The Western Front 1914-18

• How did blood transfusions improve during the war

  Previously, patient and donor are directly connected. This is necessary as blood clots while it is in storage

  From 1915, blood groups have been discovered, so less people die from transfusions.

  From 1917, blood was able to be stored in cool temperatures, and the first ever blood bank was used in the Battle of Cambrai 1917
• How were infections treated

  Aseptic surgery isn't possible in advanced Dressing Station and casualty clearing station.

  Carrel-Danken method used salt water to steralise wounds

  surgery and amputations were used as a last resort
• explain 2 features of

  The 1st Battle of Ypres

  Germnay still hold their ground. England have acess to the english channel

  one of first use of trenches in WW1
• explain 2 features of

  The second Battle of Ypres

  First use of chlorine gas as a weapon

  Germans gain ground around Ypres
• explain 2 features of

  The battle of the somme

  Extremely high casualties - 20,000 Dead on the first day

  first use of Tanks, but not in large numbers
• explain 2 features of

  The Battle of Arras

  The British use connecting tunnels Underground. They featured an underground hospital, running water and electricity.

  British forces gained small amounts of ground, but Both sides suffered high casualties
• explain 2 features of

  The third battle of Ypres

  Extreme mud and rain. Thousands drowning in the mud and high casualties

  British Forces makes some gains but with high casualties
• explain 2 features of

  The Battle of Cambrai

  First large scale use of Tanks

  First use of the portable blood bank
• explain 2 features of

  The support trench system

  Often in better condition than the Frontline Trench.

  200 to 500 m back from the Frontline Trench. Soldiers would offer support to Frontline if needed
• explain 2 features of

  Reserve Trench

  Troops rested. However, some counter attacks were launched from the reserve Trench

  Best condition Trench. Far away enough from Frontline to experience any warfare most of the time
• Explain two features of

  The Frontline Trench

  Zigzag shape, to stop any enemies from entering the trench and shooting down a straight line

  Attacks were launched from here. Troops could be instructed to go 'over the top' at any time. This trench was the worst condition
• Explain two features of

  Gas attacks

  First use of chlorine gas was at the second Battle of Ypres. It caused blisters on the skin and in the lungs, temporary blindness and Burns.

  Greatly feared by the soldiers, but rarely caused death
• Explain two features of

  Illnesses caused by the trenches

  Trench foot. gangrene and decay building up over long periods of time being in wet conditions

  Trench fever. Caused by lice and had symptoms like the flu. Was later sold partly by lice inspections and 'de-licing' by officers
• Explain two features of

  Injuries caused by aggressive weaponry

  Shells and shrapnel injuries. Highest cause of death, these weapons exploded into many small pieces so difficult to escape from, and went to deep into the body. - often investigated with an X-ray. Brodie helmet introduced in late 1915 to replace soft caps, greatly reducing death from head injuries

  Explosives and artillery. Could penetrate deep into the skin, damaging organs and often leading to missing limbs or limbs needing to be amputated
• Explain two features of

  Illnesses associated with Infection on the Western Front

  Very difficult to prevent, as there was little sanitary options for soldiers, trenches were water-logged and disease ridden

  A high cause of death. Even the smallest injuries can become infected. Gangrene and tetanus especially fatal
• Explain two features of

  The RAMC

  In charge of the chain of evacuation to remove injured people from the front line. This included advanced dressing stations, casually clearing stations and base hospitals

  In charge of any first aid treatment on the front line. For example stretcher bearers carrying simple equipment and morphene
• Explain two features of

  The FANY

  Fully compiled of female volunteers. Most had little medical training, but wanted to help. They were only accepted in the British Army on the first of January 1916 where they were allowed to help the RAMC.

  Drove motor ambulances and did basic first aid. Jobs like transporting people to base hospitals and casualty clearing stations
• What is the order of the chain of evacuation

  1. Regimental aid post (RAP)

  2. Dressing stations (ADS and MDS)

  3. Casualty clearing station (CCS)

  4. Base Hospital
• Explain two features of

  Regimental aid posts

  Closest to the front line. Often in communication trenches, dug-outs or even shell holes.

  Strether bearers were based here, offered first aid and pain relief and brought the injured back to the RAP. Some soldiers had to walk
• Explain two features of

  Dressing stations

  400 to 1200 meters away from regimental aid post. Held in small buildings or tents

  Carried out the most basic treatment, like dressing wounds. Severely wounded were quickly sent to casualty clearing stations
• Explain two features of

  Casualty clearing stations

  Several miles behind regimental aid post. Held in large old abandoned buildings. Often situated near railways

  Larger range of treatments were available. For example portable X-rays were sometimes present, allowing for shrapnel to be identified and removed. The Wounded with no chance of survival were given pain relief and left without treatment
• Explain two features of

  Base hospitals

  Largest hospitals situated near the coast, so people could be transported back to England easily by boat

  Largest number of Staff from the RAMC, offering a very large range in treatment. Multiple x-rays and more advanced surgery and more beds available
• Explain two features of

  Xrays on the western front

  Static machines were found at casualty clearing stations and base Hospital. portable machines were found closer towards the front line.

  They were used to identify shrapnel and bullet wounds in hard to reach areas for example in the head. Without them, fatality would be much higher as shrapnel could be left in the body
• Explain two features of

  The Thomas splint

  Created December 1915, used to stop broken limbs from staying bent, and causing the soldier not to be able to fight anymore.

  Also greatly decreased fatality rate after its creation. Fatality from a broken limb went from 80% to 20% after it's introduction
• Explain two features of

  How infection was treated

  Bacteria were often already in the body because of the awful conditions of the trenches. Open, infected wounds were difficult to treat, but the most common way was removing any dead or infected tissue, and using carbolic acid, as discovered by Joseph Lister.

  It was very important to remove any shrapnel or bullets from the body. These weird later chords further infection and Death. X-rays were used for this in difficult areas