LMS Route: Nuneaton to Birmingham New Street

LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Tamworth

Saltley Shed: mrsalt1603

LMS Ambulance volunteers, drawn from Saltley Shed's Stores, pose for the camera circa 1947. The St John Ambulance Association was set up on 10th July 1877 by the Venerable Order of Saint John to teach industrial workers (particularly in workplaces in areas of heavy industry, including railway employees) first aid, so that they could provide on-the-spot treatment in emergencies. Workers rarely had ready access to a doctor in 19th century workplaces, and since accidents were frequent, death or disability from injuries were common. In many parts of England (and in parts of Scotland, until 1908), St John Ambulance was the first and only provider of an ambulance service right up to the middle of the 20th century, when the National Health Service was founded. When there were far fewer doctors and hospital beds than today, St John Ambulance nurses looked after the sick and injured in their own homes.

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