Emergencies can happen anywhere at a moment's notice. This guide will help you answer the question of what types of equipment first responders use.

When disaster strikes, first responders are the ones who offer the most immediate help. These individuals typically work for hospitals or fire departments, and they often put themselves in danger to help people when they need it most.

If you've ever wondered, "What types of equipment do first responders use?" look no further. Here is your guide on the equipment first responders use to help save lives.

Emergency Oxygen Kits

If someone is struggling to breathe properly, first responders can use emergency oxygen kits to deliver rescue breaths to the individual. In this kit, you'll find a bag valve mask for preventing hypoxia, which is a condition in which someone has an insufficient level of oxygen circulation in their body.

First responders often carry several different kit sizes so they can save babies, children, teens, and adults. The bag valve mask connects to an oxygen cylinder that the EMT will use to pump oxygen directly into a person's lungs. First responders also need a pressure gauge and flow meter to measure the amount of oxygen they're putting into someone's body.

Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
First responders need robust communication systems to coordinate help during emergencies. However, cell phones and computers might not be the most efficient communication tools in these types of situations.

For this reason, first responders use public safety distributed antenna systems (DAS) to reach out to hospitals and fire departments for emergency communication. Some examples of situations in which first responders use this technology are during fires, active security threats, and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Educators also use DAS to improve public safety in K-12 and higher education.

Defibrillators and ECG Monitors
First responders use defibrillators to restore a normal heartbeat in patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Also, first responders can use ECG monitors to observe the rhythm of a patient's heart.

They can also bring monitors for vital signs like blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate. Most of these machines work automatically so that first responders can respond more quickly.

Overall, these lifesaving technologies allow for miracles to happen every day. After learning about what types of equipment first responders use, you should have a greater appreciation for the work that these professionals undertake to keep us safe.