Frontline Dressing Station

Frontline dressing station.

Frontline dressing stations are medical institutions that are located in close proximity to the front line and are designed to provide first aid to wounded and sick soldiers and officers. Such sites were often located directly on the ground or in tents and were equipped with the necessary tools and materials for dressings, treating wounds and simple medical procedures.

During the First World War, medical personnel at forward dressing stations were responsible for the timely diagnosis of wounds, provided first aid, dressed wounds, and palpated and examined soldiers. Basically, it consisted of experienced nurses and orderlies who worked under the guidance of doctors.

**Purpose of advanced dressings**

The main purpose of advanced dressings is to eliminate the first signs of diseases, wounds and injuries, as well as to provide first aid in field conditions. Bandaged soldiers can be sent for further treatment or taken to a medical center where they will receive more qualified medical care.

***Stages of providing the first dressing:***

* Examination of patients. A doctor who works at a front-line dressing station assesses the health status of patients. * Selection of the wounded. Medical staff identifies those patients who need first aid. * Providing medicines and tools. The dressing station staff prepares dressings and instruments to provide first aid to patients. The station has all the necessary facilities to provide medical services. * Dressing wounds. A nurse or doctor provides first aid to the patient, washes the wound and treats it with special preparations, such as iodine, brilliant green, ointment, etc. * Transportation to a field hospital or sending to the rear. After first aid is provided, the patient can be sent to the nearest field hospital