Cranbrook Ambulance

AMBULANCE ACCIDENT  [Editorial]

            The accident to the St. Eugene hospital motor ambulance this week which may result in that machine being definitely abandoned, is a matter that should receive the serious consideration of everyone, particularly the people living in districts removed from Cranbrook.  For years past the hospital has maintained the upkeep of this car, sending it to remote places on its errand of mercy, bringing injured and maimed people to Cranbrook, receiving little or no remuneration for its use.  True, it was a gift of the people to the hospital, but in the eleven years it has been in use it has been necessary for the hospital to house the machine, furnish a driver, defray all expenses of upkeep, such as tires, repairs gas and oil.  This they cheerfully did without a murmur, but when evil days fell upon the machine, doing damage to the extent of about $400.00, the load has become too heavy to carry and unless the community arise to the occasion there is a likelihood of the ambulance being out of commission for some considerable time.  With the lumber business being practically at a standstill, resulting in patients in the hospital being the lowest in years, that institution is experiencing difficulties in taking care of its overhead.

            The necessity for an ambulance in a scattered centre like East Kootenay is apparent to all.  It has saved the lives of many in the past.  It is a necessity of the present time.  Ways and means must be inaugurated to have it placed in repair and made ready for service.  Cranbrook and East Kootenay cannot afford to be without it.  It is a responsibility devolving upon every town in the district to support.  The late R.E. Beattie was the moving spirit in soliciting funds for the purchase of the present ambulance, when the business people of Cranbrook, lumbermen and lumberjacks generously contributed.