Life-Saving Items to Keep in

Your Backpack 

Taaran Kaur, 11/25/24

Health emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere–even in school or college. For these reasons, it’s important to be prepared. The items in the list below don’t take up much space and once you start carrying them with you, it will become a good habit that can save lives. 

1. A Simple First Aid kit–you should have a few band aids (preferably of different sizes), some ointment, and antiseptic wipes or solution. This may not be “life saving” at the moment, but it is really important for protecting cuts and injuries that could become infected. You can also include some pain medicine if you would like. This is useful for headaches, cramps, and controlling fevers.

2. Tourniquet–tourniquets are used to stop severe bleeding on injuries to the limbs. People originally believed that tourniquets would cause the patient to lose a limb, but this is false. It can stay on for about 7 hours without threatening the patient’s limb. There have been countless stories of tourniquet’s saving lives by preventing people from bleeding out. Just make sure that when you are purchasing a tourniquet it is high quality. There are cheaper imitations sold online that break when used and are therefore ineffective. As a side note, even if you don’t have a tourniquet, you can always make a makeshift one out of a sturdy pen and a thick strap–like a belt or a purse strap; just make sure that you tighten it as much as possible. 

3. Some allergy medicine (like Benadryl or Zyrtec), even if you do not have allergies. Sometimes people who think they have no allergies can have reactions to something new that they are exposed to. Or someone who has allergies may have forgotten their allergy medicine. Either way, this can save a life in the moment by preventing anaphylaxis. In addition to allergy medicine, if you are prescribed an epi-pen by your doctor, you should keep it with you always. Some people who have relatives with severe allergies also keep epi-pens with them, but they are unfortunately quite expensive so it’s not practical for everyone to have them. For this reason, allergy medicine is a good alternative. It’s key to note that if the allergic reaction is severe, you should always call 911, even after giving allergy medicine and/or an epi-pen. 

4. A CPR mask or face shield–it’s important that everyone knows CPR because it can save lives. The effectiveness of CPR increases when you give rescue breaths, but most people are understandably uncomfortable with this, especially if they are giving CPR to a stranger. A CPR valve mask or face shield can effectively prevent the transmission of germs. Again, just make sure that you know how to use it properly. 

5. Bottled Water–most people already keep reusable water bottles in their bags with them, but if you don’t you should start. Even if you don’t end up drinking the water, it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Especially if you live in a hot environment, water is important to stay hydrated and prevent heat sickness. 

6. Your Phone (and its charger)! This is pretty self explanatory. Your phone will allow you to call emergency services in an emergency. Even if your phone shows that there is no signal, you should try to call because emergency calls are prioritized and can sometimes go through. Your phone can also serve as a flashlight, map, camera, compass, and translator. 

To conclude, the above items will help you be prepared in the case of most emergencies. Of course, if you ask different people you will get different recommendations, but these are some easy ones for students to keep in their bag. These items truly can save lives.