SOME BITS AND PIECES

I do not think anyone in their wildest dreams could have visualised the changes that would take place within the service, especially those that have taken place within the last few years. There are still people who can remember working with first aid equipment similar to that laid down in Station Order 36 in 1949, together with a collection of wooden splints, equipment the crews had to work with for a good many years, how different to the sophisticated equipment that is carried today.   

Another difference to take place after a good many years was the uniform. Although there had     been minor alterations over the years, it was not until the 90’s that a complete change was made to a more "easier to work in" casual style. Many in the service could still associate with :

Equipment Item   

F.A. Satchel

F.A. Box

Station Order 147 issued in 1953    UNIFORM ISSUE

Bandages, roller 2.5"
Bandages, roller 2"  
Bandages, roller 1”
Bandages, rubber (Esmarch)
Bandages, Triangular     
Dressings , large
Dressings, medium   
Dressings, elastoplast (Sm tin)
Dressings, elastoplast (Lrg tin)
Gauze, plain white, pkts.    
Lint, white absorbent, 1lbs
Measure glass, 2oz, with case
Pins, safety  
Plaster, adhesive rolls 2"
Sal volatile, 2oz. bottle
Scissors, dressing       
Smelling salts 2oz bottle
Wool, cotton. 1lbs
 

2
2

1
6
3
3
 1

1

1
6


1


 

4
4
2
1
12
6
6

1

1

12
1
1
1
2
2
 

 2 Jackets
 2 Pairs Shoes  
 2 Shirt      

 3 Trousers
 2 Caps    
 6 Collars
 1 Suit Overalls

 1 Overcoat
 1 Cap Badge
 2 Ties

Compared to the number of stations initially, and even taking into consideration those lost to London in 1965, geographical station changes have been ongoing since the commencement of the service. The border change in 1965 saw a big portion of them going to the London Ambulance, unfortunately these were some of the newer modern ones. Since then nearly all the remaining stations have been rebuilt, the exception to this being Ashford, who would have been the last, but it was decided to have a vehicle stationed at Esher, and at Woking on a trial basis.  The following pages will give you some idea of how he service has materialised over the years.   

As far as possible the dates are correct, and were dates are doubtful I have left them out. Present day station are marked with an asterisk.    Driving expertise has always been an  important part of the service, and it is often forgotten how skilled the crews must be.  They are expected to drive many types of vehicles, very often at high speeds, in all types of weather conditions, day or night, town or  country, from lanes to motorways.  Some of the vehicles used by the service over the years are on the last few pages of this little book.   

  Start of an Ambulance Service