An influenza epidemic broke out on the Aboriginal Reserve requiring Dr Woodroofe and a Nursing Sister to be flown in from Ceduna to provide treatment and care. Essential supplies were provided which included oxygen cylinders, canned orange juice and other necessary items. As it was necessary for the Nurse to remain in Coober Pedy for the duration of the outbreak two tents were also included in the provisions. The large tent became the ‘Hospital tent’ and accommodated the sick, whilst the other tent was the Nurse’s accommodation. The Nurse remained until the epidemic was over. Only after there were no further presentations and after a week or two had passed since the last person had been treated did the Nurse returned to Ceduna on the 22nd June.
(Article: ‘No Empty Desert’ – Rhonda Traeger, courtesy Coober Pedy Historical Society)
In April 1959 Mrs. Andy Carlaw was appointed by the Aboriginal Protection Board to be responsible for the Medicine Chest for the Aboriginal Reserve. In 1961 Mrs. Billie Busbridge was appointed by the Aboriginal Protection Board to take over this role.
The Coober Pedy Progress Assoc. appointed Mrs. Haldane Hamilton and Mrs. Gertrude Lindeman to take on the responsibility of the second Medical Chest within the community.
Although not formally trained, these local ladies were relied on to be the first responders for all requests for medical care including emergencies. These ladies would radio the BCA Medical Service in Ceduna seeking medical advice for the sick or injured person. The Doctor on duty would advise which numbered item (bottle, packet, etc.) from the Medical Chest should be given to the patient and include any further treatment or instructions for the care of the sick or injured person.
Mr. Arthur (Bill) Stretton was the last person appointed by the Progress Assoc. to have the responsibility of the RFDS Medical Chest. He would carry it with him whilst he was on patrol along the dog fence. This Medical Chest is now on display at the Old Timers Mine.
RFDS Medical chest & Mrs. Jenny Gough – Old Timers Mine with Mrs. Jenny Davison