Inner City BLS

[emt584841]

Hey Guys,

I just got an inner city EMS job. I haven't started yet and i'm wondering what kind of equipment/gear I should carry? It's not bad to the point where I need a vest but a friend suggested that I get a duty belt and so far all I have on that is a flashlight and my conterra radio holder. Any suggestion?

 

[STXmedic]

A pen. That is all.

 

[hoop762]

I like to keep it simple. The only things I carry on my belt are my pager and key fob.

On my person I always carry a flash light, pens, pen light, small notepad, shears, pocket knife and a couple extra pairs of gloves.

I don't have the need to go around wearing a belt only Batman himself could appreciate.

 

[JPINFV]

Wait till you start working and find out what your service gives you and what you really need.

 

[abckidsmom]

Definitely get a Level IIIa ballistic helmet and flak jacket. You just never know.

I like to carry a knife in my boot, also. Just in case.


h34r:

But the only thing I use all the time is my trusty Otterbox holster for my iphone and my ink pen.

Probably save your money on that other stuff.

 

[emt584841]

An otter box wont do anything...I broke me thick otter box doing every day things

Definitely get a Level IIIa ballistic helmet and flak jacket. You just never know.

I like to carry a knife in my boot, also. Just in case.


h34r:

But the only thing I use all the time is my trusty Otterbox holster for my iphone and my ink pen.

Probably save your money on that other stuff.

 

[STXmedic]

You have crappy luck, then. Mine is holding up wonderfully

 

[abckidsmom]

An otter box wont do anything...I broke me thick otter box doing every day things

Probably should start practicing on being more careful, too. If you can't keep your phone with you, you might die of boredom or facebook withdrawals.

 

[DrParasite]

Wait till you start working and find out what your service gives you and what you really need.

as well as what their people have. My agency issues all field personnel leather gloves, radio holsters, and helmets to all staff.

See what others use, then decide what you want to buy.

 

[Tigger]

Probably should start practicing on being more careful, too. If you can't keep your phone with you, you might die of boredom or facebook withdrawals.

Possibly the most dangerous part of working inner city EMS right there. OP take a couple shifts to look around and see what everyone else is doing, if only two people are wearing bat belts, save your money and pride and don't bother. Alternatively screw everyone else, save some money, and wear whatever you want, it's not likely going to make or break much for you.

 

[abckidsmom]

You have crappy luck, then. Mine is holding up wonderfully

I've broken 3 holsters, but that seems to be a problem that girls have more than guys. Stuff on my belt sticks out a good ways and gets caught on stuff.

 

[emt584841]

Possibly the most dangerous part of working inner city EMS right there. OP take a couple shifts to look around and see what everyone else is doing, if only two people are wearing bat belts, save your money and pride and don't bother. Alternatively screw everyone else, save some money, and wear whatever you want, it's not likely going to make or break much for you.

I got the bat belt idea from a friend who works at the same place

 

[Tigger]

I got the bat belt idea from a friend who works at the same place

I know, that's why I said see what everyone else is wearing. If you're friend is the only one wearing one, I would not follow in his footsteps unless you have thick skin.

 

[emt584841]

I know, that's why I said see what everyone else is wearing. If you're friend is the only one wearing one, I would not follow in his footsteps unless you have thick skin.

I hear ya... I am debating wearing it the first day just to like you said see what everyone else is doing...I dont want to look like a super wacker

 

[DrParasite]

I hear ya... I am debating wearing it the first day just to like you said see what everyone else is doing...I dont want to look like a super wacker

wear only what is issued to you on the first day..... once you see what everyone else wears, than go nuts. but remember, many of the stuff that you will buy you will either use, or think omg why did I spend my own money on this??

btw, I have my own swivel radio holster, leather gloves, helmet, batbelt, jacket, flashlight, scope, and umbrella, and when I am on an inner city BLS truck I bring it all with me. But I have thick enough skin to tolerate the comments people make.... and enjoyed being dry when they got drenched in a rainstorm.

 

[STXmedic]

You get a lot of use with that stuff up in dispatch?

 

[DrParasite]

apparently you missed this part:

when I am on an inner city BLS truck I bring it all with me.

Dispatch requires a headset, my laptop, and super comfy slip on shoes

 

[STXmedic]

Sure. Rub it in. Jerk...

 

[JPINFV]

Another thing is after working a few shifts feel free to add things that makes your day easier. I'm currently the only student at my current location that carries a clip board case, and learning from my stent in EMS, I've already procured the cardboard backing from a pad of forms.

 

[AnthonyM83]

You made the implication that it was a "rough" area. Instead of spending time browsing different equipment start hitting the gym harder...it'll make a bigger difference day to day than your equipment will..