Chain of evacuation

Question 1

What was the first part to the chain?

Answer 1

• The regimental aid post was close to the front line
• The regimental medical officer was helped by stretcher bearers in administrating first aid
• He sent more serious injuries onto the next stage

Question 2

What was the second part to the chain?

Answer 2

• The field ambulance was a mobile medical unit of the RAMC which was set up in dressing stations
• They were about a mile back from the front line in derelict buildings or tents
• They were staffed by medical officers or stretcher bearers and in 1915, some nurses.
• They would look after men for a week
• Serious cases were sent straight to the CCS

Question 3

What was the third part to the chain?

Answer 3

• CCS (casualty clearing stations) were larger and better equipped
• They were situated in buildings several miles from the front line and were staffed by doctors and nurses who prioritised treating life-threatening conditions who had chance of survival
• They were the most important for reducing risk of infection until March 1918 when base hospitals regained that role

Question 4

What was the fourth part to the chain?

Answer 4

• Base hospitals were situated near ports on the coast
• They had many medical staff, including doctors who specialised in certain treatments
• Patients could stay for some time before returning to the front or being sent home for further treatment

Question 5

Describe the medical workers

Answer 5

• Initially all medical workers were from the RAMC but later volunteers were allowed from (for example) FANY
• The volunteers were mostly used to drive the ambulances cooking and cleaning

Question 6

Describe the underground hospital at Arras

Answer 6

• Also known as Thompson’s Cave
• It was very close to the front line in the tunnels underneath the town
• Included space for 700 beds, an operating theatre
• It was supplied with running water and electricity

Question 7

What were the transportation problems?

Answer 7

• Difficult terrain meant that not everywhere could be accessed when needed
• Many roads and railway lines had been destroyed
• Constant shelling and artillery fire made it difficult to get anywhere without being hit
• Initially no motor ambulances were sent and there were not enough horses to cope
• Public appeal in Britain raised money for 512 motorized ambulances to be sent