A Service Medal of the Order of St. John to Provincial Staff Officer James A. Hanna

OStJ, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Toronto, Ontario 1972: (C2649 J.A. HANNA S.J.A.B. 1972). Rhodium-plated cupro-nickel, 38.3 mm, soiled original ribbon, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: James A. Hanna is the author of a book entitled "A Century of Red Blankets: A History of the Ambulance Service in Ontario", published in 1982. Hanna states in the book's Introduction: "While so much has been written on the origins and development of various aspects of modern medicine and health care in this province, little, if any, has been directed at the evolution of the ambulance service. It is in an attempt to rectify this omission that the writing of this history was undertaken." Rather than a detailed account of some several hundred individual services, Hanna confines himself to an overview of the evolution of ambulance transportation and care, from the horse drawn carriage to today's modern services, including air and bus ambulances. He identifies four major periods: the early years, 1880-1934; the developing years, 1935-1965; the transition years, 1966-1974; and the modern years, 1975-1982. Each reflects crucial changes in ambulance service, from the types of vehicles used, their equipment and staff, to the introduction of government regulations and legislation. Hanna has an impressive list of credentials qualifying him as an authority in this field. He is a graduate of several related courses, including Humber College's ambulance and emergency care course. He has worked, taught, and lectured in the ambulance service field for both the private and government sectors.