Western Front

What was trench warfare?

Fighting from long ditches dug into the ground. Soldiers lived and fought in these trenches in poor, unsanitary conditions.

What were the main features of the trenches?

Front line, support trench, reserve trench, communication trenches, dugouts, and barbed wire. Conditions were cramped and dangerous.

What were the conditions like in the trenches?

Wet, muddy, and unhygienic. Led to diseases like trench foot, lice infestations, and infections due to lack of sanitation.

Name common illnesses and injuries on the Western Front.

Trench foot, trench fever, shell shock, gas attacks, shrapnel wounds, bullet wounds, and infections from muddy conditions.

What was shell shock?

Psychological trauma caused by intense warfare. Symptoms included shaking, nightmares, and anxiety (now known as PTSD).

What were stretcher bearers?

First responders who recovered the wounded from the battlefield. Faced great danger under fire and poor conditions.

What was the evacuation route for the wounded?

1. Regimental Aid Post (RAP)

2. Dressing Station

3. Casualty Clearing Station

4. Base Hospital

What did the Regimental Aid Post (RAP) do?

Provided immediate first aid close to the front line. Minor injuries treated, serious cases moved on.

What was the role of the Casualty Clearing Station (CCS)?

Treated serious injuries like infections or amputations. Often performed triage to sort patients by severity.

What role did Base Hospitals play?

Located further from the front, they had proper facilities for surgery and long-term recovery.

What was the RAMC?

Royal Army Medical Corps – responsible for medical care. Ran the evacuation chain and staffed dressing stations and hospitals.

What was the FANY?

First Aid Nursing Yeomanry – provided frontline support including first aid, driving ambulances, and cooking for troops.

What were the main medical developments during WWI?

Blood transfusion, use of mobile X-ray units, antiseptic surgery, and Thomas splint to treat broken legs.

Why was blood transfusion important in WWI?

Saved lives by replacing lost blood. Sodium citrate allowed storage of blood outside the body.

How did the Thomas Splint help?

Kept leg fractures still, reducing death from blood loss. Increased survival rate from leg wounds from 20% to over 80%.