Sanitary (Medical) Service of Latvian Armed Forces, Its Formation and Activities in the Period of Independence War 1918-1920

Directly after proclaimed independence of Latvia State in 18th of November in 1918, the Latvia as a young state commenced formation of Defence system: military unit formation and establishing Medical service. The study provided theoretical research and analysis of topical activities of Sanitary (Medical) service: recruiting Medical personnel and management of Health care system, monitoring treatment capacities and readiness of hospitals and organized medical logistic system, transportation of causalities. Results of the study indicated that Sanitary (Medical) service of Latvian Armed forces successful solved the tasks of Health care and saved the lives and health of hundreds and thousands of soldiers. Sanitary (Medical) service provided significant and effective Healthcare system of personnel, managed of medical treatment facilities in period of Independence war; supported and taken guidance of medical logistic process. Sanitary (Medical) service managed support of armed forces units in period of Independence war 1918-1920 by establishing first aid posts/dressing sections for casualty’s care, organizing causalities transportation to medical treatment facilities, providing support with special medical equipment, and medical materials. The aim of the study was to describe and analyse Sanitary (Medical) service personnel leadership, adaptability, resilience, empathy, compassion in period from 1918 till 1920 that adapt quickly to changing circumstances in complicated political situation and aggravated economic reality. Sanitary (Medical) service personnel made decisions that had saved the lives of thousands of soldiers.