"Smash-up" at Peel Street Corner

A trial run for Gisborne's emergency services at the intersection of Gladstone Road and Peel Street one Friday evening last month was so realistic that many people arriving on the scene thought there had been a serious accident. The exercise demonstrated the efficiency of St. John Ambulance personnel, traffic and crowd control, and fire services.

The exercise consisted of the placing of a wrecked car at the intersection complete with injured driver and passengers. From there on, it proceeded without prior organisation. Two St. John men who happened to be "up the street" gave initial attention. In sequence more ambulance personnel arrived, ambulances were called up, a fire alarm was given by dialling "111", since the car was by then on fire, and police, traffic officers, and fire police went into action controlling the traffic and crowds.

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The scene at the "accident" was most realistic. People taking part are Neil Emmerson and Chris Hamblin assisting Mrs B. Hamblin from the car, while Jean Cording attends to Ngaire Cowie on the roadway.

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At left, fireman apray the car with foam. At right, Chris Hamblin, using a portable resuscitator, gives aid to a passenger trapped in the car.