Injuries and illnesses from the trenches

Shell shock: psychological trauma from constant bombardment. Symptoms included tiredness, nightmares, tremors, and mental breakdowns. Some soldiers were evacuated to hospitals but others were accused of cowardice even when unable to speak, move, or stay still. Eventually, there were so many cases of shell shock that it was officially recognised. Today, it is known as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Trench fever: caused by lice; symptoms included flu-like illness, headaches, fever, and aching muscles. Delousing stations were set up in 1918 to help prevent and treat it.
Shrapnel injuries: caused by bullets or fragments from explosions. Metal pieces could penetrate the body, causing severe internal damage and infection. Steel Brodie helmets were introduced to protect soldiers’ heads.
Trench foot: caused by standing in cold, wet trenches for long periods. Symptoms included painful swelling and gangrene, sometimes leading to amputation. Prevention included rubbing whale oil on feet, keeping feet dry, changing socks, and using duckboards and pumps to drain water.
Gas attacks: chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas caused burning, blisters, and suffocation. Psychological impact included fear and panic. Gas masks were developed in 1915 to protect soldiers.
Gas gangrene: caused by bacteria infecting open wounds, often from soil. Symptoms included dead tissue and gas build-up in wounds. Treatment usually involved amputation.

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