Veterans' News
Military Medicine
Posted: 2/9/2012
A surprising number of medical advances we benefit from today were established during the Korean War. (NAPSI)—Veterans of the Korean War contributed not only to freedom, but to better medical treatment in combat.
For the first time, helicopters were introduced to transport casualties to field hospitals. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units quickly adapted to the rugged Korean terrain and placed experienced medical personnel closer to the front, improving a wounded soldier's chance for survival and lowering the fatality rate for the seriously injured from 4.5 percent in World War II to 2.5 percent.
Military medical personnel also contributed to developing artificial kidneys for patients suffering from potassium intoxication following emergency blood transfusions. New vascular repair techniques during the Korean War allowed doctors to save limbs that otherwise would have been amputated. They also pioneered protective clothing for frostbite and lightweight body armor, leading to bulletproof vests used by modern- day police officers.
Korean War Veterans are remembered for their tremendous sacrifices. Let us not forget their critical medical contributions that also helped lead the way to modern medical advancements.
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