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Scott Nelson Bio
Founder/Director of Operations

StatPacksStatPacks is the brainchild of former EMT and firefighter Scott Nelson.

As a rookie paramedic on a Las Vegas ambulance crew, Nelson was assigned to carry the enormous shoulder-slung equipment bags on as many as 14 calls per 12-hour shift. The struggle to ascend stairwells to reach patients, then maneuver patients loaded on the cot into cramped elevators, all while wrestling the mammoth duffle bag, caused more than a very real pain in the neck. It made it harder for Nelson to do his job.

On one emergency call, as Nelson was digging through a “black-hole bag” looking for that one piece of equipment that could save the patient’s life, Nelson realized that his bag was getting in the way. There had to be a better way – a way to carry exactly what you need, so you can get it right when you need it.

Nelson found the answer in Idaho. In 1995, he moved to Rexburg, where he worked as a paramedic and firefighter for Madison County Ambulance, and at the same time became Production Manager for Ultimate Direction (a high-end outdoor backpack maker then owned by Bryce Thatcher).

Nelson started using outdoor packs to carry his medical equipment on the job. The rest of the crew was impressed with how comfortable, organized and practical the outdoor packs were. Soon enough, the entire crew was buying the packs for themselves. With his knowledge of pack production, Scott began making changes of his own, modifying the bags to carry specific equipment. The StatPacks concept was born.

“As a paramedic, there are three important keys, no matter what happens,” Nelson said. “First, you need to stay calm. Second, you need to do your job as effectively as you can. Third, you need to look good and professional."

“Time is very critical in our profession,” Nelson said. “It's difficult to stay calm when
you can't find what you need to assist the patient. Precious moments are lost when you struggle with your equipment. It's not professional when you're digging endlessly in a bag, instead of helping the patient.”

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