EMT Bag Supplies: Preparing First Responders for Emergencies

When it comes to choosing what EMT bag supplies to pack in their medical kit, medics often have a variety of opinions — some opt for minimalism while others prefer to prepare for everything. A range of factors could affect what’s available depending on the event being responded to. A natural disaster, tactical or hostile, traffic collision or music festival for example will all have different requirements.

Regardless of where you stand, no one can argue that there should at least be enough equipment and supplies to stabilise the critically injured patient with gear they can carry on themselves or in a pack. Additional equipment has been added for situations with a vehicle. 

This blog is designed to help Military, Law Enforcement, EMS, First Responders and Hospitals with their EMT Bag Supplies.

Categories of Medical Equipment

Before we put together a list, let’s take a look at the categories of medical equipment. In general, the equipment carried by a first responder or tactical medic can be separated into the following areas:

Personal protective equipment (PPE): This refers to medical PPE such as gloves, masks and eye protection.

Patient assessment tools: These are practical tools needed to assess, diagnose and measure vital functions such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and thermometers.

Trauma supplies: These are supplies designed to stop bleeding or seal off wounds. Compression dressings, compressed gauze, tourniquet, splint, triage bags are considered valuable trauma supplies. A bleeding control bag is a compact solution.

Airway/breathing management: These provide access to the back of the throat safely for clearing airways or assisted breathing. Equipment varies from lightweight suction devices to an extensive array of airway devices and aids, including face masks, endotracheal tubes, catheter mounts and filters.

IV supplies: This category can include IV fluids, tubing, saline bags and an assortment of needles and catheters.

Medications: This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as any medical supplies needed to administer them.

Patient transfer equipment: Transporting patients is an essential part of recovery. Common types of patient transfer equipment include evacuation sleds and wheelchairs. Medical response vehicles should always have the equipment to help carefully transfer the patient.

Preparing Your EMT Bag Supplies

An EMT bag is a pack filled with medical supplies and equipment, sometimes called a trauma bag, first-aid kit or go-bag.

When preparing your EMT bag, it’s important to keep in mind the most common emergency medical treatments and consider what the best type of care for patients could require.

Here’s an example of an EMT bag supply kit:

• PPE (gloves, mask, eye protection)
• Small pocket mask, NPA, OPA
• Triage kit
• Trauma scissors
• 1 or 2 tourniquets
• Chest decompression kit
• 2-3 trauma dressings
• 4-6 hemostatic dressings
• Portable suction unit
• 4 roller gauze, compression bandages 
• 1 heavy-duty 2″ tape
• 1 personal care kit that includes personal medications, sunscreen, insect repellant, and/or contact lens supplies

Ultimately, there’s no one size fits all solution for EMT bags. Speak to your crew and supervisors to learn what they recommend packing in an emergency response kit and keep upgrading so you’re always prepared.

Shop EMT Bag Supplies Online at Midmed Medical Supplies

Ready to create your ideal EMT bag?

Midmed has a range of EMT bag supplies that are perfect for Emergency Responders, Military, Law Enforcement, EMS and Hospitals. We have over 30 years of experience and a friendly team, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service.

You can choose from our wide selection of pre-hospital and consumables. If you’re unsure about what type of equipment is best suited for your situation, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We can offer demonstrations and would love to help you find the perfect product that meets all your requirements.You can also request a quote directly and we will get back to you swiftly.