EMS Medical Equipment Tips

• Blood pressure reading tips and tricks for EMS

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  One of the things I'm most often asked by students and rookie EMTs is, "Kelly, how am I supposed to hear a blood pressure in the back of the rig?"

• Let's start with a good stethoscope

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  In more than 200 years of use, the stethoscope is more closely associated with the practice of medicine than any other piece of equipment.

• Program poison control phone number into your phone now

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  Have a patient who ingested a poison? You don't have to weigh treatment options alone. Your local poison control center can assist you with accurate poison information.

• Keeping warm IV fluids during the winter months

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  An insulated bag can help maintain fluid temperature

• Reduce costs by saving your equipment

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  Label your disposable equipment and medications in order to maximize use

• Keep a Three-Day Emergency Kit Handy

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  Make sure you can stay self-sufficient in the event of an emergency

• Utilize space in your gear bag

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  Having preloaded medications on you will prove useful

• Changing treatment for congestive heart failure

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  There have been recent discussions concerning the effectiveness of current practices for treating congestive heart failure. So what do you need to know before making any changes?