How Were Battle Wounds Treated During the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the treatment of battle wounds was rudimentary and quite different from the advanced medical practices we have today. The effectiveness of treatment varied significantly based on the time period, location, and the resources available.

Initial Assessment and Care

Triage

After a battle, wounded soldiers were often assessed based on the severity of their injuries. Those who were most likely to survive were treated first. This system, known as triage, was a rudimentary form of prioritizing care to maximize survival chances.

Basic First Aid

Essentially, soldiers or their companions would administer basic first aid. This typically involved cleaning wounds with water or wine and applying pressure to stop bleeding. Despite the simplicity, these actions were crucial in preserving the soldiers' lives.

Surgical Interventions

Barber-Surgeons

Many battlefield injuries were treated by barber-surgeons, who were among the few practitioners with surgical skills during this time. They performed amputations and other procedures with limited anesthesia and antiseptic methods, which often resulted in high infection rates.

Amputation

Amputation was a common solution for severely injured or infected limbs. It was often done to minimize infection and blood loss. The urgency of the procedure reflects the recognition of the importance of both reducing infection and preventing further blood loss.

Herbal Remedies

Natural Treatments

Herbal remedies played a significant role in wound care. Common herbs included yarrow, comfrey, and garlic, each with specific properties to aid in the healing process.

Poultices and Ointments

Mixtures of herbs and fats were often made into poultices to apply to wounds. These poultices helped to stop bleeding, promote healing, and combat infections. For example, yarrow was used for its hemostatic properties, comfrey for promoting healing, and garlic for its antimicrobial effects.

Dressings and Bandaging

Materials

Dressings were made from various materials, including cloth, animal skins, and linen. These were used to cover wounds and help absorb blood and other fluids, providing a barrier against infection.

Changing Dressings

Wound dressings were changed regularly, although the understanding of infection was limited. This often resulted in the introduction of more bacteria, making the infection management aspect of wound care challenging.

Infection and Disease Management

Limited Understanding of Infection

The germ theory of disease had not yet been discovered, so infections were often treated with a mix of superstition and herbal remedies. As a result, many wounds became infected, leading to high mortality rates post-battle.

Bloodletting

Some practices, such as bloodletting, were based on the belief that it could balance the humors, even though it often had detrimental effects. This reflects the limited understanding of the medical conditions and their treatments during the Middle Ages.

Pain Management

Alcohol and Opium

Alcohol was commonly used as an anesthetic, and opium might be provided for pain relief. However, access to these substances varied, and the effectiveness was limited compared to modern analgesics.

Physical Restraints

Patients were often restrained during surgeries to prevent movement due to pain. These restraints were used as a form of pain management and to ensure the surgical procedure could be performed effectively.

After Treatment

Rest and Recovery

After initial treatment, soldiers needed to rest. However, the conditions in camps or hospitals were often poor, leading to complications. The need for proper rest and recuperation was crucial but often neglected due to the harsh living conditions.

Religious and Spiritual Support

Many soldiers sought spiritual comfort through prayer or visits from clergy. Believing that divine intervention could aid their recovery, they turned to faith for both emotional and medical support.

Overall, while some methods were effective, many treatments were based on superstition, and the lack of understanding of hygiene and infection meant that many wounds became infected. The high mortality rates post-battle highlight the critical need for advanced medical knowledge and practices in treating battle wounds.