No one knows better than an experienced EMT how frustrating it is to not have a needed supply on hand during a critical call. You reach in a drawer expecting to grab that necessary item only to find it empty. Your patient is in trouble and you have to come up with an alternative – quick!
EMS supplies on every ambulance should be checked every shift – the beginning and end of each shift should be mandatory. That way used supplies are always checked and replaced before the unit is put back in service.
There are several different respiratory devices and some companies prefer one over the other. Be sure you are experienced with the equipment your company or hospital uses. An emergency situation is not a good time to find that you are not familiar with a piece of equipment.
Supplies must also be in working order. Some that need to be checked on a regular basis are:
- Blood pressure cuffs – check for accuracy and make sure you have pediatric, adult and extra large on hand
- Stethoscopes – pediatric and adult
- IV pump
- IV insertion kits – adult and pediatric must be available
- Defibrillator
- Resuscitation equipment
Other EMS supplies that always need to be on hand are:
- Gloves – both latex and non latex
- Non-rebreathing masks
- CPR masks
- Nasal cannula – adult and pediatric
- Oxygen and regulators
- Bio masks
- Antibacterial hand gel
Of course this is by no means a complete list. Most ambulance services stock many more items. Most have a checklist to help perform an itemized check quickly and efficiently.
Never assume that someone else has checked and stocked the EMS supplies. Once you are on a call it is your responsibility to have the equipment you need in good working order.
Equipment is continually being updated and made safer for both the patient and the healthcare worker. Take notice if new supplies come in that are different than what you are used to. Make sure everyone knows how to use the new supplies before stocking them in the mobile units.
EMS supplies, and those who use them, save lives every day. EMTs give new hope to those in despair. Checking stock and their dates, restocking, and double checking inventory is one of the most important functions of the on duty EMS personnel when they are between calls.
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