The role of Medical Officers of Health in Civil Defence and how they influenced modern emergency medical practice

Abstract

Objectives: The article will examine the role of the Medical Officer of Health within United Kingdom Local Authorities in the period preceding the Second World War, the war itself, the residual impact of their work on emergency medical and public health practice and lessons that can be learned to improve.

Study design: The article uses archival and secondary source analysis of documents related to the work of the Medical Officer of Health, their staff, and associated organisations.

Methods and results: The Medical Officer of Health performed a key role in the Civil Defence of the United Kingdom, ensuring that the victims of aerial bombardment were treated quickly. They also worked to ensure the public health of the population was maintained, especially those covering areas receiving evacuees, and worked to improve conditions within deep shelters and other areas with displaced individuals.

Conclusions: The work of the Medical Officer of Health created the forerunner of modern emergency medical practice in the United Kingdom, often through local innovation, and embedded the work on health promotion and protection fulfilled by Directors of Public Health.

Keywords: Civil Defence; Emergency preparedness; Public health.