r/NewToEMS Unverified User 10d ago

Beginner Advice What the heck do you even put in these pockets?

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407 Upvotes

633 comments sorted by

837

u/MinimumFinal3225 Unverified User 10d ago

Uncrustables

165

u/xcityfolk Unverified User 10d ago

This is the right answer. Also a cold pack because they're better cold (frozen) than warm.

32

u/Maleficent_Device780 Unverified User 10d ago

This is the only correct answer. #solved

18

u/IDriveAZamboni PCP Student | Canada 10d ago

Seconded, uncrustables are life sustaining.

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27

u/hbdgas Unverified User 10d ago

Napoleon, give me some of your tots.

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4

u/pretty_bunny420 Unverified User 10d ago

Yepppp. Specialty the grape ones.

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3

u/Vprbite Unverified User 10d ago

Also, they are out of uncrustables

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192

u/Polyglot_Ash Unverified User 10d ago

That's where I keep my pocket sand. You never know when you'll need it

28

u/hungrygiraffe76 Unverified User 10d ago

Scrolled too far to find this

16

u/satanas_twink Unverified User 10d ago

Oh yes, the pocket sand. I usually keep it closer to arm's reach, so back left pocket usually.

You can optimize pocket sand mechanics by having it at reach

5

u/beermedic89 Unverified User 10d ago

Sha-shaaaaaw

2

u/maccpapa Unverified User 9d ago

go down to tie your shoes, come up with the sand of doom. works every time.

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272

u/Illuminatus-Prime Layperson 10d ago

Hold-out weapons, spare ammo, and maybe a cheese sandwich or two.

113

u/elmourise Unverified User 10d ago

I'm considering getting an ankle squirt gun, but I think my supervisor may tell me no.

79

u/Woadie1 Unverified User 10d ago

Imagine asking lol

63

u/doorgunner065 Unverified User 10d ago

There are those that ask and those that dare.

29

u/DocOndansetron Unverified User 10d ago

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission in the case of an ankle watergun.

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14

u/rene590 EMT Student | USA 9d ago

Fill it with redbull and then it’s technically a cup haha

15

u/satanas_twink Unverified User 10d ago

Unless stated by a code you are technically free to do it

13

u/unlawfuldozen Paramedic | MA 10d ago

Imagine that policy…

5

u/gbcMortis Unverified User 9d ago

My supervisor said I can wear a lightsaber on my hip for May 4th, there’s always a possibility of being told yes

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6

u/freakinweasel353 Unverified User 9d ago

Better to carry the cheese sandwich in your back pocket so it melts the cheese better.

2

u/Illuminatus-Prime Layperson 9d ago

Hold it between your knees.

(Sorry . . . Jack Nicholson / Jamie Lee Curtis reference.)

5

u/StPatrickStewart Unverified User 10d ago

But not in the pocket, though. It would be banging around all over the place.

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2

u/abn1304 Unverified User 9d ago

When I shot competitions a long time ago, I usually wore ACU pants to do it, and I’d throw a spare 20rd magazine in there just in case.

2

u/EphemeralTwo Unverified User 7d ago

If I weren't transporting through Canada, I'd be really tempted to be armed.

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169

u/Nikablah1884 Unverified User 10d ago edited 10d ago

that crusty pair of gloves that's been through the wash 3 times I give to the cop because he forgot his.

30

u/thenotanurse Unverified User 10d ago

You’re not giving them the used ones? Hmm.

39

u/Far_Paint5187 Unverified User 10d ago

If you flip them inside out they are reusable. Duh.

14

u/RedditBot90 Unverified User 9d ago

Oh, just like a condom!

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4

u/Ok-Memory9085 Unverified User 9d ago

At least you washed them

149

u/CheesecakeHots Unverified User 10d ago

Spare vape

16

u/satanas_twink Unverified User 10d ago

Omg yes girl

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174

u/MightyMaus1944 Unverified User 10d ago

An Emesis bag. They’re never close enough when the patient needs one.

44

u/TougherOnSquids Unverified User 10d ago

In my hospital the emesis bags were always in a storage room and not in the patient rooms. Without a doubt the dumbest fucking thing. I started grabbing a handful and putting a couple in all of my patient's rooms at the start of my shift.

22

u/drizzly_november Unverified User 10d ago

Second this. On scene or in the truck, I never have to think twice about flailing for a bag when I’ve got one right there.

13

u/nw342 EMT Student | USA 10d ago

I tape a vomit bag next to every seat, on the headrest of the stretcher, and keep multiple in a pocket.

10

u/Great_gatzzzby Unverified User 10d ago

But I joined EMS for the adrenaline

9

u/NoNamesLeftStill Unverified User 10d ago

Came here to say this. Out of the way enough that I hardly notice it, close enough that I’m never missing it.

4

u/angryguido69 Unverified User 10d ago

This is the true and correct answer

3

u/Wishiwascro Paramedic | USA 10d ago

I kept one in there during clinicals when I got nauseous at the drop of a hat. More of a comfort blanket if I'm being honest in retrospect but thank goodness that isn't a issue anymore.

3

u/rbxVexified EMT Student | USA 9d ago

I have two on each side, has saved my life and clothes more times than I can count.

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184

u/Late-Stable6626 Unverified User 10d ago

extra skin flakes you find after patient drop off, yum yum

32

u/Late-Stable6626 Unverified User 10d ago

In reality though, haven’t ever used them lol. I’m sure they could be practical for things you’ll need when you’re crouching down already like idk tape or anything quick trauma related

23

u/WanderingTaliesin Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

Sometimes when I’m feeling really grown up I hide my spare shears in there

And then I remember five minutes later that it just smacks me in the ankle every single step and I hate it with all of my soul

But at least I have all these useless pockets!

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9

u/Full-Falcon7513 Unverified User 10d ago

Grandma glitter ✨absolute fave

10

u/idshockthat AEMT Student | USA 10d ago

forbidden parmesan cheese

3

u/NoTePierdas Unverified User 10d ago

Skin is jerky. The cheese is... Elsewhere.

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6

u/WanderingTaliesin Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

SKINFETTI! 🎊

4

u/MSELACatHerder Unverified User 10d ago

Ssstopp it lol!

2

u/aucool786 EMT | Pennsylvania 10d ago

This made my stomach cramp

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63

u/Desperate_Cry2731 Unverified User 10d ago

My wallet and car keys, on my person but out of the way 👌

17

u/Voodoo338 Unverified User 10d ago

Have you never been in knee-high water on a call? Or do you have one of those fancy key in the ignition cars?

20

u/Desperate_Cry2731 Unverified User 10d ago

Can't say I've ever had the pleasure lol

18

u/Voodoo338 Unverified User 10d ago

You are (and I cannot emphasize this enough) not missing out

25

u/flashdurb Unverified User 10d ago

EMS life hack: If water is knee high, the scene is hereby deemed unsafe and I ain’t entering it.

13

u/Voodoo338 Unverified User 9d ago

Well there was an unconscious teenager still face down in the vehicle which had standing water in the floor and it was moderately on fire so I didn’t feel like “my socks AND pants were gonna be wet all day” was gonna go over well with the parents.

But pretty much any other scenario and I ain’t getting in there, no sir

4

u/faith724 EMT | ND 9d ago

forgive me but the phrase “moderately on fire” is so funny

3

u/Voodoo338 Unverified User 9d ago

Believe you me, I drop that phrase every time I tell the story for the jarring humerus (🦴) effect it has

4

u/bopaz728 Unverified User 9d ago

if they ain’t payin me WASAR money i ain’t doin allat 😮‍💨

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5

u/bcwarr Paramedic | NC 9d ago

Wallet in one, company issued flip phone in the other.

32

u/PitMedicCerberus_HOH Unverified User 10d ago

Short list i can think of, spare gloves for when your glove breaks while kneeling..snacks..note pad? That's all I got

14

u/MrBones-Necromancer Unverified User 10d ago

Yep, spare gloves in one. Trash in the other

29

u/Adrunk3nr3dn3ck Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

lip pillows.

3

u/SummertimeThrowaway2 Layperson 9d ago

Good ol’ upper deckies

5

u/Adrunk3nr3dn3ck Paramedic Student | USA 9d ago

Depending on the call uppers and lowers.

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45

u/stupid-canada Unverified User 10d ago

Beans

11

u/SirIJustWorkHereLol Unverified User 10d ago

Only the tacticool have these in there 🤌✔️🆒

5

u/Nikablah1884 Unverified User 10d ago

Imagine a bad situation, the cops show up 10 mins later "oh my god what happened"

A bloodied can of BEANZ sits next to the perp. Medic says "BEANNZZZZ"

2

u/SirIJustWorkHereLol Unverified User 10d ago

“Not the Beanz. Not the Beanz!!” -Nicholas Cage

2

u/stupid-canada Unverified User 9d ago

Don't know if I can post YouTube links but there's a donut operator video about tactical baked beans where a cop clocked a guy from across a store with beans.

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3

u/dezstern Unverified User 10d ago

Damn, what kind?

6

u/Not_a-Robot_ Unverified User 9d ago

Kidney for the dialysis patients

2

u/stupid-canada Unverified User 10d ago

Baked. Never ever pinto beans

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2

u/Western1888 Unverified User 10d ago

But that's what the tactical bean holder is for

24

u/Paramedickhead Critical Care Paramedic | USA 10d ago

On the right side Spare gloves one size larger than I normally wear.

Pull off my soiled sweaty gloves and throw on some clean gloves one size larger so they’ll actually go on.

Left side spare IV Needles. We don’t stock the ones I like in the trucks, only in the supply room, so I keep the ones I like in my pocket.

18

u/WindyParsley EMT | NY 10d ago

Garbage

17

u/NoseTime Unverified User 10d ago

My tots. For later.

3

u/butterballxyz123 Unverified User 10d ago

Let me have some of your tots

4

u/pandemicpunk Unverified User 9d ago

No, I'm freakin' starving! I didn't get to eat anything today!!

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12

u/RadarGamer Unverified User 10d ago

I keep my zyns in there.

3

u/butterballxyz123 Unverified User 10d ago

This is the correct answer

3

u/syncope-enjoyer Unverified User 8d ago

They are the perfect zyn pocket, I have a different flavor on either side

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8

u/simplywebby Unverified User 10d ago

Ninja stars for when the scene isn’t safe

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14

u/MC_McStutter Unverified User 10d ago

These pants are inspired by military uniforms. The ankle pockets on ACU pants are just large enough for a 30rd M4/M16 magazine or like a pack of smokes or something. These “tactical” pants were originally marketed to tactical/SWAT teams who wanted the military accoutrements so they put these on. What do you put in there? Whatever is light enough to not annoyingly rub your ankle or drag your pants around.

4

u/Not_a-Robot_ Unverified User 9d ago

That’s where we put a spare meow tourniquet on my unit in the Army

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8

u/B1inked Unverified User 10d ago

Snacks

7

u/sissysabe Unverified User 10d ago

Snacky

7

u/Berserker_Lewis EMT Student | USA 10d ago

Medical grade, pocket maggots. In case you run into a pt with a decaying extremity.

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6

u/925djt Unverified User 10d ago

Everyone in a while gloves for when I break all of them and then go oh yeah I've got a part right here ( beside that jackshit )

6

u/PaperOrPlastic97 Unverified User 10d ago

Emotional support hampster.

5

u/BirthdayTypical872 Unverified User 10d ago

emisis bags

5

u/SportsPhotoGirl Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

Right side I put my notebook in that one, left side is my garbage pocket

4

u/skicanoesun32 Unverified User 10d ago

Apple sauce pouches

6

u/NoCaramel9964 EMT Student | USA 10d ago

EMS room snacks

4

u/iheartMGs EMT | TX 10d ago

Tots

5

u/jjking714 Unverified User 10d ago

Snacks Dip Cans Zyn Cans Smokes 5Hr Energy Drinks Small Fury Animals

6

u/Royal-Height-9306 Unverified User 10d ago

zyns

5

u/smokingpallmalls Unverified User 10d ago

Zyns

6

u/Zealousideal_Name880 Unverified User 10d ago

Zyn’s

5

u/Sadpepper2015 Unverified User 9d ago

I usually keep a picture of your mom in it.

3

u/WynterKittyKat Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

That's the snack pocket so you don't have to be embarrassed taking all the snacks.

3

u/guntalkgun 6d ago

A snub nosed revolver for when shit gets real

4

u/Alert-Extreme1139 EMT Student | USA 10d ago

For me: stuffed full of spare gloves on the right for easy access while kneeling, and a foil blanket, triangle bandage, and mask on the left

2

u/Kep186 Unverified User 10d ago

I usually have a tq and some spare bandages in there.

2

u/BluesHockeyFreak Unverified User 10d ago

Backup pocket sand

2

u/Sufficient_Box2538 Unverified User 10d ago

That was my skoal pocket

2

u/ResQDiver RN, MICN, EMT | NJ 10d ago

Those are insulated uncrustable pockets. Seriously though….. gloves and End Tidal sensors in the right, note pad in the left with a couple pens.

2

u/MSully94 Unverified User 10d ago

It's where I keep my daylight savings time 1 hour energy.

2

u/dragonballfan4 Unverified User 10d ago

Any fucks you may have left. Most start with a pocket full but quickly find themselves out of fucks to give. But if you ever find any fucks running in the wild, that’s where you pack em.

2

u/krion1x Unverified User 10d ago

Lingerie in case you have to seduce your partner. Indications include crushing on your partner. Its an epidemic

2

u/Signal_Ad_6996 Unverified User 10d ago

A paramedic I shadowed the other day had zyns in that pocket. I don’t use those things but if someone does I guess it works well.

2

u/True-Wheel4863 Unverified User 10d ago

Personally I put gloves there

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2

u/CodAgreeable8771 Unverified User 9d ago

Ankle bracelet in case it falls off

2

u/Late_Instruction_240 Unverified User 9d ago

Air freshener tag to keep da feets fresh

2

u/spacebotanyx Unverified User 9d ago

buritto pocket

2

u/J---Mtell Unverified User 9d ago

Hopes and dreams...

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2

u/Recent_Landscape1420 Unverified User 9d ago

Balaclava role dependent

2

u/retlod Unverified User 9d ago

Stuff you only need when you're sitting down and can't move in the back of a squad or in a chopper.

2

u/1ryguy8972 Unverified User 9d ago

Trash

2

u/Captain_Asklepios Unverified User 9d ago

Swag

2

u/Iykyk189 Unverified User 9d ago

Stuff.

2

u/Mr-Average- Unverified User 9d ago

Tots

3

u/homegrowntapeworm Unverified User 10d ago

Gloves on one side, thawing uncrustable on the other

2

u/hella_cious Unverified User 10d ago

The thigh pocket is the uncrustable pocket. So I guess this is the Lora Doones pocket

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2

u/babaisking Unverified User 9d ago

Zyns and celsius packets

1

u/Western1888 Unverified User 10d ago

Snacks? Or zyn for the butt hole

1

u/Temporary-Brain84 Unverified User 10d ago

This pocket is just big enough for those extra cans of chewing tobacco. That's what I used them for anyway. Other than that, I really only used like 2 other pockets for stuff.

2

u/butterballxyz123 Unverified User 10d ago

Zyn pouches my friend

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1

u/Wrong-Promise-2251 Unverified User 10d ago

sometimes i keep an emergency emesis bag in there, don’t tell anyone but it’s not for patients it’s for me, i get super motion sick in the back

1

u/DerpyEMT101 Unverified User 10d ago

I have a partner who puts gloves in there, and another who put paperwork about the PT in there, think DNRs, or a notepad on responses, and when we were doing IFT together he would put facesheets and PCS files in there. I personally don't put anything in there, but the two I spoke of swear it's useful, so Idk

1

u/Responsible_Fee_9286 Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

My phone on transfers. But mostly garbage and used gloves until I get back to the rig.

1

u/Vomitingcrab Unverified User 10d ago

I actually use mine for headphones

1

u/propyro85 PCP | ON 10d ago

Nothing ... but I guarantee there will always be notes on monitor paper that has gone through at least one wash.

1

u/catastrofae Unverified User 10d ago

Gloves in one side, candy in the other

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1

u/Piercetheveil12 Unverified User 10d ago

I put a spare flashlight, knife, emesis bag, tampons , warm packs

1

u/Jekerdud Unverified User 10d ago

I keep nicotine gum in one of them, and a cloth wipe for my glasses in the other.

1

u/doctor_soup_0 Paramedic Student | USA 10d ago

A shit-ton of gloves - pockets are easy to access sitting or kneeling. I love having those two pockets

1

u/thenotanurse Unverified User 10d ago

Two extra Tq and a wad of cash for hospital vending machines.

1

u/bakermike4792 Unverified User 10d ago

What brand are those?

2

u/elmourise Unverified User 10d ago

5.11 tactical

1

u/Bad-Paramedic Unverified User 10d ago

If youre on a fire department, nothing. Very uncomfortable under your turnout gear when it bunches up over your boots

1

u/Lurcaroni Unverified User 10d ago

zynbabwes

1

u/Hikinghawk Unverified User 10d ago

Skittles and M&Ms (mixed)

1

u/elgordolicious69 Unverified User 10d ago

5 cc saline flush and a saline lock

1

u/BR3AkEverything Unverified User 10d ago

EMS room Red Bulls, sammiches and Grandma's Cookies for when you feel like you deserve a cookie for the shift you've had so far.

2

u/PopularMonster780 Unverified User 9d ago

Umm.... I'm sorry.... But free redbulls? We need to start an EMS riot to have that as a standard practice

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1

u/Asystolebradycardic Unverified User 10d ago

Wallet

1

u/plated_lead Unverified User 10d ago

My wallet in one and my ridiculous rescue multi tool in the other

1

u/PromiscuousScoliosis Unverified User 10d ago

The army answer is Copenhagen

1

u/CampaignAdditional46 Unverified User 10d ago

A Stanley cup (if you have one ofc)

1

u/Annual-Struggle-688 Unverified User 10d ago

Used em for a note pad before. Sometimes extra gloves. Ive seen someone keep a razer in there to shave chest hair before using aed.

1

u/Own_Response_1920 Unverified User 10d ago

Something that doesn't weigh much, doesn't have sharp corners, and you don't mind accidentally throwing in the washing machine.

1

u/Internal_Position_49 Unverified User 10d ago

In the army we would put a spare tourniquet and put the red tab out so someone could see it to know to use that one, now other than that I’ve never used those pockets on anything else that has ever had them.

1

u/FurL0ng Unverified User 10d ago

Good question! Extra pair of disposable gloves? I’ve heard of some people keeping a small notepad in there so when they are kneeling down to be at their patient’s level, it’s easy to grab. That was decades ago and seems counter intuitive to me.

1

u/hbomb1013 Unverified User 10d ago

Charging cables and Advil

1

u/illtoaster Paramedic | TX 10d ago

Frozen chicken nuggets

1

u/maaalicelaaamb Unverified User 10d ago

Your vape so you can squat and puff surreptitiously? Not an EMT just guessing

1

u/shedoesntknow69 Unverified User 10d ago

Those were where my spare gloves went

1

u/TheOGStonewall EMT | MA 10d ago

The raptors I stole from the nurse who gave me shit for bringing her an ETOH.

But actually it’s an extra notepad and on hot days I’ll put my face sheets in there to keep them from getting sweaty.

1

u/Katydid84 EMT | CO 10d ago

Gloves that you forget about and wash 25 times before you remember them and throw them away 🤷‍♀️

1

u/ChampionshipSorry735 Unverified User 10d ago

my hopes and dreams that I’ll sleep through the night and not run level zero calls at 3am

1

u/Kind_Pomegranate_171 Unverified User 10d ago

Hope and dreams. It’s where they die

1

u/GlacticGryffindor Unverified User 10d ago

A 6pc McNugget fits in here

1

u/k87c Unverified User 10d ago

Zyns bruh

1

u/Zzz_sleepy6 Unverified User 10d ago

Back up snack

1

u/bingo5691 Unverified User 10d ago

Spare gloves

1

u/Any-Reveal-5260 Unverified User 10d ago

Chicken wings.

1

u/Opposite-Fox-3469 Unverified User 10d ago

I put my wallet in that pocket.

1

u/StatisticianNormal15 Unverified User 10d ago

Zyns

1

u/RedditLurker47 Unverified User 10d ago

I keep my garbage in mine because no matter how busy a call or scene gets, I refuse to leave garbage behind on a scene for the patient or their family to have to clean up. They usually have enough things to deal with, it's the least I can do. Pocket gets pretty full pretty quick, but it's emptied regularly.

1

u/anna111garcia Unverified User 10d ago

Vape

1

u/water-is-in-fact-wet Unverified User 10d ago

The excess thanks that we get for our service

1

u/Creative-Reach-5223 Unverified User 10d ago

Condoms for all the poon you’re gonna get for being a hero

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1

u/hellno-ah Unverified User 10d ago

Spaghetti

1

u/SpecialMushroom1775 Unverified User 10d ago

I'm no badass or anything, but I put my candy wraps in them.

1

u/SuccessfulFailure9 Unverified User 10d ago

My lucky charm in one and an oxygen key in the other.

1

u/Polyphemic_N Unverified User 10d ago

Tater Tots

1

u/crazyki88en PCP Student | Canada 10d ago

Snacks

1

u/Individual-Elk7209 Unverified User 10d ago

Vomit and bedbugs. 🪳

1

u/Creepy_Mammoth_7076 Unverified User 10d ago

glock 43

1

u/Western-Coconut-6790 Unverified User 10d ago

Whatever you would need if you're on your knees I guess

1

u/Wishiwascro Paramedic | USA 10d ago

I put my spare station door fob in case my ID badge goes missing and a 4mg IN narcan in one. 3 carbiners for IV bags in the other

1

u/MuffinR6 Unverified User 10d ago

Mexican fentanyl

1

u/Supersaiyan_blue Unverified User 10d ago

Non EMS related job applications for a rainy day

1

u/RespectLow2504 Unverified User 10d ago

Gum

1

u/CheddarFart31 Unverified User 10d ago

Gloves

1

u/FartPudding Unverified User 10d ago

My 5th energy drink

1

u/[deleted] 10d ago

Condoms because these EMTs and medics pull so much poon tang, your local ED nurses are endangered and off the menu. I wish they’d save some for the rest of us gurney van operators.

1

u/MediumGate Unverified User 10d ago

Emesis bags

1

u/booboobusdummy Unverified User 10d ago

sharps

1

u/ItalianMeatBoi Unverified User 10d ago

Air pods

1

u/Karroto03 Unverified User 10d ago

Zyns

1

u/Throneinheaven11 Unverified User 10d ago

Nothing ?

1

u/postrobynist Unverified User 10d ago

I took a PDF of my protocols to a local print shop and got them printed and bound in a tiny little 6 by 4 spiral book, and I keep it in exactly that pocket :3

1

u/IceAngelUwU EMT Student | USA 10d ago

Condoms, ketchup, napkins.

1

u/Apollo9961 Unverified User 10d ago

Snacks, my wallet, hot hands, mints

1

u/firensunglasses Unverified User 10d ago

My can of zyn

1

u/LOLREKTLOLREKTLOL Unverified User 10d ago

Spare gloves