By DANE LILLINGSTONE
The Stanthorpe Ambulance Station at Bridge Street celebrates its centenary this month and held an open day on Saturday as part of the celebrations.
The day was an opportunity for the community to get a glimpse of how patient care has advanced over the years with uniforms on display dating back to 1902.
The station was built in one day by 23 people and lead by Superintendent Bert.
This was followed by a second in 1920 on the corner of Marsh and Corrundum streets and a third within the hospital grounds in 2011.
Stanthorpe Acting Officer in Charge Penny Lang said it was a special moment for both the ambulance and Stanthorpe communities.
“It’s pretty special for us. The day went really well and was well supported by the community,” she said.
“(The station) started off as a three month trial under Warwick and then they decided to make it a full-time independent station in 1915.”
Ms Lang said that the advancement in technology has been significant to ambulance services and paramedics.
“Where we’ve come from to where we are today with the new Mercedes with a powerlift stretcher, from a litter cart with two wheels where people would be pushing and pulling that with the patient inside, it’s been quite a feat,” she said.
“We’ve come a long way and, obviously, with various equipment that has been used over the years that has changed, obviously making life easier for paramedics and treatment of patients as well.”
Ms Lang was optimistic when asked if a second centenary would ever be on the books.
“Well, let’s hope so,” she said.
