AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE IN SASKATCHEWAN WITH WILL CHABUN!
President Al introduced guest speaker, Will Chabun, a long time Regina resident employed by the Regina Leader Post for over 40 years. Will initially worked for the Leader Post in his very early years as a paper boy. He is a man with many interests. He loves history and today spoke about the Air Ambulance service in Saskatchewan and its early beginnings supported by the writings of the late Don Campbell.
An early record notes in 1928 when a member of the Moose Jaw Flying Club delivered an urgently needed prescription to a patient at Katepwa. A number of firms in the 30's offered air ambulance service as a sideline. In 1936 an up to date service was provided by Speers' Airways in addition to their funeral service business. In the first year Speers' Airways is credited with saving over 60 lives. This service suspended at the beginning of WWII when pilots were needed to serve in the military.
The new Flying Ambulance established by the Provincial Government under Tommy Douglas, flew it inaugural flight on Feb. 3, 1946 and thereafter for $25 a trip. It was stationed in Regina had a range of 500 miles, and carried 7 persons. A helicopter was tested in 1947 and was unsuccessful due to a series of blizzards. The Air Ambulance service kept operating, landing in credited fields. The fields were illuminated with fire flares and with car lights illuminating the landing field. There has never been a fatal accident with an air ambulance in Saskatchewan. This service became widely known and has been filmed in documentaries. Irene Sutherland was a long serving nurse with Air Ambulance through the years and the first woman to take an aviation medical course. As years went by helicopters were introduced and planes came on the scene that could fly further, were heated and could land in airports.
Eastview's own, Jayna, told of her service with air ambulance in the Bahamas as a nurse along with husband, Dr. Eghosa and the challenges they faced.
This was a fascinating story as told by Will. Many thanks Will and thanks to our program committee for organizing this great program.
Will Chabun, Air Ambulance Historian
Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced the 2024-25 theme, The Magic of Rotary, at the International Assembly on 8 January. The assembly is Rotary’s annual learning event for incoming governors and leaders. Urchick, a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, called on members to use the magic of Rotary to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. She also called on them to make their Rotary clubs “simply irresistible.” For the President elect’s theme speech see more at https://www.rotary.org/en/stephanie-urchick-celebrates-magic-rotary
R. I. President 2024-25--Stephanie Urchick
From the Rotary Foundation
A new collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program empowers Rotary members to clean up, protect, and monitor their local waterways. The strategic partnership aligns with both the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Rotary’s environment area of focus.
The partnership “brings together Rotary’s community-based solutions and UNEP’s technical expertise,” RI President-elect Stephanie Urchick said when announcing the partnership on 10 January. She spoke at Rotary’s International Assembly, the organization’s gathering of incoming district governors. Read more at:
It was good to see Hans Gaastra at today's meeting. Take care Hans.
Ann Grahame celebrated her birthday on January 13 with family. Congratulations Ann.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
This was our first zoom meeting in 2024. It was good to see everyone.
Speaker Will Chabun was indeed captivating, Imagine being in one of the early air ambulances with no heat, no modern day airport to land in and landing lights provided by fires and car lights. We have come a long way.
AMELIA EARHART SAID: "FLYING MAY NOT BE ALL PLAIN SAILING, BUT THE FUN OF IT IS WORTH THE PRICE."
Have a good week everyone.
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