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Abstract
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Evacuation of Wounded a Very Important Problem.
The evacuation of wounded is a very important and very serious problem. No system will meet the needs under all conditions, as every evacuation on an unusually large scale must of necessity be a rule unto itself. Conveyances of 'all sorts should be as nearly as possible standardized, and where the quantity is not sufficient to meet the needs under stress, arrangements may also be made using empty vehicles pertaining to other arms of the service en route for replenishments. Even with this assistance, emergencies have arisen, and are constantly arising, where the quantity of transpor tation is woefully insufficient. All such details should be foreseen and arranged for from information obtained at Headquarters previous to emergency evacuation.
Time Element of Chief Consideration. There are many factors to be considered in the evacuation of wounded, all of which are very important. They should be consid ered, however, with a view to shortening the period of non effectiveness. This resolvesitself into a time measure. Where the wounded occur in large numbers, it is frequently impossible for regimental medical personnel to administer the antitetanic serum. Other important factors are comfort, character of vehicles, dis tances, weather conditions, roads, etc. I think that it is generally conceded that the most important of the above measures is time; consequently, the efficiency of evacuation should be judged by this. This, however, applies more especially to wounds. There is no such thing as a non-transportable case in this zone.
Subject of Evacuation of Wounded Best Treated By Zones.
The subject as a whole may be well considered in zones, and each of these zones differs radically in the method of transportation, and in the. care of patients in transit. The first zone is the most advanced section of the advance zone, where the transportation of wounded is accomplished by litter bearers.
Language: en |