Stethoscope suggestions?

[kyle308]

I used the cheapy ambulance stethoscopes for about two years and they were ok. But, I couldn't always hear a faint BP or eak pulse. So I recently upgraded to a Littman cardiology 3. got it for $90 from a friend who said it was two heavy for him. I can hear astronomically better with it, but I can also hear my partner murmuring to himself in the front seat of the truck haha. I'm quickly learning how to filter out background, and it has made hearing lung sounds and BP's so much easier. I also don't think its that heavy of a scope.

[Richard B the EMT]

I just thought of something: due to "sensitivity" of each newer upgrade of scope, give yourself time to acclimate yourself to it, or all you're going to hear, is not the sound of a pulse during a BP reading, but the sound of the conversation in the next room. Got to learn not just what sounds to listen to, but what you need to tune out.

I can hear astronomically better with it, but I can also hear my partner murmuring to himself in the front seat of the truck

Thank you for proving my statement.

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

Sorry i was MIA from this thread for a while. I ended up going with the Littman Classic II S.E. for $85 shipped from MyStethoscope.com.

I dont suggest ordering from this website as my order has taken forever to ship out, still waiting.

Started the medic program this week and clinicals will start on Monday. Really liking it so far.

Edited August 26, 2010 by 2Rude4MyOwnGood

[Just Plain Ruff]

Sorry i was MIA from this thread for a while. I ended up going with the Littman Classic II S.E. for $85 shipped from MyStethoscope.com.

I dont suggest ordering from this website as my order has taken forever to ship out, still waiting.

Started the medic program this week and clinicals will start on Monday. Really liking it so far.

did you get the scope? Not clear on that. If you have not gotten your scope let me know, I have a store just up the street from me with a great selection of stethoscopes. I can go get the scope for you and have them ship it to you. I bet you'll get it before you get the one from mystethoscope.com

Just an offer.

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

Thanks man! Much appreciate the offer but i came home from class today to find my new scope sitting on my doorstep. I was suprised to say the least. The customer service from mystethoscope.com was TERRIBLE. They wouldnt respond to my emails requesting the shipping info.

Thanks again for the offer.

[emtbasic13]

I use ADC they are the exact same thing as a LIttmans but at half the price. They are of very good quality I like the adc 601 the best. Its basicly a Littmans Cardiology 3. But only $100 instead of $200. Just be carefull with the tubing I had a 603 for about 2 years known and the tube poped. Still don't know why that happened but I was able to fix it with a little bit of electrical tape and it works just as good as new.

[zippyRN]

those suggesting littman classic ( master or IIse) or select are about on the money, personally i don't find much difference between a select with soft eartips and a classic ... the select i've had for 15 years is probably due retiring due to the tubes getting a bit ragged.

cardiology scopes are overkill for most things other than being a cardiology specialist ...

[armydog13]

Im starting the medic program in the fall and was just looking for some recommendations for a solid stethoscope. Littman seems to be a popular choice. Which ones would you suggest?

I have been working in EMS for about 4 years now, and am now an Intermediate. When I started my Basic class I received a gift of a Littman Cardiology III. It has been an excellent stethoscope. But I have always enjoyed using the Master Cardiology stethoscope from Littman which many of my coworkers use. All-in-all, I think Littman is probably the best in the business, and they offer a wide selection of styles to fit your personal desires.

[tniuqs]

cardiology scopes are overkill for most things other than being a cardiology specialist ...

Agreed:

For example when evaluating a murmur's the "quieter" the murmur the bigger the leak ... just saying as if in EMS we can do anything about incompetent valves in the first place, and attempting to report what grade of murmur does raise some eyebrows.

I have a selection of tubes but always rely the II classic.

Why ? ....

Because it fits in my back pocket and I can sit on it without too much discomfort, cardio can most times just be a nuisance and another point ... if I loose a set, I not going to cry AS much.

Thing is: Shiney expensive new tubes have a tendency to sprout legs and walk away. I etch my name on the inside of the (diaphragm side) kinda sneaky and under the diaphragm hidden till one is sorting stuff out from messy call, as those plastic name tags are easy to remove.

That said: I know of a shiny new Medic that has a $600.00 set of recording cardio tubes hanging around his neck at all times, well "SUPER DAVE" as we call him, is proof positive that the more you spend does not equate to ability or knowledge or experience.

cheers

[<8IN2B8]

I am in medic school and have an MDF ER Premier, the blackout version & it hears everything clearly even in the back of a noisy ambulance. These are comparable to littmann cardiology III's for a third of the price, shopping around will get you good prices to.