U.S. Carlisle Dressings – Historic Military First Aid Bandages

The U.S. Carlisle Dressing was a vital first-aid item used by American military forces from World War I through the Korean War. Named after the Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania, where it was originally developed, this compact field dressing was designed to quickly treat wounds and control bleeding on the battlefield.

Consisting of a sterile gauze pad with an attached bandage, the Carlisle Dressing was packaged in a sealed metal tin (later in a waterproof wrapper) to protect it from dirt and moisture. Soldiers carried it in their first-aid pouches or uniform pockets for immediate access during combat.

The dressing came in two versions: a plain gauze pad and one treated with sulfa powder, an early antibacterial agent that helped prevent infection. These dressings played a crucial role in saving lives by providing immediate wound care before medics could offer further treatment.

As medical technology advanced, the Carlisle Dressing was eventually replaced by more modern field dressings. However, it remains a significant part of military medical history, symbolizing the evolution of battlefield care and the U.S. military’s commitment to protecting its soldiers. Today, collectors and historians highly value these dressings as historical artifacts.