The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-10-09

Chicago Oct. 9--( (UP)- Cross sped trained mercy bat torn battlefields. Today Re death on q new front the ma ribboned thoroughfares that coast, from north to south, manned ' trained volunteer of motor crashes are being sa
 These volunteer workers min ute men of the highways, "-are farmers, housewives and roadside merchants. In cooperation with the Red Gross they have studied the principles of first aid and have ac- uuired the necessary mental poise te act decisively when life or death may hinge on prompt emergency measures.
 Physician Not Replaced
 Their purpose is not to replace the physician, but Ito do the doc tors work until the doctor arrives Their entire program is directed to. ward one end--to turn the patient over to the physician in better con- dition than he otherwise would be- Further toward this end they have converted their homesteads, and { business places into first aid relief stations, equipping them according to rigid Red Gross standards m an effort to stem the wave of highway fatalities.
 Challenged by a toll of S6,40O dead and 1,2T7, ,OOO injured in 1935-a toll that eclipsed vars worst-the Red Cross threw its collective resources into the fight. Consultations were held with local offlcials. Plans were suggested, ideas exchanged ana methods outlined. Out of this came tn, highway mercy program, offer inp the first effective de1ense s-ainst roadway disaster.
 Typical Case Described
 The plan of operation is simple:
 A crash; shrieks mingle with a shower of broken glass-DraKes whine as other motorists halt their vehicles alongside the tangle oi twisted steel-spectators, shudder- ing. offer the usual inadequate sug- gestions as death awaits the nrst nisstep. ,r,..4
 suddenly five men appear. vast ing no time, they analyze the situ- ation. One is dispatched Tor ooc- tor. The others remove the vlc- tims. scan their injuries, and ar- rarr them as comfortably as pos- siblo at the roadside.
 There is no "jack-knif1ng" oi broken bones by pushing a snockeo victim into an automobile. There is little loss of blood, for these men adjust tourniquets in expert 1asn. ion. for their bandages are not handkerchief, but sterile, antiseptic gauge. applied with trained hands.
 Accidents Also Reduced
 Although the emergency accident program is less than Q year old, of- ficials throughout the country pro- claim its success, not alone Tn re. ducing fatalities and injuries, nul in reducing accidents also. AL the outset. stations were established m areas particularly noted for hign- way disasters. This served as an ac- cident deterrent, warning drivers that the particular stretch or hign- way has a dangerous history. :,
 H. J. Calla... an, chairman Of the Webster County (Fort Dodge) la., chapter expressed this m 9 report.
 "The very idea that accidents are expected in a certain area seems to make people more careful. In the four months we have had these sta. tions in our county we have not nao a serious highway accident. l.,
 Success of the program m |"test localities has spread its bounda- r.es to create national cham oi stations. More are planned, ana will be set up as soon as possible, The present goal is 8 network oi 15,O00. ... A
 On midwestern highways, 2S5 sta. fms are in operation, ana l.aUu additional units are planned. Nm f1esota leads VI rnidwestern states with 80 established localities and iS5 sites. Other states have prog ressed as follows:
 Illinois, 35 station, 154 sites; Iowa. 34 stations, 120 sitess Nebraska, 70 stations. 94 s....--5; Wisconsin, 22 sta lions. 128 planned; Missouri, IA sat- tions. 60 sitec; Oklahoma, B sta. lions, 70 planned; Kansas, 12 sta tions, 57 sites. !,
 y Program Progresses Generally 1. \ In Texas, local chapters have set up six stations and are working on 1eO additional units. Michigan. is planning TIT stations. with three in operation. Oth-r states have sta ton in varying numbers. all Witn extensive add. ions planned.
 Not only highway accidents but any injury comes under the trained treatment of highway volunteers Burns, broken bones, cuts and in juries suffc. in routine work are all attended by these first aid ex- perts if they are nearer than 9 physician. A station near St. Joseph A..-A.A anu& xyl0fAVr1 xTyb1A Asa