The RCA MC Dressing, Shell, Mark III Military First Aid Gauze Pack from 1952 is a vintage military-issued first aid pouch, often used by soldiers during the mid-20th century. This compact and durable pack was designed to provide immediate care for wounds in the field.
Description of Contents:
Gauze Dressings:
The pack contains sterile gauze dressings, used to cover wounds and control bleeding. These dressings are likely folded neatly within the pouch, ensuring they remain clean until needed.
Shell Dressing:
The pack includes a shell dressing, which is a larger, more absorbent dressing specifically designed for treating more serious injuries, such as gunshot wounds or deep cuts. The shell dressing is wrapped in a protective paper or fabric covering.
Bandage Material:
There may be bandage material, such as a long roll of cotton or elastic bandage, included for securing the gauze dressings in place. This bandage would be used to wrap around the wound, holding the dressing firmly against the skin.
Instruction Card:
Some of these packs might include a small instruction card or label, providing directions on how to use the dressings and bandages in an emergency. This card could be printed directly on the inside of the pouch or included as a separate sheet.
Pouch Design:
The pouch itself is made from a durable, water-resistant material, often olive drab or khaki in color, typical of military gear from the era. It is designed to be compact and portable, with a secure closure (such as a button, snap, or tie) to keep the contents protected from dirt and moisture. The exterior of the pouch might have military markings, including the date of manufacture (1952) and other identification details like "RCA MC Dressing, Shell, Mark III."
This teardown video will explore the contents in detail, showing how each item was intended to be used in a military first-aid situation, and providing insight into the medical supplies carried by soldiers during the 1950s.