Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900: Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small CalibreMakins, George Henry
History
Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900: Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre
Makins, George Henry
Gunshot wounds; South African War, 1899-1902; Surgery, Military
It is unfortunate that no details can be given as to the influence of
range in altering the relative numbers of killed to wounded. It may be
stated, however, that in no instance did the percentage of killed to
wounded reach 25 per cent. At the battle of Magersfontein it amounted to
19.26 per cent., at Colenso to 17.97 per cent., and at both these
engagements there is little doubt that a considerable number of the men
were hit within a distance of 1,000 yards. When the distances were very
short the injuries were frequently multiple; and this character was a
more common source of danger than increase of severity in the individual
wounds received at a short range.
A short consideration of the circumstances especially influencing the
ultimate mortality amongst the wounded subsequent to the reception of
the injury is here necessary, although I shall be obliged to make my
remarks as short as possible. The subject is best treated of under the
two headings of Transport and Hospital Accommodation.
_Transport._--The importance of transport is felt from the moment of the
injury till the time of arrival of the patient in the mother country. To
the surgeon it is of the same vital importance as the carrying of food
for the troops is to the combatant general.
(_a_) Removal of the wounded from the field of battle. My experience was
opposed to hurried action in this matter, although it is necessary to
gather up the wounded before nightfall if possible. As a rule wounded
men should not be removed from the field of battle under fire, at any
rate when the troops are in open order at a range of 1,000 yards or
more. I saw several instances in which mortal wounds were incurred by
previously wounded men or their bearers during the process of removal,
while it was astonishing how many scattered wounded men could lie out
under a heavy fire and escape by the doctrine of chances. The erect
position and small group necessary to bear off a wounded man at once
draws a concentrated fire, if fighting is still proceeding.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account