Standing Orders

FIRST AID IN ACTION 

1. No man must cease from his duty on account of his being wounded and not give first aid to another until there is a lull in the action or ‘cease fire’ is piped.
2. Should a lull occur, wounded may apply dressings to their own wounds and those of others nearby, then carrying on with duty, unless:-
3. If there is severe bleeding not stopped by putting on a dressing, or signs of shock (pale, faint, cold and unable to carry on with duty), they should go to nearest dressing station.
4. SERIOUS CASES (lying on deck) May be moved Very Gently to less exposed position. Do not attempt to move to dressing station. Stop bleeding by applying firm dressings or if necessary, tourniquet. Cover him up.
5. When ‘cease fire’ is piped, all walking wounded other than Minor Casualties go to nearest dressing stations.
6. Casualties from Upper Decks to Wardroom. Below decks to sick bay.
7. First aid parties will constantly be about the ship on the lookout for casualties.
8. You have been issued with a first field dressing. Carry it and know how to apply it. Know where the first aid containers are.
9. Dressing stations
   1. Wardroom M.O. and 3 hands
   2. Sick Bay    LSBA and 3 hands
10. Stretcher cases to wardroom unless otherwise ordered.
11. Wardroom, cabins and cabin flat to form ‘hospital’. Non-medical personnel to keep clear unless on essential duty.

Source: Extract from report of HMS Scott's Medical Officer R T James 1944  (ADM 101/668)