How the wounded are cared for in war / by Sir George Thos. Beatson.
- George Beatson
- Date:
- [between 1910 and 1919?]
Licence: In copyright
Credit: How the wounded are cared for in war / by Sir George Thos. Beatson. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.
10/40 page 4
![which is genemJly situated well forward, ajid is in an unprotected part of the shi]). They are located in the most protected, that is the imjst heavily ai'moured ])arts of the vessel, so that they are often in the vicinity of the boiler rooins or engine-room com])artments. Owing to their situation there arise difficulties of sjiace, ventilation, lighting, and temperature, which have to be specially attended to, but the most serious problem is a supply of fresh air to them, as in an action the source of air supply inay be seriously contaminated by the suffocating fumes given off by the bursting of lyddite shells on board, as well as by the odoui’s of charred and burning paint. In consequence of this the fans, though working, may be only pumping down noxious vapours. No doubt the recent improved system of ventilation in our battle- ships minimises the risks of air contamination, but it has its anxieties, and it has even been suggested that this possible danger should be met by having a supply of oxygen at the Dressing Stations for use if required. These Dressing Stations are lit bj- electricity, and have permanent fittings in the shape of operating tables, shelves, cupboards, and other appliances, so that the}’ are always ready,and all that is required when “ immediate action ” is sounded is to transfer to them the instru- ments, dressings, and general contents of the “ sick bay,” together with any patients that may be in it. These Dressing Stations correspond to the “ cockpit ” of the old wooden man-of-war, which, it may be mentioned, was an apartment under the lower gun-deck and below the water-line. It formed in everyday life the quarters for junior officers, but during an engagement it was allocated to the surgeon and his assistants for the reception and treatment of the wounded during the battle. It was to the “ cock-pit ” Nelson was removed from the deck where he fell wounded, and it was there he died amidst the wounded sailors of the \ ictory. Lastly, it is recognised that even on board a battle- ship provision must be made for the collection of the wounded and their rapid and comfortable removal to the Dressing Stations. In view of this, instruction is given to the crew in First Aid, in the carrying of wounded men, and in the exact position of the Dressing Stations, so that the Bearers may know where to take the casualties. As to the form of transport taught, it is by improvised methods and bv stretchers. Of the former, that by hand-seats, or “ man-handling,” as it is sometimes called,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b24919044_0010.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
