Hey all! I’ve been asked both here and in person about the books I read, blogs I follow, equipment I use, and a host of other things I appreciate. I wanted to start putting together a list of products and things that have made my EMS and even personal life a bit better and brighter. I am getting absolutely no compensation, nor was I prodded or “convinced” to do this; I am doing it because I want to. I have personally used, felt, fondled, or read any and all of these items, and I would never say I liked something because that’s what everyone else likes. So, without further ado, here’s my list of my favorite things.
EMS Apparel and Accessories
Brahma Boots
For a good pair of cheap boots that won’t kill your feet while you are between getting pairs of nice, new, fancy boots, Brahma, which you can find at Wal-Mart, has a pair of boots called their SWAT Boots. Out of the entire Brahma line, I swear their SWAT Boots are the most comfortable. I bought a pair after ruining a decent pair at the beginning of a shift, and I needed something to get me through. I wore the same pair for almost three solid years, retiring them only because the leather had started peeling off the toe and blood had seeped in under it. They hold up well, are very water resistant ( Took them through a puddle that came up over the top of my boot and I only knew it because my pants were wet, my socks were dry.)
The only downside is that your feet will sweat if you aren’t wearing cotton socks, but with a good pair of socks, I could wear them and have worn them all day.
I was fortunate to snag two of these shirts and all I have to say is Heaven. They fit great, the designs are awesome, and everyone will notice you when you walk into a room filled with public safety people. There are shirts encompassing all the different branches of PS; Police, Fire, Urban Search and Rescue, and soon to arrive, EMS. I wear the K-9 and the Urban Search and Rescue designs to various places, and I’m almost guaranteed to have someone come to me, asking about the shirt. I haven’t found anything wrong with them, to be very honest with you. I would recommend washing once prior to wear; I put one on straight out of the package. It felt good, but the shirt was slightly stiff, but with the first wash, the cotton loosens up and it feels like silk.
I’ve had them for about two months now, and they have been in the wash at least once a week. The color of the design has not faded; the lines are still as crisp and sharp as the first day. This is great wear for off duty, especially for the volunteer set because no one would ever be upset if you jumped on a truck wearing this shirt. It can also be dressed up for both men and women; I threw on the K-9 with a nice pair of jeans, a pair of high heels, a necklace, and earrings, and I felt perfectly dressed for a dressy casual affair. All in all, I’d say go quickly and get yourself a shirt from them. I love them, and I’m going to buy more!
I love these pants. I can’t say much more than that. For us ladies, the womens’ pants fit awesome in all the right places. They don’t wear out like most pants do, and they are awesomely priced as well. The pockets rock; you can fit half if not all of your life into them with little issue. I have always been one who is big on comfort especially around the station. You could fall asleep in these in the truck, and they look like you just ironed them as you step out on that next call. I love ‘em, and I’d wear them over any other pair any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
EMS Gear/Equipment.
I love ‘em. When I first started in EMS, I used to use Sprague Scopes, but the cheap plastic diaphragm was always cracking around the edges, distorting lung and heart sounds. Fortunately, they sell their scopes with a spare set, but I found myself going through nearly the cost of two decently priced Littmanns’ per year with the Sprague. I personally am fond of the Classic II S.E. I like the ability to rotate the bell, going back and forth so I can hear everything I need. I’ve never had a diaphragm break on me…ever, nor have any of my EMSers mentioned that particular issue, and I’ve put mine through hell and back. I have not played with the electronic scopes myself in the back of an ambulance, but on solid ground I’ve listened through one and they are absolutely fantastic.
You get what you pay for when it comes to stethoscopes. In this instance, I’d go all in for a good Littmann over any other scope any day of the week. In the back of the truck, with the diesel engine firing and the sirens blaring, you can still hear lung sounds and blood pressures well enough to get an accurate reading. My last Littmann lasted me almost four full years until I had to get a new one because of the loss of the first one, but I can guarantee you it will be another Littmann, no matter what.
Buy one. I don’t need to say more than that. I’ve had the same one for the last nine years. You can’t get my particular style, but the closest one I can find is the Kick. I have used it while at work and at home. The knife has cut numerous seatbelts and various other things, but is still as sharp as the day I bought it. There are enough attachments to make anyone happy. I don’t generally like multi-tools that have scissor attachments because I feel they snap off way too easily, but once again, Leatherman raises the bar and makes it so that I don’t have that fear. I think the only thing they could add is a socket wrench, but I’m sure if I looked hard, I’d find one on one of their toys.
I love any product that comes from Leatherman. I wouldn’t buy another multi-tool from anyone else, not even Craftsman or DeWalt. As I said, I’ve had the same exact tool for nine years. I wouldn’t buy a tool from anyone but Leatherman.
I have a love of Trauma Shears. My first pair, a set of pink ones of course, was my first gift when I started in EMS. A good pair of trauma shears will save your behind when you least expect it. I have found that they can take a lot of damage, even a cheap pair; my first pair didn’t even come to 20$, yet they still cut like a hot knife through butter until they went missing. Word of advice on Trauma Shears: People will walk off with them, knowingly and unknowingly. It’s just one of those things that happens. I’d recommend having a few pairs stashed in your gear bag or around your home just in case someone does walk off with them on a busy accident scene. The color definately doesn’t matter either, a plain black pair will walk off just as easily as a bright pink pair.
EMS Reads.
En Route: A Paramedic’s Stories of Life, Death, and Everything in Between
I found this book back in ’09, probably right after it was released. I am an avid reader, especially of EMS Books. I spotted the book almost immediately with the bright red cover. Immediately, I was struck by the title; it was straight to the point, but described the inner workings perfectly. I got home, curled up with my favorite flavor of tea, and I started reading. I was captivated by the storytelling, how each one gently flowed into the next. Each one invoked its own set of emotions; I found myself laughing or crying along with the characters.
The imagery was intensely beautiful; I could see each story almost before my eyes as if I were there as a bystander watching. With each twist and turn, you discovered more about the storyteller, as if he were personally telling you the ins and outs of his EMS Life. You watched him mature through his career; his ups and downs, and well, everything in between.
This should be a part of the required reading list for every new EMT, Paramedic, and even Nurses and Doctors. This should also be a part of your regular reading schedule as a seasoned provider as well. It will make you think about yourself and your career. Everyone can identify with the eloquent and vibrant tales that Mr. Grayson regales us with. I wish the book was longer, but it was just enough to satiate my appetite and make me want to come back for more. All in all, I have read this book multiple times, each time discovering something new that I seemingly missed the last time.
Paramedic: On the Front Lines of Medicine & Rescue 471: A Paramedics’ Stories
Peter Canning, what more can I say? This is what stoked the EMS fires in my soul. These books were the first major EMS books that I ever read, and I still read. Just like AD’s book above, I throw them into my gear bag on the way to work to have something to read during a lull in the action. They don’t pull any punches; each story is a tug at your soul, making you think about yourself, your life, and your career. Not all stories revolve around the struggle between life and death; you also see the human side, the humorous side, and the downside of this job. He is blunt when he writes; to those who may not be in the medical field, it may seem almost like it’s too much to take in all at once, yet it is just enough, backing off just as suddenly as the tale creschendos, to pull you back to Earth and allow you to regain your equallibrium.
This is another mandatory read. I have lent these particular books out on numerous occasions, as well as passing them on as a “Welcome to Hell” sort of gift after graduating of EMT or Medic school. I’d definately recommend these for anyone.
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