Medicine on the Western Front GCSE History Edexcel (9-1) Exam| latest Version 2025/2026| Correct and Verified Answers

Medicine on the Western Front GCSE History Edexcel (9-1) Exam| latest Version 2025/2026| Correct and Verified Answers How did the conditions in the trenches make medical treatment difficult? The trenches were muddy, wet, and filthy, which meant infections spread easily. Also, there wasn’t much space for proper treatment or rest. Why was the development of the trench foot treatment important during WWI? Trench foot was common, caused by standing in cold, wet conditions. The development of methods like rubbing whale oil on feet helped reduce cases. In what ways did the use of X-rays help with treating soldiers? X-rays helped doctors find broken bones or shrapnel inside soldiers, which made treatment faster and more accurate. How did the role of surgeons evolve during the First World War? Surgeons had to learn new techniques like amputations, repairing damaged organs, and dealing with serious infections from shrapnel. Why was the use of blood transfusions so crucial in saving lives on the Western Front? 2 Blood loss from injuries could kill soldiers, so blood transfusions became a lifesaving treatment to replace lost blood, especially after surgeries. How did the development of mobile medical units improve treatment on the Western Front? Mobile units, like casualty clearing stations, helped bring medical care closer to the front lines, allowing for quicker treatment and reducing deaths. What was the role of the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) during WWI? The RAMC was responsible for treating injured soldiers, setting up medical stations, and helping transport casualties to safer areas for further care. How did the use of antiseptics and sterilisation reduce infections on the battlefield? Antiseptics like carbolic acid helped clean wounds and prevent infections, which were deadly due to the lack of proper hygiene. Why was the introduction of the Thomas Splint important for treating broken legs? The Thomas Splint kept broken bones still, which helped prevent infections and increased survival rates from 20% to 80% in leg injuries. How did gas attacks affect medical treatments on the Western Front? Gas attacks caused terrible burns, blindness, and breathing problems, requiring new treatments like gas masks and more specific medical care. 3 In what way did medical innovations on the Western Front affect civilian medicine after the war? Many medical techniques like blood transfusions, plastic surgery, and rehabilitation were later used in civilian hospitals to treat injuries and illnesses. What was the significance of the role of stretcher bearers during WWI? Stretcher bearers were crucial for getting injured soldiers out of the front lines and to medical stations, often risking their lives to save others. Why was the role of women in medicine on the Western Front so important? Women worked as nurses in field hospitals and in support roles, helping treat soldiers and allowing male doctors to focus on surgery and emergencies. How did the treatment of head injuries change during WWI? Doctors started focusing on brain surgery, improving techniques for treating head injuries, and developing new ways to treat damaged skulls. How did the creation of underground hospitals benefit soldiers on the Western Front? Underground hospitals protected soldiers from bombings and artillery attacks while still allowing medical staff to treat them safely and efficiently.