Impact of War on Medicine

Impact of War on Medicine

1. Throughout history countless millions have died in conflict

   • War disrupts research into new cures and preventions

2. Since the Ancient period, war has given surgeons the opportunity to perfect new techniques

   • The earliest surgery took place on the battlefield - dealing with wounds and broken limbs

3. Ambroise Pare developed his new technique during war

   • He ran out of oil during a battle so had to improvise

4. The Boer War 1899-1902 highlighted the post condition of recruits

   • Major influence in the passing of the Liberal Social reforms 1906-14

5. Impact of WW1

   • Storage of blood
   • Blood transfusions
   • Artificial limbs
   • New areas of the body operated on
   • Plastic Surgery
     • Harold Gilles
   • X-Rays
   • Shell Shock
   • Spanish Flu 1918-19

6. Impact of WW2

   • Development of Penicillin
   • Creation of the NHS
   • Plastic Surgery
     • Archibald McIndoe
   • Blood Transfusions
   • New types of surgery
   • Improved health and hygiene