The effect of the First World War (1914–1918) on the development of British anaesthesia

摘要: One of the greatest but also most unfortunate ironies in life is how modern medicine owes some its existence to deadly cancer war. For those whose image armed conflict one disease, death and destruction, this will no doubt be a surprise. However, these very conditions have allowed military surgeons physicians unparalleled opportunities experiment develop using large dependent populations potential patients. The catalyzing effect war has seen ambulance, hospital, plastic surgery, preventative penicillin as just few products history linked This paper examines whether anaesthesia, particular British can added list when focussing on First World War (1914-1918). anaesthesia that was being practiced at outbreak had not drastically altered from mid-nineteenth century. Old anaesthetics given via basic facemasks could performed by many doctors; specialists were rare. situation, however, during War. because vast number wounded demanded introduction casualty clearing stations help triage treat quickly efficiently. workload 'mini hospitals' created specialist anaesthetist posts within military. Once place, anaesthetists able relatively new concepts blood transfusion resuscitation. These recognized vital against shock, something previously been well researched or understood. While stations, Geoffrey Marshall readdressed studying effects different anaesthetic agents varying amounts shock. work led popularity nitrous oxide, ether oxygen, which turn stimulated interest machines. Finally, treating facial wounds casualties Queen's Hospital for jaw injuries Sidcup, highlighted possibility endotracheal intubation, technique drastic administration anaesthetics. Although there wonder anaesthetics, would occur until neuromuscular blocking drugs 1940s, moved into civilian enabled forefront development much twentieth