Western Front (1914-1918)

Question 1

What aseptic surgery? Give examples

Answer 1

When bacteria is prevented from entering surgery rather than treated during surgery (anti-sceptic). Examples are, rubber/latex gloves, face masks, a machine called an autoclave sterilised the air and instruments with steam.

Question 2

What are x-rays and when were they introduced into hospitals?

Answer 2

X-rays were used to explore the body without cutting into the flesh. This was particularly useful when assessing broken bones. By 1896, radiology departments, began to be set up in hospitals where x-rays were carried out.

Question 3

What are blood transfusions and when were they introduced?

Answer 3

When blood is transferred from one person to another. They began in 1818.

Question 4

What was the front-line trench?

Answer 4

The trench facing the enemy trench. Nomansland was between the British and German front lines.

Question 5

What were communication trenches?

Answer 5

The trenches that linked the front line to the support trenches.

Question 6

Explain the conditions of soldiers in the trenches

Answer 6

Cold and wet in the winter, hot in the summer with mosquitos. Gangrene on the feet, ‘trench fever’ caused by lice, shellshock.

Question 7

How did the Western Front terrain make dealing with wounded soldiers difficult?

Answer 7

The terrain, due to the constant shelling, was full of craters and holes. This led to major problems in transporting injured men away from the frontline.

Question 8

What were stretcher-bearers and what were the problems associated with them?

Answer 8

Stretcher bearers would carry away the large numbers of wounded soldiers from the frontline. This meant they exposed themselves to shelling and gunfire

Question 9

What were the types of ambulances used on the Western Front?

Answer 9

Initially horse-drawn ambulances were used in WWI. However, these were very ineffective. Therefore, motor ambulances began to be used, which were much more effective.

Question 10

What types of ambulances were used from the front to base hospitals?

Answer 10

In the final stage of a wounded soldier’s evacuation, he could have been transported by a train or barge. In these trains and barges there were sometimes even operating theatres.

Question 11

Describe the effects of poison gas.

Answer 11

Chlorine gas affected the victim’s breathing and the victim died quickly from suffocation. Mustard gas caused blisters on the skin, internal bleeding and affected the eyes and lungs and it could take days for the sufferer to die.

Question 12

Describe the effects of rifles and explosives on soldiers during WWI?

Answer 12

It was discovered that 58% of all wounds were caused by high explosive shells. 39% of all wounds were caused by bullets from machine guns

Question 13

Describe the effects of shrapnel on soldiers during WWI?

Answer 13

Shrapnel was when metal fragments from the artillery shell would spread out after impact, causing horrific injury. Head injuries were common. In 1915 the steel helmet was introduced and reduced casualties by 80%

Question 14

Explain the effects of gas masks on soldiers and army policy?

Answer 14

gas attacks (mustard and chorine gas) caused great panic and fear. However only 6,000 British soldiers actually died from gas. However, as a result the British began to introduce gas masks to protect the soldiers in 1915

Question 15

What was the role of RAMC?

Answer 15

The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) was set up to organise treatment of wounded soldiers.

Question 16

What was the role of FANY?

Answer 16

First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) was founded in 1907. This was the first women’s voluntary organisation to send volunteers to the Western Front.

Question 17

What were the four stages of treatment of a wounded soldier?

Answer 17

Regimental Aid Post (RAP), Dressing Stations (ADS / MDS), Casualty Clearing Stations (CCDs), Base Hospitals.

Question 18

What was the role of the Regimental Aid Post (RAP)?

Answer 18

The RAP was generally located within 200m of the frontline, in communication trenches or deserted buildings. The idea was to provide immediate first aid to non-serious injuries

Question 19

What was the role of the Dressing Stations (ADS)?

Answer 19

Dressing stations were set up 400m from the RAP. Dressing Stations were where soldiers of more serious injuries were dealt with. There were usually only 10 medical officers present and the stations were usually set up in positions in bunkers and abandoned buildings.

Question 20

What was the role of the of the Casualty Clearing Stations (CCDs)?

Answer 20

CCS’s were situated a sufficient distance from the frontline to provide protection but they were still accessible via ambulance wagons. CCS’s were usually in factories or schools. There were 24 CCS in the Ypres Salient, 379 doctors and 502 nurses treated more than 200,000 casualties..

Question 21

What was the role of the Base Hospitals?

Answer 21

Base hospitals were for long-term recovery and were usually around the Belgium and French coasts. In November 1916, tunneling began under the town of Arras. There were 800m of tunnels which formed a fully functioning hospital.

Question 22

What was a Thomas Splint?

Answer 22

Used to deal with broken legs. Straps connected to a metal rod to act as the ‘bone’.

Question 23

What were blood transfusions?

Answer 23

When blood is transferred from one person to an another person that was wounded.

Question 24

What were mobile x-rays?

Answer 24

mobile x-rays units were x-rays that were transferable by motor or horse ambulance.

Question 25

Explain the introduction of plastic surgery and why it was needed?

Answer 25

Plastic surgery was introduced to deal with the common and horrific facial injuries due to shrapnel.

Question 26

What was the name that brought in and practiced plastic surgery?

Answer 26

Harold Gilles.