| 2nd Louisiana Medical Brigade |
THE 2ND LOUISIANA BRIGADE MEDICAL UNIT
More Americans died in the Civil War (1861 - 1865) than the combined
total of the nation's dead in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the
Mexican War, the Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, WW 1 & 11,
and the Korean War. Casualties added by the Vietnam War finally
exceeded the grand total of casualties suffered in the Civil War. Of the
estimated 970,000 military casualties on both sides, 560,000 died as a
result of combat while 410,000 survived. Of those who did not survive,
about 67% died from disease while the other 33% died in combat or from
wounds received in combat.
SOME MEDICAL FACTS:
1. The theory of germs and disease were unknown during that
period. Most soldiers died from post-operative complications as a result
of infection caused by poor sanitary conditions. Instruments were simply
wiped off on dirty surgeons aprons and used over and over again.
2. Battlefield first aid was often left to musicians or special litter
corps. Combat troops were ordered to leave their wounded comrades
behind where they remained at the risk of being shot.
3. Gunshot wounds exceeded sabre and bayonet wounds by a ratio
of 250/1.
4. Medicines sometimes did more harm than good. Opium was the
preferred painkiller and its addictive properties were not understood until
after the Civil War. Addiction to opium was known as the "Soldier's
Disease".
5. Bleeding and cauterization were common practices that invariably
led to the high death rate.
6. The first surgical procedure done under anaesthesia was
performed in 1846 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
During the Civil War, ether and chloroform were used routinely in
performing surgical procedures, provided supplies were available.
7. The Catholic Sisters of Charity were the only organized and
trained female nurses when the war began. They and other female
volunteers delivered some of the most effective treatment that soldiers
received in the rear-area hospitals.
The 2nd LOUISIANA BRIGADE MEDICAL UNIT demonstrates the medical
and dental practices of the period by recreating field hospital scenarios
complete with walking wounded, treatment of gunshot wounds and
diseases as well as the gruesome amputation of various limbs. Members
study pharmacology, herbal medicine, surgical techniques, dressing of
wounds, treatment of diseases, and day-to-day medical practices taken
from period textbooks. Our objective is to communicate to the public in
a convincing and accurate manner the basic medical practices of the
period.
We are re-enactors and living historians devoted to researching, creating
and demonstrating an accurate impression of a Confederate Field
Hospital on a Field of Battle during the Civil War. All members will be
trained as Surgeons, Medical Stewards, Nurses or members of the
Ambulance Corps. We are a Reenactment Unit open to all who have an
interest in Medicine in the Civil War Era.
Although we strive for historical accuracy, we also want to enjoy
ourselves and make new friends as we teach others about what it was
like for wounded soldiers in a Field Hospital. Even if you do not have a
perfect set of period clothing, please do not let that stop you from
launching your historical impression. The purpose is to learn and grow
with tolerance, guidance and understanding. We create our impressions
using commercial Sutlers, Flea Markets and our own devices. Should you
desire to fall in with our Medical Brigade, we will guide you along in
creating your impression. Since we are a Medical Unit, we do not carry
arms. No permit is required nor is a musket needed. This cuts the cost at
least 50%. All we need from you is a serious interest and a sense of
humour.
For more information on the 2nd Louisiana Brigade Medical Unit,
write to:
94 West Mary St., Picton, ON KOK ZT0
28 Parkview Hts., Trenton, ON K8V SL7
More Americans died in the Civil War (1861 - 1865) than the combined
total of the nation's dead in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the
Mexican War, the Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, WW 1 & 11,
and the Korean War. Casualties added by the Vietnam War finally
exceeded the grand total of casualties suffered in the Civil War. Of the
estimated 970,000 military casualties on both sides, 560,000 died as a
result of combat while 410,000 survived. Of those who did not survive,
about 67% died from disease while the other 33% died in combat or from
wounds received in combat.
SOME MEDICAL FACTS:
1. The theory of germs and disease were unknown during that
period. Most soldiers died from post-operative complications as a result
of infection caused by poor sanitary conditions. Instruments were simply
wiped off on dirty surgeons aprons and used over and over again.
2. Battlefield first aid was often left to musicians or special litter
corps. Combat troops were ordered to leave their wounded comrades
behind where they remained at the risk of being shot.
3. Gunshot wounds exceeded sabre and bayonet wounds by a ratio
of 250/1.
4. Medicines sometimes did more harm than good. Opium was the
preferred painkiller and its addictive properties were not understood until
after the Civil War. Addiction to opium was known as the "Soldier's
Disease".
5. Bleeding and cauterization were common practices that invariably
led to the high death rate.
6. The first surgical procedure done under anaesthesia was
performed in 1846 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
During the Civil War, ether and chloroform were used routinely in
performing surgical procedures, provided supplies were available.
7. The Catholic Sisters of Charity were the only organized and
trained female nurses when the war began. They and other female
volunteers delivered some of the most effective treatment that soldiers
received in the rear-area hospitals.
The 2nd LOUISIANA BRIGADE MEDICAL UNIT demonstrates the medical
and dental practices of the period by recreating field hospital scenarios
complete with walking wounded, treatment of gunshot wounds and
diseases as well as the gruesome amputation of various limbs. Members
study pharmacology, herbal medicine, surgical techniques, dressing of
wounds, treatment of diseases, and day-to-day medical practices taken
from period textbooks. Our objective is to communicate to the public in
a convincing and accurate manner the basic medical practices of the
period.
We are re-enactors and living historians devoted to researching, creating
and demonstrating an accurate impression of a Confederate Field
Hospital on a Field of Battle during the Civil War. All members will be
trained as Surgeons, Medical Stewards, Nurses or members of the
Ambulance Corps. We are a Reenactment Unit open to all who have an
interest in Medicine in the Civil War Era.
Although we strive for historical accuracy, we also want to enjoy
ourselves and make new friends as we teach others about what it was
like for wounded soldiers in a Field Hospital. Even if you do not have a
perfect set of period clothing, please do not let that stop you from
launching your historical impression. The purpose is to learn and grow
with tolerance, guidance and understanding. We create our impressions
using commercial Sutlers, Flea Markets and our own devices. Should you
desire to fall in with our Medical Brigade, we will guide you along in
creating your impression. Since we are a Medical Unit, we do not carry
arms. No permit is required nor is a musket needed. This cuts the cost at
least 50%. All we need from you is a serious interest and a sense of
humour.
For more information on the 2nd Louisiana Brigade Medical Unit,
write to:
94 West Mary St., Picton, ON KOK ZT0
28 Parkview Hts., Trenton, ON K8V SL7
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