(submitted by Alain Batens)
(Kit, First Aid, Gas Casualty, item #97764, 2nd pattern– period 1942-1944 (uncertain) – from the collection of Alain Batens)
from L to R: closed view of a 2nd pattern Kit (i.e. with black markings on olive drab/green background), closed view of a 1st pattern Kit (i.e. with red markings on yellow background)
Content of a Gas Casualty First-Aid Kit(Period 1942-1944)
NOTE: This kit packed in a small transportable metal case is usually distributed on the basis of one to each 25 individuals, and carried in vehicles . The metal case is of rectangular shape, and opens on either side w/clips (2 + hinge = 1st pattern yellow version, or 2 + 2 clips = 2nd pattern olive drab version) or clips and a hinge . It has only one carrying handle . The 1st pattern case is painted yellow, while the lid shows a red
FIRST AID in the upper part, a red caduceus w/ U.S. ARMY + MEDICAL DEPARTMENT w/o circular background in the center part, and a red FOR GAS CASUALTIES ONLY in the lower part . The cover has a complete label inside with nomenclature, directions for use, and list of contents .CONTENTS:
1 X Dichloramin-T in Triacetin (item unknown) for liquid mustard gas skin contamination
1 X Solution, Hydrogen, Peroxide, 8% (item #1K9000) for liquid Lewisite skin contamination
1 X Solution, Copper, Sulfate, 10% (item #91075) for phosphorous burns
1 X Drops, Eye and Nose (item #91091) for relief & congestion in eye and nose
1 X Solution, Eye, M-1 (item #91095) for Lewisite eye contamination
1 X Pads, Cotton (item #92118) for liquid vesicant removal
1 X Amyl, Nitrate (item #10690) for acid gas contamination
1 X Compound, Pontocaine, Ointment (item #1K62100) for itching and pain
1 X Ointment, Protective, M-4 (item #91187) for liquid vesicant skin contamination
NOTE: Later modifications entail replacement of certain items by others . It is not known when the 1st pattern of this kit (yellow version) was replaced by the later 2nd pattern olive drab model . This case closed with 2 + 2 clips, and all markings were identical except for the color which was black ! It was felt that the yellow color of the first model looked too bright in the field . Above kit (olive drab version) was manufactured by A.E. Halperin Co., Inc., Boston, Mass., U.S.A. (again no date). Complete (2nd pattern) Kit is Item #97764, while Container is Item #97663.
FM 21-11 First Aid For Soldiers April 7, 1943 states … this kit is supplied in the Theater of Operations on the basis of 1 kit to each 25 individuals, and is usually carried in vehicles...TM 8-285 Treatment of Casualities from Chemical Agents, 15 April 1944, lists different contents for above Kit, the printed lists probably date back to 1943, and were subsequently adapted in 1944, resulting in the above modified contents.