Some bandages, a few sterile...
Some bandages, a few sterile cloths and a couple of antiseptic wipes, and a basic first aid course are all you really need. The supplies fit in a 2 1/2 by 4-inch container, and it's no exaggeration to say it might save some one's life.
During this summer's ride through Yellowstone we rounded a corner to confront what has to be one of every rider's worst nightmares, a rolled-over car with injuries. We weren't the first one the scene, others were extricating the injured couple from the wadded-up SUV as we pulled up, and as often happens in these situations someone who seemed to know what he was doing had taken charge. He was doing what can only be described as a hell'uva of a job, but the people needed medical attention and they needed it quick. Both in shock, and bloody messes, the man had a large gash in his foot, while the woman was bleeding from cuts to her arms and face was having trouble breathing.
Since I've had some first responder training, and normally carry an emergency first aid kit when I'm on the road, my first thought was to call 911, and then provide what first aid I could to the couple to make them comfortable until the pro's arrived.
Then fortune reared its ugly head and I realized that (A) neither I nor any of my companions had cell service and (B) because I was on a test bike and had been asked to pack light I'd left my travel bag with the first aid kit in it at home. Fortunately, we were able to find a campground with a land line about 4 miles down the road and help was soon on its way, but it was a real reality check for me, especially since I ride on so many lonely back roads.
So, here's my tip for December; while your bike's stuck in the garage this winter why not take a first aid/first responder course? Most adult education centers offer something along those lines, and if not, there are online courses, as well as books galore. It doesn't have to be anything too intense (you're not going to performing brain surgery), but at least if you or one of your buddies gets wadded up, you'll know what to do until the posse arrives.