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.

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.

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.

This time, we’ll compare the high-performance cardiology stethoscopes. Check back soon for a guide to the Littmann Classic II and Select models, as well as a look at the new electronic stethoscopes.

3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope

The Cardiology III is probably the most popular Littmann stethoscope out there. General practitioners, pediatricians, medical students, EMTs and nurses will tell you they wouldn’t trade in their Card III for the world. Why does everyone love this stethoscope? The Cardiology III provides excellent acoustics, both in terms of loudness and clarity. What sets it apart from the other Littmann cardiology scopes, however, is its impressive versatility. It has a double head with a tunable diaphragm on each side – the large side for adults, the small side for children. The smaller diaphragm also works well for irregular surfaces, such as bony patients. The hallmark Littman tunable diaphragm allows you to hear low- and high-frequency sounds without turning the chestpiece over. Use light pressure on the chest piece to hear the low-frequency sounds (bell mode), and firm pressure to hear the high-frequency sound (diaphragm mode). The Cardiology III can also be converted to a traditional bell by replacing the pediatric diaphragm with a bell sleeve. The Cardiology III comes with a five year warranty.

Is this the right stethoscope for you? If you are ready to invest in a Littmann cardiology stethoscope, you will be rewarded by the superb acoustics of the Cardiology III. And if you are looking for a versatile stethoscope that is suited to examining any type of patient, this is your scope.

3M Littmann Cardiology STC Stethoscope

The Cardiology STC, or “Soft Touch Cardiology,” also delivers outstanding acoustics, as you would expect from any Littmann cardiology stethoscope.  In addition, the innovative chest piece is specially designed to be easy to hold in various hand positions. The unique shape of the Cardiology STC chest piece facilitates movement between auscultation sites. The single-sided, tunable diaphragm enables you to easily switch between the bell and diaphragm mode without the bulk of a double-sided scope, like the Cardiology III. EMTs and nurses appreciate that the sleek design of the Cardiology STC fits under blood pressure cuffs more easily than a dual-head stethoscope. The Cardiology STC comes with a six year warranty. If you are working primarily with adults, and looking for unparalleled acoustics and ease of use, the Cardiology STC was made for you.

3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope

The Master Cardiology is Littmann’s top-performing acoustic stethoscope. With superior acoustics and a 10 out of 10 Littman performance rating, this stethoscope is ideal for users who want the greatest diagnostic precision. Similar to the Cardiology STC, the Master Cardiology offers the convenience of a tunable diaphragm in a single-sided chest piece. The classy, hand crafted stainless steel   definitely makes a statement and is also easier to hold than a dual-head. A special procedures adaptor is ideal for difficult sites or pediatric use. The Master Cardiology comes with a seven year warranty - the longest Littman warranty available. The Master Cardiology may be what you’re looking for if you need the best acoustic stethoscope available for high-performance auscultation.

The difference in price between these three models is slight, so base your decision on the design and features that are most important to you. Whether you select the versatility of the Cardiology III, the ergonomic design of the Cardiology STC, or the top-of-the-line acoustics of the Master Cardiology, you can be confident that your new Littman cardiology stethoscope will serve you well for many years.

Not sure these are the right scopes for you? Check back soon for the 3M Littmann Acoustic Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide: Part 2 to learn about the Littmann Classic II and Select models.

Share your stethoscope advice below by leaving a comment. Which model do you find works best for your field?

Everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs these days, but the FDNY has taken it a bit too far. According to the NY Daily News, Assistant Chief of EMS John McFarland recently cancelled all tune-ups on the department’s LifePak 12 defibrillators and cardiac monitors and ordered that all expired units are to be kept in service. This policy change seems to be a misguided attempt to save a little money while the FDNY looks for a new defibrillator contract. The FDNY claims that this policy does not pose a risk to anyone, but EMTs in the department are worried that relying on out of date equipment could cost a victim’s life in an emergency.

The FDNY deserves a lot of credit for all the lives they save with their rescue work. Their firefighters, EMTs and other rescue professionals are putting their lives on the line every day to protect the residents of NYC. The FDNY website has an impressive list of recent rescues (many of which involve treating victims of sudden cardiac arrest with defibrillation). The FDNY is all about saving lives. That’s why it’s so absurd for them to cancel tune-ups on this life-saving equipment. They are welcome to set up a new contract for a different brand of defibrillator/monitor, but why do they need to cancel tune-ups on the ones they are using now?

No one trusts milk that’s past its expiration date. So how does the FDNY expect us to trust their “expired” defibrillators?

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