Things in an EM backpack
This small, often misplaced tool is borrowed by all, returned by no one, and essential for signing ekgs and dispos
A pen
Kind, dependable, and unreasonably good at claw machines — this resident is both a gentleman and a great friend
Richard (we stan!)
When in doubt during ACLS, remember the classic 1977 song that tells you to keep moving your hands at the correct rate.
Stayin Alive
The group’s videographer and the gay bestie everyone wishes they had, Justin traveled far from this state to plant new roots in New York
Texas!
You might write this phrase in the ED comments section for a child coming in for vomiting for 2 hours
ZOPOGO
Often louder than expected, lovingly hand-built, and proudly displayed on desks, these personalized tools reflect their owner’s style, aesthetics, and obsession with key feel.
Keyboards
She may confuse her vowels and consonants, but she’s always crystal clear when it comes to throwing it back
Kiran
This Adele hit is the perfect beat to help you “roll” through your ACLS skills
Rolling in the deep
Never shying away from a fabulous two-piece vest fit, our Burmese baddie Khin attended med school in this grim town before returning to her roots in Flushing.
Lake Erie
Heart rate normal, temperature normal, chief complaint? none. But Elvin says vibes are off so he calls this team to the trauma room
Sepsis team to the trauma room
Consumed instead of sleep, breakfast, and emotional regulation, this carbonated beverage is a core component of EM residency survival.
Celsius
Known for never saying no to a post shift hang, a last-minute happy hour, or a weekend getaway, this resident’s “home” is wherever a couch is available
Hannah!
Whether you're trying to save a life or seal the Honmoon, this Kpop Demon Hunters song is at the correct tempo
Known for earrings as loud as her personality, this resident’s home is ruled by three furry overlords
June
Also known as a CT scanner, this ring-shaped device reveals diagnoses that no one wanted but everyone needed.
The donut of truth
Used to cut clothes, tape, and egos, this tool is never where you left it and is always in someone else’s pocket.
Trauma shears
Originally from Westchester, Seldon did his first year of residency in this state, home of cowboy boots, tornadoes, and the Sooners.
Oklahoma
This Carly Rae Jepsen hit is surprisingly perfect for chest compressions, letting you “call” out the beat at 100–120 per minute.
Call me maybe
Known for meal prepping (sometimes) way too much and experimenting with new foods, this resident’s culinary passion is inspired by his family, who own a restaurant in his hometown
Mikey
This 6 word mantra is something your senior or attending might say to you when you're in the middle of a stressful procedure and your sweaty shaky hands keep messing up the first step
Slow is fast, fast is smooth
Used to play lo-fi, pop, or very hard core “shift survival” EDM, this device is both loved and quietly judged by everyone else in the department.
Portable speakers
Fiery and snappy on the outside, this resident hides a soft heart beneath her tough exterior — and can impress with her hidden classical piano skills when the shift is finally over
Rose
This disco survival anthem by Gloria Gaynor doubles as a compression guide — “you will survive” your code… if you keep the beat
I Will Survive
Always giggling, quietly savage, and clearly influenced by her family — this is how many siblings SabLee has
3
When your patient is maxed out on 4 pressors and barely hanging by a thread, this dark disposition sends the patient to a higher power
DC to JC