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Permalink Reply by Marques on February 21, 2009 at 11:01pm

I just joined the EMT program too, but we bought everything before we started class. All we had to do was go to the uniform store that is connected with the local college tell them what school and program you're with, and they just basically outfit you for everything. They give you the button down shirt, pants, tshirt, belt, boots, stethoscope, penlight, bp cuff, safety glasses, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on February 21, 2009 at 11:11pm

No cost stuff. Like an open mind, willingness to learn, compassion an perseverance. I wouldnt go out and buy anything until you finish the class. Then you will really know what you'll need. I wouldnt go out and buy a Ambulance yet Pal.

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Permalink Reply by Charles Bowles on February 21, 2009 at 11:56pm

a good pocket knife. :)

And in regards to a car "jump bag", I just picked up things here and there, it has evolved over my career. unfortunately, I have used it on myself more than I have on others. :|

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Permalink Reply by Lauren on February 26, 2009 at 8:48pm

i know a girl in my EMT class, the first day went out and bought an entire jump bag for her POV including oxygen tank... I'm like so there wont be a crew to go out bc you're trying to be a one woman ambulance. Better to have backup and additional resources... and i think she dropped out of class too

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Permalink Reply by anne potter on February 26, 2009 at 9:04pm

Common sense thats it .. Go to a call and look at your situation.. Don't need to buy anything .. Just be smart on a call.. pretty easy..

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Permalink Reply by Rob on February 26, 2009 at 9:09pm

1 good pair of EMT Shears (cause the ones on the medic are always dull or missing) and a stethescope (you'll need it for clinicals at the least). Outside of that just make sure you have a watch that either has a second hand on it or if digital shows the seconds without having to hit a button (for counting pulse & resp). That pretty well does it. Just make sure you don't fall in to the trap I have seen way too many student fall in to. You as a student do not need a Litman Master Cardio Stethescope, a simple sprague type scope will work just fine.

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Permalink Reply by lang on February 26, 2009 at 10:07pm

i'm gonna echo a lot of what i've seen already here. all i carry is a good pocket knife, shears when i remember and my own stethascope pens pens and more pens, and a little note pad make it way easier to do your pcr. other then that should be on the rig. but in the end it just comes down to personal preferernce on what you want to carry and need to carry for your dept.

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Permalink Reply by Brandon on February 26, 2009 at 11:58pm

I only carry a wrist watch, mini mag light, good pair of shears, stethoscope and my patch book for notes. you should probably wait until you know you like ems before you spend too much on tools. If you decide to stick with it, definitely spend some cash on a good set of tubes.

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Permalink Reply by Eric on April 23, 2009 at 1:23am

for my class they gave us all the books and we basically needed a BP Cuff, stethoscope, a notebook, and a pen lol, if your on a paid department i would think they should supply you with equipment your going to use on calls.

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Permalink Reply by Justin Westmoreland on April 23, 2009 at 3:23am

Most paid Dept and voli dept do supply these things. The service i work for we keep 3 pairs os stetheschopes on the truck. 2 bp cuff 1 automated cuff lifepack 12. Only one of the stethescopes i like and can use when taking a bp. Some of our medics use their own. its what works for you that matters. if your dept equipment works then use it but if you find a stethescope or whatever that helps you do the job better then you may consider purchasing it.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin J. Millis on April 23, 2009 at 4:57am

Definatly buy a watch if you dont have one already. Thats gona be one of your most important tools while taking a set of vitals. My class provided me with a stethoscope, shears, mask, BP cuff, and a couple penlights. Those are all good things to have if they dont provide them to you. Also... get a pair of scrubs for your ER clinicals.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on April 23, 2009 at 6:39am

You definitely need a few thing.....1st and foremost a good coping mechanism....you are going to see things and maybe even have to do a few things that will haunt you if you don't....many develop humor as their coping mechanism...never in front of patients, family or even John Q Public...but humor helps many get through the situation....referring a burn injury as a "regular" or an "extra crispy" is not meant to be crass or in poor taste...it is a way of dealing with it...2nd....Bring your brain....and never be ashamed to use it....many situations will not follow any book lessons in their presentations or treatments...3rd...when new.....a muzzle....Keep your mouth shut until you undestand what is happening....ask your questions in an appropriate manner and time....when the medic is popping a line or pushing meds is not the time.......butfeel free to discuss a call afterwards either on the way back to the barn or when in the station...ask....why this...? or why not that...? this is the time to answer those nagging questions...everything else will be given to you to do the job.....you don't need a Batman Utility belt to respond to calls.......Good Luck and congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a responder.....maybe once you get this then you can one of the best and join the ranks as a Firefighter too....LOL sorry, had to get that in.....Stay safe and always remember to Keep the Faith....Paul

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