The New Challenges of World War I from the Perspective of the Hungarian Soldiers’ Healthcare

Abstract

The First World War, which is also referred to as the first modern war, brought many innovations in the field of warfare. New automated weapons of mass destruction emerged. The long-range and explosive weapons also affected types of injuries. Mostly the care of large-scale traumatic injuries had to be addressed effectively. In the period before the outbreak of the war, healthcare reforms began in Hungary as well, to prepare for possible armed conflicts. Permanent care institutions have been established and the Army Medical Officer Staff was formed. Hungary acceded to the Geneva Convention and established the “association”, which is the predecessor of the Red Cross and is still operating on a voluntary basis. In healthcare teamwork was emphasised, with medical officers and crew porters joining doctors. The “experimental” injuries were available for development of interventions in large numbers, and this was used effectively by the profession to gain experience. In my paper, I present these developmental processes.