Starting EMT school is exciting and challenging. You need the right supplies to succeed.
This guide lists everything you need - from notebooks to boots to medical tools. We'll help you prepare.
Basic Stationery Essentials
Get notebooks, pens, highlighters, and folders. You'll use these to:
- Take notes in class
- Organize handouts
- Keep track of assignments
- Study medical terms and procedures
Use a waterproof notepad. Pens can leak, and water-resistant paper survives spills and weather.
Get a binder with dividers. Separate different topics so you can find information fast during practice and clinicals.
Comfortable Boots
Good boots make EMT school easier. You'll stand for hours during training and practical sessions.
What to look for:
- Good cushioning and arch support
- Breathable material (keeps feet dry)
- Slip-resistant soles
- Durable leather or synthetic material
Why this matters:
- You stay comfortable during long shifts
- You can focus on patients, not your feet
- You prevent foot pain and injuries
Don't buy cheap boots. Invest in quality. Your feet carry you through long training days and clinicals.
Proper EMT Training Attire
Your EMT school will require you to wear scrubs during practical sessions. Get 2-3 pairs so you always have clean ones.
What to buy:
- Scrubs in the color your school requires
- Comfortable shoes or boots (covered above)
- Breathable material
Best practices:
- Get scrubs that don't trap heat or moisture
- Avoid tight-fitting scrubs
- Make sure pockets work for storing pens and notes
Medical Equipment for Training
You need basic medical equipment to practice. Your school might provide some of these items, but it's good to own your own set. These tools help you practice safely and build confidence before working with real patients.
Essential Tools You Should Have
A quality stethoscope is your most important tool. You'll use it every single day to listen to a patient's heart and lungs. This helps you spot problems quickly. Start with a good stethoscope - it will last your entire EMS career.
A pen light medical lets you shine bright light on a patient's eyes and wounds. You'll use this to check pupil response and look for signs of infection. Get one with a strong, focused beam.
A trauma shears are essential for cutting through clothing and seat belts quickly during emergencies. Practice with them so you can cut safely and efficiently when patients need help fast.
A blood pressure cuff helps you take accurate vital signs. Your stethoscope and BP cuff work together to give you complete information about a patient's condition.
Optional But Helpful:
Safety glasses protect your eyes during messy situations. An [oxygen wrench] helps you adjust oxygen tanks quickly in the field. These are nice to have once you have the basics covered.
Buy quality equipment. You'll use these tools for your entire EMS career, not just during school.
The Right Technology
You need a laptop or tablet for EMT school. You'll use it for:
- Accessing online coursework
- Taking digital notes
- Working on group projects
- Sharing files with classmates
What apps you might need:
- Google Drive or OneDrive - store and organize notes
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs - write assignments
- Email - communicate with instructors
- Zoom or Teams - attend online classes
Ask your instructor what apps are required before you buy anything.
Study Guides and Textbooks
Ask your instructor which textbooks and study guides are required. Don't buy extras.
What to get:
- Required textbook
- Required study guide (if recommended by your program)
- Flashcards - for memorizing medical terms
- Practice test books (if available)
Cost-saving tips:
- Buy used textbooks from Amazon or local bookstores
- Share expensive books with classmates
- Check your school's library for free resources
- Ask instructors for free online study materials
Many training programs provide student supply kits that complement textbooks and help reinforce classroom knowledge through hands-on practice.
Consider using supplementary materials like flashcards to reinforce critical information. Physical and digital resources work together to help you learn better.
Emergency Reference Cards
Reference cards help you remember important information during emergencies.
What to put on them:
- Common procedures (CPR steps, wound care)
- Medication dosages
- Medical terminology
- Emergency protocols your school teaches
How to make them:
- Write or print on index cards
- Keep them in your uniform pocket
- Review them during breaks
- Update them as you learn new procedures
Use reference cards during training so procedures become automatic. In real emergencies, you want to remember without thinking.
Your EMT School Supplies Checklist
Must-Have:
☐ Stethoscope
☐ Pen Light Medical
☐ Trauma Shears
☐ Blood Pressure Cuff
☐ Notebooks and Pens
☐ Waterproof Notepad
☐ Good Boots
☐ Scrubs (Check Colour Requirement)
☐ Laptop or Tablet
☐ Required Textbooks
☐ Reference Cards
Optional:
☐ Safety Glasses
☐ Oxygen Wrench
☐ Extra Scrubs
☐ Digital Thermometer
Ask Your Instructor:
- Which textbooks are required?
- What color scrubs?
- What equipment will school provide?
- What apps do I need?
- What's your budget for supplies?
You don't need everything at once. Buy the essentials first. Add more tools as your training progresses and your instructors recommend them.
At MedTechKits.com, we offer kits tailored to meet EMT school requirements. Visit our site to find individual tools or ready-made kits that match your training level and budget.