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Medical Evacuation Chain - World War 1 - Field Dressing / Shell Dressing

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Overview

Each soldier carried a field dressing packet which contained two individual dressings, one to cover the entry wound and another the exit wound. Between the two bandages was a small cardboard tube containing a glass ampule of iodine. The field dressings contained gauze impregnated with 2 per cent. to 3 per cent. by weight of double cyanide of mercury and zinc. In July 1917, it was decided the iodine served no useful purpose, and caused blistering of the skin in many cases when used in conjunction with cyanide gauze. Issue of the iodine ampoule was then discontinued.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-457

Inscriptions and markings

During World War I, the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) suffered 58,339 deaths and 151,948 wounded. To help deal with so many injured and sick soldiers, the Australian Army Medical Corps was expanded. Australian soldiers served. They also worked in Australian hospitals for returned soldiers. Separate entries cover the Regimental Aid Post, the Field Ambulance, Casualty Clearing Stations, Base Hospitals (General, Stationary and Auxiliary), Command Depots and Convalescent Depots, Ambulance Trains, Ambulance Barges, Hospital Ships.

Contextual Information

The medical evacuation chain and medical services are presented in a separate section of the World War 1 Galleries. Artefacts relating to medical services, the treatment of wounds, casualty recovery are also found throughout the Galleries. Individual stories of doctors, nurses, stretcher bearers are also found throughout the Museum. The Prisoner of War Gallery highlights the degree of medical improvisation and professional skills that saved many lives on the Thai Burma Railroad.

Links to additional resources

WW1 Medical Units

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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