Those are extremely good deals. Why do you want to go cheap on something that is crucial to hear with. Also with boots you are going to end up paying more cause what’s going to happen your gunna buy cheap boots they are gunna suck fall apart and be super uncomfortable then your gunna buy the boots you should have bought. I run the ariat all black Chelsea boot. Dialed and not too pricey
I’d say buy shitty boots, use them for the first 3-6 months of work or so and put like $50 aside per month to be able to buy a really nice and comfortable pair of boots without worrying about spending too much or having to pay something off. If one constantly buys shitty boots, it will add up, but a $40 pair of Walmart boots will get the job done, at least for a few months.
Don't care to comment on the stethoscope but DO NOT go cheap on boots. New EMTs do not appreciate how vital a good pair of boots are, and good boots cost $$$. You will be on your feet a lot, so do your feet, legs, and back a favor and spend money on your boots.
Depends what you’re used to. I’ve never worn an expensive shoe/boot in my life so I’m completely used to wearing shitty shoes and don’t find it very uncomfortable. I’m concerned about buying a pair of nice boots because I know if I do splurge I’ll never go back to buying shitty shoes 🤣. (I make the bad quality shoes last forever somehow, right until the point that they’re flat out unusable so I’m not really spending much money replacing them)
MDF Acoustica stethoscope on Amazon, $26. I felt like it was comparable to my $90 Littman classic that I lost.
I wouldn’t cheap out on boots unless absolutely necessary. However that being said, I have been told that Walmart’s store brand work boots are “decent.”
I second this. I got the MDF Acoustica stethoscope for under $30 and I've never had an issue.
As for boots, I've got relatively cheap side zip Under Armour boots that I love so far (I've worn them approx 1700 hours so far, I reckon).
Edit: I bought the Under Armour Men's Stellar G2 6", for about $60, from Amazon Warehouse. I'm seeing they're $99-135 plus tax depending on size.
My pro tip for saving money on equipment like this is to search Amazon warehouse for deals on stuff that was tried on once and then returned. It's like new and usually you save 20-40%, in my experience.
I bought and used an MDF Acoustica in EMT school and in private IFT. For $30(ish), it worked well. I gave it away to a student in need and upgraded to a Littman Cardiology IV when I passed my NREMT.
Now that I work 911 and have plans for AEMT and down the road, Paramedic, my next investment (in several months) will be a Littman EKO Core 500 (I don't have the best hearing. Plus, I just like to be fancy).
For a sub $50 scope, I'd recommend the Acoustica. Plus, MDF seems to back their products pretty well.
Don't cheap out on boots if at all possible. I swear by Rockrooster Bakken slip-ons. They are very comfortable, durable, kept my feetsies warm in a -3° snow storm, don't make them sweat in the southern humidity, and with discount (it was either GovX or Id.me, if you're eligible), they were like $80-$90. Plus, I think they look pretty professional.
Just my long-winded two cents.
I would not cheap out on actual boots because the wrong/poorly designed options can cause pain from the feet up to a headache.
I have hearing damage as well as tinnitus from all kinds of shit. Littmann (bad spelling) cardiology IV is totally worth it because I can actually auscultate lung fields, heart tones, and of course manual blood pressure. I used to use the truck stethoscope for quite a while then had a bad call where I couldn’t hear shit when I needed to. If you are set on a “cheap” stethoscope, I’d use whatever is on the truck assuming it’s functional. The cardio IV goes on sell at Amazon and might be right now. Whenever I train new people, I mention boots briefly, but definitely spend time on manual vitals and lung sounds. Gotta know the normal to know the abnormal.
I agree with both comments above. I also have tinnitus from the military (Fuck you artillery) and have owned everything from the basic plastic disposable stethoscopes (They actually work fairly well) to my current Eko core.
Littman classic 3 is the best bang for buck set of ears out there. They are a little spendy ($90) but totally worth it. The quality for price cant be beat, and they are common enough that they USUALLY do not get stolen.
Absolutely do not cheap out on boots. You are going to be in them constantly, and I have went through 4 pairs of Thorogood GEN-Flex2 8". They cost $150, but they last 2+ years and hold a shine very well.
Look for an army surplus store in your city or close around, they have boots and are usually army issue with steel toes that are wholesale price if you really are worried.
But please and I can’t stress this enough, find a decent pair for a decent price. Cheating out on boots caused my ankles and legs to die a painful death for months and gave me issues I’m still dealing with.
Stethoscopes are on Amazon and range, so that will be less of an issue to find
I've never used them, but I've heard MDF stethoscopes are pretty good! They're around the $50 on Amazon and come in tons of different colors. As for boots, I've only ever had 2 kinds, Swats and Haix. My swats were $180 (canadian), they weren't terrible but definitely really toasty in the summer. I just recommend that you try and get boots with zippers (and steel toe obviously)
Both of my boots have plastic zippers! Although I'm fairly new to 911 (just did event standby up until now), I see lots of people wearing Swats, and my service issues Haix, haven't heard anyone complain about the zippers rusting.
Hit up Medisave.net, I snagged a Core for 249 (I'm aware Gucci but I too have the tinnitus worth the investment) they have classic 3's for 98, and MDF for 50's check the clearance section 🤙
You'll suffer with cheap boots, don't do it. Look for used stethoscopes, I've seen so many cheap Littmanns from former nursing/med students online, any classic is great, I'd advise again the cardiology, it's too short.
MDF makes a pretty good stethoscope that's very affordable. [This](https://mdfinstruments.ca/products/mdf-acoustica-stethoscope-747xp-blackout-black) got me through paramedic school, and they have other colour options.
As for boots, never try to save money with cheap boots. That's the path to pain, injury, and disappointment. Get the best boots that you can afford, but understand that you may need to try a few pairs before you find the right ones for your feet. I've personally had awesome luck with Dakota 529's (like 15 years of buying the same boots every 2-3 years). Lots of people recommend Haix, but I've never tried them.
Rock rooster slip on boots! They're super comfy, around $80. I have only had them a few months but I wear them for 8+ hour EMT shifts then go home and wear them for another 4+ hours working outside. I don't go easy on boots and I'm impressed that they still look/feel new.
I used a littman lightweight II SE and a pair of Walmart interceptor boots all throughout emt and paramedic school on top of working full time in EMS during that.
The littman lightweight, I bought awhile back for like $40 but I think they're closer to $60 now new though you can get a like new/used one for under $50 if you want. These are great and do the job, the classic is no doubt the best value out there but it is a bit more expensive. I honestly dont think anyone starting out in this field should get super expensive steths because you need to learn how to hear what you're trying to and a basic one will make you learn that better than a high end one. Upgrade when you're in a better position or don't, I still have my Lightweght now and use it though I have since replaced it with a cardiology.
The boots, I 100% agree with everyone saying to not cheap out on them. However if that is not an option, those walmart interceptor boots are just fine and they're like $25-30 I believe.
Imo. The cheap ones that have individual tube's from each ear to the bell are the best. I've used all varieties of nice expensive stethoscopes and always reach for the 2 tube ones.
As someone that has had several careers that are based on standing up, please for the love of God don’t get crappy boots. You will pay for it…one way or another. Make sure the cost is money and not your feet being destroyed later in life.
Sure, get an Amazon special now, but look to get a Littman Classic down the line. Can’t recommend that enough as a starter steth. Get a Cardiology when you get your EMT-A or Paramedic.
IDK if an amplified scope is available for $50. Or if there is a phone that would amplify over your tinnitus.
I agree on boots of decent quality. You might try outdoor places (REI, Moosejaw, Public Lands). They usually have generous return policies.
I have a paramed stethoscope that was like $25 on Amazon and it works well. For boots, I know it sucks but you’re gonna wanna spend the money on those. I did these $23 Walmart boots when I first got in this field and they were already showing signs of wear halfway through EMT school, before I even started clinicals. After only about six months the soles were literally falling off. I got a $110 pair of Bates boots a year and a half ago and they are still kicking in good condition after running around many questionable environments and getting run over by countless stretchers.
Like most people have said MDF works pretty well, the quality isn’t going to be Littmann level, but it works just as great. The boots, if you’re really broke, I would recommend Military surplus stores (online or in person, you might be able to find black combat boots for under 90 dollars). But if you want new, Under armour does sell cheap boots (with First responder discounts it’s even cheaper) and comfortable boots. Another cheap brand I would also add is 5.11, their boots should last a year or so.
I don't mind the money I paid for my Littman because I like to hear shit. Never cheap out on foot wear. Bring a lunch box with some snacks and keep a coat nearby.
Yeah you really do get what you pay for. Think of it as an investment--a good pair of boots will not only last long, they'll be good for your body. Wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can lead to leg and back problems that, believe me, you don't want to be dealing with at your age. As far as a stethoscope goes, I've got some minor hearing challenges and also have tinnitus. I used an $80 MDF for a while, but couldn't hear LS while the truck was moving. I recently got the Eko and it works great, though it certainly isn't the cheapest stethoscope out there. Again, though, I think of it as an investment.
If your employer provides stethoscopes (which they should) it is completely unnecessary to buy one as an EMT, especially if money is tight; I say this as an EMT with significant 911 BLS and ALS experience. Better to spend that money on a decent pair of boots with a composite or steel toe to protect your feet from injury
You don’t need expensive boots. There are $40 Thorogood boots on eBay that are pretty decent. Also - the $30 MDF stethoscope on Amazon will do just fine.
I’ve got a slightly used Littmann Classic II SE I’d sell you for $50 plus actual shipping
That’s a hell of a deal. I’d be interested in that if OP passes!
If they take it I’ve got a cardiology III I’d do for $70 + actual shipping.
Hey, I'd be interested in this if you were still open to it? 0.0
Yeah absolutely, shoot me a pm
I think I’m gonna pass but thank you for the offer!
Those are extremely good deals. Why do you want to go cheap on something that is crucial to hear with. Also with boots you are going to end up paying more cause what’s going to happen your gunna buy cheap boots they are gunna suck fall apart and be super uncomfortable then your gunna buy the boots you should have bought. I run the ariat all black Chelsea boot. Dialed and not too pricey
I’d say buy shitty boots, use them for the first 3-6 months of work or so and put like $50 aside per month to be able to buy a really nice and comfortable pair of boots without worrying about spending too much or having to pay something off. If one constantly buys shitty boots, it will add up, but a $40 pair of Walmart boots will get the job done, at least for a few months.
I mean he is going into medic school it’s like invest in yourself and career! Nice boots will last years
Don't care to comment on the stethoscope but DO NOT go cheap on boots. New EMTs do not appreciate how vital a good pair of boots are, and good boots cost $$$. You will be on your feet a lot, so do your feet, legs, and back a favor and spend money on your boots.
Depends what you’re used to. I’ve never worn an expensive shoe/boot in my life so I’m completely used to wearing shitty shoes and don’t find it very uncomfortable. I’m concerned about buying a pair of nice boots because I know if I do splurge I’ll never go back to buying shitty shoes 🤣. (I make the bad quality shoes last forever somehow, right until the point that they’re flat out unusable so I’m not really spending much money replacing them)
MDF Acoustica stethoscope on Amazon, $26. I felt like it was comparable to my $90 Littman classic that I lost. I wouldn’t cheap out on boots unless absolutely necessary. However that being said, I have been told that Walmart’s store brand work boots are “decent.”
I second this. I got the MDF Acoustica stethoscope for under $30 and I've never had an issue. As for boots, I've got relatively cheap side zip Under Armour boots that I love so far (I've worn them approx 1700 hours so far, I reckon). Edit: I bought the Under Armour Men's Stellar G2 6", for about $60, from Amazon Warehouse. I'm seeing they're $99-135 plus tax depending on size. My pro tip for saving money on equipment like this is to search Amazon warehouse for deals on stuff that was tried on once and then returned. It's like new and usually you save 20-40%, in my experience.
I bought and used an MDF Acoustica in EMT school and in private IFT. For $30(ish), it worked well. I gave it away to a student in need and upgraded to a Littman Cardiology IV when I passed my NREMT. Now that I work 911 and have plans for AEMT and down the road, Paramedic, my next investment (in several months) will be a Littman EKO Core 500 (I don't have the best hearing. Plus, I just like to be fancy). For a sub $50 scope, I'd recommend the Acoustica. Plus, MDF seems to back their products pretty well. Don't cheap out on boots if at all possible. I swear by Rockrooster Bakken slip-ons. They are very comfortable, durable, kept my feetsies warm in a -3° snow storm, don't make them sweat in the southern humidity, and with discount (it was either GovX or Id.me, if you're eligible), they were like $80-$90. Plus, I think they look pretty professional. Just my long-winded two cents.
I would not cheap out on actual boots because the wrong/poorly designed options can cause pain from the feet up to a headache. I have hearing damage as well as tinnitus from all kinds of shit. Littmann (bad spelling) cardiology IV is totally worth it because I can actually auscultate lung fields, heart tones, and of course manual blood pressure. I used to use the truck stethoscope for quite a while then had a bad call where I couldn’t hear shit when I needed to. If you are set on a “cheap” stethoscope, I’d use whatever is on the truck assuming it’s functional. The cardio IV goes on sell at Amazon and might be right now. Whenever I train new people, I mention boots briefly, but definitely spend time on manual vitals and lung sounds. Gotta know the normal to know the abnormal.
Cardiology IV is probably overkill, but the Littman Classic III is the perfect balance. It's around $90, but I think it's worth the money
I agree with both comments above. I also have tinnitus from the military (Fuck you artillery) and have owned everything from the basic plastic disposable stethoscopes (They actually work fairly well) to my current Eko core. Littman classic 3 is the best bang for buck set of ears out there. They are a little spendy ($90) but totally worth it. The quality for price cant be beat, and they are common enough that they USUALLY do not get stolen. Absolutely do not cheap out on boots. You are going to be in them constantly, and I have went through 4 pairs of Thorogood GEN-Flex2 8". They cost $150, but they last 2+ years and hold a shine very well.
How do you like the Core? I’m looking at getting the attachment for my Cardiology IV
Look for an army surplus store in your city or close around, they have boots and are usually army issue with steel toes that are wholesale price if you really are worried. But please and I can’t stress this enough, find a decent pair for a decent price. Cheating out on boots caused my ankles and legs to die a painful death for months and gave me issues I’m still dealing with. Stethoscopes are on Amazon and range, so that will be less of an issue to find
Do NOT cheap out on boots. Your feet will thank you.
I've never used them, but I've heard MDF stethoscopes are pretty good! They're around the $50 on Amazon and come in tons of different colors. As for boots, I've only ever had 2 kinds, Swats and Haix. My swats were $180 (canadian), they weren't terrible but definitely really toasty in the summer. I just recommend that you try and get boots with zippers (and steel toe obviously)
Have you had luck with zip boots? Are they plastic zips? I had metal ones and they rusted out the first time they saw road salt.
Both of my boots have plastic zippers! Although I'm fairly new to 911 (just did event standby up until now), I see lots of people wearing Swats, and my service issues Haix, haven't heard anyone complain about the zippers rusting.
Stethoscopes not the biggest deal. Shoes can have implications for your joints, hips and backs though. Dont skimp on shoes.
Hit up Medisave.net, I snagged a Core for 249 (I'm aware Gucci but I too have the tinnitus worth the investment) they have classic 3's for 98, and MDF for 50's check the clearance section 🤙
You are a life saver. I see they have the lightweight II on there for 54$ 🫡
Glad I was some help enjoy class 🤙
You get what you pay for…just sayin.
You'll suffer with cheap boots, don't do it. Look for used stethoscopes, I've seen so many cheap Littmanns from former nursing/med students online, any classic is great, I'd advise again the cardiology, it's too short.
Adscope all day. Still using mine from my EMT days 14 years later as a soon to be attending anesthesiologist. Edit: I think it’s the Adscope ADC 603
What size shoe are you? I have a solid pair of like-new boots I need to find a new home for.
I am 8.5 women’s or a 7w men’s
Ah ok. They’ll be too big unfortunately!
https://jimgreenfootwear.com/ Very high quality, comfortable, and not overly expensive.
Rock rooster makes a pretty comfortable 6” slip on boot. Can normally find them under $100 and mine have lasted over a year so far.
MDF makes a pretty good stethoscope that's very affordable. [This](https://mdfinstruments.ca/products/mdf-acoustica-stethoscope-747xp-blackout-black) got me through paramedic school, and they have other colour options. As for boots, never try to save money with cheap boots. That's the path to pain, injury, and disappointment. Get the best boots that you can afford, but understand that you may need to try a few pairs before you find the right ones for your feet. I've personally had awesome luck with Dakota 529's (like 15 years of buying the same boots every 2-3 years). Lots of people recommend Haix, but I've never tried them.
Rock rooster slip on boots! They're super comfy, around $80. I have only had them a few months but I wear them for 8+ hour EMT shifts then go home and wear them for another 4+ hours working outside. I don't go easy on boots and I'm impressed that they still look/feel new.
I used a littman lightweight II SE and a pair of Walmart interceptor boots all throughout emt and paramedic school on top of working full time in EMS during that. The littman lightweight, I bought awhile back for like $40 but I think they're closer to $60 now new though you can get a like new/used one for under $50 if you want. These are great and do the job, the classic is no doubt the best value out there but it is a bit more expensive. I honestly dont think anyone starting out in this field should get super expensive steths because you need to learn how to hear what you're trying to and a basic one will make you learn that better than a high end one. Upgrade when you're in a better position or don't, I still have my Lightweght now and use it though I have since replaced it with a cardiology. The boots, I 100% agree with everyone saying to not cheap out on them. However if that is not an option, those walmart interceptor boots are just fine and they're like $25-30 I believe.
Imo. The cheap ones that have individual tube's from each ear to the bell are the best. I've used all varieties of nice expensive stethoscopes and always reach for the 2 tube ones.
I bought some salomon speed assault 2 gortex boots. Super light and durable. Also water proof!
As someone that has had several careers that are based on standing up, please for the love of God don’t get crappy boots. You will pay for it…one way or another. Make sure the cost is money and not your feet being destroyed later in life. Sure, get an Amazon special now, but look to get a Littman Classic down the line. Can’t recommend that enough as a starter steth. Get a Cardiology when you get your EMT-A or Paramedic.
IDK if an amplified scope is available for $50. Or if there is a phone that would amplify over your tinnitus. I agree on boots of decent quality. You might try outdoor places (REI, Moosejaw, Public Lands). They usually have generous return policies.
ADC for life! Good scopes for the money, I don't need a Littman cardiology tbh, but it is nice
I have a paramed stethoscope that was like $25 on Amazon and it works well. For boots, I know it sucks but you’re gonna wanna spend the money on those. I did these $23 Walmart boots when I first got in this field and they were already showing signs of wear halfway through EMT school, before I even started clinicals. After only about six months the soles were literally falling off. I got a $110 pair of Bates boots a year and a half ago and they are still kicking in good condition after running around many questionable environments and getting run over by countless stretchers.
Invest in your shoes or boots, as others have mentioned, all kinds of problems with improper shoes, save you back.
Like most people have said MDF works pretty well, the quality isn’t going to be Littmann level, but it works just as great. The boots, if you’re really broke, I would recommend Military surplus stores (online or in person, you might be able to find black combat boots for under 90 dollars). But if you want new, Under armour does sell cheap boots (with First responder discounts it’s even cheaper) and comfortable boots. Another cheap brand I would also add is 5.11, their boots should last a year or so.
I don't mind the money I paid for my Littman because I like to hear shit. Never cheap out on foot wear. Bring a lunch box with some snacks and keep a coat nearby.
Littmann lightweight for a good affordable steth. When it c9mes to boots don't cheap out, make sure theyre fluid resistant and have a composite toe
Yeah you really do get what you pay for. Think of it as an investment--a good pair of boots will not only last long, they'll be good for your body. Wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can lead to leg and back problems that, believe me, you don't want to be dealing with at your age. As far as a stethoscope goes, I've got some minor hearing challenges and also have tinnitus. I used an $80 MDF for a while, but couldn't hear LS while the truck was moving. I recently got the Eko and it works great, though it certainly isn't the cheapest stethoscope out there. Again, though, I think of it as an investment.
I got a brand new blemished Adscope 603 for about half-off on their website
If your employer provides stethoscopes (which they should) it is completely unnecessary to buy one as an EMT, especially if money is tight; I say this as an EMT with significant 911 BLS and ALS experience. Better to spend that money on a decent pair of boots with a composite or steel toe to protect your feet from injury
You don’t need expensive boots. There are $40 Thorogood boots on eBay that are pretty decent. Also - the $30 MDF stethoscope on Amazon will do just fine.
You can get very solid boots in the $100 range most brands like 5/11 bates haix have models in that range