Standard Terms for Diagnoses, Anatomical Locations, and Operations

Treating a patient in shock through the use of plasma. Also of interest is the camouflaged painted helmet seen on the soldier sitting at right.

| Introduction | Standard Terms for Diagnoses | Standard Terms for Anatomical Locations | Standard Terms for Operations |

Introduction:

In World War 2, the Medical Department provided lists of Standard Terms to be used as a guide in preparing Records of Sick and Wounded. It was not intended that they be rigidly adhered to; any well-established terms in medical usage could be employed also; it was just meant to be followed as far as was practicable.

Any new terms that were later inserted, were to be placed in their proper alphabetical order and assigned numbers within the limits of the already existing numerical codes. When diseases or injuries occurred for which no terms were furnished in the lists, or for which the terms given were of a general character, they were to be recorded with such scientific terms as commonly applied by the profession, in brief and accurate descriptions.

Shock position .

Special notes were required in case of malingering, or feigned diseases, and of the means employed for their detection.

“Register of Sick and Wounded” (Form 52, M.D.) – a Register of the Sick and Wounded of every military establishment or force attended by a Medical officer (or civilian Physician) will be maintained in peace and in the Zone of Interior during war! The Register of patients will be kept on Form 52, M.D. A case recorded on this Form is said to be on the Register. Cases taken up on the Register will be borne thereon until final disposition is effected; during this period, cases are said to be currently on the Register. Register cards will be legibly written in blue or black ink, using the typewriter when practicable. Abbreviations authorized by the War Department may be used. When space on the card (front part) is insufficient, record will be continued on the back of the card or, if still more space is required, upon an extension slip.

Illustration showing obverse of Form 52, Medical Department, U.S.A., (Revised March 15, 1938), 3-3623, early pattern

Since Form 52 dates from before WW2 it still holds some of the older abbreviations and headings such as: Gar. Pris. (Garrison Prisoner), Gen. Pris. (General Prisoner), DD Susp. (Dishonorable Discharge Suspended), DD Comp. (Dishonorable Discharge Completed), W (White), C (Colored), F (Filipino), PR (Puerto Rican), I (Indian), V.O.C.O. (Verbal Order of Commanding Officer), LOD (Line Of Duty),  EAD (Extended Active Duty), ADT (Active Duty Training), etc.

Illustration showing position of a patient for a Cholecystectomy (excision of the gallbladder).

It is important to note that units other than Hospitals, such as the Medical Detachment (attached to Regiments), when located in garrison, on a Post, a Camp, or Station in the ZI, render a monthly “Report of Sick and Wounded” for patients under their control, in the same manner as Hospitals. However, when moving between Stations, in the field, on maneuvers, or in the Theater of Operations, these units will use the “Emergency Medical Tag” (Form 52b, M.D.) in lieu of the Form 52, M.D.)! Hospitals, that are part of a Field Force also render a monthly Report of Sick and Wounded, but will use the “Field Medical Record” (Forms 52c and 52d, M.D.) in lieu of Form 52.

Preparation of Dried Plasma for use

Standard Terms for Diagnoses:

Administration of Oxygen by Face Mask. Note the use of a Winter Pyjama Top by the patient.

Standard Terms for Anatomical Locations:

The Standard Terms for Anatomical Locations used in the following list were to be used as a guide in preparing Indexes of Sick and Wounded.

Illustration showing how to apply a Plaster Splint (temporary immobilization).