Hands On December 2010

Panasonic Toughbook U1 Ultra

As we increase our use of technology in EMS, we flirt with becoming dependent on the same technology that initially made our jobs more efficient. Computers were once relegated to manager’s offices, then chart writing rooms and eventually the driver’s compartment of our vehicles. The Panasonic Toughbook U1 Ultra takes the PC to a whole new level of portability. This rugged computer uses the same Windows 7 operating system that you’re familiar with at the office, so there’s a very short learning curve for new users. And because it uses a Windows operating system, you have a large library of off-the-shelf software to choose from. The LED screen is easy to read in sunlight and adjusts its brightness to fit the environment. The U1 Ultra features a host of integrated options, such as GPS, Gobi mobile broadband, a two-megapixel camera and barcode readers. VITALS
Memory: 2GB SDRAM (DDR2),
64GB removable reinforced flex-connect SSD
Dimensions: 5.9" x 7.2" x 2.2"
Weight: 2.3 lbs (including strap and both batteries)
Price: $2,909
www.panasonic.com
888/223-1012

EKG Concepts Rapid-Cardiac Arrhythmia Tool (R-CAT)

ECG rhythm interpretation isn’t easy, but it’s not too difficult either. Students try to find P, QRS and T waves, figure rates and look for ectopic beats. Once you have the basics, you move on to comparing the differences between the normal and abnormal. Textbooks, CD-ROMs and the Internet are all great resources to decoding the squiggly line that crosses the monitor screen. The new Rapid-Cardiac Arrhythmia Tool (R-CAT) from EKG Concepts is a laminated, four-page study guide that gives students the opportunity to compare 41 cardiac rhythms reproduced at the same scale. Having all the rhythms in one place at the same scale makes it easy to make direct comparisons between first, second and third degree blocks. The R-CAT can be marked with dry erase markers, so instructors, preceptors and students can highlight the pertinent points. The R-CAT is also available in poster size for classroom use. VITALS
Size (poster): 32" x 48"
Price: $19.95–119.00
www.ekgconcepts.com
877-RCATEKG (722-8354)

IntuBrite Laryngoscope

We’ve been impressed with the IntuBrite Laryngoscope system since its debut at the 2010 EMS Today Conference & Exposition. The use of white and ultraviolet lights to illuminate the vocal cords makes for a brighter view. The IntuBrite handles also make it easier to use the proper technique to displace the mandible by lifting and not rocking back onto, and damaging, the upper teeth. A new (curved) handle is available in addition to the traditional (straight) handle to help you use the correct intubation angle. IntuBrite has upgraded to LED lighting, which provides for a more uniform light source, lower power consumption and longer battery life.

VITALS
Light: LED Light
Color: White & UV Handle
Options: 3 Blade
Sizes: MacIntosh 1, 2, 3 and 4; Miller 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4
Call for pricing
www.intubrite.com
760/727-1900

Magnum Spider 8.1 Side Zip Boots

The wrong pair of boots can make a good shift turn bad and a bad shift turn horrific. The new Spider 8.1 Side Zip Boots from Magnum are comfortable right out of the box and loaded with features to soothe providers’ feet. The upper part of the boot is made of polish friendly full-grain leather and 1650 denier ballistic nylon. Other features include a YKK circular side zipper for easy removal, a non-metallic TPU shank that’s metal detector friendly, a lace storage system on the tongue for a streamlined look and a fast rope lacing system to make for quick, secure fit adjustments.
VITALS
Color: Black
Upper: Full-grain leather and 1650 denier ballistic nylon
Sizes: Medium (D): 7–12, 13, 14 and 15
Wide (EEE): 8–12, 13, 14 and 15
Price: $150
www.magnumboots.com
800/521-1698

TOPS/Buck F.D.X. Cutter (Field Duty Xtreme)

What if your department has a no weapons policy that forbids the use of a knife with a straight blade, but it’s one of “those” calls? Your trauma shears aren’t cutting it, and you realize the oxygen wrench was lost at your past call. Fear not, the TOPS/Buck F.D.X. Cutter (Field Duty Xtreme) is secure in its Kydex plastic sheath in your boot and can handle both jobs with ease. The 4 ½" piece of stainless steel has a seatbelt cutter, which doubles as a seam ripper to expose the injuries, and the slot in the handle is designed to fit an oxygen bottle. The cutter’s handle fits both a gloved and an ungloved hand.

VITALS
Length: 4 ½" Thickness: 5/32"
Weight: 2.4 oz.
Material: 420HC stainless steel
Price: $49.95
www.buckknives.com
800/326-2825

Uniden Home Patrol 1 Scanner

Many an old time EMSer will remember the joy of receiving an emergency radio frequency scanner as a holiday gift in the 1970s. Then, you had to run out to the electronics store to purchase tuning crystals in order to hear the proper frequencies. The late ’80s and ’90s saw the emergence of scanners with numeric keypads to allow users to program the frequencies. The new Home Patrol 1 Scanner from Uniden takes “user programmable” to a whole new level. Now, you only need to know your Zip code or connect a GPS unit, and the Home Patrol 1 searches its built-in database to find the closest systems and channels. The touch screen provides extreme ease of use, and your scanner doubles as a NOAA weather alert radio and alarm clock when the unit’s in standby mode.

VITALS
Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 2"
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Price: $496
www.homepatrol.com