WW2 Importance

Question 1

How did Harold Gillies contribute to plastic surgery in WW1?

Answer 1

• Reconstructive facial surgery
• Influential textbook ‘Plastic Surgery of the Face’ which set high standards for the field

Question 2

Relationship between Gillies and McIndoe

Answer 2

• Cousins
• Gillies was a pioneer in facial surgery during WW1
• McIndoe was recommended by Gillies as his successor as the RAF plastic surgeon before WW2
• McIndoe built upon Gillie’s foundational work

Question 3

Why did Archibald McIndoe refuse military rank as RAF plastic surgeon?

Answer 3

• To retain civilian status
• Gave freedom to protest against military medical treatment protocols

Question 4

What innovative treatment did McIndoe develop during WW2?

Answer 4

• Saline bath for burns
• Improved healing and reduced pain

Question 5

How did McIndoe address the psychological needs of burned patients?

Answer 5

• Founded the ‘Guinea Pig Club’
• Spoke widely for social acceptance of disfigured soldiers (had to change societal attitudes)
• Costly to female staff (had pressure to have sex with patients)

Question 6

What WW2 campaign highlighted the need for rapid blood transfusions?

Answer 6

• Norway Campaign
• Importance of early transfusions on the battlefields
• Prevent wound shock
• Depended on efficient logistics (proper planning and ready supply)

Question 7

What role did the Field Transfusion Units (FTUs) play in WW2? (+flaws?)

Answer 7

• Delivered blood transfusions near the front lines
• Ensured timely treatment for wounded soldiers
• In campaign in France, revealed quantities of blood had been underestimated
• Lack of proper training for those who worked in FTUs

Question 8

How was blood stored and transported to the front lines during WW2?

Answer 8

• Stored in Mobile Refrigeration Units
• Quickly transported by Blood Transfusion Service

Question 9

What impact did WW1 have on the role of women?

Answer 9

• Provided front-line opportunities
• Showed their capability on the field

Question 10

How did the role of women doctors differ between WW1 and WW2? Why?

Answer 10

• Less active roles in WW2
• Restricted to administrative roles and civilian care in smaller hospitals (Emergency Medical Service)
• Greater efficiency in the Army medical service (did not suffer the same shortage)
• Sexist attitudes continued (believed that women could not properly fulfil duties)

Question 11

What advances in the medical field during WW2 was applied later in peacetime medicine?

Answer 11

• Skin grafts
• Blood transfusions
• Rehabilitation facilities