The evening times., 1896-08-20


in railroading is a hospital ear, and ii is
probable tliat the Baltimore and Ohio viii
eventually add to its possessions this latest
development in the way of rolling stock.
The Baltimore and Ohio has less need cf
such service than most of the big
railroads, but there is no railroad that
doesn't require it some time or other.
The tirst hospital car has been put in
operation by Frank II. Caldwell, chief sur
geon OF the Plant system. Railroads, as
a rule, have relief cars, intended simply for
the transfer of injured employees and pas
sengers, but the belief has always been
strong that au actual hospital would be
practicable.
By The use of the hospital car, howe yer,
the victim may receive the same treat
ment as il he were iu a city institution
LIVES WILL BE SAVED.
With the coming of the new car there
Will he no delay in the relief OF sufferer,
for even operations, may be performed while
intr:lusit; and this, too, under the most favor
able conditions. 1t is generally conceded in
railway circles that this is u humane,
economic and up-,c-date idea that VIII De
the means of saving many lives.
There arc Two general divisions TO the hos
Diial car, what might be called tic ward
and The operating room, with a small room
for consultation. between them. Each OF
these inthc car whichhas already been ouilt,
and after which others arc To DC modelled,
is an ideal of compactness aud complete
ness. Because OF The limited room, it is
necessary that every possible space-sav'ng
device he used, as Well as 10 have every de-
The car itself outwardly has much the ap-
pearance of an ordinary baggage car. 1t is
strongly built and decorated in the simplest
style. 1t is within that the wonders are to
be seen.
The ward takes up something more than
a third of the interior, and Is Il bare, up
holstered room. 1t is fitted with half
dozen wrought iron beds with wire woven
springs. The legs of the bed rest on
heavy, broad, corrugated rubber tips on
The floor of the car. These soften the jolt
and jar of the train, aud prevent the beds
from slipping.
DESCRIPTION OF A WARD.
BY a unique arrangement these beds are
hinged SO that when not in use they can be
fastened against the wall aud he entirely
out of the way. These beds are taken down
one at a time as needed for sufferers, or for
the purpose of airing. Besides these. there
is an air bed, of the most improved pattern.
This can be folded into a very small conf
pass and placed in closet especially made
for it, which also answers for Il chair.
When needed, IL takes but the work of
moment 10 drag the bed out and initiate It.
Among The other things in the ward is a
hu aal. In NJ
the car by strong straps. Connected with
| the hammock is a device of short spiral
| springs, so delicately constructed as TO pre-
| vent any jolt or jar of the car being comnil-
ncated TO the occupant, A new form Of
| stretcher will bc used to transport the suf-
| ferers 10 and in the car. II is of cypress,
! light, springy, yet strong aud durable.
| 1t is made few inches narrower than
the car door, in order that two sta andard car
cushions may just fit it, which will give ad-
| ditional comfort and protection when de-
sired. The covering of the stretcher is Of
| heavy duck on wire netting. The netting
and duck are fastened to the frame with
strips OF wood, screwed on, and easily re-
| moved and cleaned. This strctcher is much
more elastic than that in general hospital
use. being especially adapted to the motion
| OF the train.
THE OPERATING ROOM.
In the center OF the ear, between he con-
sulting room and the wards, is Incorporating
| room, which is the joy of all surgeons who
have in years past been compelled to con-
tend with the crude methods of atte endin /;
to the injured in railroad accidents.
This in the majority of cases made the
| necessity of an operation thing to be de-
| plored, owing 10 the inadequate means mt
hand. The operating table is of iron, with
glass top, with all necessary appliances
for the performance Of perfectly asceptic
| operations and the prevention of shock.
| There is large tank filled with sterilized
water, sterilZers, and all necessary ap-
| paratus. Bedding is packed IN a corner
cupboard, while in another, in the center of