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| A four-wheeled ambulance. |
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There was another scheme, which was conceived and carried into execution by Dr. Letterman, which deserves mention in this connection.
This was the establishment of Field Hospitals, “in order that the wounded might receive the most prompt and efficient attention during and after an engagement, and that the necessary operations might be performed by the most skilful and responsible surgeons, at the earliest moment.”
Under Surgeon Tripler, there had been rendezvous established in rear of the army, to which all the wounded were taken for immediate attention, before
being sent to general hospitals.
But there was no recognized system and efficiency in regard to it. Just before an engagement, a field hospital for each division was established.
It was made by pitching a suitable number of hospital tents.
The location of such a hospital was left to the medical director of the corps.
Of course, it must be in the rear of the division, out of all danger and in a place easily reached by the ambulances.
A division hospital of this description was under the charge of a surgeon, who was selected by the surgeon-in-chief of the division.
With him was an assistant surgeon, similarly appointed, whose duty it was to pitch the tents, provide straw, fuel, water, etc., and, in general, make everything ready for the comfort of the wounded.
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