Best Stethoscope for EMT/ER Tech?

[Doc of the Walk]

For those of you who are an EMT or work in the ER, what is the best kind of stethoscope to get? I'm currently taking an EMT class and the teach said we need to get one soon for practice and whatnot

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[apumic]

For those of you who are an EMT or work in the ER, what is the best kind of stethoscope to get? I'm currently taking an EMT class and the teach said we need to get one soon for practice and whatnot

The cheapest you can find. Honestly, EMTs (and paramedics as well) don't have the training to really interpret anything beyond what a basic (<$50) stethescope is going to let you hear. Get the cheapest you can find that's not made by Fisher Price!

 

[paul411]

The cheapest you can find. Honestly, EMTs (and paramedics as well) don't have the training to really interpret anything beyond what a basic (<$50) stethescope is going to let you hear. Get the cheapest you can find that's not made by Fisher Price!

Yep. Try Walgreens or CVS, they have cheap stethoscopes and BP cuffs that get the job done. Amazon works too.

 

[senorsquishie]

I disagree, I had a cheap one and I couldn't hear a thing. EMT's typically work loud scenes. And Breath sounds can be difficult to hear on a cheapy.

I am a big fan of the Littman master Cardiology classic, but most EMT's I know have the littman Cardiology III. Basically, you can't go wrong with a littman. They are pricey, but I know MDs who use them, and don't anticipate needing to get a new one for Med school.

 

[runrunrudolph1]

I disagree, I had a cheap one and I couldn't hear a thing. EMT's typically work loud scenes. And Breath sounds can be difficult to hear on a cheapy.

I am a big fan of the Littman master Cardiology classic, but most EMT's I know have the littman Cardiology III. Basically, you can't go wrong with a littman. They are pricey, but I know MDs who use them, and don't anticipate needing to get a new one for Med school.

THIS. I have the littman III as well, and I have used it countless times on very loud scenes without a problem. Seriously, a good investment

 

[Doc of the Walk]

Is this a case of "you get what you pay for" kind of thing? What is the best cheapest steth you can get?

 

[apumic]

Is this a case of "you get what you pay for" kind of thing? What is the best cheapest steth you can get?

YES; however, the reality is that you're not going to get much more out of a nice steth than a cheap one. While some EMTs swear by the expensive steths, you really should start w/ something fairly inexpensive. Working on the field makes that an even better idea since you are far more likely to lose your steth that way (same reason you'll never see an experienced lifeguard wearing Oakleys). If you're thinking ER Tech, you'll really only be using your steth for manual BPs and, perhaps, the occasional set of breath sounds (which is really all an EMT-B does on the field). I have an older Littmann Cardiology series steth that I got my from my father as a hand-me-down when I got my EMT license and I love it but there's really nothing at my level of training (EMT-I) that I can't hear on another scope (even on loud scenes in the field) that I can hear on the Littmann.

This is the scope we use on a number of floors in the hospital ($35-45): 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope.

A Littmann Cardiology, while nice, isn't really useful for even most physicians. I know a number of very successful pulmonologists who use the Littmann Lightweight series exclusively. I suspect a part of why so many EMT-Bs, Is, and Ps "swear" by the high-end Littmanns is largely a matter of "prestige" and one-upping each other. Having an expensive stethoscope is sort of like having a big d***, so if you're willing to pay for that, well... have fun.

 

[senorsquishie]

Is this a case of "you get what you pay for" kind of thing? What is the best cheapest steth you can get?

I have a EMT friend who has a $40 littmann (Mine was $200 with engraving). I can't speak personally on how well it works, but he likes it and it is a littmann. I have NEVER heard a complaint about the littmann.

Other things to keep in mind: Get a single tube. Some have two tubes one to each ear-THESE BLOW! Also pay attention to how the tube connects to the bell (the end you touch the pt with). The straighter it is the better you will hear. If the sound wave has to bend to get to your ears, it will not work as well. Lastly, the worse things about cheap scopes is the ear pieces are usually hard plastic and is hurts!

 

[Biebs]

Hi OP, I am currently have my EMT and am working in the trauma bay of a large academic hospital as a tech.

I currently have Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope. I love it, but I really use it, primarily because I am worried I will lose it haha. It stays in my backpack and I use one of the generic ones we have (even the cheap disposable ones in the isolation cart will work). I find this is all you need to take a manual BP or to check BS (at least enough to make sure your pt is moving air, etc).

Like others said, you get what you pay for. I think a middle of the line stethoscope will be fine for you, one where you can at least hear what you need to in a chaotic environment but one you wont be devastated over because you have misplaced it (or it has been stolen).

 

[Doc of the Walk]

YES; however, the reality is that you're not going to get much more out of a nice steth than a cheap one. While some EMTs swear by the expensive steths, you really should start w/ something fairly inexpensive. Working on the field makes that an even better idea since you are far more likely to lose your steth that way (same reason you'll never see an experienced lifeguard wearing Oakleys). If you're thinking ER Tech, you'll really only be using your steth for manual BPs and, perhaps, the occasional set of breath sounds (which is really all an EMT-B does on the field). I have an older Littmann Cardiology series steth that I got my from my father as a hand-me-down when I got my EMT license and I love it but there's really nothing at my level of training (EMT-I) that I can't hear on another scope (even on loud scenes in the field) that I can hear on the Littmann.

This is the scope we use on a number of floors in the hospital ($35-45): 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope.

A Littmann Cardiology, while nice, isn't really useful for even most physicians. I know a number of very successful pulmonologists who use the Littmann Lightweight series exclusively. I suspect a part of why so many EMT-Bs, Is, and Ps "swear" by the high-end Littmanns is largely a matter of "prestige" and one-upping each other. Having an expensive stethoscope is sort of like having a big d***, so if you're willing to pay for that, well... have fun.

Hi OP, I am currently have my EMT and am working in the trauma bay of a large academic hospital as a tech.

I currently have Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope. I love it, but I really use it, primarily because I am worried I will lose it haha. It stays in my backpack and I use one of the generic ones we have (even the cheap disposable ones in the isolation cart will work). I find this is all you need to take a manual BP or to check BS (at least enough to make sure your pt is moving air, etc).

Like others said, you get what you pay for. I think a middle of the line stethoscope will be fine for you, one where you can at least hear what you need to in a chaotic environment but one you wont be devastated over because you have misplaced it (or it has been stolen).

Okay, the general consensus is that the Littman III is the way to go (thanks for positing that link by the way).

P.s. Thank you for your input Biebs, but I can't really take you seriously on the account that your avatar and name is Biebs...

 

[MadMedic704]

I've been a paramedic for 3.5+ years. I just need a scope that will let me discern breath sounds and take a BP on a noisy truck. I learned heart sounds in class but it really does me no good as far as my scope of practice allows so I never listen to them.

I used to have a littman, until I left it in the break room and someone claimed it for themself, despite that fact that it was engraved with my name. I now use a $40 adscope and it works just fine for my purposes. Littmans are really only for prestige at the EMS level, but if you insist on getting one, make sure you hold onto it tightly.

 

[Prettywoman0172]

Having an expensive stethoscope is sort of like having a big d***, so if you're willing to pay for that, well... have fun.

I can tell you from experience that bigger IS better...even if you dont know how to use it.

 

[halethsonofhama]

http://www.forusdocs.com/reviews/Acoustic_Stethoscope_Review.htm

One of the few studies actually done to determine the best scope;

While the cardiology III was the named 'best' (and most expensive), some of the cheaper ones are still ranked high up there (Like the Allheart Cardiology)

I wouldn't recommend getting a double tubbed one since 1) it is much more clunky and 2) the two tubes rubbing together produce background noise (not much though).

Don't spend more than 40 bucks for your class. Stethoscope quality is not typically related to price

 

[TexasPhysician]

Harvey Elite is a quality scope for less.

 

[FirefighterDoc]

I agree, also as an ER Tech and an EMT on an ALS rig, i never use my own steth. The one we use on the rig usually works fine for breath sounds and then i hop up and drive after putting them on our monitor. In the hospital, the doctors and nurses are the ones doing the listening. I mean you could for practice, but when youre busy( which is almost always) you just dont have time.

 

[Tesseract]

Worked for almost 3 years as a basic EMT. Used a Littmann Master Classic II on every shift. No complaints- durable with good sound in even the loudest environments.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

How often do you use a steth as an EMT/ER Tech? For those of you that don't have your own, do you regret your decision?

 

[Felixor90]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FERLKS

Stethoscopes are like spoons. Whether it costs $10 or $100, it'll do the same thing. You're using it for a class, and you won't be needing the 10% clearer sound that some of the littman fans brag about just yet. Save yourself the money and get this $13 stethoscope that does the exact same thing as any $40-$200 one. I have one and if mine can pick up the heartbeat and breathing of a tiny newborn chihuahua, yours should do just fine on humans.

Also, it comes with accessories.

 

[FIREitUP]

Harvey Elite is a quality scope for less.

I have to agree. I got a used 22" one for 87 on ebay and welch allyn is sending me 28" tubing free of charge. That way I won't be too crushed if I lose it, since it wasn't like 200 bucks. Plus if you take care of your steth, it'll last you a lifetime.

 

[Biebs]

Thank you for your input Biebs, but I can't really take you seriously on the account that your avatar and name is Biebs...

Don't judge a book by its cover!

How often do you use a steth as an EMT/ER Tech? For those of you that don't have your own, do you regret your decision?

Again, working in the hospital, I use it quite frequently. Our protocol is q3 minute manual BP's for our unstable trauma patients. Yes, we do manuals--but we use NIBP's on our other stable patients and in the ED. Also, you need it when you're trying to listen to lung sounds for exam, after you insert an NG tube in to confirm placement, to listen to BS post intubation, etc. It comes in handy a lot--to the obnoxious point where you have to almost carry it with you all the times (I hate carrying my steth everywhere).

 

[apumic]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FERLKS

Stethoscopes are like spoons. Whether it costs $10 or $100, it'll do the same thing. You're using it for a class, and you won't be needing the 10% clearer sound that some of the littman fans brag about just yet. Save yourself the money and get this $13 stethoscope that does the exact same thing as any $40-$200 one. I have one and if mine can pick up the heartbeat and breathing of a tiny newborn chihuahua, yours should do just fine on humans.

Also, it comes with accessories.

While I agree in that we use that exact model in the clinic I volunteer at, I've had to give my Cardiology to students I am training a number of times b/c they simple could not hear well enough through that scope. Once they hear it clearly through my scope, they can usually pick it up in the cheaper ones too, but it is helpful to have a slightly nicer scope (e.g., the Lightweight II I mentioned earlier) if only to initially hear what you were supposed to be hearing all along.

 

[fahimaz7]

Why would an EMT need a master cardiology? Seems way overkill for a person who is never going to diagnose a grade II murmur on someone....

 

[apumic]

Why would an EMT need a master cardiology? Seems way overkill for a person who is never going to diagnose a grade II murmur on someone....

Did anyone suggest a master cardiology?

It seems that the Littmann Lightweight that I brought up is the one most people on this thread support -- a scope nice enough for a beginner to hear the breath sounds and beats (during manual BP checks) while not being outrageously expensive. Those of us with nicer scopes than that probably got them from other people or similar (i.e., did not go out and pay $100-300....if anyone did as an EMT-B, I or even P, that person probably should have thought more about their financial priorities or has a lot of extra money to burn, IMO).

 

[Felixor90]

While I agree in that we use that exact model in the clinic I volunteer at, I've had to give my Cardiology to students I am training a number of times b/c they simple could not hear well enough through that scope. Once they hear it clearly through my scope, they can usually pick it up in the cheaper ones too, but it is helpful to have a slightly nicer scope (e.g., the Lightweight II I mentioned earlier) if only to initially hear what you were supposed to be hearing all along.

Some of them come in with leaks in the rotation mechanism that is used for switching between the big and small diaphragms, which leads to a decrease in volume and background noise. You just gotta send it back for a replacement, which is super fast and easy if you order it from amazon. Sure, it's annoying having to sift through a bad lemon or two but once you get the good one, it's a great buy. The minute I get into vet school I plan on buying a better one, but for volunteering/premed stuff, you really cannot beat the price and quality of that steth for $13.

 

[LadiiKay]

YES; however, the reality is that you're not going to get much more out of a nice steth than a cheap one. While some EMTs swear by the expensive steths, you really should start w/ something fairly inexpensive. Working on the field makes that an even better idea since you are far more likely to lose your steth that way (same reason you'll never see an experienced lifeguard wearing Oakleys). If you're thinking ER Tech, you'll really only be using your steth for manual BPs and, perhaps, the occasional set of breath sounds (which is really all an EMT-B does on the field). I have an older Littmann Cardiology series steth that I got my from my father as a hand-me-down when I got my EMT license and I love it but there's really nothing at my level of training (EMT-I) that I can't hear on another scope (even on loud scenes in the field) that I can hear on the Littmann.

This is the scope we use on a number of floors in the hospital ($35-45): 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope.

A Littmann Cardiology, while nice, isn't really useful for even most physicians. I know a number of very successful pulmonologists who use the Littmann Lightweight series exclusively. I suspect a part of why so many EMT-Bs, Is, and Ps "swear" by the high-end Littmanns is largely a matter of "prestige" and one-upping each other. Having an expensive stethoscope is sort of like having a big d***, so if you're willing to pay for that, well... have fun.

I've used this stethoscope for over a year, on a daily basis in loud and quiet environments. Honestly, it's light, it works extremely well and it's not too expensive so even if you do lose it, you won't freak out.
The Littmann Lightweight is great, spending $200+ on a better steth isn't going to help you in the long run, you need to train your ears with a good stethoscope before you buy the fancy ones that do the work for you.

 

[MCAT guy]

The cheapest you can find. Honestly, EMTs (and paramedics as well) don't have the training to really interpret anything beyond what a basic (<$50) stethescope is going to let you hear. Get the cheapest you can find that's not made by Fisher Price!

+1. Fancy stethescope does nothing for you.

Unless you want to use your spare $ on that. Then I say, whatever floats your boat.

 

[FIREitUP]

As a tech, you'll be running around a lot (increased chance of losing it), so I just took one from my FD and waited until I got into med school to buy my harvey elite.

 

[littlealex]

Okay, the general consensus is that the Littman III is the way to go (thanks for positing that link by the way).

P.s. Thank you for your input Biebs, but I can't really take you seriously on the account that your avatar and name is Biebs...

Seriously this is what happens when OP asks a bunch of premeds what kind of stethoscope is needed.

The brain that is listening is far more important than the stethoscope used. Most medical students have Cardiology III's and most attending use Littman Lightweight or whatever other reasonably priced stethoscopes. Why? Because most of us find out during our med school years that Cardio III is overpriced and not useful.

Is it better than Littman Lightweight? Perhaps, but you won't be able to appreciate the difference. Just get whatever is cheap. When we are in contact-isolation rooms, we use the super-ultra cheap temporary stethoscopes that are in the room and no one ever has a problem with it. You're not trying to diagnose pulmonary flow murmur here, spending $150 on a steth is not worth it.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

There seems to be a split here. Some of you guys say dont get one, or just get a cheap one and others are saying get a moderately priced one (such as the Litt III). What if I'm pretty sure that I will go to med school?

 

[AntiHouseMD]

In all honesty, why don't you try a stethoscope from someone you know at the place you work and see if it works for you? You're the only person who can decide what type of stethoscope fits best for you (sounds really cliche, but it works).

 

[AsianPersuasion]

I am a CNA, where I work we are required to have our own steth to take BP on our patients etc as part of our job.

I've been told from my instructor NOT to get anything like master cardiology or anything too advance.

The reason why is because our training level is not so advance as to say RN, doc, res therapist etc so we may have trouble differentiating all the sounds that you hear.

so they suggested I get a steth that has dual head for pediatrics and I should be golden. so far i'm doing good with mine. I have the Adscope 603 series.

 

[Felixor90]

There seems to be a split here. Some of you guys say dont get one, or just get a cheap one and others are saying get a moderately priced one (such as the Litt III). What if I'm pretty sure that I will go to med school?

There was a similar thread floating around the pre-vet forums and the conclusion was that whenever you ask anyone what the best stethoscope is, everyone will say theirs is best. Why? Because they all do the same thing. As littlealex said, the small differences that the $150+ stethoscopes offer are not obvious to humans. Those expensive ones are meant for specialists that will be listening for things that are so hard to spot that every tiny increase in sound helps.

The ones that have the expensive ones will say theirs are best (most likely to quell their buyer's remorse ). If you have money that you won't miss, buy an expensive one that will most likely get stolen the second it's not on you. Or you can buy anywhere from 10 to 20 of the cheap ones that do as good a job for what you need.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

There was a similar thread floating around the pre-vet forums and the conclusion was that whenever you ask anyone what the best stethoscope is, everyone will say theirs is best. Why? Because they all do the same thing. As littlealex said, the small differences that the $150+ stethoscopes offer are not obvious to humans. Those expensive ones are meant for specialists that will be listening for things that are so hard to spot that every tiny increase in sound helps.

The ones that have the expensive ones will say theirs are best (most likely to quell their buyer's remorse ). If you have money that you won't miss, buy an expensive one that will most likely get stolen the second it's not on you. Or you can buy anywhere from 10 to 20 of the cheap ones that do as good a job for what you need.

Okay, I don't actually work for an agency or hospital (yet) so I don't really know what their steths sound like. I've used one like twice in class, but I didn't really know what I was doing so I can't really compare that either.

If I were to get one, it would be for practice now/ use later on a rig/hospital

 

[senorsquishie]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FERLKS

Stethoscopes are like spoons. Whether it costs $10 or $100, it'll do the same thing. You're using it for a class, and you won't be needing the 10% clearer sound that some of the littman fans brag about just yet. Save yourself the money and get this $13 stethoscope that does the exact same thing as any $40-$200 one. I have one and if mine can pick up the heartbeat and breathing of a tiny newborn chihuahua, yours should do just fine on humans.

Also, it comes with accessories.

Absolutely DO NOT get this one. I will repeat with the double tube, you will never hear a thing! They rub and bang against each other and make weird noises to boot!

Why would an EMT need a master cardiology? Seems way overkill for a person who is never going to diagnose a grade II murmur on someone....

I mentioned that I had one. I love it.
While true an EMT does NOT need something like this, you can use it for med school and beyond. I also have been very lucky in my shadowing that I have been allowed to listen to some of the pts. and have had really cool sounds pointed out to me.

 

[link2swim06]

YES; however, the reality is that you're not going to get much more out of a nice steth than a cheap one. While some EMTs swear by the expensive steths, you really should start w/ something fairly inexpensive. Working on the field makes that an even better idea since you are far more likely to lose your steth that way (same reason you'll never see an experienced lifeguard wearing Oakleys). If you're thinking ER Tech, you'll really only be using your steth for manual BPs and, perhaps, the occasional set of breath sounds (which is really all an EMT-B does on the field). I have an older Littmann Cardiology series steth that I got my from my father as a hand-me-down when I got my EMT license and I love it but there's really nothing at my level of training (EMT-I) that I can't hear on another scope (even on loud scenes in the field) that I can hear on the Littmann.

This is the scope we use on a number of floors in the hospital ($35-45): 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope.

A Littmann Cardiology, while nice, isn't really useful for even most physicians. I know a number of very successful pulmonologists who use the Littmann Lightweight series exclusively. I suspect a part of why so many EMT-Bs, Is, and Ps "swear" by the high-end Littmanns is largely a matter of "prestige" and one-upping each other. Having an expensive stethoscope is sort of like having a big d***, so if you're willing to pay for that, well... have fun.

I lifeguarded a million hours over 6 years with the same pair of oakleys, have yet to lose them, pretty good sunglasses too.

 

[apumic]

I lifeguarded a million hours over 6 years with the same pair of oakleys, have yet to lose them, pretty good sunglasses too.

Haha. Nice. I definitely wouldn't. I always got cheap but decent sunglasses for guarding and that's what the guards I worked with always wore. I don't know any guards who wear expensive sunglasses on the chair.

 

[FIREitUP]

lol @ oakley analogy. Seriously, OP, hospitals don't give a **** about your vitals anyways, as long as you can get a decent range of vitals, then you're golden. Get a $10 sprague and get a good one when you get into med school.

 

[Felixor90]

Okay, I don't actually work for an agency or hospital (yet) so I don't really know what their steths sound like. I've used one like twice in class, but I didn't really know what I was doing so I can't really compare that either.

If I were to get one, it would be for practice now/ use later on a rig/hospital

You seem like you're set on getting the more expensive ones so quit beating around the bush and just buy what you want. Just make sure you glue that thing to your neck.

Absolutely DO NOT get this one. I will repeat with the double tube, you will never hear a thing! They rub and bang against each other and make weird noises to boot!

Maybe yours does that, but my copy is crystal clear with no background noise.

 

[CleverThought]

I would recommend a Littman as well.

However, they are pricey. I've also used an Ultrascope (they're about $80) and I heard just about as well as a Littman with it.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either!

 

[AsianPersuasion]

Do not get a sprague! they are obnoxiously heavy around your neck and bulky.

 

[apumic]

You seem like you're set on getting the more expensive ones so quit beating around the bush and just buy what you want. Just make sure you glue that thing to your neck.



Maybe yours does that, but my copy is crystal clear with no background noise.

What is with these dead-set *****s who come on SDN and ask questions, get them answered, and then refuse to accept the prevailing opinion because they wanted some other answer (so they keep asking for more feedback 'til they get the response they want)? It just amazes me....

 

[Felixor90]

What is with these dead-set *****s who come on SDN and ask questions, get them answered, and then refuse to accept the prevailing opinion because they wanted some other answer (so they keep asking for more feedback 'til they get the response they want)? It just amazes me....

Which is why I'm giving up on trying to convince him to not waste his money on something that a) is most likely going to be stolen before med school and b) won't be able to be used to its max potential probably unless he specializes in cardio.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

You seem like you're set on getting the more expensive ones so quit beating around the bush and just buy what you want. Just make sure you glue that thing to your neck.



Maybe yours does that, but my copy is crystal clear with no background noise.

What is with these dead-set *****s who come on SDN and ask questions, get them answered, and then refuse to accept the prevailing opinion because they wanted some other answer (so they keep asking for more feedback 'til they get the response they want)? It just amazes me....

Which is why I'm giving up on trying to convince him to not waste his money on something that a) is most likely going to be stolen before med school and b) won't be able to be used to its max potential probably unless he specializes in cardio.

Yeah, because I definitely said I was going to get a Litt III or a Super-Turbo Heart Beat Listener 3000...Thanks for your input though

 

[AntiHouseMD]

Calm down. Just go with what works for you, and you'll be fine. Personally, I would go with a cheaper stethoscope now and wait for med school to get an expensive one. If something better comes along, you won't be stuck with an old one in med school.

Still, it's your money, so do whatever feels best for you.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

Will do. Case Closed.

 

[apumic]

Yeah, because I definitely said I was going to get a Litt III or a Super-Turbo Heart Beat Listener 3000...Thanks for your input though

It was implied:

Okay, the general consensus is that the Littman III is the way to go (thanks for positing that link by the way).

P.s. Thank you for your input Biebs, but I can't really take you seriously on the account that your avatar and name is Biebs...

 

[Doc of the Walk]

general consensus =/= my decision

 

[The Pro]

The cheapest you can find. Honestly, EMTs (and paramedics as well) don't have the training to really interpret anything beyond what a basic (<$50) stethescope is going to let you hear. Get the cheapest you can find that's not made by Fisher Price!

Your insane, how could you say paramedics can't hear beyond the basics?! Paramedics have to hear a number of different things from murmurs to aortic reguratation. As well as lung sounds. So next time know what your talking about

 

[487806]

Your insane, how could you say paramedics can't hear beyond the basics?! Paramedics have to hear a number of different things from murmurs to aortic reguratation. As well as lung sounds. So next time know what your talking about

Dude. Quit necrobumping threads just to join the conversation.

 

[Vertrix]

Hate to bump an old thread, but are the recommendations here still valid? I'm going to start practicing next year, I am pretty much 99% sure I want to go with the Littmann Classic iii as my everyday stethoscope, - this article really sold me on it http://dmelibrary.com/best-stethoscope-for-medical-students/

Anyone still think the classic iii is a good choice? Or should I try something else?