AGY-2071 | Ambulance Corps (1885-1958) / First Aid Corps (1958-1984) [State Rail Authority]

Full description

In 1885 the Commissioner for Railways, Mr C A Goodchap appointed three officers of the Railway Department to inaugurate an ambulance corps within the service. The officers were Mr Kircaldie, Dr Woodward, and Mr Goodchap himself. They were charged with the initiation of the movement that had brought the Ambulance Corps into existence. (1) The Railway and Tramway Ambulance Corps conducted first aid training classes for railway staff at many metropolitan and country centres to ensure basic medical treatment could be provided to ill or injured employees and members of the public. The Corps also maintained medical equipment throughout the railway network including stretchers and first aid chests. At major centres such as the Eveleigh Workshops the Corps maintained first aid rooms. In 1926, the Ambulance Corps numbered 10,188 members and 226 classes were conducted. (2)

On 1 January 1934, the activities of the Railway Ambulance Corps were separated from those of the Tramway Ambulance Corps (3) after the Transport (Division of Functions) Act, 1932 (Act No.31, 1932), created a Ministry of Transport comprising the Minister and three statutory authorities - the Department of Railways; the Department of Main Roads; and the Department of Road Transport and Tramways, each headed by a Commissioner. (4)

Between 1957 and 1958 the Railway Ambulance Corps was retitled the First Aid Corps. (5) The Corps continued to provide basic medical aid to rail employees and members of the public until at least 1984.


FOOTNOTES
1. NSW Railway Budget, 20 September 1899, p,10.
2. Annual Report of the Commissioner for Railways for the year ended 30 June 1926, p.23. (NRS 15070/1/10 56).
3. Annual Report of the Commissioner for Railways for the year ended 30 June 1934, p.20. (NRS 15070/1/11 64).
4. The Transport (Division of Functions) Act, 1932 (Act No.31, 1932) received assent on 19 November 1932.
5. See Annual Report of the Commissioner for Railway for the years ended 30 June 1957 and 1958.