Artie Dodd, Kyogle’s first Ambulance Station Superintendent, became a local legend for his skill and compassion. Driving the bright yellow 1938 Dodge ambulance, he worked long hours providing emergency care and delivered 154 babies including three sets of twins (“without losing a single father” he joked).
Behind the scenes, Artie’s wife quietly supported his work, cooking meals for staff and patients, and keeping the station running. Artie often said there were never enough hours in the day, and his dedication proved it.
Inside Artie Dodd’s medical kit
Among the many stories of the iconic 1938 Dodge ambulance is one that stands out; Artie Dodd’s medical kit bag. Used for nearly 25 years, this kit contained instruments that few others had at the time.
One of the most striking items was a simple piece of rubber tubing, likely from a motorbike, cut to serve as a tourniquet. This basic tool saved countless lives by stopping severe bleeding in emergencies.
Artie’s skill and compassion were legendary. He observed surgeons at work so he could take this knowledge and his kit into rural Kyogle, delivering lifesaving care from the back of the Dodge. His dedication, and that of other ambulance drivers, shaped the history of emergency care in the region.
🎬 ▶️ Watch Artie's grandchildren reminisce about their grandfather and his days of driving the ambulance.
Pictured:
Nicole Ellevsen, NNSWLHD Acting Director of Nursing MPS Network standing in front of the 1938 original ambulance stationed at Kyogle Memorial Hospital. The uniform and cap belonged to Artie Dodd.