German medical staff. 2ND G.M. ICM-35620

Description

In the Wehrmacht, direct medical care for wounded soldiers on the battlefield was provided by medics who were part of platoons, companies and battalions. They were distinguished from ordinary infantrymen by carrying special medical bags, extra canteens, patches and armbands. In addition, they had the capability to evacuate the injured to first aid stations or collection points. In the infantry companies there were also medical service NCOs, and at battalion level, a military doctor (Assistenz or Oberarzt) was in charge of centralized medical care. However, it was not feasible to conduct major medical operations in the battalion; this responsibility fell to the divisional medical service, which could also include sanitary convoys dedicated to the centralized transport of the wounded.