CostantinoA Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I will be starting classes soon and always looking to get a head start. I was at a local Police, Fire and Medical supply store and I saw a lot of stuff for sale. Will I have to buy my own scissors and stuff or does the company provide this stuff. If I have to buy it, I want to start buying it now. Please advise. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatelilpeepees Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 It will vary by company or government you work for. If you want to invest in a good stethoscope go ahead, but I would wait on the rest. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medic One Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Get a stethoscope but you don't need a $100 cardiology scope a decent run of the mill will be about $35. Get trauma shears for a few bucks, glove pouch, and a good pair if boots. The Boots are a must. I use only Danner Acadias but Rocky, Hi-Techs, or bates are good also. Everything else your company will most likely provide. I always have my own shears b/c I know they are sharp and always tucked in my belt it pocket. Galls.com is a good place to get stuff. Boots if you spend the money can last you 10years if you get good ones such as Danners at danner.com Danners can be re-soled making them last yrs. Good luck and don't spend too much money yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatelilpeepees Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Yes, we can always spot the rookies in this field, they have more stuff on their belt that Batman, lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief1C Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 eBay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Rude4MyOwnGood Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 It will vary by company or government you work for. If you want to invest in a good stethoscope go ahead, but I would wait on the rest. I agree with this. Get a decent single lumen stethoscope but id hold off on everything else. For example, some agencies only allow certain brands/types of boots to be used. Best to wait and find out exactly what you need. Trauma shears, pen lights, and the smaller stuff is very inexpensive, but may be provided for you in the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CostantinoA Posted May 9, 2011 Author Share Posted May 9, 2011 Thank you to everyone for the reply. I live in Las Vegas and will be applying for AMR or Medicwest but I am considering moving to Huntington Beach, CA so we will see. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustdevil Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 (edited) There used to always be an ad here for www.allheart.com, but not since they changed ad formats here. But I strongly recommend them for medical instruments, scrubs, etc... Better selection than most, good prices on all of them, and very reliable. The last several stethoscopes I have bought for myself or others came from there. Honestly, you don't need to get ahead on any of this stuff. It won't do you any good. And if you put money into a stethoscope before you've ever used any, you're buying blindly, which is not a good way to go. If you do buy a stethoscope, I would not spend more than $35 bucks, and I would buy it along with a manual blood pressure cuff. That way you can actually practise something with your scope. Scissors and scopes are available at any and all medical uniform shoppes, where nurses buy their costumes. That makes it nice to actually handle what you are buying, instead of mail order. Whichever you prefer. Any other supplies or uniform accessories should be bought ONLY after your school tells you exactly what they prefer or allow. But yes, if (BIG IF) you get a job, scissors are about the only thing you may have to buy for yourself, besides uniforms. But you will almost certainly have to provide them and a stethoscope for school. P.S. The EMS job prospects for an EMT in Orange County are slim to none. And even if you were to somehow get one, you wouldn't be making enough to live on. If you're used to no state income tax and cheap casino buffets, SoCal will be a very rude awakening for you. Good luck! Edited May 9, 2011 by Dustdevil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CostantinoA Posted May 9, 2011 Author Share Posted May 9, 2011 There used to always be an ad here for www.allheart.com, but not since they changed ad formats here. But I strongly recommend them for medical instruments, scrubs, etc... Better selection than most, good prices on all of them, and very reliable. The last several stethoscopes I have bought for myself or others came from there. Honestly, you don't need to get ahead on any of this stuff. It won't do you any good. And if you put money into a stethoscope before you've ever used any, you're buying blindly, which is not a good way to go. If you do buy a stethoscope, I would not spend more than $35 bucks, and I would buy it along with a manual blood pressure cuff. That way you can actually practise something with your scope. Scissors and scopes are available at any and all medical uniform shoppes, where nurses buy their costumes. That makes it nice to actually handle what you are buying, instead of mail order. Whichever you prefer. Any other supplies or uniform accessories should be bought ONLY after your school tells you exactly what they prefer or allow. But yes, if (BIG IF) you get a job, scissors are about the only thing you may have to buy for yourself, besides uniforms. But you will almost certainly have to provide them and a stethoscope for school. P.S. The EMS job prospects for an EMT in Orange County are slim to none. And even if you were to somehow get one, you wouldn't be making enough to live on. If you're used to no state income tax and cheap casino buffets, SoCal will be a very rude awakening for you. Good luck! Thanks for the advise. I am just tired of Las Vegas. I have lived here my whole life and want to experience the beach life. I am thinking about somewhere near a beach. My top 3 are San Diego, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. I am going to be a Paramedic when I move out there but with no experience. That is going to be my challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Plain Ruff Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Basic list of equipment to get for a new EMT 1. Field guide 2. At least 3 pairs of shears - you never know when you will lose a pair so a spare is important 3. Stethoscope - either a basic litman or another mentioned in other threads 4. Boots - whatever have been mentioned - boots are personal preference 5. Pens - good pens and lots of them (you will lose them very very often) 6. Pen light 7. Good quality socks These are the basics that every new emt or medic should have. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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