As an EMS professional, traditional gifts are tricky. You don’t often have the chance to wear a tie or ornate jewelry to work – occupational hazard.
So, what are the best gifts to give someone whose job it is to give life?
We’ve rounded up a list of unique items that will have you sharing this link with your kids, your spouses and your friends, accompanied by, “Hint, hint.”
1. ISOBAG insulated lunch carrier
Developed for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, the ISOBAG keeps food at a comfortable temperate and is optimally portable for use on the go. The ISOBAG comes in a variety of sizes, convenient for fitting into the ambulance, and offers easy access to your meal, along with compartments for quick snacks, utensils, seasonings and a zippered top compartment perfect for gadget storage (think shears, ear buds, tweezers, quick reference meds charts and phone charger).
The ISOBAG is prescribed by flight paramedic and wellness consultant Tommy Guidroz to treat hangry medic syndrome.
Price: $69.99
2. LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Response Shears
A medic favorite, the LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Response Shears come with six tools; folding emergency response shears, a seatbelt cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench and a carbide glass breaker. They come in a variety of colors, and include a belt-friendly or MOLLE compatible quick access holster which allow EMTs and paramedics to carry their Raptor open or closed.
Price: $69.95
3. Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker
Shipped for under $100, the Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker connects to everyday apps for weather, call, text and app notifications, and a Bluetooth syncing range up to 6 meters. The Fitbit allows users to track calorie burn and heart rate with 15 exercise modes, including running, biking, yoga, circuit training and swimming (it’s water-resistant).
Additionally, users can track their time spent in light, deep and REM sleep stages, helping medics to achieve their fitness goals and battle fatigue.
Price: $96.94
4. Coffee shop gift cards
While no amount of caffeine or energy drinks can substitute for sleep, there is considerable research linking improvements in alertness with consumption of caffeine.
For those working night shift, having a cup of coffee and then taking a short nap (about 20 minutes) can battle sleep inertia, as caffeine takes about 30 minutes to kick in.
Price: $5 – Bottomless
5. DIY decon kit
The key to avoiding contaminating your home and exposing your family to infection is to have a system for doffing and decontaminating gear and apparel at home. Create a DIY decon kit for your medic with bins:
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One for the vehicle, to stow their work bag and items
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One for the entrance, for shoes
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Another for pocket items, like their phone
Items to include:
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Washable laundry bag for the bathroom for dirty clothes
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Disinfectant wipes for the car
Price: Varies
6. Java Medic coffee
When working long shifts though, that warm caffeinated pick-me-up can be lifesaving. This gourmet roasted coffee is inspired by EMS themes, and there’s one for every taste. Browse their many blends, from the bradycardic breakfast blends to the tachycardic dark roasts.
What’s your favorite item on the list? What else should we include? Tell us in the comments, and remember, it’s the thought that counts.
