Second Aid Kit
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You all know what a First Aid Kit is, and hopefully you have one in your home and car. I have several, and I have to admit that I'm sort of infatuated with them. They are the perfect combination of several of my loves -- small containers, packages, samples, organization, and preparedness. First Aid Kits are great because they are focused on true emergency items, to keep you safe and healthy. But what about those other non-emergency times when you need some essential item in a pinch and you don't have it? That's what I like to call Second Aid.
I've been meaning for ages to put together a Second Aid Kit for my car. Every time I'm away from home and wish I had scissors or a stamp or a baggie, I kick myself for not having done it. Even Jo has heard me talk about this idea for years now, but for some reason I never got around to it. I finally did this weekend, though, and I'm thrilled with the results!
I started by collecting items from around that house that might be useful in a pinch. It didn't take long rummaging through drawers and cabinets to find quite a selection.
Some of my favorite items are extra contacts, a toothbrush, a measuring tape, paper and pen, and batteries. And of course I had to throw some cash in there, in coins and small bills. You never know when you might get stuck at an unexpected toll booth or have an insane craving for a vending machine treat! I even added a sewing kit and cotton ball/swab kit that I snagged from a hotel room. The former Girl Scout in me is so proud of this collection of "Be Prepared" items.
I decided to store all these goodies in an old First Aid Kit box that I had. It needed a new label though, so I whipped one up real quick. And of course we've got it here for you to download, too.
I just printed the label onto a piece of sticker paper, cut it to size, and stuck it over the existing box's label.
Then I just tucked everything into the box and I was good to go. I'll be putting this in my car so that I'm prepared for all kinds of quasi-emergencies when I'm away from home.
I think this kit is pretty complete, but I know there are things I'm still missing. Fortunately, I can add to it at any time. If you all have any suggestions for things I can include, I'd love to hear them!
31 comments so far:
This is a great idea. I'm always looking for a small hook-on reading light when traveling.
Since these kits can sit around for eons, the only problem I have is remembering to replace those items that will become outdated--batteries, toothpaste, even contacts should you update your prescription. It might be a good idea to add a yearly reminder to the calendar to check to see what needs replacing.
This is a really great idea. I was thinking that you could add a car charger for your cell phone and if you have a cell phone that doesn't take pictures a disposalbe camera, just in case of an accident. I was hit a year ago and the pictures I took with my Iphone while waiting for the police was very helpful. I took a picture of the person that hit me also. Wanted to make sure I would be able to reconize her later.
Have a great week!
I am so glad you finally made this!
Great idea! I am going home after work and making one of these ASAP! I think I will add some safety pins and an emergency pressed powder compact! Also an extra pair of sunglasses and a small resealable plastic bottle. I don't know why, but it seems I always need one when I am out.
Love it! And then the Third Aid kit would include chocolate? Because sometimes that's just what you need. My car will have a Second Aid kit for vacation this year.
Baye, that's a great point. Maybe January 1st would be a good day to set the reminder... lots of people say they'll get organized for their New Year's resolution, so it will be easy to remember :)
Sheryl, the disposable camera is a great idea if your phone doesn't have a camera. This would be useful even beyond accidents -- every once in a while you see something amazing that you wish you could take a picture of.
Danielle, I can't believe I forgot safety pins. Those are so useful! I also love the plastic bottle idea.
Jani, let me know where you park so I can come steal your chocolates :)
This is a great Idea! I have a brand new "fresh off the presses" teen driver at home and this would be awesome for her.
This is also an excellent college survival kit. It has all of the "stuff" you normally use at home, but don't have on hand when you really need it. I tried to gather these things up for my daughters, but they weren't put together as neatly as this.
I've heard that even if the account is no longer active, a (charged) cell phone can still be used for 911. A friend gave his old phone to his daughter. She's only 6, and the phone is inactive, but in case of emergencies, her parents have taught her how (and when) to us it for help.
Amber, what a great way to instill a sense of preparedness in a new driver (not to mention put your mind at ease!).
Clare, that's an excellent idea!
Christine, I've heard the same thing, but I've never tried it. I'm happy to have never needed to :)
Matches
The most important things in a Second Aid Kit are:
-Lighter
-knife
-Multitool (a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman)
-Flashlight
You should add them to your kit :)
Echir, those are great suggestions to add, thanks! I actually already had all those things in my car except the lighter :)
I found this on Pinterest.
I love this idea - I would definitely add nail clippers and a nail file. If I get a rough spot and don't file right away, before I know it, I've bitten the nail to the quick.
Also a pair of tweezers. My kids are getting splinters, and I can never find any tweezers!!
In my case, an eyeglasses repair kit would also be a must.
Thanks for sharing this terrific project!!!
Those are great additions, Melody. So glad you found us!
This is a enormous thought! I have a new teenager at home and this would be awesome for him.
Great idea!
Great idea - we frequently have the items, but they are everywhere: glove box, the way-back of the SUV, one our purses or tote bags; this would consolidate everything nicely.
PS - the case looks big enough to hold a couple of water bottles or juice boxes too :o)
Great idea. I can take advantage of the back to school clearance and use a lunch box for my kit.
Tam, that's brilliant! You could also pick up a few school supplies, like tape and scissors, to put in the kit.
Wow! Very stylish. Nice solution if you don’t have very much space.
Just found this, What a great idea!
So I must ask did you update and check for replacement needs on Jan 1st? :)
A few extra things I'd want in mine:
A few energy bars/granola/ or nuts
A water bottle.
Pain Reliever (aleve, ibuprofen,etc)
a walmart bag/small trash bag
Maybe those instant hand warmers.
A small toy or crayons for a restless child.
flashlight
instant car charger
babywipes
an extra diaper
my mother always use to carry one of those "sick" bags you see at the hospital with her in case someone had got carsick or just sick for that matter.
Lauren, the first of the year is a great time to refresh the second aid kit. Thanks for the reminder!
Coming late to the party (came in from edcforums.com--thread entitled "Second Aid Kit" caught my eye), but I would not recommend New Year's as a time to update your kit. There's already so mich going on at that time that it could easily get forgotten in the shuffle. How about when you go on/off Daylight Savings, when you check/swap out smoke detector batteries (you *do* do that, right?).
Good suggestion, Don! Any holiday or event that can serve as a reminder would work.
I think a disposable camera would be great. There have been so many times I wish I had my camera like an unexpected beautiful Rainbow, or sunset, or that kodak moment.
A map, address book, and mini sewing kit would be in my second aid kit
I would add rubber bands in several sizes & maybe a magnifier(to read road maps).
Great idea, I would add extra tissues too never know when you might need one! Also a drink bottle and some small toys for kids.
I'm curious -- did you find that some items didn't hold up well in the heat over time? EG, tape, adhesive stamps, batteries, toothpaste? Thanks!
Liz, I haven't had a problem, but your results may vary depending on the typical climate where you live and if you keep the kit somewhere that heat builds up more, like the trunk.