First Aid Kit

[rixm37]

I know this subject has come up before BUT .. Can someone post a pic of the correct first aid kit with markings. And what are the correct straps for mounting it on the passenger side cut out ?
Thanks
RIck

[Joe]

The correct kit depends on the era. The 50s kits were steel and the mid-60s kits are aluminium. But I suspect that the steel ones were still in use even after the issue of the Al ones. The inside of the top cover for both kits has a label that says Ten Man (or Unit?) Kit and has a list of all the packages that should be in the kit. THAT label is what you need to look for! You can also date the kits somewhat by the part number on it. I don't think the early had a number at all but sometime after WW II they started putting a three-part Federal Stock Number on them. Then the DOD adopted the NATO Stock Number system that used a four-part number and some kits have that. If you find out when the NSN system went into effect then you can date kit by that BUT realize that there was probably a period when both number systems were used so don't be too critical with your dating. FWIW there is a larger 24 Man kits that was used in armored vehicles. A lot of unscrupulous E-bay sellers try to pass of the bigger kits as an M-37 kit but it's not. Also there are similar kits that were made and sold commercialy that were designed to hang on a wall and they have flanges on them. They are not M-37 kits! Neither are the white ones that don't have the Ten Man Kit label inside.

BTW you do know that according to the WW II First Aid TM, only every fourth vehicle got a kit don't you? The kits were dropped entirely later on. Those two reasons are why so many M-37 don't have the oblong holes for the scraps to secure the kit. In fact, even though there is a Vietnam era version of the kit, it had already been dropped from the M-37 by that time!

I believe that ALL the packages used in all the military first air kits were tan, at least up until very recently. If you find a kit with red, blue, white or other color packages then those are commercial packages. I had a lot more trouble finding the military packages than I did finding the metal box for the kit.

[m-37Bruce]

Here's the indent, I couldn't find the pic of the kit itself??

[98taco3]

I can take a photo of what the actual box looked like. It doesnt have markings on it though. It was still with my truck and is bolted to the dash.

[rixm37]

Thanks Joe I didn't know that only one in 4 trucks had a kit. I want the kit to be functional so I will be using modern new items. I have a box that I think is correct, but there are no markings on it at all. It was all hand painted and a mess so I stripped it and repainted it. Here is a pic I found on the internet of how my box should probably be marked. Should be a stock number also I think.


I found this on Rick larson's sight and thought these might be correct.
http://www.militarystencils.com/FIRST-A ... 00C24.aspx

Thanks Bruce my truck has the same cut out but instead of the hoops mine has slots cut in it. I guess the strap goes around the box and through the slots. I have the same bumpers but 2 more on the floor.
Thanks 98taco3 but I think the box is the right one it's mainly the markings and the strap that holds it in that I want to get right.
RIck

[powerwagontim]

Following the link to Rick Larsen's Stencils, he shows several first aid kit decals. So, assuming the correct one for an M37 would have the stock number, that leaves 2 choices. One is grey with a red cross, the other is green with the caduceus. Which one would be correct for a 52 Air Force M37?
Thanks,
Tim

[powerwagontim]

I looked some more, and think I figured out my own question. I doubt an Air Force truck would have a First Aid Kit marked "US Army Medical Department"
Looks like the grey one is for me.
Tim

[milstencil]

A little clarification here.............
There is no "gray" or "green" back ground with the decals. It was used to show the lettering.
Only things on the decal is the white lettering and circle with the med cad.
Early kits had no stock number(early WWII), later kits (mid war up) had the stock number.
Rick

[powerwagontim]

Thanks Rick,
I knew that, I was just using that to differentiate between them. I just ordered the "grey" one, I think it will look great!
Thanks,
tim

[rixm37]

More good info. Thanks RIck I am going with the set with the stock number.

[Paddyofurniture]

When I was in Germany from 1976 to 1080 First Aid kits where still issued with vehicles. The M37s where just about gone by the start of 1977 and the First Aid kits where carried in the tool compartment under lock and key.

Paddy

[MikeOneSix]

When I was in Germany from 1976 to 1080 First Aid kits where still issued with vehicles. The M37s where just about gone by the start of 1977 and the First Aid kits where carried in the tool compartment under lock and key.

Paddy

Wow you went back in time? That must have sucked starting with all that modern gear and finishing up with swords & chainmail... -Sorry I couldn't resist.
Matt

[Paddyofurniture]

Ya is sure was tough going back in time, but the women where great and the beer almost free!

Best of all was the government surplus!

Paddy

Member of the "Old OD Green Truck Club” (OODGTC)

[Joe]

Ya is sure was tough going back in time, but the women where great and the beer almost free!

Best of all was the government surplus!

I imagine that the only government surplus that was available in 1080 was something that came from the north end of a south bound horse!

[MikeOneSix]

Ya is sure was tough going back in time, but the women where great and the beer almost free!

Best of all was the government surplus!

I imagine that the only government surplus that was available in 1080 was something that came from the north end of a south bound horse!

Not to mention that the world was still flat then (pre 1492)....
Matt