Background

Often during war time, there are innovative changes in medicine that impact the treatment of wounded soldiers. World War II produced some of the most dramatic advancements in the field of medicine ever seen in the history of warfare. New medicines such as sulfanilamide (sulfa powder), penicillin, morphine, and plasma had been discovered during the war. How were they used?

Activity

Students may research and prepare short reports on the new medicines listed and explain how they were used in the combat zones. Students may also prepare reports on the following: World War II Medic Corp; equipment of the Medic Corp; field hospitals and aid stations; surgery and anesthesia during World War II.

Internet Resources

Journal of Public Health Policy research paper: Vaccine Innovation: Lessons from World War II (Journal of Public Health Policy (2006) 27, 38–57. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200064):

http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jphp/journal/v27/n1/abs/3200064a.html

WWII Medicine (private web site):

http://home.att.net/~steinert/


(lesson contributed by Teresa Begley)