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Western Front (Trench system (The first ones were hurriedly dug by troops,…
Western Front
Trench system
The first ones were hurriedly dug by troops, existing ditches and banks were used to make it easier
Trenches would be maintained constantly and improved, e.g. drains and steps were added
In different places the terrain would differ, deep mud and water logging inhibited transportation
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Troops would return to the support trench from the frontline, this was in the middle of the system
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Blood transfusion
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1915 - Richard Lewisohn discovered adding sodium citrate stopped the blood clotting, allowing for short storage
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1916 - Francis Rous and James Turner added a citrate glucose solution to allow blood to be stored longer
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In the 1800s, blood had to be transferred directly and only had about a 50% survival rate
1901 - Karl Landsteiner discovered 3 blood groups A, B and O
1902 - Landsteiners colleagues found a 4th blood group, AB, and that blood could only be transferred between the same groups
X-rays
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1896 - Radiology departments opened and could be used to diagnose embedded objects and bone problems
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Mobile units were used closer to the front, images weren't as clear
Battles
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Battle of Arras
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1916 - British linked and expanded underground tunnels, caves and quarries
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Injuries
Head injuries - unexpectedly common, mostly caused by shrapnel
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Gas attacks - Caused mostly temporary blindness, coughing and also burns
July 1915 - Gas masks given to all British troops, before they would protect their face with urine soaked cotton pads
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Infections
Antiseptic and aseptic surgery was not possible in Dressing stations and Casualty Clearing Stations and wounds may already be infected
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As a last resort, surgeons would amputate the limbs
Illnesses
Shell shock - Caused total mental break down, some sufferers were accused of cowardice
Trench fever - Flu like symptoms, could last for months and continue to occur
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Trench foot - Caused by standing in waterlogged trenches, could lead to gangrene then amputation
Whale oil, spare socks, pumps to drain trenches and duckboard were used to prevent water contacting feet
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