Looking Back at Ambulance Service

Much has changed in a bit over sixty five years.  We look at ambulances today with trained EMTs and literally thousands of dollars of emergency medical equipment on board.  In the day of this ambulance  shown, their was specialization and funeral homes ran  most ambulance/hearse services.  

This orchid colored ambulance specialized in bringing mothers and new babies home from the hospital.  On May 24, 1949, our new son was ready to come home from the Capitol General Hospital in Oklahoma City.

We had picked a first name but were in a quandary over several possible middle names.  The owner of the ambulance introduced himself and his assistance, Don Petillo, as they prepared to take my wife and son to their current but temporary home in the country near some little new community called Midwest City, OK.  That name Don just kept hanging in our mind.  That is how our son got his middle name from an ambulance driver named Don Petillo.

Another time, my wife needed to get to te hospital in an emergency.  As I stated, there was no EMTs or medical equipment.  Ambulances provided one thing, speed to the scene and speed to the hospital.  I was never famous for slow driving.  In this instance, I followed the ambulance down the rough two lane NE 10th street to St. Anthony Hospital.  The ambulance with siren blasting and lights flashing, bearing my wife, was pulling away from me as it crossed the intersection at Sooner road.  I was exceeding ninety miles per hour.

As you read this, I suggest we all thank God for the  service that is available today.

McQuary's Baby Orchid Ambulance Service