ems jump bag checklist

The recent storm that swept across the United States brought snow, bitter cold, ice, and sleet to over half the US. Millions of people were left without power, and roads became impassable for days. 

Storms like this, as well as smaller, fast-moving snowstorms, are more than logistical nightmares. They can threaten the safety of providers and patients and degrade the very equipment you rely on to save lives.

Winter EMS operations demand more than extra layers and a backup bag. They require a deliberate approach to gear selection and medication protection, as well as crew safety. 

Safety and medical professionals must account for how freezing temperatures affect every aspect of prehospital care. That’s why preparing your EMS gear for winter weather is crucial.

Let’s look at some practical strategies EMS crews can use to stay mission-ready when temperatures drop.

Cold Weather Challenges for EMS Equipment

Low temperatures can quickly lead to a list of equipment problems – many of which crews

What happens when that call comes through? 

A worker is experiencing cardiac arrest at a construction site. An athlete is injured at a sporting event. There’s been a report of a mass casualty event.

Crisis moments rarely announce their arrival – so your EMS jump bag needs to be set up to deliver. 

The best EMS jump bag is designed to hold everything you need for a wide range of situations, while keeping it all close at hand. After all, when every second counts, the difference between a well-equipped first responder bag and a hastily assembled kit could save a life. 

We’ve spent decades outfitting emergency responders with the equipment they need to perform at their best. We know that your EMS jump bag isn’t just a “bag of supplies” – it’s an extension of your training and your role. It needs to work with you, not against you.

So what should go in a fully-stocked EMS bag? Through our conversations with EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and other emergency responders, here’s what we’ve learned