Post by jim on Jun 9, 2019 19:54:14 GMT -5
The WW2 Medical Detachment Infantry Regiment
A lot of good information on the Medical Detachment for an Infantry Regiment.
Breaks it down to the Battalion Aid Station and covers the increasing manpower as the war progressed.
A portion of the Battalion Aid Station
"Battalion Aid Station:
A Battalion Aid Station was established for the treatment of casualties and their care while awaiting further evacuation. The Aid Station personnel included two Officers (Battalion Surgeon + Assistant), as well as a number of NCOs and Technicians. After the Battalion Commander had approved the site selected by the Battalion Surgeon, the Aid Station was set up. Battalion Aid Stations were however not established during a rapid advance, in case maintaining contact with the units proved too difficult. In any case, only that part of the Aid Station immediately required would be set up, taking into consideration the tactical operation of the unit supported. It was of the utmost importance to select a good site for the Aid Station, with the necessary protection and concealment. Litter carry was to be kept as short as possible, prompt evacuation and treatment were important, protection from the enemy and the elements was mandatory, and facility of future movement, to front or rear, was to be foreseen. The Aid Station was the place where casualties were received and treated, and where they could await further evacuation. The Aid Station consisted of two separate sections, dealing with slightly and seriously wounded. Gas casualties were to be treated at some distance from other patients.
The Battalion Surgeon, being in command, assumed all responsibility for decisions and plans concerning the Aid Station. Being on the Staff of the Infantry Battalion Commander, he had to perform all the duties required of a Staff Surgeon (he was the senior Medical Officer in the Battalion Medical Section), but he could of course delegate some of his duties to his Medical Assistant (MAC Officer) according to the current circumstances and the abilities of the Officer. He was further assisted by an NCO duly trained in adequate emergency treatment, who could replace the Battalion Surgeon or his Medical Assistant, when absent. General supervision of Enlisted personnel and procurement of supplies were covered by the Staff Sergeant. Distribution of personnel and assignment of duties in the Aid Station remained at the discretion of the Battalion Surgeon. The Surgeon’s Assistant usually treated the slightly wounded and, if necessary, prepared them for evacuation assisted by a Corporal. Enlisted Medical and Surgical Technicians received casualties, sterilized instruments, administered hypodermic medication, performed shock nursing, and were responsible for setting up and moving the Aid Station’s equipment. Casualties were fully examined and necessary emergency treatment given, either to enable them at once to return to duty, or to prepare them for further evacuation. The treatment was generally limited to arresting of hemorrhage, immobilization of fractures, application of sterile dressings, administration of tetanus toxoid and of morphine, and treatment of shock. The necessary additional entries were made on each casualty’s EMT by the Medical Officer treating him."
A Battalion Aid Station was established for the treatment of casualties and their care while awaiting further evacuation. The Aid Station personnel included two Officers (Battalion Surgeon + Assistant), as well as a number of NCOs and Technicians. After the Battalion Commander had approved the site selected by the Battalion Surgeon, the Aid Station was set up. Battalion Aid Stations were however not established during a rapid advance, in case maintaining contact with the units proved too difficult. In any case, only that part of the Aid Station immediately required would be set up, taking into consideration the tactical operation of the unit supported. It was of the utmost importance to select a good site for the Aid Station, with the necessary protection and concealment. Litter carry was to be kept as short as possible, prompt evacuation and treatment were important, protection from the enemy and the elements was mandatory, and facility of future movement, to front or rear, was to be foreseen. The Aid Station was the place where casualties were received and treated, and where they could await further evacuation. The Aid Station consisted of two separate sections, dealing with slightly and seriously wounded. Gas casualties were to be treated at some distance from other patients.
The Battalion Surgeon, being in command, assumed all responsibility for decisions and plans concerning the Aid Station. Being on the Staff of the Infantry Battalion Commander, he had to perform all the duties required of a Staff Surgeon (he was the senior Medical Officer in the Battalion Medical Section), but he could of course delegate some of his duties to his Medical Assistant (MAC Officer) according to the current circumstances and the abilities of the Officer. He was further assisted by an NCO duly trained in adequate emergency treatment, who could replace the Battalion Surgeon or his Medical Assistant, when absent. General supervision of Enlisted personnel and procurement of supplies were covered by the Staff Sergeant. Distribution of personnel and assignment of duties in the Aid Station remained at the discretion of the Battalion Surgeon. The Surgeon’s Assistant usually treated the slightly wounded and, if necessary, prepared them for evacuation assisted by a Corporal. Enlisted Medical and Surgical Technicians received casualties, sterilized instruments, administered hypodermic medication, performed shock nursing, and were responsible for setting up and moving the Aid Station’s equipment. Casualties were fully examined and necessary emergency treatment given, either to enable them at once to return to duty, or to prepare them for further evacuation. The treatment was generally limited to arresting of hemorrhage, immobilization of fractures, application of sterile dressings, administration of tetanus toxoid and of morphine, and treatment of shock. The necessary additional entries were made on each casualty’s EMT by the Medical Officer treating him."
