• American Red Cross First Aid Textbook – Revised Edition (1945)
  • American Red Cross First Aid Textbook – Revised Edition (1945) Illustrations
  • American Red Cross First Aid Textbook – Revised Edition (1945) Cover and Spine
  • American Red Cross FIRST AID TEXTBOOK ©1933 1945 Back Cover
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The Blakiston Company

American Red Cross First Aid Textbook – Revised Edition (1945)

American Red Cross First Aid Textbook – Revised Edition (1945)

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AT A GLANCE

Title:
American Red Cross First Aid Textbook
Publisher:
Blakiston Company, Philadelphia
Era:
Wartime & Early Post-War America (1940–1949)
Date:
1945 3rd Revision (Originally issued 1933)
Condition:
Good (G)
Cover:
Softcover
Pages:
254
OCLC:
6781045
Book genre:
Textbook
Notes:
264 instructional diagrams & photographs

Official American National Red Cross training manual featuring 264 instructional illustrations for emergency care.

This American Red Cross First Aid Textbook is the 1945 revised edition, representing the third revision of the manual originally introduced in 1933. Produced by the American National Red Cross and published by the Blakiston Company of Philadelphia, the book served as the official instructional text for individuals enrolled in Red Cross first aid training courses during the mid-20th century.

Public health training expanded dramatically in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, and the American Red Cross played a central role in educating both civilians and wartime volunteers in emergency medical care. Manuals like this one were used in community classes, schools, and civil defense training programs.

Bound in an army-brown softcover, the cover design is striking in its simplicity—black typography centered above the iconic red cross emblem set within a white circle. The utilitarian design reflects the book’s purpose as a practical field guide during a period when first aid training became increasingly important for both civilians and wartime volunteers.

Inside are 254 pages containing 264 instructional illustrations, demonstrating techniques for treating injuries, splinting fractures, transporting patients, and responding to emergency medical situations. The diagrams and staged photographic demonstrations make the text both practical and visually engaging, providing insight into how first aid instruction was taught during the World War II era.

This example remains complete and fully readable, retaining its original softcover binding. Signs of prior ownership are present, including a previous owner's name and handwritten notes. Minor curling and small chips appear at the lower page corners, and the spine shows expected darkening from age.

Collector’s Note

The detailed illustrations—showing splinting techniques, bandaging methods, and patient transport—offer a fascinating look at how lifesaving skills were taught during the mid-20th century.

Today, manuals like this are appreciated by collectors of Red Cross history, wartime training materials, vintage medical manuals, and 20th-century educational ephemera.

Browse the Biographies & Reference Books for more textbooks and reference materials, including other published works by the Red Cross.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

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