KIT, FIRST AID, MOTOR VEHICLE, 12-Unit (item #97773)
(submitted by Alain Batens)
(Kit, First Aid, Motor Vehicle, 12-Unit, Item #97773 – period 1942-1944 – from the collection of Alain Batens)
from L to R: open view of Medical Kit (the cover contains a label with full kit contents, directions for use of medical items, official nomenclature, and name of manufacturer (or distributor)
Contents of 12-Unit Motor Vehicle First-Aid Kit(Period 1942-1944)
NOTE: This kit packed in a small transportable metal case is usually distributed, one per every fourth vehicle (e.g. jeep-weapon carrier-cargo truck, etc. excluding armored vehicles ) . In ¼ Ton Trucks it is usually stashed away in a holding bracket, centrally located under the vehicle’s dashboard . The metal case is of rectangular shape, and opens on either side w/clips (2 + hinge or 4) or on one side only with 2 clips, while the other side is foreseen with a single narrow hinge . It has only one carrying handle . The case is painted olive drab, while the lid shows a white
FIRST AID in the upper part, a red caduceus w/ U.S. ARMY + MEDICAL DEPARTMENT on a white circular background in the center part, and a white FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY in the lower part . The cover has a complete label inside with nomenclature, directions for use, and list of contents .CONTENTS:
1 X Bandage, Gauze, White, 4-in x 6 yds, w/2 Large Safety Pins (item #92015)
1 X Bandage, Gauze, Compress, White, 4-in x 4-in (item #92002)
1 X Bandage, Gauze, Compress, White, 2-in x 2-in (item #92004)
1 X Bandage, Gauze, Adhesive, White, 1-in x 3-in (item #92000)
1 X Bandage, Triangular, Compressed, White (item #92040)
2 X Set, Burn, Injury, w/ Sulfadiazine Ointment & Applicator (item #91042)
1 X Set, Eye, Dressing (item #91095)
10 X Swab, Iodine (in single box) (item #91122)
10 X Inhalants, Ammonia (in single box) (item #91025)
1 X Set, Tourniquet-Scissors-Forceps (item #93797)
1 X Packet, Pin, Safety, Medium, Size 2 (item #78780)
6 X Packet, Sulfanilamide, each containing 5 grams Crystalline Sulfanilamide (sterile, individual, double-wrapped, paper envelope, w/ shaker top) (item #91211)
NOTE: Morphine Tartrate Syrettes of ½ Grain may be added to the kit only upon direction of the C.O. and when military circumstances indicate its need ! (this is item #91157)
Later modifications (course 1944 + early 1945) entail replacement of White bandage material by Field Brown (with change of item numbers) and increase from 5 > 7 digits, after June 1944)
It should be noted that contents sometimes differ as per supplier and, that they also evolve because of the continuous development of medicine in general. Complete kit is Item #97773, while Container is Item #97774.
Above kit was manufactured by
MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES Co., Pittsburgh, PA, 23 June 1944FM 21-11 First Aid For Soldiers April 7, 1943 states … this kit is supplied to motor vehicles, usually 1 to every fourth vehicle
KIT, FIRST AID, MOTOR VEHICLE, 12-Unit (Type D)
(submitted by Alain Batens)
…
(Kit, First Aid, Motor Vehicle, 12-Unit, Type D - period uncertain – from the collection of Alain Batens)
Closed view of subject Medical Kit (drawer type)
(Kit, First Aid, Motor Vehicle, 12-Unit, Type D – period uncertain – from the collection of Alain Batens)
From L to R: open view of Medical Kit (drawer type, open showing inner box w/contents, the protection cover contains a label with full contents, directions for use, nomenclature and name of manufacturer, outer box )
Contents of 12-Unit Type D Motor Vehicle First-Aid Kit(Period 1940-1942) ?
NOTE:: Is this kit dating from WW1, WW2 or from the period between the World Wars ? Who can tell ?
The kit is packed in a small rectangular transportable, rather heavy, metal case, distributed among every fourth vehicle (excluding armored types) . It looks like a drawer, since it slides open after unhooking the 2 clips on either side . When drawing open the kit, there’s a small metal ring allowing to pull open a protective cover, which then gives acces to the medical contents . This first aid kit has only one carrying handle . The case is painted in a brown drab shade, and used to have the full-color M-S-A emblem + markings on the front side (these decals have now almost completely gone), it also bears a white number 216 on the other side . Next to the cover (front part drawer) is an indication with THIS SIDE UP . The cover has a complete label inside with nomenclature, directions for use, and list of contents .
CONTENTS:
1 X Bandage, Gauze, Compress, 1-in x 3 ½ -in (item #92000) for covering large wounds & burns
2 X Bandage, Gauze, Compress, 2-in x 2-in (item #92004)for covering medium size wounds & burns
2 X Compress, Mercuro (item unknown) for covering small wounds
1 X Swab, Mercurochrome (item unknown) for sterilizing wounds
10 X Inhalants, Ammonia (in single box) (item #91025) for fainting & shock treating
1 X Bandage, Triangular, Compressed, White, 36-in x 36-in x 50-in (item #92040) for slings & covering dressings
1 X Bandage, Gauze, Compress, White, 4-in x 4-in (item #92002) for sprains & general bandaging
1 X Unguentine – for burns (item unknown)
1 X Tourniquet & Forceps (item unknown) for stopping arterial bleeding & removing splinters
NOTE:: Later modifications probably entailed replacements of certain items by others . It is not known when this kind of first aid kits (D=drawer type) was replaced by the standardized 12-Unit model … if anybody can fill-in the gap, any data are most welcome – thanks for your help
Above kit was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances Co., Braddock Ave. & Thomas Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A., the kit is referred to as M-S-A FIRST AID KIT, 12 UNIT – TYPE D (unfortunately there’s no mention of any date)