Source A
|
Background information
Blood loss was one of the biggest threats a soldier faced on the Western Front. Loss of blood could result in the body going into shock and causing death. They knew that blood transfusions could reduce this risk and blood transfusions were carried out successfully directly from one person to another, after Landsteiner's discovery of different blood groups in 1901. However, donor to patient transfusion on the battlefield was much more difficult. |
1 Describe key features.
One key feature of blood transfusions on the western front is the way blood was stored for a long period of time. For example, sodium citrate was used to increase the time you could store blood. Dextrose was also added to the citrate, this was to extend the storage time to four weeks.
Another feature is the way the blood was transfused. About 500 ml of blood was taken and all excess anticoagulant. The anticoagulant allowed blood to be stored for a few days and ended the need for donor and recipient to be in the same room.
2a Utility
Source A is partially useful for an enquiry into treatments on the Western Front. For example, it shows us that they have been able to store blood, suggesting they have enough to be able to effectively treat patients. They did this by using sodium citrate to prevent it from clotting. They then added citrate glucose solution to allow it to be stored in refrigerated conditions for several days.
However, its utility is limited for an enquiry into treatments on the Western Front because the photo only shows us that blood can be stored, not the practical application of it. Also, the nature of the source is questionable as the photo may have been created as British propaganda to tell citizens that they have made a breakthrough in treatments to lift their spirits. This would mean the purpose of the source would be to make people believe one thing, not just to educate people.