History of Ambulances

Status
Not open for further replies.
Overview of the History of Ambulances


Ambulance.webp


Source: Google

The term ambulance comes from the Latin word ambulare which means to walk or move about which is a reference to early medical care where patients were moved by lifting or wheeling. This history of ambulances begins in ancient times with the use of carts to transport incurable patients by force. Ambulances were first used for emergency transport in 1487 by the Spanish although the more proper term is ambulance wagon. The word ambulance originally meant a moving hospital which follows an army in its movements. Later this term was referred to as field hospitals where ambulance wagons delivered patients. Perhaps it is sad state of human affairs that the history of ambulances follow the history of warfare. Many of the advances in medical care occurred during war


The History of Ambulances in the Early Years



During the Crusades of the 11th Century, the Knights of St John received instruction in first-aid treatment from Arab and Greek doctors. The Knights of St John then acted as the first emergency workers, treating soldiers on both sides of the war of the battlefield and bringing in the wounded to nearby tents for further treatment. The concept of ambulance service started in Europe with the Knights of St John, at the same time it had also become common practice for small rewards to be paid to soldiers who carried the wounded bodies of other soldiers in for medical treatment.

Any discussion of the history of ambulances should include a brief history of the Knights of St John.The Knights of St John are also known as the Knights Hospitalier or the Knights of Malta. The "Maltese Cross" which is often associated with emergency services derives its name from the cross that the Knights wore on their tunics. In addition, the "Red Cross" is also derived from this symbol.


Read more from here:History of Ambulances
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top