What should you carry? 🚑
Carry what makes your job as efficient as possible and carry what works for you.
Tools are not all physical as well. They can be systems and each one serves a primary purpose.
A few examples are:
Cognitive offload - reducing the need to make decisions or remember things. Examples: reference charts, color coding, the same equipment layouts on all trucks, keychains that hold onto things
Speed and accuracy aides - video laryngoscopes, chest dart axillary guides, quick pull tabs, putting equipment closest to use area
Physical Load Reduction - power load stretchers, stair chairs
From my experience as a paramedic, the process of deciding what to carry is very personal and evolves over time. It really depends on your specific work environment and the types of calls you respond to. For instance, wildland and event medics often need compact, multi-use gear due to mobility requirements, like rescue shears and a reliable flashlight attached to a belt. One lesson I’ve learned is that efficiency comes not only from physical tools but also from systems designed to reduce cognitive burden. Using consistent equipment layouts and color-coded supplies can save precious seconds during high-stress situations, allowing you to focus more on patient care than searching for what you need. Speed and accuracy aids such as video laryngoscopes and quick pull tabs are game changers for airway management and trauma interventions. Also, positioning equipment close to the primary use area minimizes time wasted reaching for tools, contributing to smoother workflows. Additionally, physical load reduction devices like power load stretchers and stair chairs are invaluable for preventing provider fatigue and injuries. They help maintain your stamina throughout long shifts and improve patient safety during transport. In the end, it’s about finding what works best for you and your team. Carry what enables you to perform at your best, whether that’s minimal essentials or a fully stocked kit. Patients care most about your ability to deliver care confidently and effectively, not how much gear you have or how you look. Embrace trial and error, adjust as you grow in your role, and always prioritize tools and systems that enhance your workflow and patient outcomes.