Medical Advances During Ww1 Essay

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There were many medical advancements during World War I that has changed many lives in a positive way. Blood transfusion allowed to save those who were fatally wounded back then and now. Prosthetics and plastic surgery helps those who are considered different regain their confidence. WWI helped other less known medical treatment be developed as well. WWI made way for many medical advancements such as blood transfusion, prosthetics and plastic surgery, and other minor procedures.
Blood transfusion is considered the biggest advancement in medicine during the First World War. Blood transfusion helped treat shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, septicemia, and chronic wound infections of the soldiers during WWI. “The quick replacement of lost blood helped prevent the wounded from going into shock and dying,” (Steven R. Pierce). British physician William Harvey attempted the first known blood transfusion after discovering the circulation of blood in 1628. Others have repeatedly attempted blood transfusion before the war took place, they, however, generally failed. The failure was mainly due to the propensity of blood clotting and lack of ability to store them. Therefore, the donor and the recipient had to be in …show more content…

Medical officers discovered new ways to clean wounds to reduce the chances of getting infections, slow down the growth of bacteria, treat broken bones and dealing with the aftermath of poison gas. These small treatments helped lives of many soldiers during the war. Almost 90 percent of the wounded soldiers survived after receiving these treatments. So the doctors brought the skills back home with them to treat Canadian communities. World War I is one of the time period of when there were many new medical advancements. “The pressure and challenge of war led to the development of new medical techniques,” (Museum of War). Many new treatments were invented to help the soldiers and those treatments are still used

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