The difference between a great shift in the Emergency Department and a frustrating one can sometimes be attributable to having the right gear or peri-shift routine. Listed are the top 6 “level-up” tools, recommended by our team.
We have a very limited supply of custom ALiEM socks available at $20 per medium-sized pair. These socks have been rumored to quell the blackest of black clouds in the Emergency Department. It may be because of the “Stomping Out Disease” mantra on the socks. You’ll have to try for yourself. We have orange (with the COVID-19 graphic) and lime green socks. These are being sold until December 10, 2021 and only shipped to United States addresses.
The fashion statement for 2021 is all about the face mask covering. Swap out your boring monochromatic mask for a more festive mask for the holidays.
The MZOO Sleep Eye Mask is essential, especially for those working Emergency Department night shifts. Ambient light can disrupt your deep sleep as you try to recharge for your next night shift.
A bright light source is a crucial tool for any emergency physician. With the Streamlight 250-lumen penlight, you can illuminate injured areas to identify occult wounds and almost-missed foreign bodies. Shining it briefly in the eyes of an overly somnolent may help you arouse them without a painful stimulus. Bonus: This pen is rechargeable using a USB cord and only weighs 1.2 ounces.
The Leatherman Raptor Shears is a durable, all-purpose scissors that can cut through thick clothing in a hurry. Although it also features a strap cutter, ruler, oxygen tank wrench, and carbide glass breaker, we especially love it for the ring-cutting feature. It has saved many of us the time and stress of troubleshooting other failed attempts at ring removal.
Keeping cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot are challenging on an 8-12 hour shift. This 14 oz Yeti Rambler Mug with a MagSlider Lid is a stainless steel, double-walled, vacuum-insulated cup that travels well.
A regular exercise regimen can help reduce stress, improve brainpower, and boost your energy levels. Consider these home exercise tools, vetted by our team.
Check out our other holiday gift lists:
- Top 7 Favorite Books
- Top 5 Favorite Tech Tools
Disclosure: Although we do not have an official partnership with Amazon, we belong to their Amazon Affiliates program which allows us to be paid a few pennies with books purchased from our links.