Can you equip an item during someone else's combat?

[evaltus]

So I've been arguing over this with my friends for a while, and we still haven't come to a decision. Based on the rules it seems like you can, but the FAQ seems unclear (You may not play new Items during combat, whether it is your turn or not, except for any one-shot Item (one of those that say "usable once only") that says it can be used in any combat. These one-shot Items can be played by any player during any combat, from the hand or from the cards in play. Playing one-shots does not count as "helping" in the combat, however; you must actually join the fight (and risk suffering the Bad Stuff) to be considered the helper.). I'm wondering if it means you can't play items during ANY combat, or just during a combat you're in (i.e you're helping someone else).