XN000022-1974-11-16 — Page 2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1974

AMBULANCES TO CARRY INCUBATORS

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WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF PIPED OXYGEN ON ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND'S FLEET OF 86 VEHICLES, THE COMMAND WILL SOON BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A FURTHER FACILITY TRANSPORTATION OF PREMATURE BABIES IN INCUBATORS.

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THE INCUBATORS, WHICH ARE PORTABLE, BELONG TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND ARE HELD AT STRATEGIC POINTS IN KOWLOON, ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

WHEN THE AMBULANCE COMMAND RECEIVES A CALL NECESSITATING THE USE OF AN INCUBATOR, IT WILL BE COLLECTED FROM ONE OF THESE POINTS, CONNECTED TO THE AMBULANCE'S PIPED OXYGEN AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND DRIVEN TO WHERE THE GADY HAS BEEN BORN. THE BABY WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL ACCOMPANIED BY A DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE.

TTHIS NEW SERVICE WILL DE INTRODUCED ONCE AMBULANCEMEN HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO OPERATE THE INCUBATORS.

EVENTUALLY, IT IS INTENDED THAT ALL AMBULANCES WILL BE FITTED WITH PIPED OXYGEN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE TYPE OF INCUBATOR TO BE CARRIED BY AMBULANCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, DEACONSFIELD HOUSE,

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