Best Watch For Paramedics – Top EMT Watches in 2021
What paramedics and EMTs carry every day can vary depending on preference but must include Pens, a Stethoscope, Flashlight/penlight, Trauma shears, Safety glasses, Pocket knife, and a durable digital or analog watch with a second hand.
To help you pick a simple, durable, and affordable watch for the job, I came up with this shortlist. The best watch for paramedics and EMTs should be easy to use and very durable. If you are a G-Shock fan, there is a dedicated section for you.
Some of the best paramedic watches I discuss in this article
- Casio Men’s G-Shock Watch(Model: GWM5610-1)
- Casio Men’s G-Shock Classic Digital Watch (Model: DW6900-1V)
- Casio Men’s G-Shock Tide Graph Watch (GW-7900-1ER)
- Casio Men’s Pathfinder Watch ( PAG240-1CR)
- Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL
- Timex Full-Size Ironman Rugged 30 Watch
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Garmin Fenix 5X
Difference Between a Paramedic and a Nurse
Why Paramedics & EMTs wear watches?
Watches are among other gears that paramedics and EMTs carry. There are several reasons these public safety workers wear watches. Some include.
Recording a patient’s vitals
Tracking and recording a patient’s vitals is one of those things you can do with an EMT watch. You can use a specially designed watch like an EMT watch to measure a victim’s breathing rate and pulse rate.
Measuring a victim’s health metrics makes it easy to establish any health abnormalities. It also helps you make sense of the therapy to offer once you know the patient’s present health status.
Administration of medication
Once a patient is under care, some prescriptions are only given at specific times of the day or when the patient is stable. You can also use an EMT watch to aid with the timely administration of these medications.
With these watches, you can record how fast or slow the administration of the prescription is taking place. If they administer the medication at the correct pace, it would improve the condition of the patient.
Documentation purposes
Noting the specific dates and times when various medications, assessments, and tests are carried out is an important task for all first responders. For documentation, first responders usually write the times down in military format.
This helps the doctor who will continue with the treatment to determine whether the patient’s health is improving or worsening.
Buyers Guide: Finding the best watch for paramedics
Shopping for the best watch for paramedics and EMTs can be a painful task. I have put together the most important things to consider when buying a watch of this type.
Military Time Format
With the military time format, the hours are numbered from 00 to 23. Using this system, 01:00 AM is 01:00 o’clock and 01:00 PM is 13:00 o’clock.
Telling time using this format is relatively easy and takes away the doubts or confusion that may arise.
An ideal watch for firefighters, nurses, police officers, or paramedics is one that displays time in the military format. It is very important for documentation. Go with a watch that has the military time format or one that you can put into military time on a digital display for easy documentation.
Size and Weight
Having a watch that has a bulky face can sometimes impinge on the top of your wrist while you are doing compressions. This is not only uncomfortable but can also damage the areas surrounding your watch.
A good watch for paramedics should be one with moderate size. It should maintain a good balance between weight and size. This way it won’t feel heavy on your wrist while you work or interfere with the job.
Watch Strap Materials
The ease of cleaning the watch strap is an important point that should influence the buying decision of EMTs and paramedics.
For first responders, it is vital to scrub down your watch and all other gears after a tour or get it deep cleaned once or twice a month depending on the exposure they get.
Also, straps that won’t rust or deteriorate after repeated decontamination with alcohol are good too.
Watches with metal straps trap some load of schmutz between the links. They do not dry fast and are an extra weight to the wrist.
Watch bands made of a cloth material soak in everything and are waiting to be a biohazard cesspool on your wrist.
For the job, silicone or rubber bands are easy to rinse or wash. They dry fast too and are light on the wrist. The reason the watches I reviewed below are made from silicon or resin straps.
Water Resistance
Water-resistance is an important factor to consider when shopping for an EMT watch. Paramedics are always in contact with different liquids. Buying a watch that is water-resistant is important as you have to clean it after your tour to avoid contamination.
Accuracy
I cannot overstress the need for accuracy in the medical field. Misreading a patient’s pulse rate is the last thing you want.
A high performant watch can take away the errors you’d encounter in reading the time. It neither gains nor loses seconds so you are confident about the time you record during documentation.
Some reputable watchmakers like Casio sync their watches to the atomic clock to ensure they keep the correct time.
Usually, watches from well-known and reputable brands are the best to go for in this case.
Clear Display
An easy-to-read watch is a must for a job as this where every second count. A watch with large easy-to-read numbers, a clean design, and colored hands over a white dial is an ideal watch for paramedics.
Black hour and minute hands over a white dial or background will improve the readability of a watch.
Best G Shock Watch For Paramedics & EMTs
Casio Men’s G-Shock Watch(Model: GWM5610-1)
As a paramedic, getting a G-Shock watch can be your first choice. But what if you don’t want to go with the chunky nature of the G-Shock? This is where the G-Shock GWM5610 comes in.
This timepiece comes with a sporty rectangular-style case which is less aggressive and bulky than other G-Shock models. With a case thickness of about 12.7mm, this watch is light and comfortable to the wrist.
Casio surrounds the dial of this digital watch with a grey/purple solar panel strip. This is an added advantage as the watch is fully solar-powered.
The GWM5610 also comes with a black matte resin strap and a polished stainless steel buckle. This makes it easy to clean after a messy day at work.
As a solar-powered quartz watch, this watch also supports the Multi-Band 6 atomic clock synchronization. This Multi-Band 6 technology keeps it perfectly accurate in timekeeping. An important feature for EMS workers working with time.
Other features of the awesome watch for EMTs include its four separate alarm features, its EL backlight, water-resistance of up to 200 meters, and a shock-resistance feature.
This is definitely a feature-packed watch at a very affordable price. You can also check out a similar design of this timepiece here.
Pros
- It is a solar-powered watch.
- Comes with the atomic syncing for accurate timekeeping.
- Easy to use.
- Very lightweight.
- Very comfortable
- Lots of cool features.
Cons
- Hard to read for the elderly.
- Alarm sound not loud.
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Casio Men’s G-Shock Classic Digital Watch (Model: DW6900-1V)
The design of the DW6900 enables it to accommodate the active lifestyle of EMTs. Its grey watch face features a mineral crystal display which is can resist the tough activities of EMTs and paramedics.
The watch’s electro-luminescence backlight is super bright and makes telling time at night a breeze. Being a G-Shock watch, it is resistant to hard knocks and strong vibrations. It is also water-resistant up to 200 meters.
With this timepiece, it is very easy to switch between the 12-hour and 24-hour military time format using one of the four press buttons on the watch case. The military time format reduces the confusion that comes with communicating the time.
Its rubber band and plastic case are easy to clean after a daily tour. It also features an auto calendar, an hourly chime, and a multi-function alarm.
Pros
- Easy to read, even for the elderly.
- Very rugged watch.
- Accurate timekeeping.
- Easy to use.
- Has a bright backlight.
Cons
- It lacks a world clock.
- Comes with only one alarm.
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Casio Men’s G-Shock Tide Graph Watch (GW-7900-1ER)
The Casio GW-7900 is another solar-powered G-Shock watch every paramedic can carry for their daily tour. Considering its huge case diameter of 50mm, this timepiece is not suitable for people with slender wrists.
This timepiece comes with a black resin strap which is easy to clean whenever you scrub down. A protective mineral crystal covers the dial and it’s very legible.
For daily documentation, the digital display features a day and date display making it easy to register the date. Also, you can easily switch between the 12-hour and the 24-hour (military time) formats.
This watch is water-resistant to 200 meters, making it a good timepiece for diving. Besides being water-resistant, it’s shock-resistant. Hence a perfect watch for all outdoor activities.
Other features include an EL backlight to read the time in the dark, stopwatch, and world time with 29 times zone.
Pros
- Quality watch for tide prediction and moon phase.
- It’s solar-powered.
- Syncs with the atomic clock.
- Very solid watch.
Cons
- It’s bulky.
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Casio Men’s Pathfinder Watch ( PAG240-1CR)
Casio Pathfinder PAG240 is a solar triple sensor watch you can pick if you want a more feature-packed G-Shock watch. Casio powers this timepiece entirely using the light. This means you you do not need to change the batteries every few years.
This watch for EMTs also comes with triple sensors which include a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass. You can read data from these sensors by simply pressing one of the dedicated buttons on the side of the watch case. The compass is a very useful feature if you work in rural areas. It helps you navigate the terrain.
This watch also comes with a dual-layer LCD display. Casio calls this a duplex screen. Above the normal dial is another LCD layer, which Casio uses to display other features.
The strap and case of this timepiece is 100% resin. This means it is washable and dries quickly for the next use.
Other features of this excellent timepiece include a bidirectional compass bezel, date and day of the week display, and a water-resistant rating of 100 meters. There is also a world time function and an automatic calendar.
Pros
- Features an altimeter, a barometer and compass.
- It comes with a second LCD layer to display data.
- It is easy to read.
- Band and case are easy to clean.
- It’s solar-powered.
Cons
- Lacks a radio sync for its timekeeping.
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Best Affordable Watches For Paramedics & EMTs
Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL
For outdoor activities, Luminox is a brand you do not have to overlook. It is one of the best brands for tactical and outdoor watches.
The looks of this watch are loud with large markers on both the bezel and the dial. The dial is covered with a hardened mineral crystal, unaffected by scratches and medium shocks.
The watch case also features a carbon-reinforced fiber that is very resistant to shocks that may occur during your active schedules.
The strap of this timepiece comes with silicon that is very comfortable on the wrist, both when wet or dry. It is also very easy to clean.
This Luminox Men’s 3051 comes with a Swiss quartz movement, which is very precise in keeping time. It also features a rare self-powered illumination system. The reason it’s one of the best tritium watches to wear in the dark.
Aside from these features, this watch is has a unidirectional bezel and is water-resistant to 200M. You can’t go wrong with this timepiece with EMS jobs.
Pros
- Tritium illumination.
- Highly accurate movement.
- Modern design.
- Comes with a carbon-reinforced case.
Cons
- Lacks a sapphire crystal.
- Difficult to replace the strap.
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Timex Full-Size Ironman Rugged 30 Watch
This watch is ultra-rugged, which is very important for all paramedic personnel. It comes with a durable and lightweight resin strap and case. So light that you will barely notice it’s on your wrist.
The digital display is easy to read with a day and date display at the top. To increase its readability, this timepiece comes with an Indiglo night-light. This low-powered electroluminescence makes it easy to read in the dark with just a press of a button.
With a water resistance rating of 100M, you can clean the watch at all times without the fear of water condensing inside the dial. You will also get a 24-Hour countdown timer, a stopwatch with 30-lap memory, and two time zones from this watch.
Pros
- Features two time zones.
- Lightweight.
- Comes with Indiglo backlight.
- Features an occasion mode for reminders.
Cons
- Comes with acrylic crystal.
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Timex Men’s Expedition Digital Shock Watch (T49896)
This Timex Expedition watch is a tactical watch that will fit law enforcement officers and first responders like paramedics. It’s a dual time watch. You can easily set the second time by long-pressing the top-right button for about 4 seconds.
This timepiece comes with a negative digital display which is very visible at a first glance. Above the time displayed, you can easily see the date and day of the week.
The case and band material is resin. The band doesn’t stick on the skin or feel uncomfortable. One thing I love about this timepiece is its angled buttons. Timex did a good job with the angles of the buttons so that you don’t accidentally press them with the movement of your wrist. Cool.
The watch comes with the Indiglo backlight function useful for night use. Other features of this watch include a stopwatch, 3 alarms, countdown timer, and it’s water-resistant to 100 meters. It is also resistant to shock.
If you want a durable digital watch and you are tired of G-Shock models, I recommend this watch.
Pros
- Digital display has big numeral. Very visible.
- Very accurate watch.
- Affordable.
- Has a dual-time function.
Cons
- Not suitable for slender wrists.
- The crystal is easy to scratch.
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Seiko SKX007
The Seiko SKX007K is a very accurate watch with automatic movement and a dazzling lume. This is a luminous watch you can wear for your tours during the day.
Its white markers on a dark contrast dial make it readable under any lighting. It also features a day and date display at the 3 o’clock position.
This dive watch comes with a stainless steel case with a very comfortable rubber strap. You need not worry about cleaning it as it is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
The crown of this timepiece is located at the 4 o’clock position, which keeps it from sticking into the skin when you move your wrist.
Pros
- Has a dazzling lume.
- Keeps time perfectly.
- Has a comfortable wrist band.
- It’s easy-to-read.
Cons
- Lacks a sapphire crystal.
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Timex Expedition (Model: T49831)
This Timex Expedition watch is designed to go with an active lifestyle. It displays a bold, strong look best suited for any active man. It is powered by a powerful quartz movement.
This rugged analog watch comes with a black round dial. The dial has white Roman numerals indexes on even hour markers to increase its legibility. An acrylic crystal protects the dial window of this watch.
The case, bezel and strap of this watch are all made from resin material which dries quickly after a wash. This watch for EMTs also comes with a red second hand which is ideal for reading a patient’s pulse.
It is also equipped with the Indiglo-night light, a handy feature for reading time in the dark. It is also water-resistant up to 50 meters which can be used for swimming. You also get the 24-hour reading from the dial, which is a useful feature for all paramedics.
Pros
- Easy to maintain.
- It’s lightweight.
- Features the Indiglo-night light.
- Easy -to-read.
- Its timekeeping is accurate.
Cons
- The dial window scratches easily.
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Best Smartwatch for Paramedics
Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch 5 with a larger screen display which increases its legibility. You have the option to choose from various watch faces. So picking a watch face with a second hand or digital display is just a swipe away.
This smartwatch keeps accurate time and lasts longer between recharge. Apart from its good timekeeping, you can use this digital watch to track personal vitals. It features a heart rate monitor, activity tracker for workouts, comes with an Electrocardiogram app and it is water-resistant for up to 30 meters.
The Apple watch 5 connects seamlessly with your phone via Bluetooth or WiFi. This means you can easily access smart notifications on your watch.
Pros
- Battery last longer.
- It’s comfortable on the wrist.
- Fast charging.
- Has an “always on” display.
Cons
- Feels heavy on wrist.
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Garmin Fenix 5X
If you work mostly in rural areas, then you’d love a smartwatch that gives you the ability to carry with you topo and trail maps. The Garmin Fenix 5X gives you that possibility and more.
One thing you will love in this smartwatch is the flexibility to customize the watch to your taste. It comes with a sapphire crystal and full of features. Below is a video to walk you through some catchy features.https://www.youtube.com/embed/pXUPSaukS9M?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&Check Price, Reviews on Amazon Now!
Suunto Core Outdoor Watch (Model: SS014279010)
This all-black smartwatch is another alternative for paramedics and EMTs. The Suunto Core is an outdoorsy watch that would fit the job description of all EMTs.
This smartwatch comes with a silicone strap that is solid and comfortable. It is also has a barometer, altimeter and a digital compass to track your position.
One feature this watch lacks is a GPS sensor, but they compensate this with its long live battery. It is water resistance for up to 30 meters.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Year-long battery.
- One-touch function lock.
- Water resistant.
Cons
- Has a dim screen.
- No GPS.
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Final Thoughts
All the above watches reviewed should fit all health personnel and EMTs in particular. Choosing to go with either a digital or analog watch with a second hand is a matter of personal preference.
If you go with a Casio G-Shock, I recommend the GWM5610-1. It’s easy to use, durable, solar-powered, and affordable. The Timex Expedition T49831 is my best pick if you want an analog watch with a second hand. Its second hand is very distinct.
The Garmin Fenix 5X reviewed above is my best-recommended smartwatch for paramedics if you work in a rural area. It is GPS capable and navigating around shouldn’t be a problem.
Good luck with your search.
