The Ashford Litter
As used by the St John Ambulance Brigade
Designed by Sir John Furley and Paul Headley built at Headley’s Wheel Works at the beginning of the 20th century and used in Ashford until 1926.
The first horse ambulance came in 1906 but the litter was still used for short transfers. The litter was kept in the ambulance station in the High Street next door to the fire station in what was Kings Parade.
If required volunteers would turn out, push the litter to the patient’s home, place the patient onto the stretcher, fit the waterproof cover, lift the stretcher onto the litter and then push it to the hospital.
The litter, complete with stretcher and telescopic handles, cover, hood, and apron, india rubber tyres, cost £16 10s.