Episode
131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
1:19:31
Published: Mon Feb 27 2023
Description
These days the news is saturated with stories of tragedies from all corners of the world. Because of this, it’s sometimes difficult to have an optimistic attitude about the future. It's easy to forget the leaps and bounds we have already made. Centuries of progress and advancements in science and technology feel insignificant when faced with a mountain of modern day issues. But rest assured, we have made progress, especially when we reflect back on the horrific stories that unfolded within Gettysburg National Military Park. Book Recommendations: Bullets & Bandages: The Aid Stations and Field Hospitals at Gettysburg by James Gindlespreger Too Much for Human Endurance: The George Spangler Farm Hospital and the Battle of Gettysburg by Ronald Kirkwood Healing A Divided Nation: How the American Civil War Revolutionized Western Medicine We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! Miracle Brand: Use our link and code NPAD to save over 40% and get 3 free towels. Alo Moves: Use code NPAD to get a free 30-day trial plus 50% off an annual membership. Mosh: Use our link and save 20% off plus FREE shipping on your first 6-count Trial Pack. Sources: National Library of Medicine, NPS, National Park Foundation, Bullets & Bandages by James Gindlespreger, History Tavern Podcast, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Wikipedia, American Battlefield Trust, YouTube
Chapters
This episode delves into the various atrocities and practices that have occurred throughout medical history that are often overlooked, but continue to affect us today.
00:00 - 02:25 (02:25)
Summary
This episode delves into the various atrocities and practices that have occurred throughout medical history that are often overlooked, but continue to affect us today.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The hosts of the podcast visit Gettysburg National Military Park, a location with a reputation for paranormal activity due to the many ghostly encounters and stories that stem from the area's violent past.
02:25 - 11:34 (09:09)
Summary
The hosts of the podcast visit Gettysburg National Military Park, a location with a reputation for paranormal activity due to the many ghostly encounters and stories that stem from the area's violent past.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought between the Union Army of the Potomac commanded by General George Meade and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee.
11:34 - 16:05 (04:30)
Summary
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought between the Union Army of the Potomac commanded by General George Meade and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee. This resulted in the largest battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere, with over 40,000 casualties.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
A summer kitchen was a separate outdoor cooking space that was common in colonial-style homes, particularly in the South, to avoid heating up the main living quarters during hot weather.
16:05 - 20:58 (04:53)
Summary
A summer kitchen was a separate outdoor cooking space that was common in colonial-style homes, particularly in the South, to avoid heating up the main living quarters during hot weather. It was also a feature in some contemporary living spaces, such as some Airbnbs.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
In times of war, even the most basic aspects of daily life are disrupted, with families forced to seek refuge from the chaos around them and find unique ways to manage their daily needs.
20:58 - 25:12 (04:13)
Summary
In times of war, even the most basic aspects of daily life are disrupted, with families forced to seek refuge from the chaos around them and find unique ways to manage their daily needs.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The Hospital Barn, a Pennsylvania bank barn from the 1800s, served as a treatment center for soldiers during wars.
25:12 - 35:08 (09:56)
Summary
The Hospital Barn, a Pennsylvania bank barn from the 1800s, served as a treatment center for soldiers during wars. Depending on the severity of their wounds or condition, soldiers were either taken to the stone ground level or the large wooden top floor.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
In the past, surgical techniques involved tying off arteries and veins with cotton thread or horsehair to control bleeding and smoothing down the edges of bones before covering the wound with a flap of skin.
35:11 - 41:22 (06:10)
Summary
In the past, surgical techniques involved tying off arteries and veins with cotton thread or horsehair to control bleeding and smoothing down the edges of bones before covering the wound with a flap of skin.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The quick surgical procedures done in field medicine, while vastly different from high volume spay and neuter clinics, share similarities in terms of high volume and speed.
41:22 - 46:56 (05:34)
Summary
The quick surgical procedures done in field medicine, while vastly different from high volume spay and neuter clinics, share similarities in terms of high volume and speed. In both cases, skilled professionals are able to perform surgical procedures quickly and precisely with the necessary equipment and tools to ensure rapid recovery.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The concept of triage during wars involves the prioritization of patients according to the severity of their injuries.
46:56 - 53:20 (06:23)
Summary
The concept of triage during wars involves the prioritization of patients according to the severity of their injuries. Less significant wounds may be set aside for later treatment or discharged back to their regiment while more traumatic injuries are given immediate care and attention.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
Hospital wagons were banned by Union generals Meade and Hancock to keep the roads clear to get troops moving faster, which delayed medical support for wounded soldiers.
53:20 - 1:02:22 (09:02)
Summary
Hospital wagons were banned by Union generals Meade and Hancock to keep the roads clear to get troops moving faster, which delayed medical support for wounded soldiers. Many soldiers died due to lack of medical attention and the harsh conditions of the battlefield.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The way that Union soldiers were treated down further south as far as how the Confederates did is explored.
1:02:22 - 1:10:31 (08:08)
Summary
The way that Union soldiers were treated down further south as far as how the Confederates did is explored. Each Union soldier received a proper reburial with their remains being placed in a pine coffin, a more permanent identification marker, and they were buried 4-6 feet under, not a couple of inches under the surface.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
A discussion about the original wood in the haunted barn that served as a hospital during the Civil War in Gettysburg, as well as the research that has been done on it.
1:10:31 - 1:18:10 (07:38)
Summary
A discussion about the original wood in the haunted barn that served as a hospital during the Civil War in Gettysburg, as well as the research that has been done on it.
Episode131: Surgeons or Butchers? Medical Monstrosities of America’s Deadliest War. Gettysburg National Military Park.
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The National Park After Dark podcast invites listeners to share their trail tales, follow them on social media, and become a Patreon supporter.
1:18:10 - 1:19:17 (01:07)
Summary
The National Park After Dark podcast invites listeners to share their trail tales, follow them on social media, and become a Patreon supporter. They also mention accessing discount codes and show notes from today's episode on their website.