Being an EMT is a tough job, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the equipment you’re using can make everything go more smoothly… or drive you totally crazy. One of the most essential pieces of gear is your EMS bag. You take the bag with you on every call, and you depend on it to store, transport, and organize all your supplies. When responding to an emergency, a good EMS bag can save you time and help you treat the patient faster by allowing you to find what you need in an instant. On the other hand, a poorly designed bag can leave you scrambling for the right supplies while precious seconds tick away. A bag that is hard to maneuver can also cause strain, slowing you down on the way to the scene of an emergency or even causing injury. Take the time to find the EMS bag that is right for you, and you will appreciate it on every call.

Follow these tips to make sure you are purchasing the ultimate EMS bag:

The Right Fit

You’ll be spending a lot of time carrying your EMS bag around, so make sure you can transport it comfortably. The StatPacks G1 Perfusion ALS/BLS EMS Bag is a great example of a versatile pack designed with your comfort in mind. It features ergonomic shoulder straps, and the shoulder straps as well as the back panel are padded to make carrying a fully loaded bag as effortless as possible. The shoulder straps and waist belt can be stored out of the way if you prefer to carry the bag by the side handle.

Make It Your Own

Why should you settle for someone else’s attempt at organizing your EMS bag? Choose a bag that allows you to customize the storage options to fit your unique assortment of gear. You need your supplies to be easily accessible, and you don’t want to waste space on pockets or compartments that you don’t need. Meret’s OMNI v.2 ALS/BLS Pack offers extensive flexibility with a customizable main compartment and the option of attaching or removing side modules, elastic loop strips, and deep pockets.
And if you’re looking for style in addition to utility, you can’t ask for a better recommendation than Meret, the brand of EMS bags that’s been featured on NBC’s popular TV series "Trauma." Click here to watch full episodes and see a variety of Meret bags in action!

Easy Access

No matter how much gear fits compactly into your EMS bag, it won’t be of any benefit to you (or your patients) unless you can find the right piece of equipment or EMS supplies as fast as possible. Good EMS bags are organized and feature see-through pockets so you can find what you need. It’s also helpful to have a main compartment that opens completely, allowing you to access any supply in an instant. Think about the supplies you use the most often and make sure there is room to store these items in easily accessible compartments.

Stay Safe

Emergency rescue work can put you in dangerous situations, like working in bad weather, at night, or near high-traffic roads. Your EMS bag should have safety features to maximize your visibility, like the StatPacks G1 Perfusion ALS/BLS EMS Bag’s reflective piping and tie down loops. With a bold, high-visibility stripe on the back of the pack, motorists and pedestrians will be able to see you clearly even in the worst conditions.

Think Long-Term

You may be experienced in emergency care, but you don’t want to be stuck providing “life support” to an EMS bag that breaks down on the job. Make sure any bag you choose has durable construction, rugged material, and reliable zippers. The Meret OMNI v.2 ALS/BLS Pack is made of tough 1200 Denier coated TPE that is resistant to water and stains. In addition, all surfaces that touch the ground are reinforced with PVC for maximum durability.

The Extras

While you don’t want to choose a fancy extra over something essential, like safety or ease of use, well-designed extra features can make the difference between a good bag and a great one. For example, the G1 Perfusion has a safety whistle built into sternum strap buckle for easy accessibility. The Omni v.2 features an enclosed front pocket that keeps paperwork protected and easy to find. Helpful features like these are thoughtfully included in the EMS bag design to help you out on the job.
Have any buying tips of your own? Leave a comment and let us know what you love- or hate- about your EMS bag.

23.7 million Americans currently live with diabetes, and that number is expected to nearly double over the next 25 years.  A lot has changed since the early twentieth century, when diabetes was a clear death sentence. An extraordinary discovery in 1921 held out the first hope for treatment - insulin. Over the past ninety years, diabetes treatment has advanced by leaps and bounds as more effective types of insulin were developed and disposable syringes, glucose meters and pumps became available. Famous actors, musicians, political leaders and sports stars with diabetes clearly demonstrate that diabetes does not need to hold anyone back.

Still, living with diabetes isn’t always easy, even in 2010. If you are like many other Americans with diabetes, controlling your blood glucose levels might be a difficult challenge for you. Is it really that important? The famous Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, conducted between 1983 and 1993, proved that people who kept their blood glucose levels low had a much smaller chance of developing complications like eye, kidney and nerve disease. For pregnant women, controlling blood glucose levels is even more important. If the mother’s blood glucose levels are too high, especially in early pregnancy, her baby has a much higher chance of serious birth defects.

Standard blood glucose testing tells you how much sugar is in your blood when you take the test. But it doesn’t provide an overall indication of your blood glucose control. A1C testing is the gold standard for measuring long-term blood glucose levels. A1C levels indicate the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Your physician may do this test for you periodically during office visits.

Now, you can take control. With Bayer's A1CNow SelfCheck you can test your A1C level in the privacy and comfort of your own home. The easy-to-use test provides fast results and is as accurate as the test your doctor uses. A1C testing should be used in addition to regular blood glucose monitoring and visits to your doctor.

Available for under $30, the A1CNow SelfCheck won’t put a big dent in your pocket. Compare that to the more invasive continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) which go for at least $1000, not to mention the disposable sensors, which will cost you an additional $10 each day!

3 Great Reasons to Check Your A1C with A1CNow® SelfCheck:

1. Protect your health

Lowering your A1C by even one point translates into a big advantage – a 40% reduction in your risk for serious diabetes-related complications. Avoid potential problems such as blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, and amputations.

1. Determine how well you are managing your diabetes

Even if you see your doctor regularly, checking your A1C in between doctor visits can let you know if changes in your diet, exercise, and medication are helping or hurting your efforts to maintain low blood glucose levels. An A1C level above 7 percent might indicate that you need to work with your doctor to adjust your diet or medication to better control your blood glucose levels.

1. Find out when it’s safe to get pregnant

If you are thinking about trying to have a baby, you can test your A1C every 2-4 weeks to see if your glucose control is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause serious birth defects in the first few weeks of pregnancy, before some women even know they are expecting. An A1C of 7 percent or below means you have no increased risk of having a baby with a birth defect. But the risk increases with higher A1C levels. An A1C of 11 percent or above means there is a 25%, or a 1 in 4 chance, of birth defects. Check your A1C, and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns before you get pregnant.

Your health is too precious to lose. Take the next step in managing your diabetes and preventing devastating complications by monitoring your A1C levels.

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.