On a similar note to the "don't leave home without it" post, the comments of the survivors of a rail crash tonight in England caught my eye.

"Suddenly all the lights went off, screaming, shouting, we were in the pitch black, then total chaos in the carriage for a few moments. "

I sure a decent torch and a basic first aid kit would have been a godsend if someone had the foresight to carry them.
It makes me realise exactly why we carry this gear around. I also hope I have the where-with-all to be able to use it, should the situation arise.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/115784/1/.htmll