Thread: WW2 Sanitäter und Krankenträger (medic & stretcherbearer) - an overview

A brief summary of the German triage process.

When a man was wounded he would be given first aid in a Verwundetennest by a medical NCO (typically an Uffz). Dressings, splinting, traction, pressure bandages, tourniquets applied. /2

He was moved to the Truppenverbandatz (within 1-2kms of front line) where an officer would check the patient, minor surgery, pain relief, shock treatment, infection prevention & prep for move to the rear. /3

The next stage in the process was the Hauptverbandplatz (6km to the rear). Designed for clearing & hospitalisation. Typically 2 surgeons (or more). Designed for 200 patients. Primary surgery on abdominal wounds, amputations & non-transportable cases. /4

Next was the Feldlazarett, dealing with head, transportable chest, severe muscle wounds & major compound fractures with surgery. Designed for 200 patients, typically staffed with 2 surgeons. /5

Finally, the Kriegslazarett for hospitalisation of patients not returned to their units & certain complicated surgery, such as head wounds. /6

For the purpose of this thread, I shall focus on Tweet 2, the first stage of treatment by the medical personnel in the frontline - at the Verwundetennest.

My collecting focuses on this equipment. /7

Training, as you would believe, was intense and demanding for medical trainees. Dv.59 was their Bible. The 1939 edition (431pgs) had extensive anatomical, illness & injury thru accident material, but nothing on wounds from Wartime. Later editions did..../8

So a casualty would have been brought to the Verwundetennest. A practical place for the administration of first aid & sheltered from immediate further harm. This was not always viable....

Treatment would be administered by Sani/Krankenträger /9

Early War to c.1942, both Sanis & Krankenträger had medical equipment in x2 belt pouches. This was the same base design continued from WW1 Sanis.

Pouches were marked ‘L’ or ‘R’ & ‘S’ or ‘K’, to denote left/right/Sani/Krankenträger.

Contents differed upon role/pouch. /10

Interior lid labels detailing items & packing order.

Obtaining pouches in this condition is not easy. Correctly filling them with kit is a labour of love. And difficult. Sometimes very difficult!

Clockwise from top L = Sani L/R, Krankenträger R/L. /11

Apologies for non-period daughter’s wooden spatula to enable photos.....