The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-10-21
CARING FOR THE SICK
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE AMRU-
LANCE SYSTEM OF NEW YORK.

Luxurious Vehicles for the Comfort OF
Those Taken Suddenly Ill in the Great
Metropolis - Why the Ambulance L.
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 it's humane work when the
noisy gong of the familiar hospital
wagon warns every one to "clear 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 instisltion which is supported
by the city.
|. The annual cost of a single ambulance
is estimated at 1920. There are twenty
six of them in daily service now. This
involves an expenditure of $23, 1920 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 ffty-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.
It is strange that a 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-
Toned 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 losses only cushioned surfaces meet
the body. A physician in attendance
carries 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,
lint, oakum and oil, salves, etc., for
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
intoxicated.
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
- driver drops the .susnended basuess