Ambulance Service

St. John Ambulance

The ambulance service in Hastings was originally operated by the St. John Ambulance Brigade, which had headquarters under the Glenroyde Hotel on the corner of Wellingon Square and Castle Hill Road for a period around 1914.In 1954, they carried 12623 patients and travelled 116,245 miles over 7476 journeys in their fleet of six ambulances and four cars.

Ambulance Stations/Garages

In the 1920s, the Ambulance service was based in the Corporation Yard, Waterworks Road and in part of what is now Wilson Process Systems in the same road. Calls were received in a small office above the garage building, with out of hours calls being dealt with by an ambulanceman, Jack Drewitt, who lived opposite at number 18<ref>East Sussex Ambulance Service - Andy Parr.

Phoenix Hall, Castle Hill Road

By 1946, this had re-located to the Phoenix Hall in Castle Hill Road

Fever Ambulance

In 1931, Hastings Corporation received a state-of-the-art fever ambulance that marked a significant upgrade in its public health response capabilities. This modern vehicle, built on a robust 20 hp Austin chassis, was not only reliable but also incorporated several innovative features that distinguished it from its predecessors.

One of the standout elements of the ambulance was its servo braking system. At a time when automotive technology was rapidly advancing, the inclusion of servo brakes provided enhanced stopping power and improved control, ensuring safer and more efficient operation during emergency runs. This was particularly important for a vehicle tasked with navigating both urban and rural routes under urgent conditions.

A truly unique aspect of this ambulance was its forward airtight compartment, specifically designed for the secure transport of infected bedding. During an era when stringent measures were required to control the spread of infectious diseases, this compartment was an ingenious solution. It minimized the risk of airborne contamination by securely sealing away soiled linens, thereby protecting both the vehicle’s occupants and the broader community from potential pathogens. This new ambulance replaced the previous model, which had been in service for over seven years.

WW2

On the 19th of March, 1938, an advertisement appeared in the Hastings & St. Leonards Observer for female ambulance staff to replace the men lost due to being called up. There were to be two staff members per ambulance - a driver, and an attendant to ride in the back with any patients being carried. The advert detailed that training would be provided in basic first-aid, anti-gas precautions and how to deal with incendiary bombs!.

Images

• Images
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  The New St John Ambulance Hastings and St Leonards Observer Saturday 14 August 1937 BNA

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  Hastings Ambulance Station - Bohemia Road

See also: St. John Ambulance Brigade Headquarters