World War I saw a major improvement in the treatment of combat wounds as a result of better surgical methods and antisepsis, the use of X rays, tetanus antitoxin and blood transfusions, and the more rapid evacuation of the wounded by motorized ambulances to hospitals.

Blood transfusions were used, though blood groups were not known. Finding compatible blood was mostly done by trial and error. A major problem during transfusions was the clotting of blood. Later, in 1914, this was solved by adding citrate to the blood, and in 1917, the citrate anticoagulation method was used to save thousands of lives.

Tetanus and gas gangrene that developed on injured soldiers was treated by the use of antitoxin and antiserum injections, though the best treatment was surgically related. Antiseptics that could be used on wounds were discovered, the most important being the Carrel-Dakin treatment.

The use of gas masks was prompted by the start of gas attacks. Mustard gas and phosgene were the most commonly used gases for attacks. Even though prevention of the attacks were the best solution, that is, using gas masks, artificial respiration devices were also used. During the second world war, Britain feared that gas attacks, particularly mustard gas (which is the most deadly) would affect civilians and so implemented the idea that all people should carry around gas masks.

A poster reminding people to always carry their gas masks^.(1)

1914–1918 WWI

Infection/combat deaths = 1:1

MEDICAL ADVANCES: Triage, prosthetics, plastic surgery, public health, antisepsis medicines, vaccines

1939–1945 WWII

Infection/combat deaths = <1:1

MEDICAL ADVANCES : Improved sanitation, better vaccines, whole-blood transfusions

References :

(1)http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/war/gasmasks.htm

(2)http://classic.the-scientist.com/article/display/15060/