With a range of medical supplies available on the market today, stethoscopes, although considered basic, are crucial. Stethoscopes are important for listening to heart rate and recording blood pressures, and are used in basic vital signs of any and every patient. The first priority of every first responder is airway, breathing, and circulation. Stethoscopes are the keys needed when determining lifesaving assessments. The decisions for buying stethoscopes are critical since paramedics are using them in noisy environments where hearing and differentiating sounds can be difficult, and breath sounds are important no matter who is taking them or wearing maternity scrubs. An excellent choice is the Welch Allyn Harvey DLX stethoscope. Enclosed are some features to look for in a stethoscope, and where the Harvey DLX ranks in each category.

1. Tubing Design
There are two basic designs for tubing that go from the chest piece of the stethoscope to the ear pieces. The original design uses two separate tubes, which is known as a Sprague design. The two tubes offer excellent hearing, compared to a single tube. However, one significant problem is that the tubes often rub together and create more noise — or artifact — that can compromise what the paramedic is listening for. The Harvey DLX stethoscope features dual bore tubing, but the Welch Allyn brand name ensures that artifact has no presence in this superior stethoscope.

Another style uses a single tube, rather than the dual tubes. These were designed to help eliminate some of the artifact. These models vary greatly in quality — lower quality models have narrow tubing that can make it difficult for the transmission of sounds. Lower end models are often found in clinics where they are used for taking blood pressures.

Bilumen tubing incorporates the best of both worlds. It uses a single tube that has a split lumen which goes to each earpiece. Basically, it has two tubes inside a single tube. This offers improved hearing without the artifact. The bilumen models often offer better sound quality and decreased artifact.

2. Chest piece design
There are two different designs for the chest piece of a stethoscope — combination or single design.

The combination chest piece has two heads that can be rotated to select from either a diaphragm or a bell. The diaphragm is used to listen to high frequency sounds, while the bell side is used to hear lower frequencies. This is the technology used in the Harvey DLX stethoscope. It is simple to use, eliminating the margin of error.

The single head chest piece uses a unique design. To hear low frequency sounds, one rests the chest piece in place with light pressure. To hear high frequency sounds, one applies firm fingertip pressure on the chest piece. This pressure alters the frequency response by changing the contact points. There are some newly designed single head chest pieces that use a lightweight acrylic design. This is intended to increase the amplification significantly, but some complain that it is difficult to find the exact right pressure.

3. Test run
Before you purchase stethoscopes, or any medical equipment for your organization, get input from your colleagues. Have them test various models on the market to determine what they feel works best in their working environment.

If you expect your paramedics to be able to differentiate lung and heart sounds in the back of an ambulance, you need to purchase a good quality stethoscope. It is one of the essential tools needed to provide the best level of patient care. Their input is valuable and it offers them ownership in the decision process.

To sum it all up, the Welch Allyn Harvey DLX Double-head Stethoscope is the easiest-to-hear and most accurate heart sounds of any stethoscope on the market today. The stethoscope is optimized for listening to higher frequency and critically important heart sounds like murmurs, clicks, and ejection sounds. It provides clear transmission of the first and second heart sounds, and has ideally sized bell bridges that fit in the intercostal space between the ribs. The tightly constrained diaphragm provides superior response at targeted frequencies. The stethoscope also features an additional corrugated diaphragm for detecting mid-range and lower frequencies.

In today’s day and age, it is well-known that CPR is vital in emergency situations of respiratory distress. Having made progress from the traditional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, today’s rescue workers perform CPR using CPR masks or barriers. CPR masks come in various shapes and sizes.

The most basic CPR equipment is the CPR shield, a low-cost barrier that is basically a flat covering for the face with air holes for the nose and mouth. The shield is mainly used in CPR practice procedures to protect trainees from exchanging germs on a mannequin that is used multiple times.

The most common CPR mask is also known as a pocket face mask. It is kept in a pouch or plastic case, and is found in all basic first aid kits. Anyone with any manner of CPR training, including lifeguards etc. will have a CPR mask on hand. The CPR mask ensures safety by having a one-way filter valve in place. When the person giving breaths breathes into the mouth of the patient the one way filter valve prevents any mucus, blood, or vomit from going back into the resuscitator’s mouth. When used with the correct technique, the mask forms a seal around the victim’s airway so that breaths go straight in. Some are also equipped with elastics to go around the victim’s head. This ensures that the mask stays in place during the CPR process. The classic CPR mask is inflated to fit around the victim’s airway, but some are made of a thin plastic that folds up, and can be worn on a keychain.

Some masks come with a built-in oxygen intake tube. This tube allows for oxygen to be taken from the atmosphere and delivered to the patient. The use of a built-in oxygen intake tube can be very helpful because it can alleviate some of the strain and stress on the person who gives rescue breaths during CPR. CPR procedures require a great deal of physical work during a stressful situation, which can compromise the effectiveness of the rescue.

Yet another type of CPR mask is the bag valve mask. This CPR mask requires the use of two hands to operate. One hand is used to seal the mask over the mouth while the other hand squeezes air from the bag into the mouth of the patient. Used mostly when two rescue workers are performing CPR together, the bag valve mask requires almost no work on the part of the rescue worker.

CPR masks can be purchased online or in person from health supply retailers. One thing to consider when purchasing a CPR mask is that the material that it is made up of is latex-free. This is important not just for the resuscitator, but for patients as well, because so many people are now known to have latex allergies, and a rescuer would not want to induce an allergic reaction while performing CPR.

The unit itself is made of a soft material which still has firmness to it but allows for some flexibility in order to get it into position to apply it. Contained within the material are a series of wooden slats which help to perform the rigidity of the ked board. It consists of a head piece which also has a hard collar for the cervical section of the neck which stops the movement of the cervical spine.

It then has some straps attached to it so the unit can be locked firmly in place to prevent movement. It comes with a cushion that is placed behind the head and then has handles on either side in order to be able to lift the patient.

in order to get the most benefit of the ked extrication device, proper use and application is critical. To begin with training should be carried out in the proper use of the ked board and it also requires good teamwork to get the most benefit from it.

Individuals that are taking part in applying the ked extrication board to a patient should know what their specific job is. Usually the perfect scenario is to have 5 individuals plus a doctor or paramedic that is in charge. It must be remembered that before the ked device can be used the patient must be stabilized first.

When the ked is prepared and ready to use it is placed between the seat and the victim, and the cervical spine must be kept rigid while this is taken place. The ked board has to be completely and correctly lined up so that the wings of the ked are where they should be under the armpits and lined up with the torso. In order to do this this means leaning the patient forward slightly again though the spine must be kept rigid. All of this must take place by doing only one movement forward. Once this is done then the straps are fastened securely and in proper order. Most often the most senior personnel on the scene will determine if and when the ked extrication device is to be used.

Like sundials and typewriters, the acoustic stethoscope has finally met its electronic match. While some gadget lovers have embraced the new electronic models, more “old school” types have shunned the electronic scopes and clung more tightly to their well-worn acoustic ones.

Is change always good? Who really needs an electronic stethoscope?

If all you need is a pulse and heartbeat, by all means, don’t trade in your traditional scope. But the electronic stethoscopes offer clear advantages for clinicians who need excellent acoustics. In cardiology or other diagnostic settings, you can’t afford to risk the harm to your patient’s health, and the damage to your practice, from misdiagnosing a condition. Electronic stethoscopes help clinicians correctly identify difficult-to-hear heart sounds, like S3 gallops, aortic regurgitation murmurs, and abnormal lung sounds.

Respiratory specialists, EMTs, and nurses in demanding situations would benefit greatly from electronic stethoscopes as well. With amplification and background noise reduction, these stethoscopes offer sound quality far beyond traditional acoustic scopes. Medical students looking for an extra edge will also benefit from an electronic stethoscope, which will serve them well throughout any rotation and into the beginning of their careers. Electronic stethoscopes are particularly vital for any clinicians who are hard of hearing.

3M Littmann offers four electronic stethoscopes with a range of features, and a range of prices, to suit your needs. All electronic stethoscope models come with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3000

The Model 3000 is Littmann’s most basic (and affordable) electronic stethoscope- but it’s still one impressive scope! With 18 times the amplification of high-end cardiology scopes, you will hear heart and lung sounds as never before. Innovative Ambient Noise Reduction (ANR) technology reduces background noise by up to 75% using acoustic canceling, so the sounds you need to hear are still crystal clear.

It won’t take long before you are just as comfortable with the Model 3000 as you were with your old traditional scope. The chestpiece features a one-button, ergonomic control for changing the volume and frequency mode. Traditional cardiology tubing means that your scope folds up and slips into pockets as easily as any acoustic stethoscope. A single AAA battery will power your stethoscope for approximately six months (200 hours), and a low-battery warning will alert you when it is time to replace the battery.

The enhanced sound quality of this electronic stethoscope is invaluable when listening to faint body sounds, when a patient is obese, or when the health care provider has limited hearing.

3M Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3100

In the Model 3100, 3M Littmann took the design of the earlier Model 3000 and improved it with enhanced sound quality, ease of use, and functionality. This electronic scope offers 24 times the amplification of high quality acoustic stethoscopes, and Ambient Noise Reduction reduces background noise by an impressive 85%. Frictional Noise Reduction technology is an added plus that minimizes distracting handling noises.

The Model 3100 surpasses the 3000 with its detailed, yet simple interface. An unobtrusive LCD screen displays the patient’s heart rate, current settings and the remaining battery life. You can navigate the menu or switch frequencies from bell to diaphragm mode with the touch of a button. Your electronic stethoscope will be ready as soon as you are thanks to instant-on technology. Even with all these advanced features, The Model 3100 only weighs about as much as a cardiology-grade stethoscope, so it’s easy to carry and wear. The Littmann Model 3100 has a rugged design intended to last for years.

This scope is ideal for practitioners who want exceptionally clear body sounds with a life-like auscultation experience similar to using a Littmann cardiology stethoscope. The moderate difference in price between the 3100 and the 3000 is more than offset by the enhanced sound quality and ease of use.

3M Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200

The Model 3200 combines the exceptional sound quality and ease of use of the Model 3100 with advanced capabilities that allow you to record, save, send, and analyze body sounds.  Similar to the 3100, this electronic scope features 24x amplification and Ambient Noise Reduction of 85%, in addition to Frictional Noise Reduction.  The Model 3200 is also surprisingly simple to use. It has instant-on technology and only weighs as much as a cardiology-grade scope. The Littmann Model 3200 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.

The difference between the 3100 and the 3200 lies not in the interface or crystal clear sounds themselves, but in what you can do with the body sounds. The Model 3200 has the capability to record, save and play back body sounds, which gives you the option of sharing them with a colleague or reviewing them when writing up patient charts. A built-in Bluetooth connection allows you to transmit sounds to your PC in real-time. Zargis® StethAssist™ software, included free with every Model 3200, can visualize body sounds or play them back at reduced speeds. You can also purchase the Zargis® Cardioscan™ Heart Murmur Detection Software which helps physicians analyze cardiac sounds to identify and classify suspected murmurs.

The Model 3200 is a great choice for specialists who want an electronic scope that gives them the ability to consult with colleagues or review subtle body sounds. It’s also an important teaching tool to help students learn to identify difficult to hear sounds. You will pay a little more for the advanced features on the Model 4200, but they are definitely worth the investment for many practitioners.

Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 4100WS with Ambient Noise Reduction

The Model 4100WS is an advanced electronic stethoscope that comes with digital signal processing and 3M ™ Sound Analysis Software. With this auscultation system you can save, store, and playback heart and lung sounds. You can even send recordings of body sounds to your PC, handheld device, or 4000 series Littmann scope with an infrared transmission. Phenocardiograms give you a way to view recorded sounds to help with analysis.

The excellent sound quality of the Model 4100WS provides 18 times the amplification of a quality acoustic stethoscopes and Ambient Noise Reduction of up to 75%.  Three frequency modes give you maximum flexibility for listening to heart, lung and other body sounds: Bell (20-200 Hz), Diaphragm (100-500 Hz), and Extended Range (20-1000 Hz).

Compared to the other models, the electronics on the 4100WS are a little more noticeable. However, the interface is still easy to navigate, and the heart rate is conveniently visible on the LCD screen. This stethoscope is an excellent choice for diagnostic settings, telemedicine, and teaching. Although it is the most expensive model, the price is an investment for a truly impressive and versatile auscultation system.

P.S. If you missed the earlier posts, make sure to go back and check out Part 1 of the Buyer’s Guide to learn about the 3M Littmann cardiology scopes and Part 2 for a comparison of the other 3m Littmann acoustic stethoscopes.

Leave a comment below to help other buyers by sharing your experience buying or using a stethoscope.

Let’s say you need a stethoscope but you aren’t interested in a cardiology-grade scope. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for inferior quality or acoustics! 3M Littmann offers several models of Classic II and Select stethoscopes sure to meet your needs. Each stethoscope exemplifies the hallmark Littmann quality and attention to detail.

3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope

The Master Classic II gives you the best acoustics available without the price tag of a cardiology scope. The single-sided, ergonomic chestpiece is great for healthcare providers who spend considerable amounts of time using their stethoscopes and will appreciate the award winning, easy-to-hold design. Nurses and EMTs report that the Master Classic II fits more easily under blood pressure cuffs than other bulky, two-sided models. You will still be able to use the bell mode thanks to Littman’s tunable diaphragm. The Master Classic II comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope

The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope will give you the greatest versatility when working with children. The child-sized bell and floating diaphragm on this dual-head scope will give you the highest acoustic sensitivity for listening to your smallest patients. The kid-friendly tubing colors guarantee that your pediatric patients will love your scope as much as you do! The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

If you are looking for a traditional, dual-head scope, consider the Classic II S.E. Stethoscope for excellent acoustics and versatility. You can use the diaphragm on one side and the bell on the other side, or take advantage of the tunable diaphragm to switch between low- and high-frequency sounds without turning the chestpiece over. Three year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Classic II S.E.is a great choice for general practitioners, medical students, and nurses.

3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope

Don’t want a scope that will drag you down? The Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope is a great entry-level, lightweight scope with clear acoustics. Another plus is the unique chestpiece design that’s easier to orient around blood pressure cuffs and body curves. The chestpiece features a traditional bell on one side and a tunable diaphragm on the other. Two year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Lightweight II S.E. is ideal for nurses and EMTs doing basic auscultation who don’t want to invest in a more pricey scope that’s too heavy anyway.

3M Littmann Select Stethoscope

The Select Stethoscope may be Littmann’s most affordable scope, but it will still give you reliable acoustics. Designed for basic auscultation, the Select is a high-quality alternative to second-rate nursing and sprague scopes. The lightweight design and convenient single-sided chestpiece make this scope easy to use and carry, so it’s perfect for nurses, EMTs, and entry-level users. The tunable diaphragm gives you the versatility of both bell and diaphragm mode without the bulk of a dual-head scope. The Select comes with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pondering Prices

The Classic II S.E. is priced somewhat lower than the Master Classic II and the Classic II Pediatric. For an even more affordable scope go with the Lightweight II S.E. or the Select.

How important is the price tag? You have to factor in how you will be using your scope and how long you expect it to last you. If you’re an EMT and you know there’s a fair chance your stethoscope will get lost during a rescue operation, consider buying one of the cheaper models that will still give you reliable acoustics. But don’t compromise your standards just to save a few dollars if you expect to hold on to your scope for years – the superior quality of the acoustics in the high performance stethoscopes will more than justify the initial investment.

If you’re looking for something more than a traditional acoustic stethoscope, don’t miss the final installment of the 3M Littmann Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide for a discussion of Littmann’s innovative electronic scopes. Read Part 1 of the Buyer’s Guide to learn about the cardiology scopes. Share your own tips with other buyers by leaving a comment about your experience choosing a stethoscope.

Electrosurgical devices are often used by surgeons to help stem blood loss during an operation or in outpatient procedures. They're most often used for dermatological, gynecological, cardiac, plastic, ocular, spine, ENT, orthopedic, urological, neurosurgical and general surgical procedures. They're also used by dentists and vets.

Some doctors call them "Bovies," after Aaron Bovie, the inventor. Even after 75 years this device remains a fundamental tool in the practice of surgery.

Electrosurgery is performed using an Electrosurgical Generator. Some models come with foot units and adjustable volume control. They operate by applying a high-frequency electric current to cut, coagulate, desiccate, or fulgurate tissue. The electrosurgery accessories and kits come in disposable and reusable varieties.

It's vital to have well-designed ESU equipment and to maintain it well.

We would like to know what you think the pros or cons of electrosurgery over conventional surgery would be. Post your comments below.

View our line of electrosurgery supplies.

Spineboards (a.k.a. backboards) are essential in rescues where a victims spine could be injured. Rescuers use a spineboard to keep the victims spine motionless so they can transport a person safely and avoid further injury, including paralyzation.

This particular spineboard/backboard is the most popular board we sell. It is economical, strong and includes popular features.

The board includes 21 handholds so more than one person can carry a victim at one time. This is an especially useful feature when the victim is heavy or when they need to be rescued from an awkward location. The following story illustrates this: Recently, a man fell down a rocky embankment. He had to be placed on the backboard and relayed by numerous people to the top of the cliff. The rescuers could easily grab and lift the spineboard at many difficult angles along the line.

The backboard also has a heavy-duty shell for durability, yet is translucent so you can take x-rays without moving the patient and risking further injury to the spine.

Other features:

• Comes with 8 pins for your strapping needs.
• Can hold up to 400lbs.
• Waterproof.

We are interested to hear about a rescue operation you know about or were involved with where extraction was difficult because of an awkward location. Let us know how a many-handeled backboard was or would have been helpful. Post your comments below.

A CPR mask is not for the patient. It doesn’t make CPR more or less effective than straight mouth-to-mouth.It’s for you, the rescuer, to protect yourself.

The Ambu Res-Cue Mask comes with an optional hard case to keep the CPR mask clean and protected so it’s ready to use. The case is red so it can be spotted easily. The CPR mask can be cleaned and reused. The complete kit comes with everything you need to keep the mask sterile.

In an emergency situation the patient may be vomiting or have blood on their face which may facilitate the spreading of disease. The CPR mask prevents direct contact with another person’s mouth, nose and face, keeping you safe.

The Ambu Res-Cue Mask is one of our most popular masks.

The complete kit comes with:

• Oxygen inlet
• Head strap
• Mask
• One-way valve/filter
• Gloves
• Alcohol prep pad/wipe

Attempting to do CPR on soft surfaces such as sand or a mattress, can be very challenging. The soft surface beneath the patient often absorbs the compressions instead of the patient. This is why a CPR board (a.k.a. cardiac board) is necessary.

CPR boards can be used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide a flat and firm surface beneath a person. It provides stability when performing chest compressions to pump the blood through their circulatory system.

Keeping an airway open is also obviously essential in resuscitation, but is unfortunately one of the many struggles rescuers have to deal with. However, the Dealmed CPR board includes a head cup that maintains proper alignment of a patient’s head. This ensures proper position of a person to maintain a constant open airway.

The Dealmed CPR board is brightly colored orange making the board easy to spot and grab in an emergency. It’s light weight and the sides make lifting a patient easier.

Some of the many places CPR Boards should be readily available are:

• Life Guard stations
• Rescue units
• Ski Hills
• Pools
• ER’s & Urgent Cares
• Clinics, Physicians Offices & Other Care Centers
• Sporting events
• Etc.

Learn more or purchase the Dealmed CPR Board

The Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave sterilizer is an electronic sterilizer for medical professionals such as oral surgeons, podiatrists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and labs. The fully automatic autoclave will fill, sterilize, exhaust and dry your medical and dental instruments with its simple one touch design.

The Tuttnauer EZ 10 Autoclave has many safety features. For one, the lock stays locked and it won't open when it's pressurized. A sensor makes sure that your water cycle has adequate water levels to completely sterilize medical instruments. The system constantly monitors the temperature and water pressure.

You can choose from different cycles for unwrapped instruments, and various other settings. You can customize and save the settings you need.

This autoclaveomes with a 2-year parts and labor warranty.

Here's the best part -- right now buy any EZ autoclave from July 1 thru September 30, 2009 and get a Tuttnauer Model 9000 Water Distiller FREE!