The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-01
MONTHS WORK
OF CITY DOCTORS
Largest Number of Ambulance Calls
Ever Turned In.
SUPT. GEORGE B. DAVIS TALKS.
Many Sufferers Relieved 10y the Gentle
Hands of the Young Physicians
in Attendance at the City
Almshouse.
SUPT. GEORGE B. DAVIS TALKS.

1T is a noteworthy fact that during
the month OF August the ambulance has
been used more extensively than ever
before in the history of the city, said
Superintendent George p. Davis OF tho
almshouse. when questioned by a Times
reporter yesterday.
This month is unique and distinguish
ed in the records OF the emergency SER
vice OF this CITY by being the month IN
which more calls have been re-
sponded 70 than any month since
It's Inauguration of the ambulance
service here. During August or
1885 the climax had been reached, ara
10 calls held the record. but during
August 1895 the number reached great
er height and l26 calls now holds the
record with this number we have an
average Of four calls daily. and OF them
all about 80 per cent. were az night con-
tinued Mr. Davis.
MOST VALUABLE DEPARTMENT.
This most valuable department mas
been growing steadily in popular favor
and now the ambulance work Of our city
has assumed a scope Of operation that
throws a tax upon the limited agencies
employed in its service. This may b.
readily seen when we say that this de-
partnent. when has for its field OF use
fulness the safety and security OF the life
and limbs OF all moving people within
the limits OF our city gates. IS conducted
by the use OF only TWO horseS-noOla
steeds well tried and willing. and worthy
OF less exciting duties. two ambulance
wagons equipped with apparatus and con-
yenience useful IN emergency.
over these, on duty at all times, MORN
ing. noon and night. is the one driver
this man. whose strong arm and train
ed hand guides the plunging horses with
accuracy and safety. never knows what
IL is 70 be OFF duty unless Il be for few
hours and then he is required 10 obtain -
substitute for whose services he must pay
from his own salary.
Two doctors, appointed from the grad,
yates Of the TWO medical institutions 81
our city. serving a term of twelve
months-compose the ambulance corps.
These young physicians alternate every
twenty-fOur hours, being on duty day
and night. subject to call az any time.
READY AT ALL HOURS.
AT any time Of the day De- n under
the sweltering heat OF midday or
cooling shades OF the evening; AZ any
time OF the night, be IL az the sable hoh'
while sleep onfOlds the city IN deep SUM
her or in the walking hours OF early
morning. In 20 all parts OF the city tho
young doctors go.
To pits OF squallor and dens OF degra-
dalton they carry their healing balm. IN
the dark alleys and unfrequented corners
OF the city they administer their cure
giving lotions. or the most unsavofy
and uncanny nature are some OF the ex-
perlences OF these physicians for the des-
olate. the ruined and the manned. strick-
en- upon wayslde, look TO the city for
succor and the ambulance, equipped with
medicines and doctor, are called 20 fufn-
ish IL.
But this is not all, the ambulance ply
stefan brings to the saddened home the
torn and mangled body OF father, hus-
band. brother or son 10 witness heart
rendering scenes and 10 hear narrowing
cries OF grief from the tender heart OF
woman
The stranger comes within cur gates
and by some mis- ap an accident strikes
him down insensible upon the street. A
passerby seeing the misfortune OF a fell
iow-creature calls the City Ambulance
In five or six minutes there leaning over
him IS the ambulance surgeon doing
what can be done TO alleviate the suffer-
ings OF the stranger Broken bones OF tbs
artisan are set and he is taken home.
mangled limbs OF train'man a-e ampu-
tated. incsed wounds OF tho fighters are
sewed and dressed; the sick upon the
street are treated and carried 10 homo
or TO the city hospital for safety"
The Committee on the Relief OF the
Poor. the chairman OF that committee
and Superintendent Davis are happily
cooperating in building up the various
branches Of the institution. particularly
the ambulance service.
Drs A. c. Brown. Jr., and William
Gwathmey are the resident physicians,
and they have been very successful IN
treating cases.