First aid volunteerswere to train forcasualty department

Formed in 1950, the organisation trained men and women in first aid.

A report in the East Antrim Times said that members in Carrick were “in short supply” despite “operating” from Carrick Hospital since 1962.

There were 27 members in Carrick compared to 181 in Larne and 141 in Newtownabbey.

George Licence, emergency hospital reserve officer, based at Larne’s Moyle Hospital, said: “This is very useful work and I would encourage many more people from the Carrick area to take part.”

He indicated that participants required a first aid certificate before enrolment. Classes were run by St John Ambulance; the British Red Cross Society and Order of Malta Ambulance Corps.

Mr Licence said that participants could expect “more integration in the hospital service” and their skills would be invaluable in the emergency department. The Times also revealed that hospitals in East Antrim were “feeling the effects of a national shortage of nurses”.