When I first heard of the two kits, I really liked the concept of a separate “Emergency” First Aid Kit and a “Readiness” Second Aid Kit – a kit for things that would be useful when life takes an unexpected twist – serious or not.
Exploring the Kits, they are generally identical except for color and outside symbol. The Parapack material is fantastic. They have four (!) O-rings to keep things organized and are just a bit smaller than the Standard Spiff Kit.
Here is a picture comparing the kits:
While most people have a good idea what a First Aid Kit is about, I found it fun to think up different scenarios to use the Second Aid Kit. I realized that it is very situational - in that each person / family has different readiness needs.
For example, with aging parents (which I have) that do not live nearby, you may need to unexpectedly quickly drive over and stay. Having a Readiness Second Aid Kit that has your “Overnight” needs would be handy and save time. Here are a few pictures of how it might look:
Another example brings out the “Tech Geek” in me – An urban kit that has key things I might need in this internet / google / party with friends world if I needed to go quickly – e.g. phone charger, tokens for public transit, music (iPod, smartphone, bluetooth speaker, earphones, etc), standard survival stuff (lighter, firestarter, wrench, pocketknife, Purel, etc). (Note the 4 O-Rings!)
Note that for both these examples, I also could add in a Small Shop Bag (pictured in Island Dyneema).
Could you use other bags for this - absolutely. But, with the Second Aid Kit, it is obvious what it is by the symbol and bright color. This way, you (or someone else in your family) will not accidentally misplace it or put it somewhere less accessible.
So … what do you want in your Aid kit?
Cheers!