Cold War Crap
MC-1 Civilian Protection Kit - Part 2
LPD Decontamination Kit
Year: 1982
Country: Yugoslavia
Description: Civilian NBC first aid kit
This post is a following on from my main MC-1 kit review.
(Click HERE to see that review)
The LPD tin that came with the gas mask kit is full of bits and pieces specifically designed for treating anyone caught up in a chemical, nuclear or biological attack.
Open the metal lid and discover a world of expired powders, antidotes and toilet paper dating back to the days of the iron curtain.
This tin could save your life!
According to the all-knowing internet, the Yugoslavian MC-1 protection kits didn't always include this handy tin.
Often only a chemical bandage or NBC poncho were available as part of the gas mask pack.
It's certainly the first time I had set eyes on this tin before. I haven't seen it on eBay or anywhere else for that matter so perhaps this is quite rare? only time will tell.
The LPD tin is made from steel with a lid at one end. It isn't the best quality steel but it certainly does the job.
The lid is fastened down by way of a wrap over metal clasp. This effectively locks the top of the tin to the bottom. I suspect this is to make the kit waterproof and airtight.
What a brilliant idea.!
First item from the out-of-date medicine cabinet is the strange pink strips of tissue paper secured just inside the lid. This were originally for mopping up any chemical spills etc.
Before I start on the removable contents of the tin, here is a photo of the LPD page from the MC-1 manual.
The page on the right has a fella mopping something up with that pink bog paper.
The LPD kit as seen in the manual
Medicines from the metal tin
After pulling the red arrow tab fully out, this is what you are presented with.
Ready for an NBC attack!
A fully stocked NBC first aid kit - ready for the call to action.
This plastic tube contains two glass ampules of Amyl Nitrate.
Each ampule has a piece of gauze tied around the stopper end.
The user would crush one of the glass tubes, soaking the gauze. This tiny piece of cloth would then be placed inside the gas mask. Vapours eminating from the cloth would counter any blood agents so they say.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Yes, common old baking soda to everyone else but in an NBC Decontamination situation this everyday powder could make you feel a lot better.
The powder would be added to a half bottle of water.
Then after being fully dissolved in the water the solution could be used to decontaminate the victims eyes, nose and throat.
Cotton wads
Plentiful supply of Cotton wool
This stuff needs no introduction, it just plain old wads of cotton wool. Handy for mopping stuff up. Chemicals, blood, that sort of thing.
You can never have too many wipes
Decontamination Powder + tissues
Decontamination powder wrapped in tissue
In the heat of a situation any liquid agents on the skin would first be blotted dry using the tissue paper wrapped around the tube.
The powder inside the tube could then be dusted across the affected area and that should be that.
Chemical/Nerve Agent Antidotes
Protection by injection
Inside this plastic container are two separate syrettes. Both are still sealed in a sterile plastic bag.
Chemical and Nerve agent antidotes
2.5ml - Atropine sulfate
2.5ml - Pralidoxime / 2-PAM
The victim was required to inject themselves in the leg with one of these injections should it prove necassary.
An NBC attack might not be the best time to discover you have a fear of needles!
Overall I really like this medical tin. Everything is still as it was when it left the factory in 1982, in pristine condition.
It's a collector's piece I have no doubt. Worth keeping.
I wonder if I can get another one from somewhere?