The Durham daily globe. (Durham, N.C.) 1889-1894, 1892-12-02
CARING FOR THE SICK
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE AMeU-
LANCE SYSTEM OF NEW YORK.

Metropolis Why the Ambulance IL
Better Than a 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 "clear the
track" 1t is a nuisance 70 drivers and
~prc'nenaders.
It 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 a single ambulance
is estimated at 1920. There are twenty
six Of them daily service now. This
involves an expenditure Of $23, 02O a year.
Incidental expenses are not included in
these figures, which only defray the cost
IF the conveyance, the horses feed and
drivers salary.
The number Of ambulance calls re-
spOnded TO in one month was 472. All
# these sick people were comfortably
and speedily carried 10 various hospitals
and dOctOred free Of charge. In the
same month there were tifty-four hurry
calls. These were in cases Of clner-
gency, such as fire, poisoning, apopleXy.
alcoholism, etc.
The ambulance subject is usually Ii
person in poor circumstances. One
rarely secs "A well dressed occupant
being carried TO hospitals by ambulance.
It Is strange that a lack Of confidence
Should be placed III such IL perfect scrv-
ice as the city supports. And yet many
people suddenly stricken i'll brtray a
dread and distrust Of the ambulance.
Ta,re il no doubt that lives are lost by
rlI5 foolish apprehension. All that sci
cnce and advanced invention can do in
the way Of easy and speedy transporter
non, accompanied by the best Of medical
treatment, is given TO the poor and de-
pendent part. OF tine population.
The educated and well placed sick.
when unexpectedly stricken, yield to the
fist impulse to get home at all hazards.
y long ride III a close carriage unattend-
FL by any physician sometimes proves
fatal. The ambulance would be far
safer and the treatment unquestionabIy
better.
The ambulance> which convey pa
tents to Bellevue are probably the most
comfortable c~onveyances 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 a Dill
ioW and fits tightly within the soft cush-
toned sides. Over the bed is laid the
s~tretchcr, upon which the patient can be
removed from the ambulance to the hos
pltll ward without a jar. The bed in
the ambulance Is arranged upon rollers,
- that It withstands the shock of Jolt
i4E ovcrth rough pavements altogether.
y, matter which way the occupant rolls
" losses only cushioned surfaces meet
rho body. a physician in attendance
carries ii handbag containing stimulants,
r">;pEatiycs, "~ntidotoS for poisons and
all drugs that may be required in ordi-
nary eases.
inc conveyance is always equipped in
tn" same complete manner Under the
drivers seat is Il large box, the lii Of
winch forms tlc seat. Under it are
rolls Of b&ndagcs Cut in different widths
tor use on different parts Of the body.
Stored away beside these are splints. !
lint, oakum and oil, saIves, etc, for
burns. y hip splint. long enough to ex
tend from under the arm to the feet. IS
always Il part Of the equipment. This
j. provided III anticipation Of broken
legs. There Is Il lantern at the head Of
in" patient and another at the feet, in
order that no time may be lost in OBJ
l"g.uimS proper light. \ strong leather
Ill;. with iron cuffs attached at the side. !
Toes with every ambulance. This is
1a"d whore a patient is violent or wildly |
Intoxicated.
The fire department system Of harness
ing Is employed. and only three minutes
are allowed the ambulance to prepare to
respond 10 Il call. ON the second alarm
ihe driver drops the suspended harness
Np"A the horse. The backing takes less
tnau "A minute. II" hurries with his coat
and vest, and appears at the hospital ell
franc just rs an attending physician
omc out Of the door.
Any point within IL distance Of two
miles Is reached il less than fifteen min
U,tN.
Ihe &m1"!aMcr call Is reduced to the
ml"lmum degree of simplicity. Every
body should know how II summon an
ambulance. The alarm is always sent
t9]on-h the fire department or the police
stations. On each fire alarm box i 4
notice telling where the key is kept.
ine p~Dlicclnau IN the beat usually Dos
>r>Srs "A Soparat" key. 1t is also his duty
I know whore the other KEY is kept
90. ui.y calls usually street cases. are
INA sent through the fire department to
lie hospitals. Notice given at & police
''a'ion j. at once t~elcphoned to the hos
pitfalls. 1t lies within the discretion Of
th" police officers To decide whether =
patient is tit subject for a prison cell
al. p hospital.
=. an ambulance Is summoned ana the
'.-Da~e i contagious the sufferer is
taken to Bellevue hospital and placed in
!" t.nt outside the building. The ambu-
Iri.-. is nj once fumirafai oD] ~, -,