The other night, when I was a bit sleepless, I ended up on a YouTube rabbit trail and watched a few medics’ videos of their “everyday carry” (AKA – EDC) of what they wear or carry on shift. After watching a few of these (and having opinions on where I’d differ from them), I decided to share my opinions based on my twenty-ish years in EMS. Of course, your views may differ and mine are based primarily on experience as a 911 medic based out of a station. I’ve also done volunteer first response from my own vehicle and I’ll add something based on that too. I know this should be a YouTube video or maybe even a TikTok, but I’m old and cranky, so you’ll get to read my opinions. Also, I’m not making any money from any product I recommend. But being an attorney, I can be bought….
First and foremost, if you’re doing EMS and doing it seriously, you need a stethoscope. I’ve tried a variety of ears over the years from Littmann, MDF, ADC, and EKO. I have an EKO Core 500 (the one with EKG). It’s amazing, but it’s suboptimal for the EMS setting. The chest piece is big and awkward, which means you’ll have a hard time getting an auscultated blood pressure. Day in and day out, I’m a Littmann fan for everyday EMS use and the Cardiology IV is the one I rely on every shift. I change the other side of the chestpiece to the bell, which makes blood pressures easier and also helps with heart sounds. The EKO Core 500 is a game changer, for sure, but I think it belongs more in the primary care office setting for a quick and dirty EKG for referral purposes — or similar for possible heart murmurs.
I’ve owned more than a few radio straps over the years because they’ve been “trendy” or “cool.” I never fully understood the love for these, especially if you’re not in a fire-based system where you might need to wear a bunker coat over the radio. Further, a radio strap is a bit awkward if you need to get your radio out to change which channel or talkgroup you’re operating on. So, I’ve fallen off that bandwagon, and believe it or not, I’m back on the idea of a duty belt. Note — you do NOT need to adopt the mindset of a few EMS systems in Central Texas where the duty belt looks like a police belt with almost every space filled on it. So, here’s what I have on my belt. I keep my phone in the Condor Phone Pouch. The outer strap carries my phone. The inside zipper compartment is surprisingly spacious. In there, I have a few extra gloves, a Streamlight ProTac EMS light (as my penlight), a pair of Raptor shears (do you really need a link?), a Hogue trauma knife, a Sharpie pen, and a notepad. On my outer belt, I also have a Condor radio case for my handheld radio. You’ll note that I don’t typically carry a tourniquet or any other bleeding control supplies on my belt because I’m rarely, if ever, on EMS duty without immediate access to bags with those supplies. Also, if your agency issues metal badges, and it’s permitted, a duty belt is the perfect place for a badge when attached to a leather badge clip.
Sometimes, especially at night, I choose to carry a separate flashlight. When I do, it’s almost invariably the Streamlight Strion LED HL. I’ll either carry it in a holster on my belt, or in one of the small pockets on my cargo pants.
On my personal key ring, I carry 3 EMS related things. One is a USB drive. The one that I bought has both the USB A and C adaptors as well as a leather case to attach to my keyring. I also have a CRKT K.E.R.T. keyring multitool for cutting and for its oxygen wrench. Finally, the keyring has a Streamlight PocketMate light for when I need a quick light.
If your employer isn’t buying your uniform pants or if you can buy your own, I’ve become a huge fan of Condor’s products as they’re often cheaper than that other big named brand, a bit more comfortable, and at least in my case, fit just a bit better. If you want EMS specific pants, Condor makes those with the EMS pockets/scissors strap. There’s a ladies’ option as well. If you want tactical pants without the classic EMS pockets, their Sentinel pants are great. I really like the rings on the belt loops to hold an ID card as many Texas departments have department ID cards that we’re required to wear on duty. (Unfortunately, they don’t currently make a pair of these pants designed for women.)
When it comes to footwear, you should never compromise. As far as I’m concerned, boots and a stethoscope are the most important investments you’ll make for your comfort and success in EMS. I’m a fan of HAIX boots. I’ve had several pairs over the years and I consistently go back to my HAIX Airpower XR1 Pro boots for comfort, warmth, and protection. They’re NFPA rated for EMS duty along with wildland, rescue, and hazmat. I also recommend some good socks when on duty. I like the Fox Tactical Boot sock most of the time. I’ve also tried compression socks, which a nursing friend recommended to me. I’ve had good luck with those, especially for days where I’m on my feet for extended periods.
When I’m on shift, I still take a go bag with me for some personal maintenance and comfort items. I take a shaving kit with my eyeglasses and contact lens supplies. I also bring a portable battery/charger for my electronic devices (especially my Google Pixel 8 Pro phone, which I’ve paired with my Pixel Watch 3). In the bag, I also have different USB and power cables as well as a change of socks and underwear. I’ve found a need to clean a mess on my clothes before. As such, I keep a box of Shout Wipe & Go wipes to provide at least a partial cleanup until I can get to a washer and dryer. I also keep a package of Whoosh screen cleaner to clean my glasses and screens. As for the bag, I am a huge fan of Hawke’s Mini Smokey bag. In fact, this bag has become my default bag for almost all travel that’s less than two days.
When I’ve worked EMS first response from my car, I found that the police-style patrol bag/seat organizer was a great way to carry a lot of what I referred to as “office supplies” that I’d need to grab from the front seat of my SUV. In there, I’ll usually keep a box of gloves, hand sanitizer, a metal clipboard for paper report forms, my traffic vest, my tablet computer (unfortunately my original Microsoft Surface Go has been discontinued), a large notepad, more pens, and also a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide to get blood off of my clothes until I can change.
And before I close this out, I almost forgot to mention the pen that I’ve used since my senior year of high school. The Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen in black was the first pen that I saw used by uniformed public safety. Not only is it still used by many in uniform, it’s still my old reliable. (For what it’s worth, when I was first responding in my own vehicle, I did keep a few “disposable” pens in my clipboard case when I was going to have someone else sign a form. EMS conferences and other conventions are the best place to get free “disposable” pens.)
On a final note, I’d recommend a couple of apps for your phone. The Critical – Medical Guide app is available for both iOS and Android. I think it’s the perfect “pocket guide” EMS reference. You’d also benefit from having a protocol app for your department, if one is available. A stroke scale app and also a drug reference round out my recommendations for EMS providers of all levels.
I hope this helps and provides some useful guidance for those looking for EDC advice. You’ll notice that I mentioned very few things in terms of medical equipment/supplies for a simple reason. Namely, your employer should be providing you those things. The things I’ve recommnded are extra items to make your job easier or things you should be getting on your own anyway.
As always, your mileage may vary.
