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Best Stethoscope For Paramedics
Paramedics are tasked with on-the-scene responses, and a patient’s life may depend on how effectively they carry out their duties. For this reason, they need the very best tools to work with. One of such tools is a stethoscope. Not just any stethoscope, it has to be one suitable for the kind of work they do. If you’re a paramedic, and you can’t figure out which stethoscope is best for you then keep reading. In this article, I will be looking at the 5 best stethoscopes for paramedic. Before I get into the reviews, I’d like us to take some factors into consideration. These factors would determine if a particular type of stethoscope is suitable for you or not. Let’s go!Factors A Paramedic Should Consider Before Buying A Stethoscope
There are so many factors a paramedic should consider before purchasing a stethoscope. Let us take a look at each of these key factors.Acoustic Performance
First things first, paramedics usually work in noisy situations. It could be on the site of an accident, a burning building, or a shooting. Whatever the situation is, it is bound to be noisy. This means the stethoscope you buy should have excellent acoustic performance. One that would give you crystal clear sounds, even in noisy situations. A stethoscope that doesn’t have good acoustic performance is not your best choice. Keep that in mind.Weight
The weight of your stethoscope is another factor that needs to be given good thought. A heavy stethoscope would only make your job harder. Imagine having to hang a heavy stethoscope around your neck in the middle of an emergency. That would cause more discomfort, and that is something you don’t need, especially in crucial situations. The lighter the better.Comfortable Eartips
Besides the weight of the stethoscope as a whole, the comfort level of the eartips is another factor you should consider. They should be soft and easy to plug into your ears. When you are comfortable with your eartips, you would be able to focus 100% on your job.Length
Your stethoscope should have a good enough length. It should be long enough to keep you from leaning into your patient when you check for sounds. The problem with leaning into patients is that it causes some discomfort to your lower back. A stethoscope with a good length will allow you stand in an upright posture as you work.Cost
As with every other investment, you need to consider the cost of the stethoscope before you buy. Usually, the more expensive stethoscopes are the ones with the best features, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other good stethoscopes you can buy for lower costs. Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad, a fairly priced stethoscope may be just what you need (especially if you’re a paramedic in training). Make sure the stethoscope you buy gives you good value for the money you’re paying for it.Why You Should Own Your Own Stethoscope
Ambulances usually have stethoscopes in them so you may wonder why you still need to get yours. Well there are a few reasons why you need your own stethoscope as a paramedic. First of all, the stethoscopes in ambulances are cheap, and they are of very low quality. A paramedic’s job requires working in noisy situations, and a low quality stethoscope will not give you the kind of acoustic performance you need for the job. Secondly, the stethoscope in an ambulance is for general use. Think of all the paramedics who must have stuck them in their ears! I think it’s very unhygienic to share stethoscopes with many other users. The only situation where you should use the stethoscope in the ambulance is if there is absolutely no other option. Lastly, it is easier to maintain your stethoscope since you’re the only one using it. An ambulance stethoscope is used by so many hands so the wear and tear factor will set in faster. You can clean your stethoscope when required, as opposed to waiting on someone else to do it for you. You can also identify quickly when a part needs to be replaced.Best Stethoscope for Paramedics: Our Top Pick
Top 5 Best Stethoscopes For Paramedic
There are many good brands of stethoscopes in the market, they all vary in features and price. I have picked out 5 which I consider to be the very best of them all. Let us look at them one by one.3M Littmann Classic iii Stethoscope
As far as stethoscopes for paramedics are concerned, this one stands out as one of the best money can buy. It is made from top quality materials and it delivers superior acoustic performance. It also features dual tunable diaphragms and is suitable for both adult and pediatric patients. It is excellent for checking blood pressure and lung sounds. It is also very easy to clean, as it is resistant to oil and salts produced by human skin. It comes with multiple earpieces so you can replace as required. Another great feature of this stethoscope is that the pediatric side of the chest piece converts to a traditional open bell. Lastly, the manufacturer places a 5 year warranty on this product. It’s a great choice.
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- It is oil and sweat resistant
- It is made of very durable materials
- It comes with a 5 year warranty
- It has excellent acoustic performance
- It is expensive
MDF MD ONE Stainless Steel Premium Dual Head Stethoscope
MDF has been in the business of making high quality stethoscopes since 1971, and they never disappoint. It features an acoustic tubing which is made from a dense and thick latex free PVC. It also offers great sound auscultation of lungs, heart, and gastric sounds. It also comes with very comfortable silicone earpieces and a long audio tube. The stainless steel frame ensures it remains sturdy and durable. It will last you a pretty long time. You’d be glad to hear that it comes with a lifetime warranty, as well as free parts replacement. It’s a good buy!
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- It offers free parts replacement
- It is very comfortable
- It functions well in noisy environments
- It is sturdy and durable
- It is made with latex free materials
- It is slightly heavier than other stethoscopes in its class
3M Littmann Lightweight ii S.E Stethoscope
This stethoscope isn’t just great for paramedics, it’s also great for students in training. The downside is that it mainly caters to adult patients, not children. However, it offers good acoustic performance and it is made from non latex materials. It is very comfortable to put on and it doesn’t hurt the ears. It is also very light, so it can be hung around the neck for long periods without feeling any strains. It comes with spare eartips of different sizes, it has a tunable diaphragm, and it comes with a 2 year warranty.
Pros
- It is among the lightest stethoscopes in its class
- It is not as expensive as others
- It is latex free
- It very comfortable to use
- Tunable diaphragm technology
- It has just a 2 year warranty
- It is built mainly for adult patients, not suitable for children
ADC ADSCOPE 615 Platinum Professional Clinician Stethoscope
This is a user friendly stethoscope, perfect for paramedics in training. The ease of use is mainly because of its simple design and operation. It is also the most affordable in its class. Being very light, it is easy to carry around your neck for long periods. It is made of durable zinc alloy material, so it will last you a very long time. The eartips are also very comfortable, they won’t hurt your ears when you put them on. They also come in many sizes to cater for different sizes of users. This stethoscope is designed with a sensitive drum that allows for frequency differences based on how firmly the scope is pressed against the patient’s body.
Pros
- It is very affordable
- It is easy to use
- The eartips are comfortable and they come in different sizes
- It is light
- The acoustic performance is not as good as others in its class
ADC ADSCOPE 603 Clinician Stethoscope
This stethoscope is very cheap, so it’s great for paramedics on a tight budget. The acoustics are also pretty good for such a low cost stethoscope. It functions well even in noisy areas. It is also very light, but that doesn’t take away the fact that it is also rugged and durable. It features ergonomically made headsets that guarantee your comfort when you put them on. It also comes with extra eartips for replacement. Lastly, it comes with a lifetime warranty, that is a testament to the quality of this product. I recommend!
Pros
- It is very light
- It is rugged
- It works well in noisy areas
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- Some users have complained that the head is far heavier than the earpieces, thereby creating an imbalance