ty arose, try artificial respiration after failing to remove the foreign body in the throat with my finger, or slavping on the back.

Thanking you for your reply.-Yours, &c., " PUZZLED."

[The history of this case is of importance, and your correspondent is probably quite right in suspecting that "something more than ordinary" is involved. First aid

" Doubtful " has his bearers sized, formed into two ranks and numbered, ready to be ordered -" Squads at the halt, left form." Then he says, " Now the men have to be brought into single line for this purpose." As a matter of fact the men are brought into single rank, but form to the left in double rank just as in squad drill in two ranks or in company drill.

On the command" Squads at the halt, left form," the left hand man of each squad in the front rank will make a full turn and the remainder a partial turn in the required direction. The rear rank remains steady.

" Quick march." On the word march, all but the left hand man of each squad in the front rank will step off, and, glancing to the left, will move by the shortest line to their places on the new alignment, halt, and take up their dressing independently; the squads in rear form round in rear of their correspondingfront rank squads, each man covering his own front rank man.

This movement is perfectly easy to anyone acquainted with squad or company drill. If at any time it is necessary to form single rank from double rank, method No.2 of "Doubtful's" letter is by far the best, and is quite in keeping with "Infantry Training," a recommendation possessed neither by No. 1 method nor the reply.

The reply contains two errors which show a lack of knowledge concerning infantry drill. It should read; ( I ) "Comppany, from the right to one pace, extend." (2) " Form single rank." The rear rank will take one pace of thirty inches to the left with the left foot and move forward h v o paces.

N.B.-Paces for extension are thirty inches. The rear rank is two paces of thirty inches-rear of the front rank.

A VOLUNTARY AID DETACHMENT OF THE COUNTY OF LONDON BRANCH ENCAMPED ON SALISBURY PLAIN LAST YEAR, TAKING PART IN MAN CE

-FIRST

19°

It would be well if officers and men would note paragraph 378, pag e 2 [I, R A. M.C whi c h reads as follows :-:., Men detailed for stretcher dnll must be well grounded m squad and compa[,ly Also as in 1908 edition, "The prin c iples of workmg m extended order.

Should there be anything which needs further explanation, I should be happy to do my best to make it clear.Yours sin c erely, W. M. McK AY ( Corp!. ), 1st Northumbrian Field Ambulan c e, R.A M.C. Spe c ial Reserves (T.F. )

D EAR SIR, - As a constant reader of valuab.le Jo um a l, FIR ST A m , and one takes great mterest 111 br iga de drill, I have be en verx 111 a let.ter whi c h a ppe a red on thIs subject m the last Issue, m wh?ch " D o ub tful " ask for enli g htment as to the best way of bnng111g men into sin g le rank ( he say s "file," but I take It he means " r a nk " a lthou g h it is not the same thing ).

H'e say s " We are told to si ze. c ompany as in Infa.ntry Drill ; a fter do in g so, the next order IS by fours, fives, or SIxes, number. Squ a ds a t the h a lt- left form. Now the men have to be brou g ht into sin g le l ine for this purpose."

Wh a t I cannot understand is why the men are not in single rank ? I understand the orde: to Fall on the ri g ht, shortest on the left-1l1 sIn g le sI ze. See Infantr y Tra ini n g ( 1905 ), page 49, plate 111. , FIg I.

The ne x t order sh o uld be, after the men have been brought to attention a nd dressed, "From the right by fours number," when the men will number off in squads of fours. Then " Squads a t the h a lt, left form, marc h, " when the men will form round on the ri g ht of the numbe r four.

No w we have squads in the position of marching to the left flank with four spaces between eac h squad. Now if you g ive the order " Ri g ht turn, " we have squads in file in extended order.

To brin g them b ac k nto sin g le rank I think the order is, " On the left form squads, " when the numbers 2, 3 and 4 will s wi n g out and fo r m up on the left of the No.1 of their respective s qu a ds. They will then be facin g their original front, althou g h not o n quite the same ground, but will be in the r r ig ht pl ac e s so far as their numbers and he ig hts are con cern ed

I ca nnot q u it e understand how" Doubtful " gets the men into two ranks after numbering them off into squads of fours, fi ve s, or si xe s To me there seems to me a little mix up of squad with c ompany drill, as the formation of company is d ifferent to th a t of squads.

I take it, sir, your way of doing it is only dealing with two ra nks , but we ha ve four, f not five or si x - Yours, &c., F C.

MALTED MILK.

Malted Barley , Wheat, and Milk in Powder> FOPIn. THE IDEAL FOOD DRINK.

Refreshing. Invigorating. Sustaining.

Gives Strength and Stamina and keeps you fit.

IN A MOMENT WITH NO COOKING.

The wholesome nutr lion of pure milk and choice malted grain. An excellent table beverage, del icious in he morn ng, soo t hin g at night A va uaLle additi.m to he d ietary of anyone follow ng the teachings of physica culture

As it is the wish and desire of the Proorietors to make this Journal as instructive and entertaining as correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Sugges· tions are invited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Joumal.

We par ticularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication. Correspondents sending in photos are urgently requested to state on the back of the &ame the name of the individual or the Corps or Brigade and give also the name and address of the sender.

We beg to advise our readers that we do not pay for photographs or copy sent, unless previously agreed upon in writing.

"

Fi r st Aid" Is published on the 20th of the month.

EDI TO RIAL.

and Fire Services.

to its ranks. The King's interest in it should open out possibilities it has never had befor e and the ever incr easing functions its members perform in civil life will be known by the general public and in a like mann er receiv e more measure of support from that direction.

The arrangements of the Review were complet e in every detail and not a hitch occurred to mar th e proc eedings. The brunt of the work of the day's arrangements fell upon the Chief Commissioner and the Headquart ers staff, and they cannot be praised too highly. The detraining and still more difficult task of entraining and dispatching the Corps and Divisions to their various destinations was completely satisfactory, and the offic ers in char ge of the two stations-Deputy-Commissioner Lieut. -Col. C. J. Trimble and Deputy -Commissioner Lieut. -Col. Lees Hall -are to be congratulated.

The Royal

To which we had all looked forward so keenly is over, and has been a vast success, greater we think than most of us Review. anticipated. Everyone who was present carried away a different impression of the magnificent spectacle, an impression that will live in their memories, for to see such a vast body of ambulance men-fine, stalwart fellows, of excellent physic-in the neat uniform and as steady on parade as a trained regiment, is a sight not easily forgotten. This was the largest gathering of ambulance men and women that this country has witnessed, and the success which it has carried with it is due to the fact that everyone worked heart and soul to make it so, especially the .,Deputy-Commissioners and their officers, who all pulled together with that common object. The enormous amount of labour entailed was carried out with willingness and good spirit, and unbounded enthusiasm was shown on all sides, not only by those on parade, but also by the crowds of onlookers. The Brigade has achieved one of its greatest triumphs, for it has now received the seal of Royal approval which should be an incentive to its members all over the Empire and stimulate recruiting

I T is now some three years since ParliaDelayed ment empowed the London County London Council as the ambulance author ity for Ambulance Greater London, and since that time no Service. definite steps, beyond the elementary stage, has been taken to organise this service. When the members of the Council realise that each year about 17,000 people are injured and about 300 killed through accidents in the streets, it is q uite tim e that this much desired service should be put in operation as speedily as possible, and yet the General Purposes Committee of the Council have persistently delayed the progress of this important matter. From time to time at sittings of the Council enquiries have been made as to what steps were being taken, to which indefinite replies have been given. The latest phrase of the situation is that the General Purposes Committee has set an item of £100 down in the estimates as "provision money" to meet any expenditure to which the Couucil might be put during the year in the preparation of a scheme.

This is certainly progress, but if it made at the same rate it will be a long time before the citizens of London will sec the much required service. In our opinion this delay is unjustifiable, but the Chairman of the Committee suggests that the question is one of great magnitude and not one in which the Council would wish to embark with-

out making exhaustive enquiries on the working of ambulances throughout London. We should have thought the City Ambulance Service would have been ample evidence as a successful a nd economic one.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.J Home Nursing and Hygiene.

(Continued from page I34.)

WATER.

Composition of Water.-Chemically pure water consists of two parts by volume of hydrogen with one oxygen. Water is one of the most abundant substances 10 nature, two-thirds of the earth's surface being covered with it. It is also present in the air in enormous quantities in the form of vapour; as snow it covers the summits of many mountains, and as ice it forms the vast "floes" or "fields" in the Polar regions. It is also present in most animal and vegetable substances, and even in many minerals. All natural waters are more or less impure, and as water is in such common use for dietetic purposes it becomes a matter of great importance to be able to distinguish sharply and decidedly between water which is dangerously impure and that which, though very impure from a chemical point of view, is yet perfectly wholesome. The solving of that problem belongs to the domain of analytical chemistry, and does not in any way come within the scope of this article. It will not, however, be altogether out of place to mention briefly one or two of the more common impurities of water, such as are found in our lakes, rivers and wells. Absolutely pure water is not suitable for drinking purposes; for, besides being insipid and uninviting, and even to some people nauseous, it is positively unwholesome. Bright, fresh spring water, which is both pleasant and refreshing, is strictly speaking, very far from being pure. It contains in solution not only different gases to which it owes its bright, sparkling appearance and invigorating and refreshing taste, but also a certain amount of earthly matter, such as carbonate or sulphate of lime, or similar salts of magnesia. When these earthly matters are present in small proportions only, they do not affect injuriously the character of the water containing them, but if they occur in excessive quantities, as they frequently do, they then most seriously impair its usefulness [or many domestic purposes. Waters which contain only small quantities of these lime and magnesia compounds are said to be "soft," while those which contain them in greater proportion are described as being "hard."

It is not advisable to use habitually a very hard water either for culinary or dietetic purposes; the presence, however, of a fair amount of these saline impurities-the occurrence of which constitutes hardness-rather increases than impairs the value of water as a beverage. There are, though, it should never be forgotten, certain other impurities sometimes found in water which render it quite unfit for use, and which have, indeed, been the cause of

AID.-

June, 19I:t. much disease and suffering, when water containing them has been used for dietetic purposes.

Th e dangers of water are due to its impurities which include :-

(1) Germs, especially of typhoid, dysentry, cholera, and some varieties of diarrhcea.

(2) Eggs of certain parasitic worms.

(3) Mineral matters, soluble and insoluble, which may give rise to irritation of the bowels.

(4) Poisons such as lead from lead pipes.

As to the origin of impurities in water it is clear that (I) and (2) arise from pollution with sewage, that (3) is derived from rocks especially a?d chalk, through which the water percolates, whIlst (4) IS earned by the lead pipes through which the water passes, or the lead cisterns in which it stands.

Water derived from wells is by no means safe from pollution, if a well is "shallow," the risk of sewage contamination is considerable. There is less risk from "deep " well water.

Means 0/ Purifica#o1Z. -When, however, the only water available comes from an unknown or suspicious source some means of purification is not only desirable but necessary. We may employ three methods :-( I) Filtration; (2) boiling; (3) chemicals.

Ordinary filters are not to be recommended, since they often only add to the danger. The only filter we recommend is one constructed on the Pasteur-Chamberland principle.

BoiZz>zg is effective and may be relied upon. For surgical use a doubtful water must be filtered and thereaft er boiled.

Clzemicals.- The addition of chemicals cannot be relied upon to make a suspicious water drinkable. Of course, chemicals may be added to a water filtered and boiled as above mentioned.

T¥ater as a Curatz"ve Agent.-Water as a curative agent is largely used both internally and externally. Th ere are many health resorts which owe their value to the presence of mineral water which may be used either as baths or taken internally. Space forbids further ment ion of these. It may be added, however, that many such waters can be taken at home, eve n plain, pure water, has wonderful effects on those not habituated to its use, and much the same might be said of baths.

(To be continued.)

ALVERSTOKE.-On the 15th June at St. Mary'S, Alverstoke, the marriage took place of Mr. Victor Alexander Smith, c.E., R.A., R.N., to Ellen Gertrude Sansom, Lady Supt. of the Gosport and Alverstoke Nursing Division of the Brigade. The Rector of Alverstoke, the Rev. Guy Landon, M.A., was the officiating clergyman. The presents numbe red over sixty, including a clock from the Nursing Division and a salad bowl from the Ambulance Divisi on, also a silver teapot from Inspector-General Woods, R.N. (retired) and the members of classes, &c. A guard of honour was formed outside the church by members of the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are well known to the members of both Divisions, who extend to them their best wishes for a happy and prosperous married life.

June, 1912.

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AID.-

195

Mr. T. Ainsworth thez:t presented the shield to the wmners, and also the pnzes which consisted of four watches for the winning team and four silver guards for the second team.

MINES AND QUARRIES.-The final round m the competItIOn for the shield given by the late Mr. G. Scoular for competition amonst teams of the centre was at on June 1St. A large gathering of mme officIals and those interested in am bulance work atte?ded to witness the proceeding, over which Mr. J. B. Atkmson, H. M. Inspector of Mines and president of the centre presided.

The Chairman in opening the proceedings, said there

SOUTHAMPTON CENTRE.-A competItion which exa considerable of among the nursing dIvlSlons. of HampshIre IS that whlch is held annually under the auspIeces of the Centre, for the "Twiss" Rose Bowl year's comlJetition, which was held at the Royai VIctona Rooms, S.outhampton, on June 5th, eight teams took part and the Judges were Dr. Mary Morris of Bath M. Christian. The Southampton mg DlVIsLOn carned off honours with 263f marks out of 3 00 ; the other teams m order of merit were: Bournemouth, 25 2f; Netley, 25 0:1; Lymington, 231t; Portsmouth, 228 ! , Calm ore, 218!; Woolston, 215; and Portwood, 207.

The Bowl and prizes were presented by Mrs. SwaIm, who congratulated Colonel Twiss and the nursing sisters

Left to right-M iss Norman, Hill, Miss Hu xham, Miss Bailey, and Miss Drover. Insets-Dr. L. M. Frank Christian, Lieut.-Col. Twiss, and Dr. Mary Morris.

were a great many more am bulance men required, and he did not know that there was any district that had greater need of them than the West Cumberland district. Apart from legislative requirements, it was a good thing to have these ambulance classes, and he was glad to see that the work of the ambulance classes in the district was going on very satisfactorily. In some cases the interest was dying out for a year or two and then it was reviving again. In the shield competition this year there were 16 teams entered, and these had now been narrowed down to four, who would now compete and be judged by Dr. Morison, medical officer of the Cumberland County Council, in whose judgment in these matters they had great confidence.

The competition excited keen interest in the spectators, and the various teams were warmly cheered on the way in which they aquitted themselves. The Chairman announced the results as under :- ISt, Parkside; 2nd, Moss Bay; 3rd, Mowbray; 4th, Ellenborough, he was sorry to say that only one colliery was represented.

on the very capable demonstration, and Dr. Morris, in the course of a few words, pointed out the improvement in the work as compared with a year ago.

WA LES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE DISTRICT CENTRE.-

In the Cardiff Castle Grounds on June 1st the Marchioness of Bute welcomed the members of the centre, the occasion being the first nursing competition for the "Lady Bute Cup."

Ten teams took part in the test. The judges were ;Col. J. C. Culling, principal M.O. of the Western Command, Chester ; Lieut.-Col. Thomas Wallace, M.D., and Dr. G. Morris. The work of the lady first aiders was closely followed by the company, and the different methods in the handling of the "patient" noted.

The placings in the competition were as follows :-1, Six Bells, Mrs. Pugh, 138 i points; 2 and 3, Bridgend, Miss Hurlston, and Cardiff, Mrs. Woolf, 138 ; 4, Cardiff, Miss Kendrick, 5, Cardiff, Miss French, 123.

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

AID.-

The Railway Challenge Shield Competition.

IT is indeed a pity that the pessimistic folk who that interest in am bulance work is "about played out could not have been induced to attend at Portman on the occasion of the Final Competltl.on for the Railway Challenge Shield, for they would certamly been fuPy convinced that interest in this excellent work IS more .ahve to-day than ever it was. The occasion the "RaIlway Final" is always a red letter day among raIlway ambula.nce workers, and Friday, the 17th ult., proved no exceptIOn. The Portman Rooms have been the scene keenly contested ambulance competitions, but It d.oubtful whether on any previous occasion a more body of spectators have been present than that whIch assembled to witness this year's final contest.

Few who were present on thiS can fall to have been impressed by the close attentIon an.d keen interest concentrated upon the work of the competItors by their fellow ambulance workers, who atte nded the competition as spectators in such large numbers: All appeared to be very much alert, and many, armed wIth nO.te book. and

C 'I were to be observed carefully record1Og details of pen I, Th the treatment rendered by the compet1Og ere can be very little doubt that such an opportunIty .of watching really front rank ambulance men at work. IS of considerable value from the educational standpomt to any enthusiastic" first aider."

The stret c her case appeared to 10terest the great.er num ber of spectators, but the individual work falls to attract a good many onl0.okers; .and here. It may l;>e remark ed that any falling off 10 10terest dIsplayed m the latter section of the competItIOn could hardly be attributed to want of effort on the part of who succeeded in infusing an element of realism 1Oto the tests which was scarcely anticipated and not altogether appreciated by. some of the competitors. The stretcher work also was thiS year made much. mteresting than on previous by the provlSlon. two sets of railway lines, and It should dlstmctly gratifying to those responsible for the mnovatlOn the value of these "properties" to the competIt?rs 10 furnishing them with a continual of the CIrcumstances under which they were work1Og, as one and all were ther e by able to adapt themselves to the supposed surroundings. The view expressed by many of onlookers that a little mor'; might well have been done In this direction

The" railway points "--o f quite an original type-were the subje c t of amusing, if critical, comments _by some of the spect a. tors.

The results of the competition as declared from the platform were given in our last issue, and to those who followed the work of the various teams and heard the comments and forecasts of those to upon the subject, the announcements were 10deed surpnsIng, as in some instances teams, who were generally expected to be well placed, if not winn ers, were some way list and vice versa. Of course, the spectators not be10g m of the full details. of the various tests imposed were unable to properly apppse value ?f the work performed. The friendly SpIrIt of nvalry eXlst10g among the competitors and their supporters has always been a commendable feature of the Inter-railway competitions, and shows no sign of abating; the first thoughts of the defeated

June, 19 12

being to congratulate the vi.ctors upon their .success, and the latter to condole with theIr less nvals.

It is not the intention here to cnticlse the work of any of the competitors or to comment upon the awarded, but the suggestion may be thrown out that In future tests it would be distinctly from the spectators point of view, and enable the proceedmgs to b.e followed more intelligently, if the contents of the cards handed to the competitors in the course :-v ere n the programme which under eXisting condItIOns, given 0 f h" " that the contains such brief particulars 0 t e cases onlookers are very much in the dark as the real character or extent of the tests If thIS is adopted the value of the from an educatIOnal standpoint might be very conslderably.e.nhanced.

The following table shows the posItion of the the final contest since the initiation of the competitIOn In the year 1897T ABLE SHOWING P OSITIONS OF T EAMS IN FINAL COMPETITION.

June, 1912.

-FIRST AID. -

times ( 18 97, 18 9 8 , 1903, 1904 and 1907), but strange to say have not been represented in the final competition during the past four years. Both the London and North - Western Railway and Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway won the trophy on two occasions, but no other railway has been fortunate enough to secure it more than once.

,,' Argenta" Cup Annual Competition.

THE tenth annual ambulance competition for the valuable challenge cup, given by the Argenta Meat Company, took place in the Drill Shed, Yorkshire-street, Blackpool (kindly lent by Major Topping, D.S.O.), on June 1St.

Altogeth.er, there were nine teams competing, comprlSmg HorWich, Acton Hall, Kendal, Warrington, Brierfield, Nelson, Stalybridge and Dukinfield, Little Hulton, and Crewe. Deputy-Commissioner Lieut.-Col. Trimble was present, and the arrangements were in the hands of Dr. Davis, of Shaw.

The judges were Drs. Pirie (Brierfield), Pool e (Barrow), Davis (Shaw), Crane (Rossall) and Mr. Woodcock, and their awards were: I, Horwich, 397 marks ; 2, Acton Hall, 363!; 3, Kendal, 3SS!; 4, Warrington, 355; 5, Brierfield, 337 6, Nelson, 298 7, Stalybridge and Dukinfield, 29Si; 8, Little Hulton (last year's winners), 290 9, Crewe, 27 9!.

Amongst those present were the Mayor and Mayoress Mrs. Orme, and Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Harrison.

At the close of the competitions, the mayor pres e nted the prizes. In addition to the CUD, each man in the winning team received a beautiful timepiece, the men coming second were each presented with a set of carvers, and the third team each received a breakfast cruet. As there was only half a point between Kendal and Warrington, the Warrington men also each received a breakfast cruet.

G. W. R.-We have pleasure in glVlng a photograph of the handsome medal awarded by the Great Western Railway Company in gold, silver and bronze for the most meritorious cases of first aid reported during the year. The portrait is of Engineman E. F. Hobbs, Dowlais, who was

I. Alexandra Docks and Railway (N ewport, Mon.).

2. Cheshire Lines Committee Railway.

3. Furness Railway.

4. Great Central Railway.

5. Great Eastern Ra ilway.

6. Great Northern Railway.

7 Great Western Railway.

S: Great Western and Railways.

9. Hull and Barnsley

10. Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.

[I. Liverpool Overhead Railway.

[2. London and North-Western Railway.

13. London and North-Western and Great Western Jo int Railways.

14. London Brighton and South Coast Rail way.

IS. London' and South-Western Railway

16. Mersey Railway.

17. Metropolitan Railway. .,

IS. Midland and Great Northern Jomt Rail ways.

19. North-Eastern Railway.

20. North London Railway.

21. North Staffordshire Railway.

22. South·Eastern and Chatham Rail.way. London, Chatham and Dover Railway. Great Central and London and N orth- Western JOInt Railways.

It will be observed that the Alexandra Doc.ks and Railway (Newport, Mon.) have now won the three occasions (1905, 1910 and 1912), a feat which only been excelled by one other railway. The Great Eastern, who have been declared the winners no fewer than five

Mr. Ward, one of the directors of the Argenta Meat Company, proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding and distributing the prizes, and this was seconded by Mr. H. F. Harrison.

Lieut.-Col. Trimble proposed a vote of thanks to the Company, and on the proposition of Mr. John Brown, seconded by Dr. L. G. S. Molloy, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded the judges.

Messrs. W. Toogood, Ltd., of 77, Southwark-street, London, S.E., have placed on the market a number of first aid cases, suitable for the requirements of mines, they have a large assortment, ranging from the pocket case to the complete chest or cabinet.

FELIXSTOWE.-Col. G. S. Elliston, c.B., Deputy Commissioner of No. [0 District, inspected the Division on June 1St. The Nursing Division, und er Lady Supt. Mrs. Bateman and Div. Surgeon Guiseppi turned out for its first inspection, and was formed up under Div. Supt. S. L. Harlock. The usual routine of inspection was gone through, and afterwards squads were sent out to collect wounded while the nurses made preparation for their reception at the receiving station. Col. Elliston complimented the members of both units on their smart appearance, and said he was entirely satisfied with the manner in which they had carried out the duties set them.

Pltotoj [" C. v. R. M ag a zill e " awarded the gold medal for the year 191 I, as reported In our April issue.

In class examinations which have rec ently taken place at Gobowen, Yeovil, Swansea and Chester, the whole of the candidates have succeeded in satisfying the Examiners. This is the second year in succession in which the Swansea Class candidates have all been successful, thus reflecting great credit upon the class lecturer Dr. Urban Marks.

N. E.R.-At a special meeting of the Leeds classes held in the New Station Room on the nnd ultimo., under the presidency of Mr. W. Noble. Mr. Geo. Jackson, general secretary, presented to Dr. L. A. Rowden the framed vellum vote of thanks given by the Order of St. John, which reads as follows :-

" The Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England. Extract from the minutes of the Chapter-General held on the 27th February, 19 12 at St. John'S Gate, London, resolved that the special thanks of His Royal Highness The Grand Prior and the Chapter General be hereby given to Leonard Alfred Rowden, M.B., of the North Eastern Railway Centre, St. John Am bulance Association, for distinguished services rendered in furtherance of the work of the Order in connection with its Ambulance Department, dated this twentyseventh day of February, one thousand nine hundred and twelve.

Signed, Knutsford, Sub.-Prior Herbert Jekyll, Chancellor, Her bert C. Perrott, Secretary General."

Mr. Jackson, in handing over the vote of thanks, spoke of the services rendered to the North Eastern railwaymen by Dr. Rowden, and voiced the feelings of his many friends

-FIRST

in wishing him long life to look upon the honou r conferred upon him. Mr. Noble and others also referred to Dr. Rowden's many good qualities, and the doctor feelingly responded.

The Gateshead No. I Class met in large force on the 3 1St ult. at the Royal Hotel, to receive their certificates, etc., at the hands of Mr. Geo. Jackson, gen. sec., who also made a presentation to Mr. B. Pattison, th e class secretary, who has gained an appointment on the Gt. Western Railway of Brazil, the presentation consisted of a very fine c ompact ambulance outfit, suitable for the climate of Brazil, and the sentiments of the members were voiced when Mr. Jackson wished him God Speed, good health, and good luck in his new sphere of labour.

On th e 20th inst. the members of the Permanent Way and Carriage and Wagon Department Class met at the Am bulance Hall, York, to receive their certificates, &c. Mr. H. J. Rudgard , district engineer, made the presentation, and to Dr. R. Fell presented a silver-mount e d briar pipe and case, and to Mr. T. Hutchinson (drill instructor) a silver mounted umbrella, in appreciation of their excellent services to the class. Mr Rudgard spoke of the pleasure it gave him to be there, and exhorted the members to go on for furth e r honours. Mr. Geo. Jacks o n h eartedly thanked Mr. Rudgard for his attendance and told him that a team for the competitions had been formed from his shopmen.

On the 15th inst. the members of the P a rk-lane Class held a smoking concert at the Royal Hotel, Gateshead, to present to Mr. F iddian, th eir class pr esid ent, with a pair of handsome fruit dishes, a fl o wer vase and a pair of fin ge r glasses. Mr Thompson made the pr esentation and sp o k e of the valued assistance Mr. Fi dd ian had given th e class, and wished him all good wish es in his n ew sph e re of la b our.

The chairman, Mr. S. Ritchl e y, and Mr. Geo. Jacks on , secretary, also add ed their mead of praise for Mr. Fiddian s excellent services to the class.

On the 15th inst. the Tyne Dock Class held a Whist Drive and Supper at their Hall, during which the c e rtificates, &c., were presented by Mr. Todd, assistant dock manager, who gave each member on rec e iving his award some excellent advice to go on for further awards. Mr. Geo. Jackson and Inspector Rogers also gave some interesting particulars of the work of the N.E.R. C entr e, after which dancing was indulged in.

S.E. & C.R.-Ambulance work on this System contmues to make good progress, and although many diffi c ulties have had to be contended with durin g th e past season the results are extremely gratifyin g Altoge t her 209 182 vouchers, 131 medallions and 727 labels have gained by m.e n a ttached to the centre, makin g a total of 1,249, and smce the centre was form ed in 1905, no less than ] 4,495 cases of first aid had been rendered by members of the staff, 2,000 of which have been reporte d since October of last year.

An interesting feature is large number of railwaymen who have passed successlvely for seven years since the Centre was formed, thus becoming entitled to the Company's Seven Year Medal, instituted last year. Over 23 0 of these medals haye been gained by railwaymen on the S.E. & c. R., and thls shows the keen enthusiasm that prevails amongst the S. E. & c. R. men.

An interesting demonstration of first aid methods took place at station on May 8th, when some ten supposed cases of mJury were treated by the railwaymen on the spot, and the patients removed to the Goods Shed where the work was examined by Dr. Frank Noble (of

AI D.- June, 1912.

Sittingbourne). A concert followed in the evening at th e George Hotel, when Mr. E. A. Richards (Chairman of th e Centre Committee) presided, being supported by a numb er of the Company's officials and the Centre Secretary. Dr Noble expressed at this gathering his opinion that the work had been well done, carefully done, and thoughtfully don e. During the evening the Doctor was presented with a pai r of silver candlesticks as a recognition of his efforts in th e c ause of first aid at Sittingbourne.

On May 16th, an interesting concert took place a t St. Peter's Hall, Clapham, S. W., when the certificates, &c" were handed to the successful c andidates at the classes in NO.1 District, by Mrs H. E. O. Wheeler. Mr. H. E. O. Wheeler (London District Traffic Supt.) presided, and was supported by Mr. Edwin C. Cox (Supt. of the Line) an d Mrs. Cox, and other officials of the Company. During th e evening the Chairman presented to Mr. Edwin C. C ox the vellum vote of thanks awarded to him by the Chapt er General of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Engl a n d, in appreciation of the services that gentleman has render ed in connection with ambulance work on the S.E. & c.R.

A concert was h e ld at Lydd, Kent, on Saturday, M ay 18th, when the awards gained by the members of the L yd d Cl a ss were distributed Alderman A Finn presid e d , in the absence of the May o r, being support e d by Dr. H, S. Oliver, Honorary L e cturer to the C lass, Mr. J. S haw, District Engineer Mr. R. L ane, Centre Secretary and Mr. G. Henneker, Committee man for No. 9 District. The Chairman spoke in eulogistic terms of the work of t he ambulance men, especially referring to the Lydd C lass, and congratulated the members who h a d t a k e n the Company s seven years' award.

The Roch e ster Class concluded th e ir se a so n s wo rk on Wednesday, May 22nd, with a successful sm ok in g concert at the Stroud Hall, when Ald e rman E. W . W illis p resided, being supported by Councillor J. D R a y, a num ber of officials of the Company and the Centr e S ec retary. Thirty-nine awards were presented to the succ essful memb ers of the class and a diploma was handed to Mr. E. Billing for his h e lp in furth e ring th e c a us e in the di strict. The Secretary of th e Class, Mr. D . McPh e rs o n was the recipient of a h a nds o me present which to o k th e sh a pe of a aneroid barometer from the memb ers of th e Cl a ss.

The third annual conc ert in connection wit h t he Hither Green and District Ambulance Corps und er the auspices of the S E. & C.R Centre was held on Thur sday, May 23rd, at the Ladywell Parish Hall, when a large audience enjoyed a capital programme, the various items being heartily applauded. The trophies gained by mem bers of teams of the Corps wer e exhi bited on the platform and made a very fine show. During the evening Mr. E. C. Cox, Superintendent of the Line, presented Dr. J. Wo od, the Honorary Surgeon to the Corps, with a vellum vot e of thanks awarded to that gentleman by the Chapter Gen eral of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in En g land. D r. Wood expressed his appreciation of the recognition of h is efforts by the Association, and spoke with pride as to th e success of the Corps which has made much progress durin g the present season. Members of the Corps attend e d e ve ry public duty on all possible occasions and had becom e an asset to the district in which they carried on their go od work.

The awards gained as the recent Mar ga te Class were presented by the Mayor, Alderman Coleman, at a crowd ed " smoker" which was held at Munn's Hotel, Margate, on Friday, May 31st. The Mayor was supported by Councillor W. Booth Reeve and Councillor Pilchard and the Centr e

June 1912

-FIRST

Secretary, who all spoke earnestly on the good work performed by ambular:ce men in the Borough of Margate. W oWing to the pre ssure on our spac e being url:able to Include a report of the presentation of cups a nd pnzes by.Mr. H. Cosmo Orme Bonsor on April 26th. This p:esentatlOn has in previous years followe d the annual of the centre, but this year, owing to the coal strike, It was cancelled.

The Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England.

C lzancery of t Ile Or de r, St. J ohn'S G a t e Cle r kenwell, L on don , E c. , 2n t M ay , I9 I2

H M. THE. KIN G has ple a sed to sanction the follOWing promotIons In and app ointments to the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England :-

As Knights of l ustice (from Knights of G r ace ) :

Lieu t.-G ener a l Si r R ob ert S S. Bad tn P owell , K.C B. , K.C. V O.

Lord Oranmo r e and Bro wn.

The Hon vVall ac e N esb itt K C

Earl Beau cha mp

Sir Arthu r H T, Mar t in d a le, K.C.S .I.

L ieut. -Co l. H enr y H ow a rd , D ,L.

Si r O wen Cosby P h ilipps K.C M G.

Mr. W i}l ia m To wn le y Geo rg e Seym ou r Macartne y Fi lga te (from E sq uire )

Capt , the Hon . Geor ge C. B W el d-F or es ter

As L adies of Grace:

Mrs, J. W. La ur ie

Counte ss Be auch a mp .

Laura La d y Mars hal l.

Viscounte ss Moun tga rret.

Mrs Charles Cott on.

Miss E leanor Cha rlo tte Wa rre n de r A s H onor ary S erving Brothers :

Edward Redm ay ne Mor p het (Set tl e Bran ch, S. J.A.A )

John Rou ghley ( L. & Y. Rai lway Centre, S.J I\.A. )

Freden ck Brmdle ( L. & Y. R a ilway Centre S J ,A.A )

Thomas L ynford (Victo ri a Centre S J.A A. )

Lorenzo Ba kes (N .E. R a ilw ay Centre, S.J.A.A. )

Frank Albert (F olke s tone Bra nc h S.J.A.A. ) Fawle y MI llm g ton Co rps, S,J ,A.B. )

WIlh a m BIr d (Cra mlm g ton Bran ch, S. J.A.A )

Surgeon LIeut. -Colonel John D aniel Ll oy d , M. RC.S. , L.R.C.P. (Wels? a nd Monm outh sh ir e D istri ct Centre, S.J ,A.A )

Hugh LewIs Hug hes, L.RC. P . (Welsh a nd Monmouthshire Distri ct Centre, S.J .A.A. )

Captain Is a a c Colquhoun (W el sh a n d Monmouthshire Distri ct Centre, S.J A.A ,)

Arthur Lu cas (Welsh a nd Mo nmouth shire District Centre S.J A.A. ) ,

Robert O Connor (Welsh an d Mo nmouth shire Distr ict Centre, S.J A.A. )

Tom Davies (Welsh and Monm outh shi re Distr ict Centre S·T,A.A.) ,

Thomas Wall ac e, M.D. (Welsh and Monmouthshire Distri ct Centre, S J A,A. )

W. Edmund Thomas, M.RC S (Welsh and Monmouthshire Distri ct Centre, S. J.A.A. ) (Handsworth Centre, S.J.A.A. )

WIlham ymter .Slmpkms (Denaby Main Bran ch, S.J .A.A .)

Harry SIkes WItty (Denaby Main B ranch, S.J.A.A. )

AI D.-

As H ono r ary Serving Sisters: Mrs. Howard (Presto n Cen tre S.J. A.A. )

nn, Mrs (H eavy Woo lle n Dis tric t Centre S J A A ) J ane, MIss Gadi e ( H eavy Wooll en

E nrolled as H onorary Associates: McFarlane Marshall ( 1. & Y. Rai lway Cen tr e Bosw ell , M,D. (Ash bourn e Bra n@h S J A A ) LIe ut.-C ol onel Georg e Horne A M C M D VD' ('V: Centre , S. J .A A ) , ., , . . Ic tona

Ha nso n Crossfi el d Derham, M.B. (Pr eston Cent re , Henry Wi ll iam Martin (W els h and Monmouthsh' D' t nct Centre S J ,A.A. ) Ir e ISh DD Jones, M.D., D.P.H. (Welsh and Mo n mouthsI re Istnct Centre, S.J A.A, )

C John H Woods, M.R.C.S.I. (H ea vy Woollen Distr ict entre , S.J. A.A. )

T SiC r Th omSas Oliver, M D., D,Sc. , F.R.C ,P. (N ewcastl e-o nyne ent re, ,J,A.A )

Si r Geo rg e Har e Phi lipson M D., F.RC.P. M.R.C.S. (N ewca stle ·on-T yn e Cent re S,J,A.A. )

Coming Events.

Particulars offorth coming events wil l be inserted in this column ree oj ch arge, if re ceived not later than the I 4th oj ea ch month

Skzpton.-T he Gala will be held on July 20th. Sq uad and Sick a nd Nursing comp etI tIon for val uabl e pnz es. particular s from Mr. F. Cockshott, 19, D ucket t-str eet, Skipton Bolsover -Ambu lanc e competition a nd Band cont est wil l ta ke p lace Bolsover Castl e on August 3rd, Chall en ge c up an d ot her pnz es, For particulars apply Mr. J All cock H orn croft -te rrac e, Bo lsover, n ear Ch esterfi eld competition for the Cleckh ea ton Shi el d, July 27th, op en to all corps and divisio ns of B ri gade Co ll ieri es and me mbers of S J.A.A. Fu ll partI cul a rs of Mr. Ben Li ley, 6 Exchange -stre et, Cleck heat on. a n nua l competitio n open to Brigad e a nd teams will be held on Saturday, Septemb er 7th Fu ll detaIls may be had on application to the Hon. Sec. \\T, Ledgard, Alma House, Thornhill, D ewsb ury.

, L eir;hton B uzzard,.-Th e an n ual competition for th e Silv er C;;ha llen g e Cup a nd ,PrIZes wil l be hel d on July 20 th All partic ul a rs can be obtaIned from Dr. S C. H :vIob erIy, 'Wins low Buck s

Eiland (Yorks ').-Ambulanc e comp etition for the" D empste r :' S hield and pri ze va lue 1, 8, J uly 27th . Entry forms and part Icul ars, a pply to Mr. A. Ta te , 4, Vic toria-road, Eiland.

Th e a nnu a l co mp e tit ion for th e " F urn ess " shi e ld was h eld at H artle p oo l on June 8t h Th e tr oph y wa s se cured by th e Wa rr e n Ce me nt W ork s T ea m H a rtl e pool.

yve have r e ce iv e d fr o m Me ssrs. W. & G , Foyle, 135 , Charm g Cross-ro a d , a cop y of t? ei r ca ta log ue of n e w surplus For thos e wh o boo ks o n a ny par tic u lar subj ect, be fore pur ch asm g th ey sh o uld consul t t his catalogu e

When corresponding with Advertisers please mention "First Aid."

Brevities.

S OME new types of invalid carriages have recently bleen , R 'I The first c ass b 'It for the AustrIan State al ways Ul ed with cooling apparatus for use In carnages are eq Ul pp I t 11 the summer-this is believed to be a nove ty, a. a The second and third-class carnages events, in Europe.

d as to be easily convertible into ordInary are so rna e r d f passenger coaches, and, after being used by an Inva ey they can accommodate the normal num er 0 a Journ , passengers for the return Journey.

* * * , A CURIOUS case came before the Courts recently In , which a schoolmaster, who was a member of t.he was sued for failing to send for a doctor In a case 0 accident, which occurred to a schoolboy, in the playground h I It appeared that the schooL of an elementary sc 00. master, on a previous occasion, sent for the and found he had to pay the doctor's fee Strictly speaking, we believe th'1t the legal, status IS h ho calls a doctor to an aCCIdent case IS t e person w f ible for the medical gentleman's fee In the event 0 res pons ., 't It the patient, or his relatives or frIends, failIng to pay). is an awkward situation as far as an man IS concerned we will admit, but, nevertheless, thiS element of chance must be risked.

* * * ATTENTION has been called in the House of to the apparatus for dealing with street accidents In Metropolitan Police District. The Home Secretary, In reply to a qU:3stion by Mr. Edward recently pointed out that the Metropolitan PolIce, have a very efficient system of hand ambulances, but it IS the the London County Council to undertake the If of mo tor ambulances The MetropolItan necessary, Ambulances Act, 1909, gave the L.C C. power a service of motor ambulances, and the responslbllI.ty must rest upon members of that body, wh? have been .In office ce that Act came into operatIOn to proVide the sm , necessary am bu lances. * **

THE Army and Navy Male Nurses' again supplied the British Crescent Society WIth nurses for their mission orgamsed for the purpose of joining the Field Hospital which has already been despatched to the Tripolitan Hinterland.

* * * AT the London School of Economics and Political Science Professor Roget, of the University of has been a series of lectures on "Swiss L3.w." The most striking one, that entitled" Hospital and Ambulance Service," gave a lucid demonstration of .the harmonious way in which the military and civil medIcal authorities work together.

***

IN the time of war each has its appointed duties and

AID.- June, 1912.

t pert'orm' the military section being stationed functIOns 0 11 • immediately behind the line of fire; the CIVIl at the and some considerable distance from the extreme rear, scene of action.

* * *

THE duties of the military consist of rendering first aid on the battlefield, staunching the blood of the wound:d, 'd' them with suitable refreshment, and then plaCIng proVI Ing them in a position of safety, there to await the arnval of the ambulance wagon which conveys them to the where they are handed over to the custody of the ClVl} d d nurses They are then conveyed to an octors an " . d field hospital and after the nature of their ImproVlse, , h been ascertained are despatched by tram to InJunes as , , civil hospital centres.

* * *

A VERY simple and effective device the conveyance of the injured in mines has been deSigned by Mr. J Hibberd, of Morton Colliery. There are three straps to which are attached strong steel springs, these are slung over the sides of an open-ended tram by means of hooks and a stretcher is suspended on these straps, and the tram can be wheeled along the rails to the pit's bottom The d f t his device are that the patient can eaSIly be a vantages 0 '" kept level in any gradient in the mIne by slightly or lowering either end straps, and that he can easIly be transferred from one tram to another on the stretcher in the event of changing roads.

* * *

THE retiring chief constable of Preston is presentin g ambulance awards to the police recently said he was delighted to see those men who worked so hard and devoted their brains and energy In order to make, themI ffi · t It was essential that every pohceman se ves e clen. should put forth such efforts if he was to get on In hiS

Just as t he sailor was the handyman of the sea, so career. also had the policeman often been termed the handyman of the land. A knowledge of ambulance was absolutely necessary to the policeman.. He deSired them to take as a parting message from him that they could not make themselves proficient either in that or .any branch of their work unless they exerCIsed their brains. By devoting even one evening a wE:ek to study they were exerclSlng their brains, those who did that were on the highway towards forcmg tion themselves. The men who were gOIng to get on were those who were going take.a to make themselves efficient, not only In theIr polIce dutIes but also in everyday knowledge.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE REVIEW.

We can supply any of the photos:raphs. appearing in this Journal at 3S. each, mounted, mc1uslve of postage and in size but are considerably larger than the illustrations, which of necessity have been reduced to fit our pages.

The Royal Review . .. .

SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd.

THE great day of the Royal Review, the greatest in the history of the St. John Am bulance Brigade, is to be written down a magnificent success. Only on one previous occasion has a small section of the Brigade been inspected by a monarch and that was some 17 years ago when about 400 men, miners principally, were reviewed by the late Queen Victoria.

June 22nd will never be forgotten by that vast assembly of ambulance men and women, for they have taken home with them a memory of a great event in the history of their movement. The site chosen for the review was that picturesque spot known as the Review Ground, situated between the Long Walk and Queen Anne's Drive, the scene of many historical reviews of the past, but none perhaps so unique as that which took place on Saturday last. The Order of St. John one of the oldest institutions in this country, and thiS enormous concourse of its voluntary workers for the good of humanity will never be forgotten. The actual strength of the muster is uncertain as the returns were not complete, but it is estimated at about IS,ooo-about 13,000 men and officers and 2,000 nursing sisters. Most of them had undertaken long railway journeys to attend, and some arrived at Windsor at 5 o'clock in the morning, refreshments being served out at the Rest camp as the various contingents arrived. Some of the men had left their home at 6 o'clock the previous evening after a day's work, and had travelled all night, so it can well be understood that several cases of fainting occurred during the day, due to fatigue and the excessive heat. However, hospital arrangement had been made L under the superVISIOn of Dr. Edmund Owen, the chief surgeon of the Brigade, and the staff had, amongst other casualties, several cases of sunstroke. It was an impressive sight to see the men parading in the huge mess tents two deep to obtain their refreshments, substantial pies satisfying the inner man previous to the event of the day. Windsor gave them a warm welcome, and possibly its town's people have never before heard such a variety of dialects in their borough, for on the one hand was the Welsh miner and on the other the broad north countryman.

At 1 o'clock the Brigade paraded On the assembly ground, which was situated on the western side of the Queen Anne's Drive, and here the Chief Commissioner, Sir James A. Clark, made his inspection. The Nos. 4 and 6 Districts seemed to have the greatest number of representatives on parade, they were also well provided with bands. At the conclusion of the inspection the Brigade was moved across to the parade ground and drawn up in seven serried lines in order of districts, with the Colonial Detachment, under the command of Major-General J. c. Dalton and Asst.-Commissioner W. H. Morgan, which numbered about 80, in the centre immediately facing the saluting base. On either flank of this line-which extended over 1,000 yards -inward turned stands accommodated the nurses, and the contrast of colour of uniforms presented a wonderful sight.

Behind the saluting base had been erected enclosures for mem bers of the Order and privileged spectators, of whom

there was a large attendance, and around the ground was a large crowd of the general public. The band of the Grenadier Guards, under Lieut. Williams, played during the inspection; the ground was kept by the 2nd Batt. Grenadiers. Shortly after 3.30 p.m. was seen through the trees of the Long Walk the glitter of the armour of the royal escort of Life Guards, and slowly it wended its way through the trees by the right of the line. As the King rode to the saluting-point the band played the National Anthem and the Royal Standard was unfurled. His Majesty, who was in Field Marshal's uniform, rode his favourite charger "Delhi," and was accompanied by the Duke of Teck, and attended by Capt. the Hon. Sir C. Wentworth, the Hon. Sir Derek Keppel, Lieut.·Colonel Sir Frederick Ponsonby and Surgeon-General Sir L. Gubbins. On arriving at the saluting base their Majesties were received by the principal members of the Order-they being presented to the King by the Sub-Prior (Viscount Knutsford, and to the Queen by the Secretary-General (Sir H. Perrott), as follows :-The Senior Knight of the Order (Sir John Furley), the Chan cello r (Col. Sir Herbert Jekyll), the Receiver-General (Dr. Edwin Freshfield ), the Almoner (Sir Dyce Duckworth, Bt.), the Secretary (Mr. W. R. Edwards), the Assistant-Director of the Ambulance Department (Lieut.-Col. Sir Richard Temple, Bt.), the Lady Supt.-in-Chief of the Nursing Corps and Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade (Lady Perrott), and the Lady Maud Wil braham.

The Prelate of the Order (the Arch bishop of York), the Genealogist (Garter King at Arms ) the Chairman of the British Ophthalmic Hospital (Col. Sir Charles M. Watson), and the Director of the Ambulance Department (the Marquess of Breadalbane) were unavoidably prevented from being present.

The parade was in command of Sir Andrew Clark, who accompanied the King down the seven lines, the Queen following in a carriage. Their Majesties moved slowly along the lines and from time to time stopped and spoke to several officers. leng.th of time inspection would take, With royal consideratIOn, th.e Ktng issued orders that the men should be allowed to Sit down during the inspection of the remaining lines.

Subsequently there was a display of l!fe-savin.g a wreck by the Tyneside and South ShIelds Life-SaVIng . d f th" , t" Bngade. Three men were rescue rom e crow s nes by means of the rocket apparatus and breeches buoy. Though no rocket was actually fired the buoy was sent along the ropes and each man hauled to "shore," a detac?ment of the Brigade being in attendance to render any aid necessary. There was also a demonstration of rescue work in mines under the supervision of Supt. Here was represented a section of a gallery, an explOSIOn and fall of roof and after damp. The rescue party entered the mine in smoke helmets, carrying resuscitating apparatus and effected rescues of the stricken miners. At the close His Majesty expressed his with all he had seen, and at the signal of the Com mISSIOner an enormous cheer was given their Majesties as they left the ground.

BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY.

COUNTY OF .",:LONDON BRANCH.

Notes and News.

WE hEl ve received a copy of a little manual of "Stretcher Work and Flag Signalling for Women," by H. W. Spaight, L.RC.P. It is intended to provide in as concise and simple form as possible the six-bearer stretcher work and its adjunct flag -signalling for officers and members of the Women's Voluntary Aid Detachments. There is some slight modification on the RA.M.C. six-bearer drill in this book, for it is necessary in the case of a Women 's V.A. D. to provide relief bearers, but, in other respects, it is identical to the R A. M. C. manual. How e ver, the booklet has the merit that the subject can be readily grasped by reason.of its simple form. The author also gives the drill to cross a wall and ditch with stretcher. It is published at 3d. net. ***

At the Health Exhibition and Conference, held under the auspi ces of the Nurses' Social Union at Bristol last month, in the First Aid and War Exhibit was included an ingeniously made model of a village schoolroom arranged as a Red Cross HOSpital, also "The Bedford Haversack " for a Voluntary Aid Ddachment, invented by Mrs. Alfred Paine, of Bedford.

""' * *

This haversack is made rather like a cricket bag of strong, washable hessian, and measures 34 in. in length and 3 6 in. circumference. It contains sufficient mat erial for 35 or more people, and is designed as a help to V . A.D. a t the practice classes.

* * *

At the Review by H.M. the King of the National Reserve, in Hyde Park on the 8th of June, the am bulance arrangements made by the County of London Branch, were very successfully carried out by Nos. I, 3 and 5 Detachments, also the "Clarnico" Horse ambulance and two detachments were present. The County Secretary has received the following letter from the Chief Medical Office r of the London Division, National Reserve :-Dear Sir, I am directed by the Field Marshal commanding the London Division National, Reserve, to convey his thanks to you for the very complete arrangements made by the County of London Branch B.RC.S. for the Review on the 8th June of the National Reserve. Everything was quite satisfactory. I desire to add my sincere thanks to you and to all the officers and men who so ably helped on that occasion. -I am, dear sir, yours faithfully (signed), C. G. Evatt (Surg.-General).

* * *

The committee deputed to deal with the progressive scheme of proposed training, the. outline of which we gave in our last issue has made conSIderable progress. At an an early date the complete scheme as amended will be presented for discussion.

We had hoped to giv(some details of the Washington Conference in this issue, but unfortunately these have not yet come to hand however, we anticipate to give a full report of this in the July issue.

* *

*

The following is a list of fixtures of Inspections of Detachments, County of London Branch :-Hammersmith, July 6th Greenwich, July 6th, 4 p.m , Charlton Park; Westminster, July 22nd, 4.30. p.m , London Scottish Drill Hall; Kensingt o n, J ul y 13th; Chelsea, June 29 th Duke of York's Headquarters, S.W. Camberwell, July 20th, 4·3° p. m., Grove Vale Depot., East Dulwich Station, S.E. LondoDlo. V.A.D., July 1St, 7. p.m., Brondesbury Synagogue, Chevening-road, N. W.

* **

The British Red Cross Society First Aid Manual No. I, by Dr. J. Cantlie, has now been issued. This training manual is one of a series of three covering the training necessary for V.A. D.-the others being the training and nursing manuals. The thorough acquaintance uf the No. Manual is the basis of all Red Cross work. The book is apportioned into five lectures, and is similar in many respects to the official text- book of St. John, except that it contains more anatomy, and the methods of lifting are dealt with briefly as they are contained in NO.3 of the series.

* **

One of th e classes of the Marie Frodorovna prize competition was d e voted to methods of packing dressings fo r aid stations and ambulances. In this class Messrs. Burroughs, Wellcome and Co. have secur ed the with their "Tabloid" compressed bandages and dressmgs. ***

A good deal of criticism has from time to time been made regarding the authorised uniform of the British Red Cross Society V.A.D., this refers more especially to lhe Womens'Detachment. One of the chief causes of complaint seems to be that not only is the hat not smart but it is extremely heavy and awkward to manage m a wind; others say that the print washing dress in not a practical working costume. We that .the Ce ntral Exe c utive are disposed to conslder any suggestions OQ the subject, and the Branch Executive propose to submit certain recommendations to overcome these causes of discontent.

* * *

There appears to be an erroneous idea that the. 'yar Office's only requirement as regards the trammg are the first aid and home nursing certificate. It IS lS perfectly true that these are the only specific requirements necessary On joining, but it does not imply that it is the only training expected. If reference is made to 13 and 14 of the Scheme of Organisation of the Issued by War Office it will be seen that it expects hlgher trammg than this. We feel it necessary to emphasise this because when opportunities of higher have been afforded, they have been rather sneered at In some quarters.

The Importance of Discipline.

To anyone who takes the trouble to carefully think over the position, posibilities and future of the British Red Cross Society, one essential factor must quickly make itself apparent-the necessity of discipline. If discipline be not inculcated, practised and enforced then will the objects and aims of the Society never be achieved, and the future can only hold out scant hopes of practical utility. We live in an age when lUXury and self-indulgence seem paramount; the old adage "Not what I like, but what I ought," has been transposed and individual wishes and whims tend to take the place of the common weal.

How can we effect and maintain a high standard of discipline in divisions and detachments where such excellent methods as squad drill and stretcher drill are neglected? If one asks the reason of this neglect one is faced with such a feeble argument as this: "We don't want our members to be soldiers or stretcher-bearers, we want them to be nurses." Now let us consider this for a moment. Did anyone ever imagine that the members of the Society would become soldiers because they had been taught such elementary details as forming into line, forming fours or standing to attention, silent for the moment and hands not thrust into apron pockets? Are they soldiers because they can number smartly without thrusting their heads forward to try and calculate what their number may be? Will they look too military because at an inspection in the open there is seemly order and movement instead of hysterical and purposeless rushing to and fro ?

So far as can be gathered the objection to stretcher drill is that members will never have to practise it in time of war this is quite true, but it is most probable that they would have to instruct men who had never handled a stretcher before, and how will they be in a position to do so if they have never handled a stretcher themselves. Imagine a riding master who had never been astride a horse attempting to teach a novice riding! Yet this would be easier than for a person unversed in stretcher work to gui.de farT? .yokels in the handling of a stretcher bearing a senously-mJured case. "Once doing is worth a deal of showing."

If one probes deeper one finds that individual members are strongly opposed to squad drill or stretcher drill and. th.at if thes.e enforced they will resign. Bere: agam, IS the exhIbltion of personal whims, "Not what I ought, but like:" " Drill is so dull." This may be true, but the spmt whIch carps at it must be a mean one whose of something really startling would be, i .efforts.to reduce a supposed dislocation whIch was m realIty a fracture. Discipline will never be attained so long as attention is paid to individual likes and dislikes.

Whi.ch. division will do. the best work, ay, and get through It m the most effiCIent and speedy manner the well-drilled and disciplined or the" go-as-you-please " 'one?

It must, of course, be urged that individual members incapa?le choosing what is best for movement m fact, thiS bnngs one to an elementary pomt of discipline that they sh?uld learn to .do as they are told; but if the questIon be submItted to each detachment in its true hght then surely there would be few who would raise even a feeble cry of no.

Another objection to stretcher-drill is that many mem-

AID.- June, 1912.

bers are not strong enough physically to undertake it even at practice. If this was really true (and it is open to doubt) one cannot help feeling that be quite for the arduous dUhes and pnvatlons of active servIce.

If Red Cross work means anything real to us and not merely a passing fashion, phase or fad, let us stand " shoulder to shoulder o.r side by side" (methods only properly learnt by squad dnll), go through the useful routine cheerfully and willingly that we may be ready when occasion demands to up our byrden (as scientifically taught by stretcher dnll) and so lIghten the suffecings of the wounded in an orderly, well disciplined, and efficient manner.

In the event of war we should be attached to military branches, and therefore it is surely not too much to expect that .we ourselves should have some knowledge and expenence of method, of order, and of discipline.

Colliery Rescue Brigade Tender.

THE illustration on opposite page shows the vehicle which Messrs, Simonis and Co., of Walthamstow, have built for the Monmouthshire Collieries Rescue Association. We believe it is the first one to be ordered under the requirements of the recently passed Mines Act. The machine is of the so-h.p. "Commer-Simonis" type and is intended to carry men and complete eq.uipment of rescue gear as well as a quantIty of fire fightmg apparatus for use in mmes.

The bodywork, as will be seen, resembles that of a fire provides accommodation for eight men m additlOn to the dnver and officer in charge. The rescue apparatus, of which there are eight sets, one for each man, is carried in the box below him in such a manner that as he desce.nds from the machine he can readily take it out; also there IS a compartment for oxygen cartridges. Adequate is also carried, including two collapsIble stretchers, revlvmg apparatus and first aid boxes and the fire-fighting consists of 120 ft. of delivery hose, two lengths of suctlOn hose and other accessories while the long boxes under the runnings boards are filled with miner's tools.

The whole outfit is most complete, and the Association, which recently took it over, has already put it to for at a colliery. explosion near Argoed by ItS timely arnval on the scene It was possible to save the only life in danger.

LANDPORT.-On Hospital Sunday, June 9th, the Landport Division and Portsmouth Nursing Division attended service at St. Mary'S, Portsea Parish Church.

The officers present were Asst.-Commissioner Dr. Caspar Laurie, Knight of Grace Divisional Supt. J. G. Chard, H.S.B. ; Divisonal Surgeon J. H. F. Way, B.A.; Supt. Mrs. Fulljames, and 2nd Officer Miss Jean of the Nursing Division; Ald. Sir Geo. Couzens, J.p., K.L.H., Knight of Grace (Chairman of the Centre) F. Coward, B.S.B. (Secretary of Centre), and Miss N. Scott, H.S.S.

There were 150 on parade including Divisional Supt. Edwards, H.S.B. 1st Officer Salter, H.S.B., and 19 nurses and men of the Alverstoke Division, also a detachment of the Portsmouth Borough Police under Supt. Day and Inspectors Moth and Kenchington; the Workhouse Infirmary and the Borough Asylum being represented by nurses, also Lieut. E. B. Bird and Sergt.-Major Morgan, and 26 men of the Jrd Wessex R.A.M.C.(T.)

June, 1912.

-FIRST

AID. -

Then :-" Squads at th hI' h left turn-right dress." eat, rzg t form-quick, marchIn this way, it will be fOlmd h h taller than the No 1 b tat, teN o. 3 bearers are "left form" No. 3 they should be, otherwise by feet will be higher thane th:i: the patient's Compare page 19, chapter i IS. fatal error. Yours truly, V., TraInIng, 1908 .C.!. ELLI S M.D., Hon. Surgeon, Torquay Division.

in no way resfJonsib.e /01' tke opinions expressed, or the statements made, by Corres.;,ondents E r .- DrTORS.

D THE FORMl\TION OF SINGLE RANK

EAR SIR,-I qUIte expe t d " Doubtful's" letter in you A c to see several comments, re . r pn Issue.

T? form a smgle rank from two-d done m several ways, according t I suggest rr;ay be stances :_ 0 reqUIrements to Clrcum-

(I.) "Company-from the h f "left close; quick march." ng t: orm slllgie rank;"

The No. of first rank stand t N SIde paces of 15 ins' No f,' s as; o. 2, takes two a space of 30 ins. paces'f &hc f This would leave man 0 t e ront-rank for men

THE ST. JOHN FLAG.

DEAR SIR,-During the 20 mterested in all that years or more I have been alwa s de lor d ap.pertams to ambulance work I have don'{int Pd ,; thl e obvIOUS unobtrusive spirit· this « hope I ru e stye seems to me quit t f I' lance men and sisters. e ou 0 p ace WIth ambu-

Therefore I am pIe d t h in "F A "f M' ase 0 see t e remark under Brevities or ay, re the « Flag of St J h" d . that it is not of a sufficient disti 0 n, an qUIte agree to suggest that a more ext nctl\,e I venture be used, as they

B.lack on a white ground, even a?n and clean are VISIble and, can always be kept bright The to mdamtaIn after the first outlay. n p a e an stretcher dep ot plate pro-

of the rear rank who go iut . b paces forward Corp M 170 It ya (left) side pace and two (2 ) , . . c '>.ay contends.

AI '1 bCompany. In slllgie rank extend 1" ut the No off ' . left foot a pace of '30 ins turn the left and step off with pace forward and turns to' fhe t front rank, takes one NO.4, three paces &c N g, o. 3, two paces forward, has gone one No 3 2 NO·3 on shoulder when paces, &c., i.e., the' man' o. 4 when he has gone twomore, halts and fronts Th celves the tap goes one pace . e rear-rank men as h IS c: vacant space for them in th f ,soon .as t ere to It and take up their d e rant-rank, march dIagonally ( ) "R ressmg. 3· ear rank-left turn' f, march." The rear-rank takes ' a SIngle rank; quick front-rank by the diagonal places on the left of the I n no case would the ord b " because each man when' r er e two paces, extend" spaces 30 ins., p. 26 occupies a lateral Cunouslyenou h I h y ra}l1mg, 191 I. form a single file fro'ma are given how to Infantry Training 1 I ) eep v,zce ?Jersa (see p. 35, 19 11 edition for are Pflven m eIther the 1905 or I ranlG rom two-deep qUIte agree with F.C. wh h ,,' understand is why the men a en t .e What I cannot To form uad, I suggest f,smgle-rank ? " yours-number! "

vided for Brigade use seems to me apologtl' c general appearance.-Yours &c III their si ze and M h ERNEST J AME S RA CHW ITZ ay 27t , 1912.

POSITION OF SPLINTS IN FRACTURE OF THIGH.

DEAR SlR,-I should be obli ed 'f which of the followin g I .you. could mform me thigh ( r ) () r b g you would adV Ise III fracture of the a sp mts a ove and below' or (b) d h . been instructed the latter. 1'< °rwn elt. er SIde, aid manual. ormer saw In a first

(2) As a certificated first aider if I witnessed 'd m near, to an ambulance box, should I dent openmg It to ob.tam dressings, &c.? us I e In H (3S) ",-,"ould It be my duty to report it to the Superintendent on. eCl et.ary, or to St. John s Gate?

(4) Is It correct for the ursinR Si s ters t St. John arm-badge on a black ribbon th 0 wear the St. J Company badge? - e same as the ThankIng you In anticipation. Yours very sincerely.

Blackpool, June 4th, 19 12 E. S. [Provided ( r) there is no indication t th o e contrary, the

208 -FIRST

most convenient plan for ambulance purposes is. to supply a long splint on the outside and a short. one on the of the thigh after the manner shewn III the offiCIaL book.-

1. M. FRANK CHRISTIAN.

(2) This just depends on the regulations. Notice would be put upon the box concermng them. (3) If you treated an a c cident it is your duty to report it to your Superintendent. (4 ) Yes.-ED. FIRST AID.]

COMPLICATED FRACTURES.

DEAR SIR, - As a reader of your monthly Journal "F. A. " I noticed in your March issue .asking for tre.atment for complicated fracture of the left thI g h III the upper thIrd, the femoral artery being torn. Do I take it there is a flesh wound leading from the surface to the artery, if s<?, is it right to term it a "complicated" or a "compound complIcated" fracture If it is comp li c ated, is it necessary to press the grom ? I certamly say is if it is a compound complicated.

The answer in your book gives "Apply pressure to the groin. "-Yours, &c., O. M.

[If there is a superficial wound connected with the fracture, then, to be strictly corre ct, this case would be described as a "compound com pli cated" fr ac ture.

If injury to a lar ge blood-vessel is suspected, pressure on the pressure point should be applied even though there should be no wound through which the blood c ould escape externally. If this precaution were ne g le ct ed the risks involved would be considerably increased.-L. M FRANK CHRISTIAN.]

FRACTURE OF CLAVICLE AND HUMERUS.

DEAR SIR,-Wi ll you kindly give me through the columns o f your valuable and helpful Journal the corr e ct treatment in the follow ing case :-" A man has been knocked down by a car, which has c aused a fr acture of the right clavicle. The wheels o f car also passed over his right humerus, causing a fracture mid·way; he is some distance from home. " Thanking you in anticipation. - Yours, &c., W. W. LANE.

June 6 th, 19 12

[The above query can be most consistently replied to by me by directing those of your readers who may be sufficiently interested in the matter to refer to page 44, to Memory. for First Aid Students " (4th Edition ) a suitable mechanical support for the injuries stated is not only described but is photographically illustrated. Study of the text relative thereto, in co njun ction with the instructions giv en on pages 7, 8 and 9, will make the first-aiders line of action such a case of emergency abundantly clear.-L. M. FRANK CHRI STIAN.]

COMPETITION TESTS.

DEAR SIR, - I was present at an ambulance competition on May 17th, when the following case was set : " A fragment of a shell strikes a soldier in the region of the left shoulder. On e xami nation you find he has a simple fracture of his c0llar bone (left) and on the inner side of the arm, about 3 in. from the shoulder there is a small wound through which the lower fragment of a fractured humerus is protruding. You carefully draw the arm downwards, and in so doing the protruding end goes back; at the same time, however, there is a sudden attack of violent hce morrhage from the wound." Treat.

After the co ntest one of the judges was understood to remark that what was required in treatment was a pad on the axillary artery, a dressing on the wound, three splints applied to the fractured humerus and a br'oad bandage round elbow to fasten injured limb to the body.

I should like to h av e this case and the suggested treatment criticised and commented upon in "F.A.", as to me the above method is not in accordance with Cantlie. Thanking you in anticipation.-Yours, &c., A TWE LVE YEARS' FIRST AIDER.

[First aid students should disabuse their minds of the extremely and mischievous error of imagining that ambulance work IS to be crippled by rigid barriers. The official text book is small, and therein merely a guide to treat-

AID.- June, 1912.

ment is given. More than this would hardly be expedient. In carrying such treatment into effect genera l prz'ncz'ples must re ceive strict considerait'on, but as regards detail common sense must .be allowed free scope. See" Resourceful," page 18, Cantlle.

The use of splints may be quite rational despite the fa ct that the fracture is in such a position, that a retaining bandage immediately above and below the fracture is impossible. Th is applies to the test under consideration, wherein it is specifically indicated that the upper end of the lower fragment had been displaced inwards; this must imply that the lower end of tlte upper fragment is displaced outwards. The use of splint s ( provided they are appropriately applied and secured) would have the effect of assisting the retention of the upper fragment in the proper posi tio n - hence their propriety in such a case.

Efficiency, consistent with tlte accompanying conditions, must always be tlte aim of tlte first aider The method by which efficiency is attained is a matter of secondary moment, varying methods being often equally efficient.

The comments quoted are obviously incomplete. Correspondents would show discretion if, when in doubt, they would seek enlightenment regarding their diffi c ulties from those immediately concerned (the judge) rather than ask for criticism of ill-defined statements in a public journal.

I do not care to be asked to criticise or comment upon competition tests set by other judges. I will only add that in my opinion "A Twelve Years' First-aider" and first-aiders generally should be grateful to the judge in question for the pra ctica l and ex cellent test that has been set. -

YO RKSHIRE MINERS' SEMI-FINAL AMBULANCE COMPETITION. LEAGUE

DEAR SIR, - To your correspondent who wrote a long letter respecting the above contest, I must repeat the statement made in my previous reply re com petition tests

Analysis may frequently be arranged for per so nal convenience only, and the construction put upon them by outsiders may be of a nature quite different from that really intended.

It will be a matter of satisfaction for all interested in ambulance matters to know that in all well cond uc ted and upto-date c ompetitions, due c redit will be give n for good work done, even though such work may not be in strict accordance with details shown in the analysis. ( I t is of course of paramount importance that such work must be strictly consistent with the test given )

To put this in other words: discretion must not be exercised merely by tlte competitor. A similar responsibility must rest upon officiating judges, otherwise much of the practical value of ambulance competi tions would be en tirely lost. - Yours, &c .,

No. J District.

A camp of instruction for the district has been sanctioned by the Chief Commissioner, and will be pitched at Skegness, commencing on Saturday, August 3rd, and ending on Saturday, August loth.

Officers and men attending camp must wear the prescribed uniform of the brigade. Members are advised to take khaki uniform for drill and fatigues, keeping the black for walking out. The terms for those attending camp will be :-Officers, 7s. 6d. per diem, and the usual subscription according to rank. The sergeants will run their own mess, a tent being provided. All ranks, IS. 6d. per diem, and a subscription of IS. for the whole of camp. All ranks must be aware of the greater facilities and comforts provided for them in recent camps. Owing to the rise in price of nearly everything, the deputy-commissioner feels sure that members coming to camp will not mind paying this extra IS. Tent furniture will be provided at a cost of 20S. for the

June, 1912.

-FIRST

ent.ire and items can be supplied according to the list, whlch wlll be forwarded to officers attending camp.

COVENTRY.-A meeting of the North-East Warwickshire Corps was held at the Co-Opera.tive Assembly Rooms on J 4th. Rev. W. Dore Rudgard, Assistanf preSided. The object of the meeting was to deCide whether or not a public collection should be made. A short time ago a new Division was formed and they proposed that to raise funds for themselves and the other Di.visions, a house to house, factory, and warehouse collectIOn should be made.

the of the gathering before the meetIng, the Chalrman said, that he thought that for its size was exceedingly badly ambulan·ced. It was only dunng the last few years that they had had a horsed ambulance. He considered that in view c..f the amount of work that was done by the men of the Brigade they did not get enough support. In Coventry, he thought, that by means of one. they would be able to provide all the necessary apP.hanc.es for the Divisions - perhaps get some money for theIr and camp. He pointed out that the me? gave then time up, and also gave their money. The Bngade was worthy of all the support they could get from the pu blic.

Supt. said they might make it a factory and warehouse collectIOn as well. He was quite sure that with a little more money Coventry would soon have one of the best Brigades in the country.

The question was put to the meeting and unanimously agreed upon.

AI D.HENRY POTTER & cO.'S BAND INSTRUMENTS.

for Complete Illustrated Catalogue of all MUSical Instruments, Brass, Reed and Drums.

BUGLES.

Army Pattern, B Flat, as suppl ed to the Army and Navy by HE NRY POTT ER & Co., Co ntract ors to H M G ov e:nment for over 90 years. Speclal reduced price to

STREET. E.C. 188. OXFORD STREET. LONDON. W.

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