Fran Hildwine, BS, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P | From the July 2011 Issue | Friday, July 1, 2011
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5.11 A.T.A.C. 6" Shield Side Zip ASTM Boot |
| Lt. Dan’s sage advice to Forrest Gump was to take care of his feet. We EMS workers understandably spend more time worrying about our back problems, but you can’t carry your patients with an injured foot, either. The new A.T.A.C. 6" Shield Side Zip ASTM Boot from 5.11 Tactical provides a high level of protection, along with a very comfortable fit. The 6" height feels more like a running shoe than a tall boot. The lacing system and side zipper makes for easy donning and doffing. The outer sole is oil- and slip-resistant and also quiet. An antibacterial and moisture-wicking lining will keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the day.
VITALS Color: Black Sizes: 4–15 Certifications: ASTM F2413-05 M C/75 I/75 EH PR Price: $129.99 www.511tactical.com 866/451-1726 |
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Benchmade 915 Triage Knife |
| EMS providers often carry tools to cut rope, remove clothing and break glass. It’s a bad call when you have to do all three for the same patient. However, the 915 Triage Knife from Benchmade provides a tool for each of these jobs in one compact package. Made from highly corrosion-resistant steel, the modified sheepsfoot-style blade with ambidextrous thumb-stud opener will handle a wide variety of cutting needs. A stainless-steel, hook-shaped safety cutter is designed to cut seatbelts and clothing. The carbide glass breaker can smash any tempered window with ease. The textured handles (available in black or safety orange)—with full stainless steel liners and a reversible, tip-up deep pocket clip—keep the 915 Triage secure when in use and when stored in your pocket.
VITALS Length: 4.7" closed, 8.2" overall Weight: 5.1 oz. Colors: Black, orange Price: $165 (stainless); $180 (black) www.benchmade.com 800/800-7427 |
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FoxFury Discover Tasker Fire Helmet Light |
| During a rescue, you need both hands to work and shouldn’t have to worry about holding a flashlight. The Discover Tasker Fire Helmet light from FoxFury is a sleek and rugged three-LED light that can be mounted to your helmet. The three LEDs are mounted in aircraft-grade aluminum housing with a two-function push-button switch located next to the light. The battery pack is located at the rear of the helmet and includes a flashing red LED for increased visibility. Providing distance illumination up to 150' and peripheral vision to 60', the light lets you see—and be seen—for hours at a time.
VITALS LEDs: 3 white (front), 1 red (rear) Weight: 9.4 oz. Power: 4 AA Modes: 2–45% and 100% intensity Run Time: 4.5–11.5 hours Price: $114.99 www.foxfury.com 760/945-4231 |
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Avtec Scout Dispatch Console |
| To handle non-emergency transports as well as 9-1-1 emergencies, many EMS services operate internal dispatch systems. Historically, this meant they had to select a single manufacturer, and all hardware had to be forever compatible with the chosen standard. The Scout Dispatch Console from Avtec uses voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) via Avtec’s VP Gate hardware to allow the dispatch console to interface with systems from different manufacturers over a local area network or wired area network. Multiple radio technologies, such as MPT1327, MOTOTRBO, P25 (DFSI and CSSI), iDEN, NXDN and SIP, can simultaneously connect through the Scout Dispatch Console. Other features include scalability for more than 100 console positions; a dedicated media workstation for audio, which requires no PC sound cards; a customizable graphical user interface; and integration with third-party computer-aided dispatch systems.
VITALS Console Positions: 1–100+ Supported Formats: MPT1327, MOTOTRBO, P25 (DFSI and CSSI), iDEN, NXDN and SIP Call for pricing www.avtecinc.com 800/310-7045 |
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Athena GTX WVSM |
| Vital-sign monitoring is one critical skill we learn as first responders and EMTs that allows us to track the circulatory and respiratory status of our patients. A single set of vital signs is important, but the continual monitoring and trending of vital signs lets you know when your patient is starting to decompensate and will soon crash. The Athena GTX WVSM (wireless vital sign monitor) allows you to automatically monitor non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) and ECG. The WVSM can capture data for up to 4.5 hours and wirelessly transmit nearly real time, streaming data to a Windows device. The WVSM weighs about 1 lb. and fits on a standard BP cuff. It uses a Suntech BP cuff, a Nonin finger clip for SpO2 and a three-lead ECG. VITALS Monitors: NIBP, SpO2 and ECG Weight: 1 lb. Computer Integration: Windows based Trend Time: 4.5 hours Price: $5,250 www.athenagtx.com 515/288-3360 |
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Nexus Dx Cardiac STATus |
| If there aren’t any ECG changes, a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) can be more difficult to diagnose in the field than a STEMI. You’ll likely use symptomology, history and general impression to determine the likelihood that it’s a cardiac event. The Cardiac STATus from Nexus Dx is a front-line blood test for the rapid determination of suspected NSTEMIs. An easy, three-step testing procedure will provide results in 15 minutes. You simply use the included sample transfer device to collect heparanized blood directly from a collection tube. Then dispense the blood in the sample well without opening the tube. Finally, wait 15 minutes and read the results to obtain Troponin I/CK-MB/Myoglobin results. The simplicity of the test means no daily calibration, no instruments and no product refrigeration.
VITALS Size: 3" x 5" x 1" Weight: 3 oz. Tests: Troponin I/CK-MB/Myoglobin Test Time: 15 min. Price: $32.50–48.50 www.nexus-dx.com 888/354-3278 |
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US Pod Box |
| How do you keep the items for your EMS strike team or hospital surge team organized? The new line of products from US Pod Box has a series of drawers, bins and a uniquely stored table that will keep your gear organized and easy to deploy. Available in a variety of widths from 24–72", the drawers (three or six) and tilt-out bins (three, six or nine) are held in place by a front panel, which opens to become a work table. Heavy-duty rubber casters make the Pod Box easy to roll, and heavy-duty hardware provides safe and secure tie-down points for transport.
VITALS 24" Pod Box Size: 24" x 25" x 48" Weight: 200 lbs. Color: Black, aluminum Call for pricing www.uspodbox.com 828/446-6427 |
Stryker Power-PRO is a hydraulically powered ambulance cot with industry-leading ergonomics. Foot end controls activate powered lifting and lower function for capacities up to 700 lbs. Operator safety and patient comfort are significantly improved.
Power-PRO XT powered ambulance cot dramatically reduces strenuous lifting and the associated risk of back injury.
Stair-PRO is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of operator injury. The operator position, adjustability of handles, angle of the track and the built-in descent control made Stair-PRO the safest chair in its product category.
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