Military Medicine Objects

The Individual First Aid Kit was developed from research conducted during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003-2004 which analyzed the number of preventable deaths in combat. It was found that survival rates would increase if every soldier, no matter their service or rank, would have the tools necessary to help stabilize injuries. The Individual First Aid Kit is as important as a weapon for a soldier in combat.

Contents include: Individual chest seal, combat gauze, sterile gloves, needle decompression kit, roll of gauze, nasopharyngeal airway and combat application tourniquet.

Loan Courtesy of Major Steve Carson

Burn victims were given this, mixed with water to aid in fluid replacement.

Property of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York State Military Museum, on loan

Exposure to Malaria in the jungles of Vietnam prompted scientists to develop preventative medicines and vaccines to combat illness and disease. This treatment was so effective it became a common deterrent in civilian life.

Loan courtesy of Lamouree-Hackett, Post 72, American Legion Veterans History Museum, Saugerties, NY

Property of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York State Military Museum, on loan

The Telecor Cardiac Monitor was a groundbreaking advancement in medical care on the battlefield. The battery-powered unit was small and transportable and could be attached to patients while moving. It had the ability to monitor body temperature, heart rhythms, and respiratory activity, even during surgery.

Loan Courtesy Private Collection

The actions taking place in this photograph are described by Robert Allyn in his oral history station.

Loan Courtesy Robert Allyn

The injured Marine pictured in Khe Sanh, Vietnam rests his head on this medical bag while being rushed to evacuation. To hear more about the actions that took place on this day in Khe Sanh, Vietnam, listen to Robert Allyn’s oral history station.

Loan Courtesy Robert Allyn

There are many other factors that contribute to injuries on the battlefield, such as heatstroke, cramps, and exhaustion. This guide gives instructions on how to recognize and treat these symptoms.

Property of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York State Military Museum, on loan

“Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System” tags are used to collect data for all different types of injuries and casualties sustained by troops during laser-safe military training exercises.

Property of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York State Military Museum, on loan

This image is a reproduction of the waterproof, tearproof, and foldable card that is fastened to an injured soldier’s uniform. It serves as a record of trauma, the care rendered at the point of injury and aids medics in the continuum of care to diagnose and treat accurately.

Loan courtesy of Lance Stenfeldt, Clear Path for Veterans, U.S. Army (Retired)

In this letter, Bolton discusses the “new and exciting” concept within the 101st Airborne Division: The Forward Area Surgical Team.

Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing Archives at the Center for Nursing

“The design features include a laminated shell, flexible inner socket, and a rotatable and position-able wrist. The rubber cosmetic glove is there to enhance grip and appearance. The design is also incorporating a myoelectric, or muscle electricity, control as noted by the exposed electrode.” Michael Pagano, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Albany Samuel S. Stratton VAMC

Loan courtesy of the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Department of Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Services

“This is an example of a more modern design using a socket that is constructed of carbon fiber lamination and a flexible inner plastic socket with a pin lock suspension mechanism. The carbon fiber is lightweight and strong.” - Michael Pagano, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Albany Samuel S. Stratton VAMC

Loan courtesy of the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Department of Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Services

“This upper limb amputee terminal device helped revolutionize modern prosthetics. It is classified as a myoelectric device meaning that muscle electrical signals are transferred from the arm to operate the opening and closing of the hook with a much greater grip force than possible through conventional body powered mechanisms.” -Michael Pagano, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Albany Samuel S. Stratton VAMC

Loan courtesy of the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Department of Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Services

“Cushioning from the foam rubber material in the heel in the foot allow for shock absorption and flexibility during the cycle of gait. This is combined with a wood block for attachment and a rubber shell for cosmesis. This style of foot is a precursor to modern carbon fiber feet.” -Michael Pagano, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Albany Samuel S. Stratton VAMC

Loan courtesy of the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Department of Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Services

The evolution of body armor coincides with the advancements of military medicine. During the Vietnam War, soldiers often removed their body armor due to its bulkiness and the ability to trap in heat. After the Vietnam War, body armor improved with the addition of Kevlar, a strong yet lightweight fiber that was heat resistant and provided significant bullet protection.

Tschiderer’s armor includes an Outer Tactical vest with small arms protective inserts (SAPI) plates. SAPI plates are attached in the neck, groin, and chest. A small hole in the chest of the armor indicates where Tschiderer was shot by a sniper attack in 2005.

Property of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, New York State Military Museum, on loan

The “slogan” as seen on the patch embodies the brave sacrifice of the Dustoff airway crews: “If we can’t, Nobody Else Can.”

Loan courtesy of Robert Nevins