Los Angeles herald., 1892-10-16
CARING FOR THE SICK
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE AMBU-
LANCE SYSTEM OF NEW YORK.

Those Taken Suddenly Ill in the Great
Metropolis Why the Ambulance Is
Better Than Carriage.
The ambulance service of New York
city is probably the most complete in
the world. Few people reflect as to the
scope of its humane work when the
noisy gong of the familiar hospital
wagon warns every one to ssclear the
track" 1t is a nuisance to drivers and
promenaders.
1t would seem that the ambulance
service, perfect as it is, is appreciated
less by the public than almost any other
beneficial institution which is supported
by the city.
The annual cost of single ambulance
is estimated at 1920. There are twenty
six of them in daily service now. This
involves an expenditure of $23, ,920 year.
Incidental expenses are not included in
these figures, which only defray the cost
of the conveyance, the horses feed and
drivers salary.
The number of ambulance calls re-
sponded to in one month was 472. All
of these sick people were comfortably
and speedily carried to various hospitals
and doctored free of charge. In the
same month there were fifty-four ''hurry
calls" These were in cases of emer-
gency, such as fire, poisoning, apoplexy,
alcoholism, etc.
The ambulance subject is usually a
person in poor circumstances. One
rarely sees well dressed occupant
being carried to hospitals by ambulance.
1t is strange that lack of confidence
should be placed in such perfect serv-
ice as the city supports. And yet many
people suddenly stricken i'll betray
dread and distrust of the ambulance.
There is no doubt that lives are lost by
this foolish apprehension. All that sci
ence and advanced invention can do in
the way of easy and speedy transporta-
ton, accompanied by the best of medical
treatment, is given to the poor and de-
pendent part of the population.
The educated and well placed sick,
when Unexpectedly stricken, yield to the
first impulse to get home at all hazards.
A long ride in close carriage unattend-
ed by any physician sometimes proves
fatal The ambulance would be far
safer and the treatment unquestionably
better.
The ambulances which convey pa
tients to Bellevue are probably the most
comfortable conveyances in the world.
This is an important factor in the hos
pital service, as the jolting of an ordi-
nary close carriage often adds untold
suffering to the invalid.
The ambulance in itself is a study.
The padded bed in it is as soft as pill
low and fits tightly within the soft cush-
ioned sides. Over the bed is laid the
stretcher, upon which the patient can be
removed from the ambulance to the hos
pital ward without jar. The bed in
the ambulance is arranged upon rollers,
SO that it withstands the shock of Jolt
ing over the rough pavements altogether.
No matter which way the occupant rolls
or tosses only cushioned surfaces meet
the body. A physician in attendance
carries a handbag containing stimulants,
restoratives, antidotes for poisons and
all drugs that may be required in ordi-
nary cases.
The conveyance is always equipped in
the same complete manner. Under the
drivers seat is a large box, the lid of
which forms the seat. Under it are
rolls of bandages cut in different widths
for use on different parts of the body.
Stored away beside these are splints,
Di1 1%a
burns. A hip splint, long enough to ex-
tend from under the arm to the feet, is
always part of the equipment. This
is provided in anticipation of broken
legs. There is lantern at the head of
the patient and another at the feet, in
order that no time may be lost in OBJ
tanning proper light. A strong leather
belt, with iron cuffs attached at the side,
goes with every ambulance. This is
used where a patient is violent or wildly
The fire department system of harness.
ing is employed, and only three minutes
are allowed the ambulance to prepare to
respond to call. On the second alarm
the driver drops the suspended harness
upon the horse. The buckling takes less
than minute. He hurries with his coat
and vest, and appears at the hospital en-
trance just as an attending physician
comes out of the door.
4. Any point within distance of two
miles is reached in less than fifteen min
utes.
The ambulance call is reduced to the
minimum degree of simplicity. Every
body should know how to summon an
ambulance. The alarm is always sent
through the fire department or the police
stations. On each fire alarm box is
notice telling where the key is kept.
The policeman on the beat usually pos
sesses a separate key. 1t is also his duty
to know where the other key is kept.
Hurry calls" usually street cases, are
thus sent through the fire department to
the hospitals. Notice given at police
station is at once telephoned to the hos
pitals. 1t lies within the discretion of
the police officers to decide whether
patient is a fit subject for prison cell
or a hospital.
Ii an ambulance is summoned and the
disease is contagious the sufferer is
taken to Bellevue hospital and placed in
a tent outside the building. The ambu-
lance is at once fumigated and the pa
tient transferred to the board of health
If removal of a patient by ambulance
will endanger life the physician must at
once telephone the hospital, meanwhile
remaining with the patient. Then an