Casualty Clearing Station

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Casualty Clearing Station

A Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) is a military medical facility behind the front lines that is used to treat wounded soldiers in war. The primary function of a CCS is to stabilize patients before they are transported to a more comprehensive medical facility for long-term treatment.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of a Casualty Clearing Station was first introduced during the First World War. Prior to this, wounded soldiers were often treated on the battlefield or in makeshift hospitals close to the front lines. The introduction of the CCS represented a significant advancement in military medicine, as it allowed for more effective triage and treatment of wounded soldiers.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of a Casualty Clearing Station is to provide immediate medical attention to wounded soldiers. This includes triage, emergency treatment, and stabilization before transportation to a more comprehensive medical facility. The CCS is typically staffed by military doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel.

Structure[edit | edit source]

A Casualty Clearing Station is typically composed of several tents or temporary buildings. These include a reception tent, where patients are initially assessed; a resuscitation tent, where emergency treatment is provided; and a holding tent, where patients are stabilized before transportation. Some CCSs may also include a surgical tent, where emergency surgeries can be performed.

In Popular Culture[edit | edit source]

Casualty Clearing Stations have been depicted in several works of war literature and film, including the television series M*A*S*H and the novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.

File:Casualty Clearing Station in World War I.jpg
A Casualty Clearing Station in World War I

See Also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD