Top 5 Stethoscopes for Paramedics

Top 5 Stethoscopes for Paramedics

Dion Siluch    Paramedic Supplies   

If this is your first Stethoscope or if you are looking for an upgrade, below is a list of our top 5 picks for the best Stethoscope for Paramedics, EMTs and First Responders.

A Quick Look at the Best Overall Stethoscopes

Raking		Name	Features	Our Rating
Best Overall		3M Littmann Classic III	Tunable diaphragm Pediatric side Single-piece diaphragm Open bell	5/5	Check Price
Best Value		MDF Acoustica Deluxe	Latex-free 3 pairs of eartips Dual-head chestpiece	4/5	Check Price
Best Quality		3M Littmann Master Cardiology	Highest acoustic performance Two-in-one tube design Special-Procedures Adaptor	4/5	Check Price
Most Durable		MDF® Sprague Rappaport	Two sound channels Custom fitted 5-IN-1 SPRAGUE DESIGN	3/5	Check Price
Most Stylish		MDF Classic Rose Gold	100% stainless steel Dual-leaf spring construction SafetyLock Eartip Adaptors	3/5	Check Price

*For more information on each of these Stethoscopes click “Check Prices” to view full details and reviews.

1. 3M Littmann Classic III

Best Overall

The 3M Littmann Classic lll is most likely the most popular Stethoscope in the field. The quality and utility of this Stethoscope hits 5/5 is most areas.

The main benefit it of the 3M Litmann Classic is that it covers all the features. Two-sided chest piece for both adult and pediatric patients. Underneath the pediatric side includes a traditional open bell for diagnostics. 

It is comfortable to wear and lasts a long time. From Paramedics I’ve worked with in the past they have all recommended this model.

The only draw back is the price. For around $100 – $150 the cost of replacing one after losing it during a call can be frustrating.

Overall I would give it a 5/5.

2. MDF Acoustica Deluxe

Best Value

Lets talk about price. The MDF is the most affordable Stethoscope on the market. It comes with multiple ear pieces which is nice if you are a student looking to save money. There is a good chance you will misplace the other ear pieces so be sure to keep the ones that fit your ears properly.

The MDF Acoustica can become uncomfortable with long periods of use due to the cheap plastic. But overall the quality is adequate for majority of First Responders and very cheap to replace if you lose or break them during a call.

For those reasons the MDF Acoustica takes home a rating of 4/5.

3. 3M Littmann Master Cardiology

Best Quality

For roughly $250 – $300 you can have the Rolls Royce of Stethoscopes. The high quality material and simple design makes the 3M Littmann Master Cardiology perfect for listening to subtle differences and focus on real diagnostics.

Since there is only an adult side chest piece, it is typically easier to hold than over types of Stethoscopes. In addition, there is no need to switch between pediatric and adult which keeps the tubing sturdy in place and avoids twisting around to a different setting while in use.

This Stethoscope is great for Advanced Life Support crews or Specialists that require greater precision.

4. MDF® Sprague Rappaport

Most Durable

Twins tubes, extra parts and Lifetime Warranty. The MDF Sprague Rappaport is going to last a long time. Even though there are a lot of parts, the durability and lifetime warranty makes this a great choice for people that want to “set it and forget it”.

In addition to the quality, the price is also very attractive with a price usually below $50.
The only downside is the dual tubing can become bulky and hard to fit into pockets or small carry cases.

For those reasons the MDF Sprague Rappaport receives a 3/5.

5. MDF Classic Rose Gold

Most Stylish

Do you want to stand out? Luckily there’s a Stethoscope for those with an edge. With the MDF Classic Rose Gold you can stand out while maintaining quality of care. There is no sacrifice in quality and will measure up to most models on the market.

In fact, the MDF Classic Rose Gold is cardiology grade.

You will have to pay a premium for your good looks though.

Great style, however this Stethoscope receives a 3/5 for it’s price.

Which Stethoscope is right for you?

Whether you are looking for a good deal, the best quality, a stylish look or simply the most recommended Stethoscope for overall value, I hope these reviews can assist you in your choice and make your job easier.

 911 ACP emt Fire Fighter first aid services First Aid Supplies First Responder paramedic Stethoscope Top 5

For more information visit: MTCRentals.ca

What is CMVSS and what do MTC / ETV units require for rollover protection?

If a vehicle is being used for transportation of injured workers the vehicle and any attachments must meet rollover requirements.
Below you can find information regarding these requirements:

What does CMVSS stand for?
Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

What does FMVSS stand for?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards  (USA)

Where can I get a certification?
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide certificates for each MTC/ETV. Call the manufacturer for a copy of the certificate.

Can I certify my own units to CMVSS rollover requirements?
No, this is a lengthy process done by the manufacturer. Once testing and requirements have been met, each unit of the same design by the same manufacturer are certified.

Are there special procedures to install MTCs?
Yes, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Any shortcuts (such as attaching the unit to the bed of the truck instead of the chassis) may result a compromised CMVSS certificate.

Where can I find more information about Rollover Protection?
You can find more information at the Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety regulations.

What requirements do you have to meet to become FMVSS certified?
FROM TECHNICAL STANDARDS DOCUMENT No. 220, Revision 0R:
"When a force in Newtons equal to 1½ times the unloaded vehicle weight in kilograms multiplied by 9.8 m/sec2 is applied to the roof of the vehicle’s body structure through a force application plate as specified in S5, Test Procedures (a)The downward vertical movement at any point on the application plate shall not exceed 130 mm and(b)Each emergency exit of the vehicle provided in accordance with section 217 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations Standard No.217 (Sec.571.217) shall be capable of opening as specified in that Regulation standard during the full application of the force and after release of the force, except that an emergency exit located in the roof of the vehicle is not required to be capable of being opened during the application of the force. A particular vehicle (i.e., test specimen) need not meet the emergency exit opening requirement after release of force if it is subjected to the emergency exit opening requirements during the full application of the force."

If you have any questions please email us at: Rentals@MTCRentals.ca

Visit: MTCRentals.ca

Also see:

How rollovers happen and what you can do to avoid one

High demand for EMTs and PCPs

In the past OFA3 and EMR personnel were the staple in first aid response. For low to medium risk work with less than 10 people, these personnel were deemed appropriate for the job at hand.





Over the past year we’ve seen an increase request for higher level of training across all job sites in Alberta and BC. EMTs and PCPs are becoming the new standard for medics that provide emergency services in remote locations.

Here at MTC Rentals we have received triple the requests for EMT gear in our rentals in Alberta alone. After speaking with our customers we have noticed a decent size shift in the level of care that is being requested from prime contractors that are bidding out work.


While this is great news for increasing standards across Canada, let’s look at some of the implications of this trend:

COSTS

There are two increased costs associated with changing from an EMR to EMT.

First we have wages; the difference in training is substantial. EMR, depending on where you take the course is typically a 3 week program with basic knowledge in life saving techniques. There are far more EMRs available on the market with this level of training and typically receive an honest wage.

When we look at EMT as the next level, the time commitment to a 1 year program is usually a very big decision in most people. The training increases to a Basic Life Support level and includes a number of life-saving drugs that require a deeper understanding of anatomy and philology. The EMT is now capable of providing a higher level of life saving techniques that, in turn, requires a higher level of pay.

Wages are usually subjective but can be easily argued that an EMT will receive higher earnings and its former EMR qualifications.


Second is the gear. EMT personnel use slightly more equipment and up to three times as many drugs that are consumed or expire on a regular basis. The increased amount of equipment and drugs create an increase of costs associated with having them on site, especially when these items are utilized in an emergency situation.

The overall costs associated with changing EMRs to EMTs, including wages and equipment, can be estimated at a 20-25% increase to its employer.

AVAILABLITY

There are fewer licensed EMTs than licensed EMRs in Alberta. This creates a high demand for EMT training and forces employers to compete with wages for good quality long lasting employees.

Finding EMTs and keeping them happy is going to be harder and harder as companies switch over to EMT level care.

QUALITY

Overall, the industries moving to EMT based services will receive better treatment and higher level of life saving techniques for all their workers. As job sites become more remote and new workers are introduced, the number of life threatening injuries will increase.

Canada has always been a leader in safety and response in the private sector and will continue to lead the ways as this trend continues.

CONCLUSION

We are excited to see these changes and understand there is a trend happening for more EMTs and PCPs to be hired in industry. We are happy to hear that companies are proactively increasing the level of care for their works but understand that there is a cost associated in doing so.


While certain jobs such as facilities, nursing stations and remote camps already require EMTs, Paramedics and Nurses, these high risk or permanent work sites are not included in this article. The biggest change comes from sites that previously used OFA3 and EMRs in order to comply with OH&S standards, such as pipeline construction, completions, seismic, and other categories that may be considered medium or low risk.

Please visit us at MTCRentals.ca for a quote on Emergency Vehicle Rentals.


By Dion Siluch

Record Breaking Month

February was a very interesting month when it comes to equipment rentals. This has been the busiest month for Confirmed Rentals the past 24 months.

Below is a graph of the past 24 months for Mobile Treatment Centre “Inquiries” and “Confirmed” rentals.

“Inquiries” are defined as leads or prospects for rentals.
“Confirmed” are defined as the actual rental or credit card deposit from a customer.

As you can see the majority of the previous 24 months regularly has higher inquiries than confirmed rentals.

This is typical and gives a good insight into what the rental market may be doing.


In February, however, we saw the first month that “Confirmed” rentals greatly outweighed “Inquiries” in the overall market demand within a 30 day period. This is the busiest month for our rentals we’ve seen since the drop in oil prices in 2014.


What does this mean?

Since 80% of our revenue comes from Oil and Gas projects in Western Canada, this could be an early indication of another uprising of the demand in this sector.

Some would say the increase comes from the higher standard of safety for companies that may or may not use MTCs or Ambulances on their projects. The higher demand comes from higher standards for emergency response.

However, as shown in the chart below, the number of COR certified safety programs implemented in the western provinces reached it’s peak in 2010 and have stayed relatively steady for the past 7 years.





Whether the jump in the rental demand has increased from recovering oil prices or the simple fact that Canadian OH&S standards have systematically improved over the past 2 decades, we are seeing a large amount of new projects being funded in Western Canada.

Many small businesses are scrambling to find reliable equipment and good workers for the sudden increase of demand. At MTC Rentals we are dedicated to maintain our quality of equipment and supply life-saving transportation vehicles to industrial projects.



If you have any questions or inquiries about our rentals, please call 780 652-1204.

Dion Siluch

The Benefits Of Renting An MTC

By Dion Siluch

1. Ease Of Use

If you have ever rented a vehicle from popular rental company such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car or Avis, you know how easy getting into a brand new vehicle can be. Within only minutes you are given the keys to reliable vehicle that will perform its job flawlessly and get you to where you need to be. At MTC Rentals we provide the same benefits but with even more specialisation and care than other vehicle rental companies.

2. Additional Equipment

Adding Medical Supplies, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or 2 Way-Radio is easy with all of our rentals. We can supply each Medic Unit with all the required equipment to comply with OH&S standards throughout Canada.

3. Tax Deductible

All of our rentals and leases are tax deductible for all provincial and federal laws in Canada. This is a great way of properly managing company accounts when dealing with projects that need medical services. Keeping expenses low also includes keeping taxes properly in check.

4. Replacement Vehicle – Insurance

Typically, insurance companies will cover the cost of a replacement vehicle in the case of an accident or loss. Our MTCs can be used as a replacement vehicle, according to Aviva insurance Company, for all MTC or Ambulance units. If requested, MTC Rentals can bill the insurance company directly and receive payment on behalf of the insurance claim when using our services.

5. Quality

All of our MTC units are industry standard Tufport MTCs and are equipped with the latest brand of equipment to comply with OH&S. All units are certified for CMVSS roller-over protection and provide heating that can sustain extremely low temperatures during winter months.



If you are interested in Renting an MTC, please contact us directly at 780 652-1204

Tips for buying a used MTC

By Dion Siuch

Used MTCs are a lot like used cars in terms of mechanical wear issues, but they also have the added complexity of the medical and electrical equipment in the rear patient compartment. Unlike the average vehicle, a lot of people will be depending on your MTC to function properly, and in many cases the situation could be of life or death importance. So here are some things to consider before you buy a used MTC so that you can be confident in your purchase.



The Basics

The basis of an MTC is usually a commercial truck chassis from a major automobile manufacturer, such as Ford, GM or Chrysler, mounted with a slide in MTC unit. You can research reliability and mechanical maintenance costs by asking a mechanic about the specific truck models or by checking on manufacturer-specific online forums.

A full size V8 truck with an 8-foot box that properly fits the mounted MTC will be required. Weather the vehicle is a Half Ton, 3/4 Ton or One Ton, it is usually by preference of the buyer. As long as the chassis has the required payload to handle the weight, the regulations will allow the vehicle.


Brands of MTCs
It is important, to consider what brand of MTC you need for the patients you serve and the area you are in. Factors like fuel economy, storage space, or off-road use are all significant factors in buying the right unit.

#1 – Tufport


Tufport MTCs are currently the front runner when it comes to brand. They are full roll-over certified and provide a very good solution for the market. Although they do have some repairs costs and slight functionality disadvantages, they are a great unit for most users.





#2 – Code 3


Local to the West Coast in Kelowna, BC, Code 3 has been making MTCs for over a decade. They have significantly improved their quality, look and functionality in recent years putting them in competition for the best quality unit in Canada.



#3 – Sundowner


Sundowners are an economic choice as an MTC. Looking a bit outdated with many problems with leaking roofs and side panels, sundowners are still recognized as certified MTCs with roll-over compliance that meet OH&S standard.

#4 – Travelaire


As we still need more information on Travelaire MTCs, they are retrofitted campers with the configuration to transport people on 2 flat benches. We am unable to confirm that all (or if any) Travelaire MTCs are roll-over certified or gone through long term testing for their longevity. Currently used unit sell for much less than other well-known branded MTCs.


Mechanical Issues
There are different engines that power MTCs while working in the field. Gas and Diesel engines are roughly just as common with Gas engines taking the lead in recent years due to their increased durability. Both have costs and both have pros and cons.

Gas engines usually have less maintenance costs and typically provide a better quality unit for MTCs. They run hotter and allow the large space of air within the cabin to be heated quickly during low temperatures. However, the high idle hours can seriously hurt the Gas engines as long duration engine wear start breaking down even with low highway miles.
In terms of diesel engines, the repair record is pretty good. Ford has been making diesel engines for quite a long time and their 6.7L turbo-diesel can get right up there in repair costs. The mix the durability with the better fuel economy compared to the Gas may be attractive at first but typically never outweighs the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Ambulance Equipment
Everything wears out over time, that is a fact of life when buying any used item. The trick to making a smart purchase is to either find something of great quality that will last longer, or to buy something that has been refurbished.
Most MTCs on the market sell their vehicles as-is, without much fixing up, and a brief detail job, if you’re lucky. If you are buying a used MTC that hasn’t been refurbished, your best bet is to find something that was top quality when it was brand new.
All of that said, your best bet for buying a quality used MTC is to find one that has had some refurbishing work done to it. It is a mistake to think that any used vehicle will be 100% perfect, but at least a refurbished MTC has been gone over with a fine-tooth-comb and has had any outstanding issues repaired. During the refurbishing process, all of the MTCs systems are tested, and it is shown to be a fully functional emergency vehicle before it is delivered to its new owner.


About Us (Full Disclosure)
Our company, MTC Rentals, was founded on the simple idea that first aid response throughout Canada can be easily accessible and of top quality for all Canadian workers. If you have any questions or comments on this article please feel free to comment below.

Do’s and Don’ts for Ambulance Rentals

By Dion Siluch


Whether you are renting an Ambulance for a local event or need an off-road Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC) for an industrial job site, here are a couple Do’s and Don’ts for a smooth rental experience.

Don’t

– Don’t assume the rental Ambulance will have all the equipment you’ll need

Depending on your jurisdiction, some provinces require different quantities of medical supplies, access to resources (such as water) and certifications for working in that particular area. Check with your OH&S code or consult with your Health and Safety specialist to make sure your unit is compliant.

– Don’t use the rental Ambulance for anything other than patient transportation

This means utilizing the emergency vehicles only for patient transports and for on the job coverage. Using the rental to tow a trailer or as a ride to the bar is against the rental contract and may result in damaging the image of healthcare professionals.

– Don’t represent yourself as a government issued 911 Ambulance

It is a provincial and federal offense to imitate or otherwise disguise as a government service official. Rental Ambulances and Mobile Treatment Centre’s are for private use only and are strictly meant for services hired by contract.

Do’s

– Do make sure you complete a walk through BEFORE picking up a rental

There can be many surcharges and additional damage charges that can occur during a rental. Make sure the healthcare professional or a company representative completes a full walk through and sign-off before using the emergency vehicle.

– Do ensure you have proper insurance and registration papers inside the rental vehicle

Many Ambulance and Mobile Treatment Centre rentals go to small and medium size companies with fleet insurance policies. In the case where these companies decline the optional insurance, a copy of the fleet insurance must be inside the rental at all times.

– Do follow the regular maintenance schedule for the rental

Some rentals may last months while they provide emergency transport. Make sure the follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance (such as oil changes) provided in the owners manual. The responsibility of optimal vehicle reliability should be the responsibility of the professional that is using the equipment.

Dion Siluch