EMS Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is right around the corner, and it is time to hit the stores, or in my case hit the websites, and get that shopping done.  But what do you buy for the EMT or paramedic who seems to have everything?  Well you’re in luck because here are what I feel are five of the best gifts that every provider should have this year.

1.   Ripshears – These might be one of the best purchases that I have made in my EMS career.

My Ripshears complete with (upside down) URL in my right leg pocket.

They’re affordable, they attach right to your favorite pair of shears, and they do the job.  But don’t take my word for it, check out The Happy Medic’s review!

2.  A subscription to EMS World or JEMS – This is the gift that every EMT and paramedic out there should have.  There is a wealth of information available today on the internet, but nothing beats print media when it comes to trade publications.  I have subscriptions to both, it is one of the perks to going to their national conferences, and if you or your loved one does not, it’s a great gift for the holidays this year!

3.  5.11 A.T.A.C. 8” Side Zip Boots – In my 13 years as a paramedic I have gone through just about every brand and style of boots imaginable: Magnum, Rocky, Blauer.  On my first day last December at my new job, I was issued a pair of brand new 5.11 A.T.A.C. 8” Side Zip Boots.  A year later, I am still in that pair.  First of all, I was always used to going through boots every six to eight months or so.  Most of that I attribute to the harsh New England winters, regardless of what I did, or how much I worked, I never had a pair of boots last me a whole year until now.  These things are great.  They’re comfortable, functional, and really hold up.

4.  A new flashlight – Currently, I own two flashlights: the first I reviewed earlier this year made by Coast Portland.  This one lives in my truck’s door during my work week.  Its bright, light, and functional.  The other one that I own is a Streamlight.  The beauty of their products is they carry a lifetime warrantee and many of their models are simple three piece constructions consisting of a bulb, a power button, and a casing.  This one lives on my hip (although I am looking for a new case for it right now).  No provider should be hitting the streets without a light on their person or close by, and these are two great affordable options.

5.  An iTunes gift card – What do you get the EMT or paramedic that has everything (and an iPhone)?  How about an iTunes card!  There are some great apps available on the market for the general medical field as well as for EMS specifically.  While many of them are free, a few cost money the most notable of which are the Paramedic Protocol Provider app which has access to a number of protocol sets from around the nation, and the EMS Field Guide which can easily replace any pocket guide on the market today.

There are plenty of other gifts available: jackets, job shirts, and winter gear just to name a few but these five are great options worth taking a look at.  I am always on the lookout for new products though, so if anyone has anything else they want to share feel free to stick them in the comments section below!