PACKET, FIRST-AID, PARACHUTE (item #97785)
(submitted by Alain Batens)
(First-Aid Parachute Packet – period 1943-1944 + First–Aid Parachute Packet/US Army Air Corps First-Aid Packet – period 1940-1942 – the parts illustrated above are from the collection of Alain Batens)
From L to R and horizontally: 1 X First-Aid Packet w/Ties (contents=1 X Small First-Aid White Dressing, 1 X Field Tourniquet, 1 X Morphine Syrette Tube (1/2 Grain Solution) w/Box) Remark: this is item #97785, in fact the 2nd pattern of this kit – 1 X First-Aid Packet w/Zip & Ties (contents=identical) Remark: this item n° is unknown, in fact this is the 1st pattern as originally issued by the US Army Air Corps, and used by both Air Force personnel and Paratroopers
(Packet, First-Aid, Parachute, Item #97785 – period 1942-1944 – from the collection of Alain Batens)
from L to R and horizontally: 1 X Field, Tourniquet, 1 X Canvas Rubberized Pouch w/2 Cotton Ties, 1 X Small First-Aid Dressing, 1 X Paper w/Instructions (ref 16-28598-1 GPO), 1 X ½ Grain Morphine Tartrate Syrette + Yellow Cardboard Box
NOTE: Please do not confuse Packet, First-Aid, Parachute (2nd pattern, Item #97785) with Kit, Medical, Parachutist’s (Item #97116) they are totally different items !
Contents of First-Aid Parachute Packet
(Period 1943-1944)
NOTE: This small packet is a first-aid individual kit (2nd pattern) designed for and issued to Airborne troops . It consists of a rectangular-shaped khaki colored pouch, manufactured of light canvas and rubberized inside for protection of its contents . The front side is equipped with 2 long khaki cotton ties which are stitched to the pouch . This should allow fixing to the camouflage net on the helmet, or any other suitable place (preference of the holder) . A notch on the side of the rubberized pouch allows it to be opened rapidly (by tearing), in case of emergency . The only marking,
FIRST – AID, is to be found on the front part, between the two cotton ties .CONTENTS:
1 X Dressing, First-Aid, Small, White, or similar bandage (item #92060)
1 X Tourniquet, Field (item #93780)
1 X Tube, Morphine, Tartrate, ½ Grain Solution, w/ Yellow Box & Red Markings (item #91157)
1 X Sheet, Instruction, w/directions for use & recommendations covering Morphine & Tourniquet (ref 16-28598-1 GPO)
NOTE: Later modifications were never indicated, so I presume the packet contents did not really change throughout the war . Maybe the only affected system probably is the numbering scheme for items issued after June 1944, whereby item numbers increase from 5 > 7 digits ! Contents of both 1st and 2nd pattern pouches seem to have been identical . Complete (2nd pattern) Packet is Item #97785, while Container is Item #97786.
FM 21-11 First Aid For Soldiers April 7, 1943 states … this kit is supplied to each parachute wearer …