Fire_Services_1961-1962 — Page 19

AMBULANCE DIVISION

61. The following figures illustrate the increased demands made on this division during the year :

1960-61 1961-62

Emergencies & accidents

Non-emergency & inter-hospital calls

21,506

27,114

22,670

30,405

62. There is still a regrettable number of occasions when ambu- lances are not available as required. The shortage is particularly notice- able in dealing with cases for transport between hospitals but appears to be due to a faulty distribution of vehicles for day and night services rather than to an overall shortage of personnel. Consideration is being given to changing duty systems which will make more ambulances available in the day time without necessitating any increase in staff. The problem was aggravated during the outbreak of cholera when one- third of the ambulance force was held in reserve ready to transport cholera cases.

63. At the end of the year, the authorized strength included 25 stretcher ambulances, 5 sitting case cars, and 186 personnel. Recruiting difficulties have left the Service short of authorized strength and the full complement of ambulances has only been kept available at the expense of fire fighting appliances.

64. In accordance with approved development, provision has been made for the inclusion in the 1962-63 Public Works Programme of two ambulance depots where calls may be centralized and priorities more readily assessed.

THE AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

65. The Auxiliary Fire Service has proved indispensable in the general fire defence of the Colony. Members continued to provide valu- able assistance in re-inforcing professional personnel both in manning stations and in fighting major fires. During the year, Auxiliaries re- sponded to 107 incidents and, in times of pressure throughout the fire season, they outnumbered their professional colleagues at a number of incidents.

66. When compulsory service was abandoned, resignations were encouragingly few in number. The obvious esprit de corps reflects well on the Commandant of the Auxiliary Service, Mr. Peter CHEUNG, M.B.E., L.I.FireE. The fine example of serving members was no doubt

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