Gunshot wound to spine

This medical case sheet records a serious gunshot and shrapnel wound to the back and the death of the patient, (Catalogue ref: MH106/2113)

Transcript

Medical Case Sheet

No. in Admission and Discharge book Regimental No. Rank Surname Christian Name
809.14 334 Sergeant Taylor Alexander
Year Unit Age Service
1/6 Seaforth 21 6

 

Station and Date Disease Gun Shot Wound of Back [blue pencil:] shrapnel. Fracture of thoracic vertebrae.
Welsh hospital

Netley

24/6/15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[blue pencil] complete

Paraplegia pneumonia

Severe injury to spinal cord

 

[Illustration of injury]

Gunshot wound sinus leading upwards

Small incision into intercostal space (made in France)

 

Wounded 6.30pm June 15/15 by shrapnel of Festubert

Was in the fire trench + firing at enemy who were 75 yards in front. Standing position firing over parapet.

First aid 6 hours later by Regimental Medical Officer. Carried on stretcher about 1 mile. Left regimental dressing station same night + taken by field ambulance to Lacon where wound was dressed. Left same night + taken to Number 1 Northern General Hospital at a village near Rouen. Left June 17 + taken on board Hospital Ship “Oxfordshire”. Remained on board all day but was taken off in the evening to Number 2 General Hospital Havre

Shipped to England by Hospital Ship “Asturias” + arrived Southampton June 24/15. Admitted Welsh Hospital Netley 24/6/15 [Blue pencil addition:] 27.6.15 Died

Operation

Incision in 8th intercostal space. Back. Right side healed. Made somewhere in France.

Anti-tetanic Serum June 18/15 at Havre

Entrance wound

Level of 1st dorsal vertebra 4” to left of middle line.

Slightly septic ¾” Diameter. Sinus running towards middle line

Missile track

Fracture of Laminae of 1/2+3 dorsal vertebrae

Tissue Damage

Injury to Spinal Cord. Complete paraplegia [complete paralysis of the lower half of the body]

All reflexes lost. Incontinence of urine + faeces

Anaesthesia up to middle line.

 

Lungs signs of Pneumonia of Right Lower lobe. Large bedsore over sacrum.

June 26/15 Patient has been vomiting continuously

Urine full of puss + blood

 

June 27/15 Patient died

 

(Signed) J. Garfield Evans.

Lieutenant

Certified true copy.

 

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