Ever wondered what kind of gear CARE Crisis Responders carry?
Our CCRs bring more than just first aid into the field. Their kits — and SUVs — are stocked to bring comfort, safety, and support to people in crisis. Here’s a look inside, brought to you by our CCR, Sasha:
Snacks & Drinks
The CCR’s SUV never rolls out without a big plastic bin full of mini muffins, Rice Krispies, Pop-Tarts, protein bars, applesauce packets, Slim Jims, nuts, fruit bars, chips, juice boxes, bottled water, Liquid IV, and Ensure shakes.
“We use snacks for engagement purposes, for people who can be more reluctant to speak,” says CCR Sasha. Asking ‘when was the last time you ate?’ or ‘do you want a snack while we talk?’ is a good way to build rapport.”
Comfort and Care
CCRs sometimes encounter families and young children, and keep supplies for them on-hand, including:
coloring books, crayons, teddy bears, cooling towels, earplugs, ponchos, blankets, survival wraps, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and slides.
“Teddy bears are good for kids of pretty much any age,” Sasha says.
Everyday Essentials
Hygiene products are an essential (and popular) part of CCRs’ supply kits, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, Kleenex, deodorant, chapstick, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, hygiene wipes, tampons, pads, baby wipes, baby shampoo, baby powder, diaper cream, baby blankets, and adult/child diapers.
“The bathing wipes are a huge thing,” says Sasha. “We also carry feminine hygiene, lotions, and other ‘intimate stuff.'”
Medical & Safety
CCRs are often the first to meet people in crisis, so they carry a wide range of medical and safety tools — from basic first aid to harm reduction supplies — to keep both responders and community members safe, including first aid kits, AEDs, CPR masks, ice packs, hand warmers, sunglasses, surgical masks, latex gloves, safety shears, tent tape, bungee cords, car seats/boosters, car seat covers, Narcan, fentanyl test strips, alcohol prep pads, Midol, non-slip socks, sharps containers, and gun locks.
“We carry harm reduction stuff — fentanyl test strips, Narcan for folks who use with other folks and are able to watch out for each other in active usage.”
Sasha also carries what she calls her “go-bag,” containing, among other things, bus tickets and cigarettes.
“I carry a couple of different kinds of cigarettes. That way people have a sense of autonomy. If someone is escalated, saying ‘I’ve got some cigarettes, do you want to chat?’ can help bring them down to baseline.”
Practical & Field Supplies
CCRs also keep practical supplies on hand to solve everyday problems in the field, like pet food, dog pee pads, trash bags, Windex, disinfectant spray, Clorox wipes, Ziplocs, biohazard bags, a document shredder, drawstring bags, a portable charger, jumper cables, notepads, pens, painters tape, and scarves.
“We have pet food for people who don’t have money to feed their animals,” Sasha adds.
Every item CCRs carry plays an important role in their outreach and ability to help those in crisis, allowing CCRs meet people with dignity, compassion, and practical support when they need it most.