When it comes to the Halifax Explosion, I think of the civilian and
Among the groups that offered assistance were members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. According to a Report by the Halifax Centre Nursing Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade, “Within a few (hours) of the explosion, 62 had rendered first aid - arresting (hemorrhage), removing glass, plaster and splinters from wounds, applying dressing and splints where necessary. By the application of their knowledge of asepsis, they helped to prevent serious complications." Not only had this group provided medical attention to people in the devastated area and in the hospitals after the explosion, but before the explosion, qualified nurses and doctors gave First Aid training to some members of the Army Medical Corps, police officers and firemen.
Many soldiers and sailors from other countries, who had similar medical training and access to supplies, would join the relief effort. Rescue parties would come ashore with stretcher bearers. The stretcher bearers carried the wounded out of areas where access roads were blocked.
The first aid provided to the wounded before they were transported to the hospitals, saved many lives. I wasn't aware that there were so many people who had this kind of training until reading some of the Archibald MacMechan reports and doing further research related to these reports. This shows that being prepared for a disaster can save lives. If you have the time and/or feel led, why not seek out some first aid training.
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross
Resources:
Report: Halifax United Nursing Davison, No. 17, St. John Ambulance Brigade
Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 33 - page 4 - Note: The parenthesis () in quote are possible word corrections like (hour) instead of "house".
The Military in Disaster Relief after the Explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 1917 - by Lieutenant Charles E. Matykiewicz, U.S. Navy
