Question for the EMTs

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Permalink Reply by Fire Chick 1st. Lt. on December 20, 2008 at 11:25am

i am glad u want to be an emt.. i took my class back in jan. and it was best thing i ever did,, but my advise would be to start the class and make sure u like it, then start buying stuff from there..just in case u dont like it and u dont waste money.. i had someone in my class who went out and got all these things before the class spent over $500 and dropped the class the 2nd week.. they decided they didnt wanna do it..

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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on December 20, 2008 at 5:25pm

Not liking it really isn't much of an option for me. Been a firefighter for a few years and love it. I need my EMT to get hired on a paid department.

I don't plan on spending nearly that much. I was more looking for "get a glove pouch and a pair of shears." just the basics.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on December 20, 2008 at 6:12pm

Why start out buying all kinds of crap before you know what "YOU" want to carry....?? Yake the class...make a few runs find out what you do and don't have readily available then go from there...Makes more sense to update your trauma bag with what you need/want than to buy it and have to haul it all over God knows where....I will guarantee you one thing....You will loose what you carry...eventually anyways...Been there done that....The only thing I carry now that is mine is a reference guide for backup and my own Stethascope....I leave the rest to our department....Fire is a little different...but same goes...before you become a walking talking toolbox get some calls under your belt....then get what you feel you "NEED"....Stay safe and always remember to keep the faith.......Paul

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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on December 20, 2008 at 6:39pm

Do you have any medical training at this point? If not, it might be wise to wait unil you've learned a skill (such as taking BP or listening to lung sounds) before investing in equipment. In other words, don't buy something you haven't been trained to use.

I assume you have had CPR, though, so a pocket mask or other barrier device and a pair of gloves would be great to have handy.

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Permalink Reply by Barry on December 20, 2008 at 7:29pm

Being an EMT for a while, I didn't go and buy anything, the ambulance had the equipment when I was on a call. I think it's ridiculous to see people with everything they can think of on their person, I especially like the scopes around the neck when they enter a store or other places, to me that's showing off. Make sure a good mask for cpr and gloves.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on December 20, 2008 at 8:39pm

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I'm not looking to outfit myself with a trauma bag or anything. I just wanted to make sure I didn't go into the squad and get looks like I'm crazy for not having one thing or another. I'm sure the gloves will be provided by the squad. I'll look into a mask. Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on December 20, 2008 at 9:53pm

I would start the class, make sure you like it, then get a good pair of BDU's, a cheap set of shears, a watch for vitals, and a good pen.

OH, and safety glasses wouldn't be a bad idea.

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on December 20, 2008 at 11:12pm

Oh, and a little notepad would be good too.

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Permalink Reply by Medicine Man on December 21, 2008 at 12:01am

You will need your own stethoscope for the class, and you will want your own trust me! Get a good set does not have to be high dollar, just dont go el cheepo either if you want to actually hear something.

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Permalink Reply by chele on December 26, 2008 at 9:56pm

I recommend getting a good supply of highlighters in as many different colors as you can! I really used mine for studying my textbook! (I hate taking notes when highlighting will do)

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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on December 27, 2008 at 1:10am

Good call. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Todd Caulkins on December 27, 2008 at 10:50pm

Find a stethoscope that works well for you. There are several good ones, but plenty of bad ones as well. I also carry a small bag with the basics. I live in a rural area and come across incidents frequently. Good luck on your training.

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