Some time ago, I put together a few first aid materials in a case that could fit into my gym bag. Not much. Just the basics. Some Quik-Clot®, pressure bandage, gauze, other bandages, EMT scissors, glucose tabs, CPR mask, flashlight, gloves, alcohol wipes, trach kit, tourniquet.. a few other things. I wanted to be prepared in case something happened on the road or in the gym.

I’d load the bag into the car every time I used it, and I was getting tired of it. I mean, what are the chances, really, of needing it? That’s what I was asking myself. But I sighed, and threw it into the car anyway. Maybe for the last time. I headed into town.

About halfway there, traffic slowed for an accident. A moped rider had been creamed by a car. He was in the center of the road, bleeding and unconscious.

Amazingly, a friend of mine who is a Fire Dept. EMT had seen the accident happen and was kneeling over the victim. A critical care nurse from the local hospital got out of her car and joined him.

I parked safely, put on my hazard lights, and walked over with my bag. “Need any gear?” I asked.