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Ambulance Services in the U.K formed after WW2 when an act of parliament was passed , The National Health Services Act 1946 which was set up to provide a health service to the whole of the U.K. It came into being on 5th July 1948 & lasted until it was replaced by The National Health Services Act 1977 !!
Initially ambulance staff were volunteers, The Milar Report of 1964 changed that, making a recommendation that patients be treated en route to hospital. Training Schools were set up & recruits were trained in basic 1st Aid & other extended skills in the use of oxygen, Entonox etc, the cap badge they wore was a laurel leaf!
In 1974 the ambulance services transferred to The N.H.S & the retro cap badges of 1974 replaced the earlier badges. These were again replaced in the late 1980’s & 90’s to the laurel wreath with the Q.C, these badges being mainly gilt enameled & termed as “ modern cap badge!
This Gloucestershire Ambulance Service cap badge from the retro period is in great condition, the popular “cross shape” badge with enameled centre, the words “ Gloucestershire Ambulance Service “ within the red enamel circlet surrounding the county shield. The cap fixing lugs to the rear are strong & intact & an overall great retro ambulance cap badge from the 1970’s.