HOSPITAL—CAMP BORDEN.
“HUNGRY LIZZIE.”
The responsibilities undertaken by the medical department were made the more onerous, not only because an extremely low percentage of class “A” men were enlisted—and these only owing to their possession of invaluable technical ability, but also because the community at large suffered from severe civilian epidemics of scarlet fever and influenza. Surgical work, with dental surgery—which latter covered many major operations owing to crashes resulting in broken jaws and teeth—comprised a considerable part of the duties performed.
A modern operating room was completely furnished at each aerodrome, together with X-ray equipment at the “out-stations.” In the autumn of 1917, the medical orderlies were further aided by the introduction of nursing sisters. For these also we are indebted to the Canadian Army Medical Corps, and without question their work has been of the highest possible advantage. Thus, by degrees, the medical staff of the Royal Air Force increased its personnel, the burden of its duties and the value of its services.
Ambulance equipment was of prime importance. A Packard machine, provided with a special type of shock absorbers and every possible requisite, not only for first aid but also for fire extinguishing, was stationed at each field, and remained on constant and watchful duty from the time the first aeroplane took the air till the skies were empty for the night. So close was the lookout, that “first aid” was often tearing full-powered to the rescue before the crash completed its descent. The ground traversed being often rough and devoid of roads, it was imperative that the ambulances be perfectly cushioned, lest the condition of “shock” as frequently found in “crash” be aggravated by the journey home. It is hardly conceivable that there could have been found vehicles better designed for the purpose than those selected, and unquestionably lives were saved in consequence of their use. Chemical extinguishers and asbestos blankets, the latter introduced for protection of the pilot in case the crash was in flames, were also carried as part of the equipment.
For winter purposes at outlying stations, the aerial ambulances shown herewith were evolved. With a wide radius, landings could have been made in any suitable, snow-covered place, however inaccessible by motor transport. They were never to be used by the R.A.F., Canada.
In this connection it is interesting to note the degree to which the duties of the medical officers in flying camps varied from the more or less regulated routine met with in other services. The senior medical officer has, from time to time, instilled into his staff certain axioms for their constant guidance. It has been, for instance, necessary that the medical officer in flying camps become, as far as possible, the confidant and adviser of all ranks. It is advisable that he himself get into the air as soon as feasible, and that the machine which carries him be put through all evolutions, in order to acquaint him with the physical phenomena of flying. No machine must leave the ground unless the medical officer on duty is within reach, nor must the latter leave the aerodrome while there is a machine in the air. A further responsibility is that he must pronounce upon the fitness of all cadets and flying officers to take the air, and, further, without hesitation, prevent any man from going up who is, in his opinion, unfit. As routine work he must also conduct a monthly physical inspection of all cadets, and be present at all “test flights.”
The psychological side of medical service takes on new proportions in a flying camp. The personality and characteristics of the patient in question must be always kept in mind so that when investigating air sickness the medical officer may determine whether it is real or assumed. The question of fear, i.e., “aerophobia,” in its actuality, and any loss of nervous control, must be established if existing—and obversely. Any excitement or tension must be carefully distinguished from natural recklessness or other characteristics of what is termed a “thrusting disposition.”