Medical personnel and the development of the military medical service during the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) | Sanitetsko osoblje i razvoj vojnog saniteta tijekom Domovinskog rata (1991.~1995.)
The Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) not only put soldiers on the frontlines but also placed a heavy burden on medical personnel who tirelessly worked to provide care and save lives. The development of the military medical service during the conflict played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of Croatian troops and civilians caught in the crossfire.
Medical personnel faced immense challenges as they worked in war zones and under constant threat of danger. They were responsible for treating wounded soldiers and civilians, providing emergency care, performing surgeries, and managing field hospitals. Their commitment, skill, and resilience were vital in saving lives and alleviating suffering during a time of crisis.
The war served as a catalyst for the development of the military medical service in Croatia. Prior to the conflict, the medical infrastructure was ill-prepared for the scale and intensity of the war. However, necessity drove the establishment and improvement of military hospitals, trauma centers, and specialized units to address the unique healthcare needs of soldiers on the battlefield.
The dedication and adaptability of medical personnel were instrumental in advancing the capabilities of the military medical service. They quickly learned to work with limited resources, improvised equipment, and under high-pressure conditions. Many medical professionals volunteered their services and collaborated with international humanitarian organizations to provide much-needed assistance.
The experiences gained during the war led to significant advancements in emergency medicine, trauma care, and the overall preparedness of the military medical service. Lessons learned from the conflict have had a lasting impact on the development of medical protocols, training programs, and the organization of healthcare systems in Croatia.
The contributions of medical personnel during the Croatian War of Independence cannot be overstated. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives and providing care in the midst of chaos and danger exemplifies the highest ideals of the medical profession. Their bravery and selflessness have left a lasting legacy and serve as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who serve on the frontlines of healthcare.
AMBULANCE, MEDICAL CENTRE VUKOVAR
Vukovar, September 28 1991
“... I arrived in Vukovar via Nuštar, through a corn field, on September 28, 1991. Vukovar was already officially under siege by enemy blockade, and entering it, through the enemy’s ring, was a deadly act which, I admit, I was not fully aware of at the time. Our arrival surprised both the veterans and the staff of the hospital, where we later settled...”
Photograph and quote from the monograph “1991” by Zoran Filipović Zoro.
https://braniteljski.hr/vukovarska-bolnica-simbol-srca-grada-i-ustrajnosti-vukovara/
A SAVED LIFE…
Vukovar, September 29, 1991
“... a paramedic from the Vukovar hospital, Marko Mandić, approached me with a request to take his children out of Vukovar. There were also several wounded in the hospital who needed emergency medical help from outside. I owe my life to Marko. By saving other people's lives, without even being aware of it, I saved my own. And Marko? Marko did not save his own. He was executed in Ovčara with the others. With his life, I think, he paid for ours ...”
Photograph and quote from the monograph “1991” by Zoran Filipović Zoro.
https://hrvatski-vojnik.hr/medicinske-sestre-i-tehnicari-u-domovinskom-ratu/
DR. VESNA BOSANAC (1949~2022)
Dr. Vesna Bosanac (Born in Subotica, March 9, 1949. Died in Vukovar, March 21, 2022) was a Croatian doctor, a pediatric specialist and director of the Vukovar General Hospital, and a heroine of the Croatian War of Independence. As the director of the Vukovar hospital during the most difficult wartime moments of the city of Vukovar, she became a symbol of heroism, civil courage and humanity. Dr. Bosanac was held in Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) custody for three weeks, mostly in Srijemska Mitrovica, and then handed over in a prisoner exchange.
Photograph: Igor Soban. Source: PIXSELL.