The Ely miner., 1930-11-07


S3 gram.
- One Of the most recent
~ projects launched, and one
~ which has aroused great
~zz0z<s<zsS interest, is that designed
TO curtail automobile accident tolls.
The utility of that service is too ap-
parent to need selling" 1t is an
undertaking which requires careful
development though. and Red Cross
leaders have not stressed speed so
much as thorough attention to every
necessary detail.
Only Red Cross chapters which have
adequate resources, as to size and
qualified personnel, are encouraged to
undertake such a duty in their terri
tory. Nevertheless, progressive COM
munities are collaborating with their
Red Cross organizations in providing
this novel protection for their own
and transient, automobile traffic.
AS may be known to some. the plan
contemplates establishment of Red
Cross first aid posts adequately
manned, either by volunteer Red Cross
members trained in first aid, or equiv
alent staffs, and provided with emer-
gency first aid equipment and facili-
ties for obtaining medical and hos
pital service in addition.
To insure success, the Red Cross
, has invited cooperation from national,
state and local authorities; autOmo-
hila trodac and tho poa1i-
cal profession. insurance companies,
and other nationally important bodies.
Obviously it is a program requiring
time and public cooperation; equally
obvious, it is pioneer step of first
Importance to all groups mentioned
and to every one who drives.
Approximately 65O,OOO people have
qualified under the Red Cross in first
aid and life saving so that, of that
number, it is certain that many volun-
teers will be available for the posts
as they are established in the various
communities in which these experts
live
Since the World war, to mention an
other practical work, the Red Cross
has assumed, as required by its char
ter, certain responsibilities toward ex-
service and service men. particularly
the disabled. The peak of this serv
ice had yet to be reached when new
and sweeping legislation at the last
session of congress made it apparent
to the Red Cross branch engaged in
this field that their already heavy
duties were about to be vastly aug
mented.
Sick and disabled veterans are aided
in presenting their cases to the neces-
sary governmental bureau, a process
which is often beyond the abilities of
the individual; emergency needs are
met for certain veterans hospitaliZed
while awaiting compensation, or with
deferred claims of one kind or an
other.
Its work in this field has met such
approval that in certain communities,
reports Indicate, there is tendency
TO have work for their veterans and
service men centralized under the
local Red Cross chapter, in collabora-
ton with other agencies interested.
Wherever the problem of the disabled
service man, or his family. exists to
any extent, this activity of the Red
Cross has proven its value.
The country, as a whole, has been
comparatively free from severe cata-
clysms of nature such as earthquake,
tornado, or flood. in the recent past.
Taking advantage of the lull, Red
Cross disaster relief forces are organ
izing through their local chapters and
with the backing of state and munic-
ipal authorities. comprehensive plans
for those communities in event they
should be swept by some unexpected