Former Kalgoorlie Mining Associates property. White painted box with red writing "CYANIDE / POISONING / KIT". Bottom of box is lines with cotton wool and contains 4 boxed sparklets, one loose sparklet on a booklet entitle "THE TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES WITH THE SPARKLETS RESUSCITATOR WITH NOTES ON THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA VASOMETER RHINITIS AND HAY FEVER". The fact that there is no specific references to cyanide poisoning, and the appearance of the box itself indicate the box was built specifically to contain the sparklets for their adapted application for cyanide poisoning cases. The sparklets themselves are stainless steel tubes with screw-off bottom, screw-down plunger and outlet valve. A Carbon dioxide bulb is place in bottom of sparklet by screwing off bottom and screwing plunger down to its full extent. When the base is screwed back on, the bulb is pierced; the plunger is unscrewed, then the Carbon Dioxide released through the outlet valve into the patient's mouth. There are two different styles of packaging of the sparklets, again indicating the box is designed as repository for sparklets. Sparklets work on the principle of Carbon Dioxide's effect on the human respiratory system which stimulates breathing. Obviously this resuscitation technique must be carried out when natural atmosphere is breathable, or if this is not the case, oxygen would need to be administered. As cyanide is used in the milling circuit to release gold from refractory ores, this kit would probably be held in the milling plant rather than underground.
Department:
History DepartmentCollection
History Collection
Collection Item Data
| Accession Number: | H1989.758 |
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| Accession Date: | 4 Aug 1989 |
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Material
| Cardboard/Paper | Painted wood, metal, cardboard, stainless steel, cotton gauze.
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Measurement
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