The history of first aid dates well before the parable of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. By the 1870s, the Prussian military formalized care for wounded soldiers using the German term “erste hilfe” which translates as First Aid. The British Army adopted these new teachings and helped spread their influence through lectures and training for civilians. During the 1920s the coal industry in Washington undertook a number of steps to reduce accidents in underground mines, including the provision of first aid instruction for all levels of society, including children.
The attached photograph was taken at the Black Diamond ball field on July 4, 1925 and appeared on the cover page of the Pacific Coast Bulletin five days later. The caption read: “Probably the youngest First Aid Team in the world, the Black Diamond Midgets, ranging in age from 7 to 9 years were a feature attraction at the Independence Day celebration in Black Diamond. The boys are training for an exhibition drill at the State Meet to be held July 25. Johnny Gallagher is captain of the team, the other members included Ray Hale, Jimmy Nicholson, Oliver Rouse, Harold Lloyd, Bennie Hughes, and Elmon Rouse. Harold Lloyd, Sr., is the instructor.” This photo and research assistance comes courtesy of JoAnne Matsumura, an Issaquah historian.
The history of first aid dates well before the parable of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. By the 1870s, the Prussian military formalized care for wounded soldiers using the German term “erste hilfe” which translates as First Aid.
The British Army adopted these new teachings and helped spread their influence through lectures and training for civilians.
During the 1920s the coal industry in Washington undertook a number of steps to reduce accidents in underground mines, including the provision of first aid instruction for all levels of society, including children.
The attached photograph was taken at the Black Diamond ball field on July 4, 1925 and appeared on the cover page of the Pacific Coast Bulletin five days later.
The caption read: “Probably the youngest First Aid Team in the world, the Black Diamond Midgets, ranging in age from 7 to 9 years were a feature attraction at the Independence Day celebration in Black Diamond.
The boys are training for an exhibition drill at the State Meet to be held July 25. Johnny Gallagher is captain of the team, the other members included Ray Hale, Jimmy Nicholson, Oliver Rouse, Harold Lloyd, Bennie Hughes, and Elmon Rouse. Harold Lloyd, Sr., is the instructor.”
This photo and research assistance comes courtesy of JoAnne Matsumura, an Issaquah historian.
