Medical Advancements In World War Two

he Advancement of U.S Medical Practice and Medicine in World War Two

War is bloody and can cost not only billions of dollars, but something much more devastating: human lives. However, advances in the medical field help make the cost of human lives slightly less calamitous. As with any previous war, with the onset of World War Two (WWII) on September 1, 1939, came astonishing new medicine and medical practices that even affect us today. Researchers and medical experts made great strides when attempting to control diseases, modify environments, and maintain the health of civilians and military populations during this global war (Whayne 173). The new medicine and medical practices that were created saved millions of lives and created a backdrop

Blood plasma, according to the American National Red Cross, is “the liquid portion of blood – a protein-salt solution in which red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended...Plasma contains albumin (the chief protein constituent), fibrinogen (responsible, in part, for the clotting of blood) and globulins (including antibodies).” Blood plasma is essential for cell function, and it also became vital in treating the wounded on the battlefield. Dr. Charles Drew’s discovery of the application of blood plasma lead to the saving of thousands, even millions of people. Drew discovered that plasma could be used in blood transfusions instead of blood in 1939 (Steinert). This was a revolutionary discovery because blood degraded quickly and could not be preserved for longer than a few days during that time. Plasma contains all of the essentials of blood, and when in a transfusion, can maintain proper blood volume, proper blood pressure, and provide effective nourishment (“Nursing History”). Blood Plasma’s ultimate application during WWII was to prevent soldiers from going into shock. The greatest concern for wounded soldiers on the battlefield was the loss of fluids which results in low blood pressure. By transfusing casualties with plasma, blood volume is maintained and blood pressure remains at a normal level, effectively preventing shock (“Fact Sheet: Blood Plasma”). The use of blood plasma to treat shock was extremely effective, and had a lot of civilian support. By the time the U.S blood plasma collecting program ended in September 1945, the American Red Cross had collected over 13 million units of blood and converted nearly all of it into blood plasma (Steinert). Blood Plasma as a blood transfusion substitute definitely lessened the amount of death that occurred during