Ambulance service turns 50

Mosgiel ambulance manager John Baker. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Mosgiel ambulance manager John Baker. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Mosgiel's first ambulance. Photos supplied.
Mosgiel's first ambulance. Photos supplied.
An ambulance officer unloads an ambulance in the early days of the service in Mosgiel.
An ambulance officer unloads an ambulance in the early days of the service in Mosgiel.
The interior of one of the early ambulances that served the Taieri.
The interior of one of the early ambulances that served the Taieri.

In 1964, 10 men volunteered to get an ambulance service running in Mosgiel, the ambulance was kept in a local garage and they attended about 200 calls a year.

Fifty years on it takes four paid staff and 20 volunteers to keep the St John ambulance service running in the township, the ambulances are kept in a purpose-built facility and St John attends more than 200 calls a month.

It is some of those changes volunteers and staff from over the years will talk about at anniversary celebrations on September 12-13.

The event includes a meet and greet on the Friday night, followed by an afternoon tea and photographs on Saturday and then a special dinner later that night.

Mosgiel ambulance manager John Baker has been based at the Hartstonge Ave station for nine years and enjoys his work.

''It's a unique job. You get to go interesting places and meet cool people.''

Each of the paid ambulance officers was paired with a volunteer every time they went out, he said.

''It's a good community out here and a good bunch of volunteers. It's quite rewarding.''

It was a good station for providing opportunities and development for volunteers, especially those who wanted to take on a paid job, he said.

John Hanrahan, who was one of the first volunteers, is still involved at area committee level.

Mr Hanrahan was hoping about 50 people would attend the celebrations to talk over old times.

''It's changed quite dramatically. It's a very busy ambulance service and will probably only get busier.''

Examples of significant changes included the building of the first ambulance station in 1972 on land in Hartstonge Ave donated by the borough council, and changes to the service to meet demand, such as the introduction in 1994 of a paid officer stationed in Mosgiel.

This required further alterations to the building to accommodate a bedroom, lounge and office.

A booklet was being produced detailing these and other changes over the years, he said.

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