What Kemp USA does

Kemp USA is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based manufacturer and wholesaler founded in 2005 by Eddie Gulbenkian, serving EMS, lifeguard, and aquatic facility industries through an exclusive B2B authorized-dealer distribution model. The company operates from a 50,000+ square foot warehouse carrying 580+ product SKUs across three primary lines: EMS equipment (flagship Ultimate EMS Backpack and Mini version, trauma bags, oxygen cylinder bags, firefighter gear, premium bags), patient immobilization (spineboards, extrication collars, KED devices), and water rescue and lifeguard gear (proprietary Grip It Rescue Tube®, throw lines, ring buoys, hip packs, whistles, umbrellas). Supporting categories include CPR equipment (CPR masks, manikins, AEDs, BVMs), first aid kits, mortuary/cot equipment, and pool/aquatic supplies (pool noodles, water aerobics gear, cleaning equipment).

The product technology centers on durable physical manufacturing — 600D tear-resistant nylon for EMS bags, HDPE construction for spineboards with 700 lb load capacity, and x-ray translucent/MRI-compatible designs. Notable proprietary positions include registered trademarks on Grip It Rescue Tube® and Ultimate EMS Backpack, plus a U.S. first-mover position on PFAS-free EMS bag construction. The company maintains deep inventory depth (700+ spine boards in stock) as a deliberate counter-cyclical stance against just-in-time competitors and uses this as a competitive hedge during supply chain disruptions.

Revenue is generated exclusively through wholesale product sales to registered authorized dealers and distributors (domestic mom-and-pops through major retail distributors and eCommerce resellers), supplemented by custom kit assembly and private labeling/embroidery services. Pricing is pay-as-you-go wholesale with stated focus on dealer margin improvement (80% of items dropped or held flat in 2023). The company is bootstrapped, founder-owned (Eddie Gulbenkian remains President), with no disclosed external investors, and supports its dealer channel through an in-house drop shipping program and freight partner relationships, plus marketing investments in content (blog, virtual catalog), social channels, email, dealer locator tools, and trade show participation.

Name

Kemp USA

Legal name

Kemp USA LLC

Website

https://kempusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kemp USA is a Charlotte, NC-based manufacturer and exclusive B2B wholesaler of safety equipment serving EMS agencies, lifeguard organizations, fire departments, healthcare providers, and aquatic facilities through a registered authorized-dealer network, with a 580+ SKU catalog spanning EMS bags, patient immobilization, CPR gear, water rescue, and pool supplies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Medical and Aquatic Safety Equipment Manufacturing and Wholesale

NAICS

Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42345)

SIC

Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports, Outdoor & Adventure Packs Manufacturing (Backpacks/Duffels) (IMAOAHAE)

Keywords

• EMS equipment wholesale
• Lifeguard rescue equipment
• Patient immobilization supplies
• CPR training equipment
• Aquatic safety products

Headquarters

HQ city

Charlotte

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Product Sales: Kemp USA generates revenue through wholesale sales of EMS equipment, lifeguard supplies, and swim gear to authorized dealers and distributors. Products include EMS bags, CPR equipment, water rescue gear, pool supplies, and related safety equipment. Sales are B2B only through registered dealer accounts.
2. Custom Kit Assembly Services: The company assembles custom first aid kits and medical supply packs for various customers including pools, EMS squads, restaurants, campgrounds, public facilities, and state-regulated first aid requirements. Also offers private labeling and product customization including embroidery and screen printing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kemp USA manufactures and wholesales a comprehensive line of physical safety products for the EMS, lifeguard, and swim industries, including EMS bags (Ultimate Backpack, trauma, tactical, oxygen cylinder), CPR equipment (masks, manikins, BVMs), patient immobilization (spineboards, extrication devices), water rescue gear (Grip It Rescue Tubes®, ring buoys, throw lines, PFDs), lifeguard accessories (hip packs, whistles, umbrellas), first aid kits, and custom-assembled medical supply packs. The company sells exclusively B2B through authorized dealer registration, with private labeling and drop shipping services, operating from a 50,000+ sq ft warehouse in Charlotte, NC.

Product overview

Kemp USA is a manufacturer and wholesaler serving the EMS, Lifeguard, and Swim industries with a comprehensive product portfolio spanning emergency medical equipment, water rescue gear, and pool/swim facility supplies. The core offerings center on EMS Bags (including the flagship Ultimate EMS Backpack and Mini version), Patient Immobilization Equipment (spineboards, extrication devices), CPR Equipment (masks, manikins, AEDs, BVMs), and Water Rescue Products (Grip It Rescue Tubes, ring buoys, throw lines). Supporting product lines include First Aid supplies (kits, blankets, thermal blankets), Lifeguard Gear (hip packs, whistles, lanyards, megaphones, umbrellas), Swim & Pool Equipment (cleaning/maintenance, water aerobics gear, goggles), Custom Medical Supply Packs, Mortuary Equipment, and Apparel. Products serve authorized dealers and distributors only, with private labeling and customization available.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Premium Line of EMS bags: Premium line of EMS bags with improved denier nylon, nickel hardware, and reinforced stitching at competitive prices.

Products and services

• Ultimate EMS Backpack Flagship portable EMS storage backpack designed for emergency medical response, featuring multiple pockets, color-coded pouches, and durable 600D tear-resistant nylon construction. Includes two large frontal pockets, side pockets with dividers, and main compartment with utility pouches. Sold to authorized dealers and distributors for resale to EMS agencies, fire departments, and first responders.
• EMS Bags (Full Product Line) Complete line of EMS bags including First Aid Bags, Trauma Bags, Oxygen Cylinder Bags, Tactical Bags, Firefighter Gear bags, Medical Supply Packs, Premium Bags, and Specialty Bags. Designed for emergency medical professionals with fluid-resistant materials and organizational features.
• Ultimate EMS Mini Backpack Compact version of the flagship Ultimate EMS Backpack designed for grab-and-go rapid response scenarios including events, outdoor rescue, urban first aid, training drills, disaster preparedness, and home emergencies.
• CPR Equipment Comprehensive CPR product line including CPR Masks (with O2 inlet, headstrap, gloves and wipes), Manikins, Training equipment, Bag Valve Masks (BVM), CPR Boards, CPR Valves, and AED units. Includes Ambu CPR masks and RapidSeal resuscitator masks.
• Patient Immobilization Equipment Full range of immobilization devices including spineboards (adult/child, aquatic, folding), KED extrication devices, extrication collars, head and leg immobilizers, spineboard straps, and replacement parts. Includes x-ray translucent and waterproof options with high weight capacities.
• AB Adult Spineboard Cost-effective spineboard made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with high-density foam filling. Features 21 handholds, 10 pins for strap securing, 700 lb capacity, 200 lb float capacity, x-ray translucent and MRI/CT scan compatible. Weight 19 lbs, dimensions 72.5 x 17.75 x 2.5 inches.
• Grip It Rescue Tube® Iconic lifeguard rescue tube with registered trademark and mesh design providing added buoyancy and durability. Features GUARD logo and comes in multiple sizes (40", 50", 53") with cut-a-way design options for rapid deployment in water rescue situations.
• Water Rescue Equipment Complete water rescue product line including rescue tubes, ring buoys, rescue cans, throw lines (30ft, 60ft, 75ft), life jackets, PFDs, life vests, throw bags, throwable foam cushions (USCG approved), and pool safety equipment.
• Lifeguard Gear Essential lifeguard equipment including hip packs with supply packs (S1, S2, S3), whistles (Bengal 60, Fox40), rope lanyards (premium and economy), break-away lanyards, megaphones, sunscreen, and umbrellas (6ft vinyl, 5.5ft wind-resistant, 7.5ft heavy-duty beach).
• First Aid Products Comprehensive first aid supplies including first aid kits (custom and standard), AED units, tactical first aid, blankets, emergency thermal blankets (Mylar), wool blankets, fire and first aid blanket bags, bloodborne pathogen kits, OB kits, and general first aid supplies.
• PFAS-Free EMS Bags Innovative PFAS-free EMS bags positioning Kemp USA among the first U.S. manufacturers to eliminate 'forever chemicals' from emergency medical gear while maintaining durability and performance standards.
• Custom First Aid Kits & Medical Supply Packs Custom assembly of first aid kits and medical supply packs for various applications including pools, EMS squads, restaurants, campgrounds, public facilities, and state-regulated requirements. Features private labeling and embroidery options.
• Swim & Pool Equipment Pool and swim facility supplies including pool cleaning/maintenance equipment (vacuums, brushes, skimmers, hoses, pole hangers), water aerobics gear (kickboards, water belts, pool noodles), swim gear, goggles, ropes, towels, and rope floats.
• Mortuary Equipment Mortuary supplies including stretchers, cots, and church trucks for patient transport and handling.
• Apparel EMS and lifeguard apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and visors with GUARD branding options.
• Tactical Equipment Line New 2025 tactical equipment line including combat tourniquets, MOLLE systems, tactical vests, and specialized field gear for emergency response applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 700 Spine Boards in stock and ready to ship immediately
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and supporting.

• AmbucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing strategic partnership with Ambu, a Danish multinational company renowned for innovative hospital, private practice, and rescue service products. Kemp USA has maintained a strong relationship with Ambu over many years and has become their largest supplier of CPR masks. When Ambu announced they would be dropping their CPR Res-Cue Mask product line to focus on endoscopy solutions, Kemp USA positioned to continue serving the market with Ambu products.
• Henry ScheinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHenry Schein is listed as a brand/partner carried by Kemp USA in their product catalog, indicating a distribution or supply relationship for medical and safety equipment products.
• Freight PartnerssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKemp USA has established relationships with deep-discounted freight partners to help dealers manage logistics and supply chain with cost-effective shipping solutions.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bound Tree Medical: Bound Tree Medical is a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of EMS equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals to first responders, fire departments, and EMS agencies — a direct peer in the same B2B wholesale channel as Kemp USA's EMS Bags and patient immobilization product lines.
• Emergency Medical Products (EMP): EMP is a major wholesale distributor of EMS, fire, and rescue equipment, including bags, immobilization devices, and CPR gear, serving the same dealer and agency customer base as Kemp USA with overlapping product categories.
• Dynarex Corporation: Dynarex manufactures and wholesales medical supplies including EMS, first aid, and patient care products. It competes with Kemp USA in the wholesale channel for medical bags, first aid kits, and immobilization devices.
• Allied Healthcare Products: Allied Healthcare Products manufactures and distributes medical gas, resuscitation, and patient handling equipment. Its respiratory and EMS product portfolio overlaps with Kemp USA's CPR masks, BVMs, and immobilization categories.

Emerging players

• Rescue Essentials: Rescue Essentials is a tactical and EMS equipment supplier specializing in kits, bags, and IFAKs (Individual First Aid Kits) — a growing niche peer that intersects with Kemp USA's 2025 tactical equipment and Rip It Kits expansion.

Broad incumbents

• Henry Schein: Henry Schein is a Fortune 500 distributor of medical, dental, and EMS supplies, and is already listed as a brand/partner carried by Kemp USA. It is a broad incumbent that competes in adjacent channels and could squeeze smaller specialty wholesalers.
• McKesson Medical-Surgical: McKesson is one of the largest medical-surgical distributors in North America, supplying hospitals, EMS agencies, and physician offices. It represents the scaled-incumbent threat Kemp USA faces as healthcare procurement consolidates.
• Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health is a major medical products distributor serving hospitals, ambulatory care, and EMS — overlapping Kemp USA's first responder and clinical customer base with significantly greater scale and procurement leverage.
• Medline Industries: Medline is the largest privately held medical manufacturer and distributor in the U.S., with a broad portfolio that includes EMS, exam supplies, and first aid — a broad incumbent whose scale and private-label programs directly overlap with Kemp USA's wholesale offerings.
• Pool Corporation: Pool Corporation is the largest U.S. wholesale distributor of pool and aquatic products. While not focused on lifeguard/EMS, it serves the same swim and pool facility customer base that Kemp USA addresses with its swim and pool equipment line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kemp_usa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCW7ePbzIsese5vPhoUvUb7A
• Facebookfacebook.com/KempUsaLLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kemp-usa-llc
• Instagraminstagram.com/kempusa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kemp USA