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Miracle Drug Analysis

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This display contains a first aid kit which belonged to the allied forces. In it you will find, medical scissors, gauss, rubbing alcohol, and most importantly, penicillin the “Mircale Drug” of World War II. The focus of this display is the “Miracle Drug” and its significance to Canada as well as World War II. The following description will cover the background information of penicillin, the medical and strategic significance, how it impacted Canadians, in the D-day landing. Please be respectful while viewing the artifact (no loud noise, no touching, and no forms of vandalism), and take some time appreciate the display and the significance it had.

“World War II was a historical turning point not only for the basis of political …show more content…

Penicillin made a huge difference in the amount of deaths and amputations that occurred, saving an estimated 12%-15% of the Allied force’s lives. The wait time for an injured soldier to see a doctor was roughly 14 hours for the Allied Forces. This prolonged period of an open wound without treatment put many soldiers at risk of infection, increasing the chance that an amputation would be required. However, penicillin helped addressed the problem, as administering the drug to a wound would drastically reduce the chance of an infection. Another medical issue addressed by penicillin is septicaemia, or blood poisoning. This condition occurred when patients were operated on with improperly sterilized equipment, or if bacteria were to spread from one patient to another. By attacking open wounds with penicillin army doctors were able to revitalize troops in a swifter manner at the same time minimizing the spread of bacteria. Lastly, penicillin was extremely effective against gangrene, the decomposition of body tissues caused by bacterial infection, which helped to further reduce the casualties. By improving medical procedures, penicillin helped save many lives, and allowed more soldiers to return …show more content…

Increased usage could result in fewer casualties and faster recovery to strengthen the Allied Forces’ fighting power. After this realization, 21 U.S. companies joined together and produced 2.3 million doses of penicillin to be used in the D-day landing operations in June 1944. This allowed wounded soldiers to have a better chance of survival, and allowed those with a minor injury to recover quickly to rejoin the battle. Canadian soldiers played a large role in the D-day landing, providing 30 000 troops, 100 ships, and 36 bomber squadrons. This resulted in penicillin playing a huge role in a war Canada was heavily invested in, saving many Canadian lives, and allowing Canadians to maximize their contribution. By keeping soldiers in the best condition possible, and preventing deaths/amputations, penicillin played a huge strategic role in WWII, specifically D-day landing, which is both significant to the war and to

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