Matt21,
Now, here is what YOU need:
1. Stethoscope and Penlight but you already said you got one. As for a stethoscope try to invest in something quality, I myself have a Littmann but know that it would probably last a life-time. A standard penlight is fine but you may want to get one that you can change the batteries on in case you accidentally drain it in your bag by making the contacts click together in storage.
The stethoscope should be provided by what ever company he is working for. Having a personal one is nice, but definitely not a requirement. I'll agree with the penlight. If you still want one and aren't sure what stethoscope you want and there's a medical school nearby, head on over and talk to the reps at the bookstore since classes are starting up. They should have models that you can try out if you want a personal one. and discounts on overprice premium kits that no one really needs anyways.
2. Adult BP Cuff. We were required to have them, I now keep all sizes from infant to large adult in my kit but only because my squad provided me with them, in that case an interchangeable kit would work better but hey, it was free so I am not going to complain.
Again, the company you work for should be supplying cuffs with their response units.
3. A cheap digital watch is your most important piece of equipment other than your two hands. You will fail a state test if you forget it and can't take vitals without one!!!
4. Trauma Shears.
5. Lots of Pens, a Notepad and Tape to write on too. Don't make the mistake of smearing ink all over your gloves trying to take notes on them, that is what a notepad or a piece of duct tape attached to your leg is for.
Agree with 3, and 4. In terms of 5, agree with pens. I've never needed a note pad and tape, again, should be provided on the response unit.
6. A CPR Pocket Mask. It's good to keep in your car and required for BLS.
Definitely nice to have. Definitely not a requirment to have your own though. I should point out that ambulances come with bag-valve masks for a reason.
7. Some Gloves though they will probably be provided for you. I keep a box or two in my trunk, right now I got Large and XL's back there, they come in handy if you need a helper too. A glove holder is a nice optional accessory but I don't use mine too much.
8. An O2 Key, they make great keychains and are very useful.
9. Some Hand Sanitizer, I have one on a little keychain and it should be used all the time.
Again, all should be provided for you. 9 is nice to have, but again, your ambulance should have hand sanitizer and I have it on good authority that hospitals and nursing homes have sinks and hand sanitizers.
You can also easily remember what you need based off of BLEPRS (like "bleepers" but there are 6 of them) which are your basic vitals that should be taken:
B = Blood Pressure.
L = Lung Sounds.
E = Eyes.
P = Pules.
R = Resperations.
S = Skin.
You will do BLEPRS after checking level of consciousness (using "AVPU") and will them do your SAMPLE history along with your OPQRST as a pain scale or to clarify what the patient is feeling.
Feel free to hit me up with any other questions.
More importantly, good luck on your EMT class and welcome to the fold.
Yea, more unneeded mnemonics. If you need an mnemonic to remember to check "signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical history, and events leading up to the emergency" then you shouldn't be in EMS. Last oral intake is largely useless outside of specific emergencies (diabetes, anaphylaxis, GI to name a few). If you need an mnemonic to remember to do a basic assessment, you shouldn't be in EMS.