IN A HEART BEAT

War as a catalyst for innovation

Wherever war goes, destruction follows and brings new ways of maiming and killing soldiers. Which in turn creates a powerful catalyst for technological and medical development.

Over time, many military innovations have moved into mainstream medicine, while others have inspired the development of everyday items.

Using objects from the Science Museum, this exhibition invites you to follow us on a wounded soldier’s 4 stage treatment journey focusing on medical innovations that still impact us in some way today.

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A war benefits medicine more than it benefits anybody else. It’s terrible, of course, but it does.

Dr. Mary M. Crawford, (the only female doctor at the American Hospital during WW1)

In a Heartbeat – War as a Catalyst for Innovation: curated from the science museum collection

Explore over 380,000 objects and archives  from the science museum including those used in this exhibition HERE

1: Stop the blood!

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Historically, half of all soldiers killed in action die from blood loss, 80% of which die within the first hour… Read More

2: Move!

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After basic treatment procedure on battlefield, it’s crucial to carry wounded soldiers to hospitals within limited time… Read More

3: Call of Duty!

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Many troops lost their lives throughout the war, not just from injuries but also from other infections and diseases… Read more

4: Progress Not Perfection

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Recovery aims to help the patient to move on with their life and to restore their health and quality of life… Read More

All objects and photos used are in accordance with the licence conditions set by the Science Museum Group – in compliance with ‘CC BY-SA 4.0′

Ending Statement

During wars, the military developed efficient systems to treat and transport injured soldiers to hospitals away from the frontline. 

With medical advancement, more soldiers survive their injuries. Unfortunately, some are left with damage in need of lifelong treatment and support. In the aftermath of war, medicine rehabilitates the wounded and provides continuous care.

Effective techniques and equipments in and after war have later evolved and integrated into our healthcare system. Beyond the happy endings, would these latest developments in medicine and science still be possible if we were a peaceful species?

(Acknowledgment: Regretfully, we were unable to tell non-western stories due to the limitations of the Collection.)