Can J Surg 2017;60(2):83-85 | Full Text | PDF
Vivian McAlister, MB
Summary
In April 1917, medical units of the 4 divisions of the Canadian Corps combined for the first time in support of a single action, the assault upon Vimy Ridge. Detailed planning, infrastructure development, information dissemination and rehearsal were features of preparations by the combat arms and medical elements of the Canadian Forces. Extraordinary coordination resulted in the rapid rescue and evacuation by Canadian medical services of 8000 casualties over 4 days. Characteristics of today’s military medical services are evident in the work of the Canadian Army Medical Corps 100 years ago.
Accepted Mar. 6, 2017
Affiliations: From the Department of Surgery, Western University, London, Ont.
Competing interests: None declared.
DOI: 10.1503/cjs.003417
Correspondence to: V. McAlister, C8-005, University Hospital, London ON N6A 5A5 vmcalist@uwo.ca