Revolutionary Medical Treatments and Evacuation
The Western Front became a testing ground for medical innovations that transformed battlefield care. These advances meant the difference between life and death for thousands of soldiers.
The Thomas Splint was a game-changer for treating broken legs. Before its introduction in 1916, most soldiers with broken legs died from infection. This simple device allowed legs to be properly set, dramatically reducing deaths from leg injuries.
Blood transfusions evolved rapidly from direct person-to-person transfers to portable kits and eventually blood banks. The RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) organised 113,000 men across the Western Front, whilst FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) provided the only women's nursing corps.
The evacuation chain was brilliantly organised: soldiers moved from Regimental Aid Posts near the frontline, through Dressing Stations and Casualty Clearing Stations, to Base Hospitals, and finally back to Britain for serious cases.
Harvey Cushing revolutionised brain surgery by using magnets to remove metal fragments from heads. Under his techniques, survival rates jumped to 30% - previously, bullets to the head meant certain death. Meanwhile, Harold Gillies pioneered facial reconstruction, performing 13,000 plastic surgeries.
Quick fact: The introduction of Brodie helmets in 1915 significantly reduced head injuries, proving that simple protective equipment could save lives.
Transport methods evolved from stretcher bearers requiring2−4people to horse-drawn ambulances, motor ambulances, barge ambulances across canals, and train ambulances for longer distances.