MERIDIAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
FORM 10-K
JULY 31, 1999


                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-3 No. 333-18279; Form S-8 Nos. 33-46981, 33-34045, 33-26681 and 2-80908)
and in the related prospectuses of Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc. or its
predecessor, Survival Technology, Inc. of our report dated October 22, 1999,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Meridian
Medical Technologies, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended July 31, 1999.


/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
Washington DC
October 22, 1999