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 ward methods (Pictures taken at Royal Free Hospital, London) Picture shows a general view of the side of the resuscitation ward, where the centre and sides have been strengthened with steel girders. All the beds have oxygen laid on, and are equipped with heat cradles. The ward holds 20 beds and can be crowded if necessary by placingspecial (sic) frame beds between the beds. One Sister and three nurses sleep in the ward at night. Another similar ward is on the other side of the hospital.”
Well-equipped 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. 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. Developments in blood transfusion technique, particularly the use of plasma instead of whole blood, were essential to the contemporary treatment of shock. 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. See also MED01/01/2523-2527. 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, Emergency Ward, Second World War, Health And Welfare
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