The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Resuscitation methods at Coventry Hospital. Picture shows the method of producing plasma at the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. The plasma is drawn from the bottle (right) and pooled in the large Winchester bottle. From the Winchester a tub (sic) connected to the first receiving bottle, from the first receiving bottle to the second, and so on until from the fourth receiving bottle the tube goes to the water suction ump. Starting the water causes a suction through the series of bottles and the plasma is drawn off, first filling the pool bottle and then in turn each receiving bottle. Once the process has started it is easy to replace each receiving bottle as filled and to replace the bottle of stood blood as the plasma is drawn off.”
Resuscitation and ‘shock’ wards were established to treat patients in shock after air raids, surgery, or injury. Wards were kept warm but well-ventilated, and each bed would be constantly heated with hot water bottles or electric blankets in order to be ready for the admission of casualties. Radiant heat cradles and “shock cages” may have been placed over the bed to provide warmth, but it was important that warmth be applied “with care and moderation”. Raising the foot of the bed was used to treat low blood pressure, while patients with chest injuries may have breathed with more ease if propped up. The wards had to be well-equipped with dressing trolleys, basins, and equipment for blood transfusions. Developments in blood transfusion technique, particularly the use of plasma instead of whole blood, were essential to the contemporary treatment of shock: the outbreak of the Second World War had prompted work investigating the division of blood into its constituent parts, and liquid plasma was more efficient to transport than whole blood. Dried plasma was later introduced with the benefits of stability, economic storage and transportation, and ease of preparation. It was recommended that resuscitation wards be located near to a hospital's operating theatre, X-ray department, and surgical wards, or for necessary equipment and staff to be ready in the ward. The “competent nursing of shocked patients” was vital. See also MED01/01/1275-1278. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Hospital, Laboratory, People At Work, Health And Welfare
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