Table 4.

Summary of community paramedic comments pertaining to device preference

Preference	Comment
i-STAT® (n = 11)	•  i-STAT had less errors and easier to use, clean and do QC on. •  Easier to use with fewer errors and less time commitment. •  Compact and easy. •  Ease of use. •  Easy to use, uncomplicated, gives the same results as the epoc without the frustration, annoyance & hassle! •  Less complicated, easy to clean, no moving parts. •  More durable, wait time is after sample introduction, easier to introduce sample and place card in reader. •  Easier to use overall, simple is better for continued device confidence, likely won’t require as much re-familiarization. •  Felt sturdier. Easier to turn off. Quality control less time consuming. •  Slightly easier to learn, handle, clean and use in different environments. •  No answer entered.
epoc® (n = 5)	•  Would not have to be regulated for temperature, no extra cooler to carry around. •  More reliable. •  I feel like I understand the device better for both trouble shooting and pulling up previous results. •  Versatility, no refrigeration of cartridges, and versatility of testing with just one cartridge. •  Ease of use, more consistent with no errors, do not have to do daily testing and do not have to refrigerate test cards.
No preference (n = 2)	•  No answer entered. •  No answer entered.