Medical personnel during the Battle of Antietam faced a Lack of supplies, inexperience, and High patient numbers.

Approximately 22,000 people lost their lives in the war, overwhelming the medical personnel and available supplies. Treatment challenges resulted from a lack of experience among many clinicians in handling the severity of injuries sustained in such a severe fight. In addition, they were unable to give proper care due to shortages of basic medical supplies including bandages and anesthetics. The combination of these difficulties brought to light the pressing need for changes in military medicine.