Question for the EMTs

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Permalink Reply by Going2theroof on January 27, 2009 at 2:54pm

Like I have seen echoed here, I am a paramedic, and started as we all did with EMT school. Get yourself a good stethescope. I bought myself a littman master cardiology years ago, and it was the best investment I ever made. You need to be able to hear in noisey environments. Other than that I carry a pair of leather gloves in my back pocket, and my own shears stuffed in my belt. No need to be batman.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Heizer F/F E.M/T.-P on January 18, 2009 at 2:55pm

Hey Adam , I got my EMT in 1980 , so I am old school. I have a holster that carries a pair of shears , a penlight and a window punch . I have carried it from the beginning and will carry one until I retire.You need to feel comfortable with what you need to work any situation . Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on January 18, 2009 at 3:10pm

Hey Bill, maybe there's a reason that the old school ways stick around. because they work. thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Captain Frazier on January 18, 2009 at 3:00pm

A EMT reference guide is always a good choice. Something you can refer to on the fly.

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Permalink Reply by Jared on January 25, 2009 at 9:41pm

Thats great you are wanting to be an EMT I am from Indiana and i have certified in EMT-B and now am a Advanced EMT. pending where you live i want into ems and before i went into my first day of class the only thing i bought was a stethascyope. good luck on the classes and u will not regret the decison to be an EMT

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Permalink Reply by Brian Boeseneilers on January 25, 2009 at 10:27pm

Pens Pens Pens!!!!! One in every pocket. It sucks not having a pen.

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Permalink Reply by Jared on January 26, 2009 at 2:03pm

Very true. where i work we are required to start the day with 3 pens mandatory. not having a pen in EMS is like not having turnouts at a fire department.

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Permalink Reply by Cody W. Nelson on January 25, 2009 at 11:02pm

I have been an EMT for a while and I have learned that the more you carry, the more you will lose. You can't keep track of a ton of equipment on your person and keep up with what the patient my need. I carry a small surefire flashlight, a Benchmade rescue knife and a pen. Everything else you will need should be on your apparatus. Good luck with the class and have fun with it!

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Permalink Reply by B Small on January 27, 2009 at 1:33pm

At the point you are at I wouldn't buy anything. When you learn to take vitals you can buy a (cheap) BP cuff and scope to practice with at home. The cheap ones are good for you to use because you will have to listen harder to get the pressure right. When you are licensed responding as a volunteer you might get a couple rolls of kerlix or kling some 4x4s tape a pocket mask and gloves to keep in your car, but try to respond with your unit whenever possible. It is their responsibility to furnish your supplies. I have an abd pad some sterile 4x4s a roll of kling,tape some gloves and a few bandaids ,all of which fit in one zip lock sandwich bag. I keep it in the glove box and it has met the few roadside needs I have had, and nobody thinks I'm a whacker for having that in my car. While working I carry a cheap pair of shears in my pants pocket,a small cheap led light in my shirt pocket, and my good Littman stethescope in my duffle bag in the cab of the ambulance. I bought the expensive scope only after the years of sirens and loud scenes destroyed most of my hearing. The ambulance service provides all the equipment I routinely need.

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Permalink Reply by mike angle on January 27, 2009 at 2:00pm

Adam glad you want to be a part of the ems family . I've been an emt for 20 years the best advise i can give is less is more. If you want to make any purchase get yourself a good qaulity stethoscope. However take the advise from Barry keep your scope out of sight. In my opinion it it not only looks tacky but it plays the same role as a pin on badge it's a handle for some jerk that wants to fight. Good luck to you in your future .

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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on January 27, 2009 at 2:08pm

Thank you to all of you who have responded to me. Seeing as I will probably never be responding in my own car (we have duty nights at my ambulance squad, so on sunday nights, I'll be at the ambulance squad building anyway.) Right now I think I'll just stick with carrying some pens unless I see the need to buy anything else.

Again, thank you all so much. I truly appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by johnda hammonds on January 27, 2009 at 2:14pm

hey ,
im glad ur going to take a emt class. If u have already got one u should get a pen light they come in handy . i wish u all the luck in ur class and the hope u have a great 2009. the best of luck

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