Placement Kit Checklist: The Gear Actually Worth Buying
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Placement gear can get expensive fast, and plenty of it ends up sitting in a drawer. As a registered paramedic, I have watched students turn up with either far too much kit or not enough. This guide covers the gear that actually gets used on every shift, with options for different budgets, and separate footwear advice for paramedic and nursing students.
Before you buy anything, check your university's placement handbook and uniform policy. Some items, especially footwear and watches, have strict rules.
Pen torch
You will use a pen torch for pupil checks, looking in mouths and finding things in dark rooms and dark ambulances. Look for one with a pupil gauge printed on the side and a soft, focused beam.
Budget: a pack of disposable pen torches with a pupil gauge. Cheap enough that losing one does not matter. View on Amazon Australia
Reusable: a brass LED pen torch such as the Spirit Instrulite lasts for years and takes standard AAA batteries. View at Medshop
Avoid the ultra bright LED torches advertised at hundreds of lumens. They are great for camping and far too harsh for checking pupils.
Fob watch
Most placement sites follow bare below the elbows rules, which means no wristwatches during patient care. A silicone fob watch clips onto your uniform, has an upside down face so you can read it by looking down, and is easy to wipe clean. Make sure it has a second hand, because you will use it constantly for respiratory and pulse rates.
Classic analogue: View the fob watch on Amazon Australia
Digital option: if you find an analogue face hard to read quickly, a digital fob watch shows the seconds clearly, which makes counting rates easier when you are still building confidence. View the digital fob watch on Amazon Australia
Trauma shears
Shears cut clothing, dressings and tape, and students lose them constantly. Pick the tier that suits your budget and how attached you get to your gear.
Budget: a basic pair of trauma shears with non stick blades. Simple, sharp and cheap enough to replace when they go missing. View on Amazon Australia
Mid range: six in one folding emergency shears with a strap cutter, glass breaker and holster. Great value for students, but expect to replace them sooner than a premium pair. View on Amazon Australia
Premium: the Leatherman Raptor. Folding, very well built and backed by a long warranty, but it costs more and needs looking after. A great graduation gift. View on Amazon Australia
Footwear for paramedic students
Ambulance placements almost always require black boots. A side zip is worth having, because you can get them on and off quickly without unlacing them every time. Look for a non slip sole, good ankle support and a waterproof option for wet jobs.
My pick: the Magnum Strike Force 8.0 Waterproof Side Zip uniform boot. It is a proper uniform boot with a side zip, a waterproof lining and plenty of support for long shifts on your feet. View the Magnum Strike Force 8.0 on Amazon Australia
Budget pick: the Mil-Tec Tactical Side Zip boot. A lighter, more affordable black side zip boot that still meets most placement uniform requirements, and a solid choice if you are not ready to spend on a premium pair. View the Mil-Tec Side Zip boot on Amazon Australia
Sizes go in and out of stock regularly, so if yours is unavailable, browse black side zip uniform boots on Amazon Australia. Wear new boots in before your first shift, not on it.
Footwear for nursing students
Nursing placements usually require closed, wipeable shoes, often in black or white. Over a twelve hour shift, support matters more than looks. Podiatrists recommend a firm heel counter, structured arch support, moderate cushioning and a slip resistant sole.
Best cushioning: HOKA Bondi. Plush but stable, and popular with nurses for long shifts. View on Amazon Australia
Best support: ASICS Gel Kayano. A good choice if you have flat feet or your feet roll inwards. View on Amazon Australia
Budget: ASICS GT 2000. Mild stability at a lower price. View on Amazon Australia
Choose a black or white colourway that meets your uniform policy.
The small things that make a big difference
A waterproof pocket notebook. A small waterproof notebook survives being stuffed in a pocket and is perfect for jotting down things to look up after a shift. Never write identifying patient details in it. View on Amazon Australia
A four colour pen. Black for notes, red for abnormal findings, and you will never need to borrow a pen again. View on Amazon Australia
Pocket hand sanitiser. Wards and ambulances have sanitiser on hand, but a small bottle of your own is handy for scenes, breaks and anywhere a dispenser is not within reach. Always follow your site's hand hygiene policy. View on Amazon Australia
Hand cream. Constant hand hygiene wrecks your skin. A good fragrance free hand cream used at the end of each shift makes a real difference. View on Amazon Australia
Compression socks. Light compression helps tired legs on long shifts. Stick to everyday strength, around 15 to 20 mmHg, and avoid higher medical grades unless a health professional has advised them. View on Amazon Australia
A stethoscope. The most important piece of kit of all. See my full guide below.
Good placement kit does not make you a better clinician, but bad kit can make a long shift feel a lot longer.
Conclusion
You do not need to spend a fortune to be ready for placement. A pen torch with a pupil gauge, a fob watch, a reliable pair of shears, footwear that meets your uniform policy and supports you for twelve hours, and a few small comforts will cover almost every shift. Check your uniform policy first, buy what you will actually use, and spend the rest of your energy on learning.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the current listing before you buy, and always follow your university's uniform policy.
