Experience of anaesthesiologist from Korean War

Overview

During the Korean war a Czechoslovak field hospital has worked between 1952 and 1954 in Northern Korea following to the demand of North Korean government for medical aid. The author has worked there from 1953 for 16 months as only one anaesthesiologist with 9 surgeons. He has acquired large experience in very difficult field conditions in a regional civilian hospital in Chongjin. During 16 months he carried out about 1000 general anaesthetics. In the report he describes the highly demanding conditions in the field and the methods how he accomplished his assignment. His experience was than used as basis for the formation of anaesthesiology in the army and civilian health care in Czechoslovakia.

Key words:
history of anaesthesia – general anaesthesia – military health service