Ambrose Pare ligating femoral artery after amputation during the siege of Metz 1553 where he was smuggled into the fortress to enhance wound care. His appearance resulted in increased morale among the French army and contributed to the battle’s success. Painting by Teobaldo Chartran, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
Ambrose Pare like most medical officers throughout history had no formal medical training, yet he became Surgeon General to four French Kings, wrote the definitive field surgery textbook of the 16th century and is a giant among Renaissance medical officers. However, he was never recognized by the French College of Physicians since he could not read or write in Latin. “Medicine at Sea” was written as a training manual for lay medical officers as was Ambrose Pare in his beginning as a new medic in the French army. How do I define a lay medical officer? A person who is not trained in giving medical care as a profession even though many have completed a First Aid and CPR classes. Certainly, these courses are helpful in evaluation and stabilization while preparing the victim for transfer. However, at sea and in the field, medical care may need to be extended since transfer of care to a higher medical facility is not available. In isolated environments or in the face of natural disasters, hospitals, communications and outside help is not accessible. When one is alone with the injured and ill, a field medicine textbook coupled with a modern medical chest enhances confidence. In the words of Willie Dixon, a former student and wilderness adventurer, “the life you save could be your own”. Ambrose Pare would have cherished the information within “Medicine at Sea” and be thrilled by a modern medicine chrest.
