Knives

[cmitchell2006]

Hello,

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using. Anyone have any advice? What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job? (this may be a dumb question but i want to make sure i have it before i start so that i dont seem ignorant to the new squad)

[JonathanGennick]

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using. Anyone have any advice?

I have only a few months experience, so others may have more to say here, but I'd be a bit nervous about using any sort of knife on a call. Offhand, I don't think I've ever seen any of the EMTs in our volunteer group carry a knife. We just use the scissors in the rig when we need to cut something. So far, I've never needed anything but the scissors.

[JonathanGennick]

What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job?

Almost missed this part of the question. Here's what I try to carry on my person when I'm on call:

* A handful of Halls Fruit-breezers, or other hard-candy. These are handy to suck on to stave off thirst during some of the long (hour each way) runs that we sometimes have.

* A pen and a pocket-size small pad of paper to take notes with.

* In the back of that pad of paper, I've hand-written a list of vital-sign ranges for when I need to refresh my memory on, say, the normal pulse rate for a 13-year-old.

* A Black Diamond ION headlamp. It's tiny, weighs less than an ounce, and sometimes comes in handy when I'm on a run at night. I keep it in a pocket in the fleece that I wear, and I never even notice it's there. I probably don't really need it, but I'm a flashlight geek and so I humor myself with this one, small thing :-).

I used to try and throw a waterbottle into the rig, but I've gotten away from that, preferring to just try to stay well-hydrated instead. I don't like shlepping things back and forth from home to the ambulance garage.

I always have my cellphone too, but that's more because that's the phone I get called on when there's a run than because I need it during the run.

All the medical gear and such that I need is on the rig.

I guess I'm one of these guys who doesn't like to carry much.

Edit: Maybe not considered gear, but in cold weather I wear good base-layers. It was -13 this morning, or so my wife tells me. I'm wearing Smartwool long-johns and a Patagonia Capaline-3 base-layer up top. And wool socks. I want to be warm in case I have to work a car or snowmobile accident. Even when it's not so cold, I layer well when I'm on call.

[AZCEP43]

Two pens
scissors
modicum of spending money
cellphone
two pairs of gloves

[ResQMike]

My pockets almost always contain:
A pen or two
some dryer lint
keys to the med box
an old EKG strip that I ran through the washing machine
Another Pen
Some gum for the 3am "zoo breath"
and most importantly...enough change for the vending machines :)

[mgkrebs]

resq,

sounds like my pants!

all you really need is a good flashlight and a pair of shears. oh and plenty of pens to loose!

[35monroeffemt]

Knives are very useful, I never leave home without my knife.
Use with descretion: I mean by this and you will see it done:eek: NEVER EVER use a knife anywhere near a patient. Do not use a knife to cut seatbelts or anything else like that.

Don;t go all batman and have so much junk on your pants you need two belts to hold them up either.

My normal rig consists of

Scissors
Gloves
Notepad
Pen and Permanent marker
Spare set of keys to my truck
EMS field guide
Tiny compass
Cell phone
Minitor 4
Alpha pager
Maglite

Seems like a lot but it really isn't and I use almost everything I carry daily

[medic27205]

Started out with lots of gadgets when I was new. 24 years later, I now carry a glove pouch with 2 pair of gloves, several pens (you will loose them regularly so don't spend alot on them + when you have to get a signature from some people you don't want the pen back, so you can give them a free cheap pen) and a GOOD pair of Trauma Sheers and a small flashlight. Your employers may provide a list of required and recommended equipment and they may provide some of it so you may want to check with them. Alot of the other posts mentioned some other good ideas, but they are carried on our trucks, so I don't have to provide them.

[Geinandputitout]

I keep a pen that I write with, and one that everybody else writes with - separate pockets.

[specialized26]

Shears, knife, vomit bag, 2 4X4s, roller gauze, flashlight, pen, our treatment guidelines. The puke bag and 4X4s have come in handy on MANY occassions. Think about it, how often do you dig around in the bag trying to find a puke bag or 4X4s for a head lac on an MVA? It's all about being quick on the draw when they say "I am going to throw up!" Then of course as resQ said lint and old EKG's come standard.

[LasVegasEMS]

Hello,

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using. Anyone have any advice? What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job? (this may be a dumb question but i want to make sure i have it before i start so that i dont seem ignorant to the new squad)

I'll be a little bit different. I do carry a knife, it's a useful tool. I HAVE used it near patients (not on a regular basis but i've used it to cut the rope on a hanging pt., or a seat belt on rapid ext. of a car fire), it's all abou being smart about its use. As far as which one to get, make sure it's sturdy, not cheap but not very expensive, easy to open with one hand, oh and make sure it looks cool. :)

[35monroeffemt]

I agree it all depends on the ff or emt. I still get jittery when I see somebody with a knife near a pt, there is just too much potential for a slip or something. I have seen guys knock in windows before with axes:eek: :eek:, guys cutting seatbelts with the pt's head right next to the blade. Quick and easy but like I said thier is just too much potential for a nasty accident.

[RFRDxplorer]

I agree it all depends on the ff or emt. I still get jittery when I see somebody with a knife near a pt, there is just too much potential for a slip or something. I have seen guys knock in windows before with axes:eek: :eek:, guys cutting seatbelts with the pt's head right next to the blade. Quick and easy but like I said thier is just too much potential for a nasty accident.

It all depends on technique. Granted that breaking a side window of a car with an axe would be my last resort, it is still a viable option. If you do it right, it works. And as far as using a knive near a pt., ALWAYS CUT AWAY!!!


Alot of guys around here have Smith and Wesson Response knives on their gear and a few guys carry them around with them.

I carry a Smith and Wesson SWAT knive with me most of the time.

[the1141man]

Hello,

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using.

Depends on which field you're talking about... might be a Ka-Bar, might be a S&W Response or SWAT knife, or even a cheapie $15 one from the Wally World knife counter. ;)

[D4Tavalk3]

Hello,

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using. Anyone have any advice? What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job? (this may be a dumb question but i want to make sure i have it before i start so that i dont seem ignorant to the new squad)

You don't need a knife for your first day on the job. You can substitute with a gloved hand to spread the mustard on your sandwich. Get a pen and/or penlight, a scribble pad, and maybe some trauma shears. You will not be categorized as ignorant. Use your new skills and knowledge. You're all shiny and new, so is your knife, but are you that sharp?

[emt161]

What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job? (this may be a dumb question but i want to make sure i have it before i start so that i dont seem ignorant to the new squad)

The search function: it's a good thing!

[yowzer]

It SHOULD go without saying, but cell phones need to be set to vibrate or silent.

I've had a few times where my partner's phone starts ringing with a goofy ringtone while we're in patient contact. Once, she answered it! Doesn't look good.



As for knives: Carry one if you ALWAYS carry one, but somewhere where it's not obvious or easy for someone else to grab. Cutting anywhere near a patient should be only done with shears.

[firespec35]

Ok I'm kind of a knife nut so this is my thing. A knife is a cutting tool. Not a prying, screwing, or impact tool. If you want one of those buy a leatherman, prybar, or peice of pipe. That being said DO NOT!!!! get the 3 dollar chineese/russian/italian cheapie. You get what you pay for with these. I'm not a huge fan of S&W knives as I've heard of many locks failing but they are better that the chineese cheapies. You don't have to go out and buy a $400 knife either (I wish I could).
First get a Benchmade Rescue Hook, they are $20-30. Some people have replaced their shears with them. they are great tools and are safe to use to cut seatbelts and clothes, and they have a slot cut in them to be used as an O2 wrench.
As far as a knife goes if you spend between $30-$80 dollars there are some great knives to be had. CRKT, Spyderco, Benchmade are all companies that you won't go wrong with. They have been d/c'ed but if you find a Buck/Strider on Ebay or one of the online distributors thay are an excellent knife. If you wanna go all out then the brand to get is either Strider (They collabed with Buck on the B/S), or Zero Tolerance but like I said thats 300-400 but the replacement policy is 100% on Striders if you break it. In fact I believe their replacement policy states If you break one of our knives First, we will be impressed, but if you tell the truth as to what happened it will be replaced.

[mikie333]

i'm a gerber fan myself, not too expensive (under 30$ i believe), strong, pretty sharp...all around good knife

i got mine @ REI (outdoor store)

[firespec35]

Gerber is not bad especially the new Hinderer rescue knife. It has been winning all sorts of awards not to mention it was designed by a firefighter who is also a custom knife maker. Ther rest of the gerber series I have always found too bulky and that rubber grip they use on most to just be too sticky.

[doughesson]

A couple years ago,my volunteer department's Trustees bought us all a lock blade from "Our Designs" for Christmas.
Mine has the wording on the handle and blade worn off from riding daily in my pocket but it's kept sharp and ready for whatever comes along in the daily tasks requiring cutting.
One helpful thing to have is an EMS field guide for quick reference or study while on downtime.Try your local college book store before going to Galls.It can be cheaper sometimes.
The Navy requires the instructions for equipment to be on hand while lighting off a boiler,launching an A-6 or turning on a light switch.This is the same concept,only it would kind of unnerve a patient to have the EMT looking up what to do next when they need defibrillation right effing now.
As mentioned earlier,it is good to have the normal readings for patients that you don't normally encounter on the occasions that you do.

[steanson]

total newbie here...but got the hinderer for Xmas. VERY COOL. Dull tip, serrated blade, and OH SO Easy yo open wearing even structure firefighting gloves, and the seatbelt cutter...well, don't bother testing how sharp it is. It's plenty sharp...and I'm an idiot. Also there is an O2 slot, although the bottle's I've seen so far have a star type adapter rather than the slot. That being said, I'd use my shears unless I was on a MVC and the Gerber was way more convenient.

[Blask3]

Hello,

I am almost a new EMT Basic and wonder what kind of knives people in the field are using. Anyone have any advice? What other gear should an EMT Basic have for his first day on the job? (this may be a dumb question but i want to make sure i have it before i start so that i dont seem ignorant to the new squad)
most of our guys carry gerber knives or smith and wesson

[firespec35]

Steanson don't worry everybody gets bit by their knife once or twice

[Renoir911]

Hi there. I have a Buck knife in my turnout gear and a Leatherman on me also. The Buck knife is good, American steel and durability and it has come in handy to cut plastic and other materials in a hurry. Leatherman Wave is excellent as it has some tools on it that are usefull at any scene.
Anyway, hello to you all from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Remember 911 and look after your partner.
R.M.

[doughesson]

I remember reading a cop magazine a few years back where the writer described what he had in his cruiser(sounds familiar,don't it?)and on pens,he'd mentioned how his family bought him an engraved pen and pencil set on his graduation from the academy.They both lasted his first year but then some sweet little old lady kept his pen because she disagreed with his ticket for going 25 in a 15mph school zone and he destroyed the pencil a while later throwing it against the wall while diagramming a fatal wreck involving kids he knew.
I guess what this is recommending is that you shouldn't get emotionally attached to your gear.Let the family buy all the knicknacks they want and keep them at home or in your desk should you be chained to one.
If it means something to you,you're probably going to lose it or give it to someone that doesn't care to keep up with other people's belongings which amounts to the same thing.

several pens (you will loose them regularly so don't spend alot on them + when you have to get a signature from some people you don't want the pen back, so you can give them a free cheap pen) .

[Janmedic]

If i should suggest something for good gear. Is a good radio pouch where you can keep your radio-siccors-gloves i would also advise you to get an "original" leatherman and a tiny maglite og a led light. And one more vital thin is keep atleast 2pens on you. by the way good luck

[doughesson]

If you're into Maglites and LEDs,there's a "Niteeyze"conversion kit for the AA Minimaglite.One just has the LED part that replaces the bulb and the other version has a tail button that allows for push button use of the light as opposed to twisting the head of the light.
Only thing is that you'll void the Mag Lite warranty so hang on to the original bulbs incase you have to send it in for work.


and a tiny maglite og a led light.

[firespec35]

Now lights are another story. mini mag lights are useless for anything but up close work even with the night eyez (or whatever it's spelled like) LED. Inova is an inexpensive LED that is pretty nice. I have a surefire G2 that was $35 that I LOVE!!! Surefire power but not as expensive. Or if you have a Target in your area they have a 2AAA LED marketed under the Rock River (or something close) brand that is nicely constructed and actually recieved some nice reviews from some of the guys I know from other forums that buy the $400-$500 lights. The size and pocekt clip make it nice for sticking in a leg pocket next to the trauma shears. This light is around $10. I bought one for my kid so she will have a decent light when we go camping.

As far as pens go. I have some nice pens for me, but on duty I use cheap bic clickie pens, logo pens from work (That way I can give them away right there for business. I have a handful in a ziplock bag in my jump kit), or drug rep pens I confiscated from doctor's offices.

[Vidorfire249]

I've always liked having a roll of tape in my pocket. Stay away from the knives.

[firespec35]

Stay away from the knives.

Just out of curiosity. Why??? Why would you take a tool away from your toolbox

[algoma44]

to be honest with you.. i don't carry a knife of any type, i don't necessarily see the need for one, others may.. but if i were to carry a specific product i would use some sort of multi-tool such as a leatherman... since i dont' carry one, here are some tools i commonly use... 1) trauma shears (cheap never leave home without them) 2) a personal stethoscope - can vary in price... learning and recognition of lung sounds can be a very key assessment tool.. you could go all the way and buy an electronic scope, but a good 'ol fasion diaphragm and bell, i personally own a littman classic II SE 3) mini mag light - face it.. pen lights just don't always produce enough light to properly assess pupils... and if you find yourself in the dark, you can find your way out.. 4) a window punch.. always try the doors first, but if you arrive on scene before fire services, you may be able to gain critical access to the patient without a jaws-of-life.. 5) a med guide.. you could go for a mini paper copy all the way to an electronic PDA med guide.. basic emt's don't really need to get into the nitty gritty with meds, but knowing what they do is key 6) if your department doesn't provide one, maybe make yourself a small jump kit with first response/first aid equipment, BP cuff, stuff that would be useful if you were to come across an emergency while off duty.. some distributors sell actual kits.. i keep one in my vehicle

that's all i can think of.. good luck with your new career

[algoma44]

now that i think of it.. don't carry a knife.. depending on where you work, it could be more of a danger than a value.. who knows what kind of wacko you'll run into... they may try to use it against you.. and it can also be a safety issue with you sticking yourself, your partner, or the patient.. the other tools, i find useful

[firespec35]

now that i think of it.. don't carry a knife.. depending on where you work, it could be more of a danger than a value.. who knows what kind of wacko you'll run into... they may try to use it against you.. and it can also be a safety issue with you sticking yourself, your partner, or the patient.. the other tools, i find useful


To each his own but it seems to me that
A- Don't let the whacko get your knife, B-Don't stick your partner, C- Don't stick yourself, D- don't stick the patient

[algoma44]

To each his own but it seems to me that
A- Don't let the whacko get your knife, B-Don't stick your partner, C- Don't stick yourself, D- don't stick the patient

why risk A-D.. what are you going to use a knife for anyway?

[firespec35]

why risk A-D.. what are you going to use a knife for anyway?

Never know what you need on scene. Why take a tool out of the toolbox. I've had plenty of things that shears just wouldn't cut due to just being a weird thin material so it folds right in the crease of the blades. There are lots of ways to minimize A-D, like if you are going on a psych run then leave it in the front of the truck or in the locked drug box cabinet. As far as the rest of them go you have to know what and when it is safe to use it. It's like anything else if you are not going to be dilligent about it's use then maybe you shouldn't have one. Just don't tell the new guys don't carry one just because you don't like them.