The absolute begining.

For school, barely buy anything. Get everything as cheap as possible and learn how to use cheap stuff.

After certification you should get:
-a quality stethoscope with your name engraved so someone doesn’t swipe it.
-lots of cheap but quality pens in bulk.
-a high quality, small flashlight with a very low setting and a very high setting (EVERYONE will tell you that you don’t need this, but I use it every day, all the time)
-a small, high quality pocket knife (again, everyone will tell you that you don’t need this, but I can’t tell you how many times this has been a lifesaver!)

Stuff you don’t need:
-trauma shears
-tourniquets
-a multitool
-cool crap for your radio
-cool crap for your POV
 
Click Sharpie
Pilot G-2 pen
Good boots
Starbucks Giftcard

and the Littman Classic SE II is pretty solid for pre-hospital
 
DesertMedic66 said:
Do not spend money on expensive watches, stethoscopes, and shears while you are still in school. You don’t want to spend +$300 in equipment and find out you don’t want to be in the EMS field.
Click to expand...

I agree with Desert Medic. I went and bought basic working products for class - and used them with no issues. Amazon, and Chinatown were my shopping areas. Good luck.
 
Lo2w said:
Click Sharpie
Pilot G-2 pen
Good boots
Starbucks Giftcard

and the Littman Classic SE II is pretty solid for pre-hospital
Click to expand...

The Littman Stethoscope I bought for class didn't have a bulb on it, and I was advised it's a Nurse's Scope. I was told by our Practical Instructor that it might be tricky to use on female patients when auscultating because the need to possibly feel a breast could be there. The instructor advised us to find stethoscopes with bulbs on them. My first thought was that I'm keeping mine because in the time of need, I would not be inappropriate with a patient at all. Secondly I understand his point a little, but a stethoscope is a stethoscope and its purpose is universal.
 
CityEMT212 said:
The Littman Stethoscope I bought for class didn't have a bulb on it, and I was advised it's a Nurse's Scope. I was told by our Practical Instructor that it might be tricky to use on female patients when auscultating because the need to possibly feel a breast could be there. The instructor advised us to find stethoscopes with bulbs on them. My first thought was that I'm keeping mine because in the time of need, I would not be inappropriate with a patient at all. Secondly I understand his point a little, but a stethoscope is a stethoscope and its purpose is universal.
Click to expand...

I have no idea what a stethoscope bulb is? Do you mean one stethoscope has a diaphragm and bell, and the other has a two-toned diaphragm only (Like a Master Cardiology) But doesn’t have a bell?
 
Yes, bulb = bell. It's to hold onto for stability purposes.
 
joshrunkle35 said:
That’s not why it exists.
Click to expand...

I understand that, I'm specifically quoting my Instructor. As in "bulb" and "it's for stability" verbatim... I was stating that I was advised I got the wrong one in the first place.
 
My Classic II is a great balance of sound quality and price. I have had mine since 2012 when I started on the truck. The bell is great for auscultating different frequencies, but I rarely use it regardless of when I am in the pre-hospital setting or Emergency Department. Some people find the bell is better for pediatric patients, especially neonatal.

I'm not overly concerned with women's breasts getting in the way of the bell. Frankly, neither are my female patients. It's amazing how modesty goes out the window when patient's can't breath and feel their heart pounding out of their chest.

-r
 
I can't say anything different than what everyone else is saying, but I'd still like to add my two cents. Ironman watches are awesome and relatively cheap in the grand scale of watch costs. If it gets gross you can wash it off. Its water resistant; if it gets blood on it, no big deal, just clean it. If it gets so dirty you don't feel comfortable wearing it, then go ahead and get a new one. I've dropped mine, I've had it stepped on and kicked (the rare time it wasn't on my wrist), smacked it against the gurney/monitor, etc. Still works perfectly. Its become an everyday wear for me. The only thing that sucks is I have a slight tanline from wearing it so much.

Alright, that's enough of my unpaid Ironman shill. Go cheapo on everything like everyone else said, and get yourself a sweet Ironman watch. Good luck to you and everyone else in this thread who are starting classes!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top