A Mobile X-ray Laboratory for service in
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the field A Well-equipped Outfit which Should Prove of Inestimable Value Under Active-service Conditions
'WAR is responsible for bringing into W use a variety of types of specialized vehicle, and the part that they play in many spheres of activity, particularly in connection with medical services, is of paramount importance and often results directly in saving life. A vehicle that certainly falls into this category is the X-ray outfit shown in the accompanying illustrations, this being based on an Albion KL127 chassis.
It affords an instance of the manner in which leading motor manufacturers are contributing to the war effort, and is an interesting example of the way in which Lagonda Motors, Ltd., of Staines, has turned over its body shops to the manufacture of an X-ray theatre, apart from the important work it is doing in connection with aircraft and other engineering contracts.
X-ray offers the only satisfactory means for ascertaining the nature and extent of fractures and the exact location of metal fragments embedded in the tissues. Such injuries are frequent occurrences under active-service conditions, and swift action is a most vital iiiictor in minimizing their ill effects. This well-planned and self-contained X-ray laboratory is equipped to enable radiographic examination to be carried out with the minimum delay, tfiereby assisting the surgeons in their work, and it is capable of producing an X-ray photograph within an hour of reaching its working base.
The body comprises two compartments. The laboratory contains a portable X-ray unit, which can be quickly erected close alongside the vehicle. The electricity supply necessary to energize the high-tension transformer of this unit is generated by a petrol-electric set mounted in the forward section of the body. This unit was made by Petters, Ltd., of Loughborough, and it keds the X-ray set via a rotary converter having an output of 65 volts a.c. It is the work of only a
few minutes to position and expose the X-ray film, which is then developed in the well-equipped laboratory.
A number of films can be dealt with simultaneously. The equipment comprises tanks for developing, fixing and washing, and racks for accommodating the films while they are drying. Below the benches provided for loading and unloading the X-ray cassettes are cupboards in which ample quantities of unexposed films can be • stored. The benches are illuminated by special X-ray safe-lights, and lanterns are provided for viewing the finished X-ray film. Together with the general lighting, these electric points take their current from the petrol-electric generator, whilst, as an emergency measure, in case the latter should be put out of action, there is a separate circuit from the starter battery.
Upon the vehicle reaching the scene of its activities, the generating unit is run down a ramp and placed in such a position as to preclude any possibility of interference with the actual X-ray part of the vehicle, while it is generating the required power and light.
The range of apparatus carried by the vehicle should enable it to give extremely good service to the troops in the field. It need never be idle, for the reason that, during periods of inactivity in the advance positions, it can well be used at base hospitals for cases of illness. When activity in the forward areas develops, its mobility will enable it to be quickly transferred to forward casualty-clearing stations, where it can speedily be made ready for the reception of patients. Furthermore, when the war is over, it should serve as a valuable addition to the equipment of smaller hospitals, which have, hitherto, lacked the necessary financial resources to enable them to purchase specialized apparatus of this kind.