New Weapons

What new injuries were caused by the new weapons in the First World War?

The rapid developments in military technology meant medical staff had to learn to treat new injuries caused by the new weaponry. These included shrapnel and large explosive wounds, head injuries, gas, and shell shock.

What sort of injuries were caused by First World War weapons?

The use of new weapons caused new types of injury in the First World War.

• ❖ Bullets from rifles and machine guns, as well as sharp pieces of metal (shrapnel), could become deeply embedded in the body.
• ❖ Flying metal from explosive shells, called shrapnel, fired by heavy artillery, could cause large, tearing wounds.
• ❖ Bullets could break bones, which then stuck out through the skin. This was called a compound fracture.
• ❖ There was a huge increase in head injuries from explosions and bullets.
• ❖ Poison gas could cause respiratory problems, blindness, and burns.