Improved
efficiency in Iowa Brigade Medical Care:
Brevet
M.G. Paul De Krackere invited me to accompany him to attend the latest Brigade
Medical Board meeting, chaired by Brigade Surgeon Dr. Andy Wiversaw. Also
present were Assistant Surgeon Dr. Dickie Tumey, Major Juan Toofree, (Brigade Drum
Major), Capt. Aaron C. Resquew (Ambulance Train), Capt. Orson Kart (Brigade
Train) and Capt. Rusty Knails (Q.M. Equipment).
To
put me in the picture, Capt. Aaron C. Resquew referred the meeting back to the
training course he attended before Christmas led by Major Jonathan Letterman,
head of the Union Army Ambulance Corps.
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| Iowan Chasseurs demonstrate use of the Ambulance |
He
went on to report on his progress in implementing all aspects of the ‘Letterman
Plan’ within our Brigade, establishing the principles of triage to correctly
prioritise the treatment of casualties.
Medically
trained Officers, (Tye Bandiges, Abel Toowark, Will Tickel, Hugh Morus, Steph
O’Skope and Huw Mannity) have been appointed to each of the New Regimental and
Battery First Aid Posts,
Major
Juan Toofree reported on the progress of the improved medical training being
given to the Bandsmen and their regular practice in working with Capt.
Resquew’s Ambulance Train team.
Dr.
Dickie Tumey and Capt. Rusty Knails reported on their work to ensure a
plentiful and sterile stock of medical equipment and medicines.
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| Capt. Aaron C. Resquew |
Capt.
Orson Kart confirmed that the Medical Supply wagons have been given a thorough
clean and are now used purely for that purpose.
Capt.
Aaron C. Resquew echoed the success of the interaction between Bandsmen and the
Ambulance Train team and was especially pleased to confirm the arrival of our
new Ambulances.
The
ambulances are in the proportion of three to a regiment. Three men are assigned
to an ambulance, (one driver and two stretcher bearers). This gives nine men to
a regiment, who are commanded by a non-commissioned officer, mounted. The above
constitutes the regimental ambulance corps, which consolidated at Brigade level
under Capt. Resquew.
Brevet
M.G. Paul De Krackere thanked the Meeting for their reports and excellent
progress on all fronts. “It will be a great boost to the men’s morale to know
that such support is now available to them and a comfort and reassurance to
their loved ones at home”.
The
meeting was closed and I accompanied the attendees as they headed with Capt.
Resquew for an inspection of the remarkable new ambulances.
