The Best Trauma Shears for Swift and Safe Cutting
If you work in an emergency or medical setting, then you know how important it is to have the right equipment for the job. You need tools that you can rely on to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This is why trauma shears are a must-have tool. Trauma shears are specialized scissors designed to quickly and safely cut through tough fabrics like seatbelts, clothing, or leather.
In this guide, we’ll share some of our top picks for the top trauma shears of 2024, so you can find the right pair for your needs. We’ll discuss the features to look for when choosing a pair, and provide a few tips for maintaining your shears so they stay sharp and perform for years to come. With the right pair of trauma shears, you’ll be prepared for the toughest of emergencies.
Our Top Picks
- Trauma Shears: A Buyer’s Guide
- People Also Asked
- What are trauma shears and what purpose do they serve?
- What is the difference between regular scissors and trauma shears?
- What materials are trauma shears made of?
- Are there any safety concerns to be aware of when using trauma shears?
- Are there any special techniques for using trauma shears correctly?
- Where can I buy trauma shears?
- How long do trauma shears last?
- Are there any specific maintenance requirements for trauma shears?
- Can trauma shears cut through metal or other hard materials?
- Are there different sizes and styles of trauma shears available?
- Related Reviews
Comparing the Leading Trauma Shears of 2024
Best Overall
The Swiss Safe EMT Trauma Shears offers users heavy-duty bandage scissors of military-grade quality. Constructed with durable and titanium-coated stainless steel, these shears feature a milled serrated blade that is made to cut through the toughest materials in medical emergencies. These shears will provide you with optimal safety and multi-purpose use with a secure grip, precise cutting control, and a tapered safety tip for emergency use.
Beyond their use in medical emergencies, these scissors can be used for other purposes such as cutting through tough fabrics or household projects. And the product’s professional color options will seamlessly blend into a trauma or first aid kit. Whether the need is in an emergency situation or in everyday use, these trauma shears are fantastic for both scenarios, which is why it is our top pick overall.
Pros
- Seat belt cutting capability for emergency situations
- Versatile tool for home and first aid kits
- Sturdy construction for reliable use
- Sharp blades for effective cutting
Cons
- Not sharp enough for some
Most Versatile
The Madison Supply Medical Trauma Shears are made from the highest quality materials and tested to meet clinical standards. These scissors are perfect for medical professionals. It’s 7.5 inches in length and has high-impact handles, as well as premium-quality stainless steel blades coated with fluoride for non-stick Blades.
Designed in the USA, these scissors are designed specifically for trauma and feature powerful milled serrations which can cut through any material no matter how tough. The combination of superior-quality stainless steel and high-impact handles ensures that these medical scissors will provide years of reliable use. They are also autoclavable up to 290º F, making them safe and easy to clean and sterilize. Plus, these medical scissors are versatile enough to cut through rope, clothing, metal, and plastic thanks to those thick serrated blades that can slice through materials with ease.
Pros
- High-quality construction and performance
- Versatile for various cutting tasks
- Comfortable handle
- Built-in wire cutter
Cons
- May be a bit stiff
Best Set
The LEATHERMAN Raptor Rescue Emergency Trauma Shears and Utility Holster is an excellent choice for medical professionals and everyday people who need a reliable tool for emergency situations. Featuring six essential tools that can be accessed quickly and easily, this toolbox in a pouch provides unparalleled access to emergency medical supplies.
The specially designed sheath allows you to carry your Raptor Rescue open or closed, so you’re always prepared. Not only is the sheath lightweight and comfortable, but it also allows you to choose between belt-friendly utility or MOLLE-compatible styles. And the pocket clip ensures these shears will never leave your side even if you don’t have a belt on.
When it comes to tools, these shears have it all. This package includes the folding emergency response shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench, and a carbide glass breaker. All of these pieces are tucked into one convenient package that can be securely attached anywhere. Plus, it’s all made from superior craftsmanship and comes with a 25-year warranty.
Pros
- Reliable design with useful features
- Several colors to choose from
- Effortlessly cuts through a variety of materials
- Includes secure belt holster for convenient carrying
Cons
- Steel quality is prone to rusting
Best Value
The MEUUT Medical Trauma Shears set is a professional-grade medical tool for precision control and maximum comfort. The upgraded blades are made of 440 stainless steel, providing greater strength and hardness than other scissors. And the set comes with two 8-inch long black shears, so you can keep them in different places.
The ergonomic soft grip handle adds to the effectiveness of these scissors, allowing for a comfortable grip when cutting through just about any material. Plus, these 100,000 times cutting test passed trauma shears have milled serrations and a fluoride-coated non-stick surface to increase the reliability of use. These scissors can be used to cut through ribbon, burlap, rope, car seat belts, and leather. It can also remove wounded clothes, gauze, tape, bandages, and many more items. The durable rivet will work to ensure that each cut is as precise and efficient over time. And each scissor is also manually assembled and hand tested to ensure you only get the highest quality product.
Pros
- Very sharp blades
- Sturdy construction ensures durability
- Comfortable to use
- Affordable price
Cons
- May get dull quickly
Most Comfortable
The Xshear Extreme Duty Trauma Shears are designed with emergency healthcare providers in mind. These tough and durable medical scissors boast hardened stainless steel blades twice as thick as most shears, a specially designed heavy-duty center bolt that won’t loosen or flex, and soft-touch inner handles for comfort and slip resistance.
The patent-pending blunt tip and curved design of these shears allow for a gentle edge near the skin, making them an ideal choice for paramedics, EMTs, nurses, and other emergency healthcare providers. Each pair of shears even comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a five-year warranty, offering peace of mind to anyone making a purchase. With their heavy-duty construction, patented design elements, and generous warranty, you can trust that your purchase will provide long-lasting reliability in nearly any medical emergency situation.
Pros
- High-quality and durable
- Thick blades for smooth cutting
- Comfortable, non-snagging rubber handles
- Suitable for EMTs and other medical professionals
Cons
- More expensive than similar trauma shears
Trauma Shears: A Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right trauma shears can be a daunting task since there’s such a large number of options and features to think about. To help make the decision a bit easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will cover all the essential aspects you’ll want to take into consideration before selecting trauma shears.
What To Consider Before Buying Trauma Shears
Safety features
When selecting trauma shears, make sure you consider any safety features they come with. This includes the type of handle design, blade length, and locking feature that helps keep the blades closed when not in use.
Design
The design of the trauma shears can have an effect on performance, comfort, and safety. Make sure to look for models that provide a comfortable grip with ergonomic handles that allow you to work with precision. And try to find models that have a blade length and cutting capacity suited to your needs.
Cutting capacity
When selecting trauma shears, make sure you take the cutting capacity or blade length of the device into consideration. Different models will provide different blades that are suitable for different materials and applications. If you’re going to be using them for cutting through thick material such as leather or heavy fabric then you’ll need thick blades with longer lengths whereas if you’re just using them on softer materials like cotton, shorter and thinner blades will probably do.
Durability
Trauma shears should be durable enough to withstand daily use over an extended period of time without breaking or needing repair. When choosing between different brands and models, make sure you consider the type of material they’re made of and how long they are expected to last before needing replacement blades or repair. Look for models that are made with stainless steel or titanium which are known for being more durable than other materials.
Ease of use
The amount of effort needed to properly use trauma shears should also play a role in your decision-making process. It’s a good idea to find models that are easy to open and close without putting too much strain on your wrists or hands so that you can complete your tasks quickly and comfortably without tiring yourself out. And check to see whether the model offers a locking feature so they don’t remain open when not in use (which can be dangerous if left unattended around children or pets).
Blade sharpness
Make sure you check out reviews from users on what they have experienced regarding blade sharpness as this can affect the accuracy of your cuts.
Comfort
When evaluating trauma shear designs look for ones with ergonomic handles that will provide good grip and comfort while being used. Inspect the surface texture of the handles if applicable as some models may have rougher texture that could cause skin irritation during extended use.
People Also Asked
What are trauma shears and what purpose do they serve?
Trauma shears are a type of scissors used by medical personnel, emergency responders, and first responders to quickly and safely cut through clothing, fabric, bandages, gauze, tape, and other materials in order to assess a patient's injuries in emergency situations.
What is the difference between regular scissors and trauma shears?
Trauma shears have longer, thicker, and sharper blades than regular scissors, making them more durable and easier to use with heavier materials. They often have rounded tips to prevent puncture wounds as well.
What materials are trauma shears made of?
Trauma shears are usually made of stainless steel or titanium for durability and strength. They may also have plastic or rubber grips for comfort when using them.
Are there any safety concerns to be aware of when using trauma shears?
Yes, when using trauma shears, it is important to be aware that the blades can be extremely sharp and can easily cause cuts if they are not handled carefully.
Are there any special techniques for using trauma shears correctly?
Yes, when using trauma shears you’ll need to keep the blades pointed away from yourself and the patient at all times in order to ensure safety. It’s also important to take your time and cut slowly (if the situation allows for it) in order to ensure an accurate cut without accidentally cutting through the material or even the person’s skin.
Where can I buy trauma shears?
Trauma shears can be bought online or from medical supply stores.
How long do trauma shears last?
The lifespan of trauma shears varies depending on the material they are made from and how often they are used, but typically they will last for several years if you take care of them and use them properly.
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for trauma shears?
Yes, you’ll want to regularly clean the blades of trauma shears with an alcohol wipe or soap and water in order to keep them free of dirt and avoid rusting or corrosion over time. You’ll also want to keep the blades sharp (a professional service is usually best).
Can trauma shears cut through metal or other hard materials?
No, trauma shears should not be used on metal or other hard materials as this may damage the blades or cause them to become dull over time. And it may even cause injury to yourself!
Are there different sizes and styles of trauma shears available?
Yes, there are different sizes and styles of trauma shears available depending on the type of material you need to cut through as well as user preference such as grip type or size of blade. But generally, most of them are pretty similar in size (about 5.5 to 7.5 inches or more).