7 Best Trauma Shears for EMTs, Nurses and Doctors

Trauma shears are indispensable tools for professionals in the medical and survival fields. Their ability to effortlessly slice through rigid materials such as clothing, seat belts, bandage dressings, tape rope, wires, and more plays a crucial role in emergency medical care.

However, the sheer number of designs available on the market can be overwhelming.

To simplify the buying process, we have compiled a list of several useful designs that cater to virtually every situation, from outdoor survival to the emergency room.

This comprehensive guide includes some of the most valuable trauma shear designs, ranging from heavy-duty multi-functional scissors to budget-friendly, well-built medical shears for emergency use.

What sets these shears apart is the input of experts in the field of emergency medicine, such as EMS/EMTs, special operations teams, and firefighters, who contributed their valuable advice and expertise to the design process.

The LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Shears feature numerous enhancements over traditional trauma shears. Made of 420HC stainless steel, they are highly durable and reliable. When closed, they measure 1.9″ in length, but when open, they offer a cutting length of approximately 5″. This means you can expect a superior cutting experience while maintaining optimal portability when not in use.

These medical shears offer multiple carrying options, allowing quick and easy storage and access. They come with a stealth utility sheath or the option for MOLLE-compatible operation. You can carry them with open access or in portable closed mode, secure them to your side, attach them to a MOLLE-compatible product, or even place them in your EMS/EMT tactical pants pocket.

Finally, the LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Shears feature six different tools, including foldable medical shears, a ring cutter, a strap cutter, a ruler, a carbide glass breaker, and an oxygen tank wrench. This product is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the best trauma shears.

With a 25-year limited warranty (at the time of writing), you can be sure that your LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Shears will provide you with a great long-term experience.

LEATHERMAN Raptor Emergency Shears Features:

• These shears are made of 420HC stainless steel
• The shears are 1.9″ when closed and approximately 5″ in overall size, making them both functional and portable
• They have multiple carrying options, including a stealth utility sheath or MOLLE-compatible operation
• It includes six tools: fordable medical shears, a ring cutter, a strap cutter, a ruler, a carbide glass breaker, and an oxygen tank wrench
• 25-year limited warranty for long-term dependability

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These cutting scissors come equipped with a sharp edge and mill serrations capable of cutting through various materials, from bandages to clothing. The fluoride-coated stainless steel also ensures the scissors remain free from unwanted stickiness when cutting tape, bandages/dressings, or other sticky materials.

Furthermore, these medical scissors incorporate a durable high-impact plastic handle that significantly improves cutting efficiency and comfort while ensuring long-lasting performance.

It’s no surprise why Madison Medical Scissors are the go-to choice for EMTs/EMS, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They’re also highly sought after in workshops for sewing or industrial machine complexes. These scissors are a must-have for anyone who values quality and precision.

Madison Supply Medical Scissors Features:

• They are autoclavable and have a 7.5″ width, providing an efficient cutting area while remaining portable and comfortable
• The scissors feature a sharp edge and mill serrations to cut through various materials
• Fluoride-coated stainless steel prevents unwanted stickiness when cutting tape, bandages/dressings, or other sticky materials
• The medical scissors incorporate a durable high-impact plastic handle for long-lasting performance
• The longer design also provides improved cutting efficiency and comfort

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One of the standout features of these snips is their comfortable blade handles, which allow you to make extended cutting sessions without experiencing any significant pain or discomfort. This feature is especially essential when cutting through rigid textiles.

Moreover, the adhesive-resistant serrated blades of the Clauss Titanium Bonded Bent Snips provide a sharp edge that can separate various materials, including nylon, denim, leather, wires, rope, and seat belts. This versatility makes them perfect for a wide range of applications.

Measuring approximately 7″, these trauma shears are compact enough to fit in a first aid kit, carrying bag, or travel case, making them ideal for emergency care, workshops, and home or office use. With their excellent multipurpose use, Clauss Titanium Bonded Bent Snips are a must-have for anyone who values quality, durability, and versatility.

Clauss Titanium Bonded Bent Snips Features:

• Clauss Titanium Bonded Bent Snips are highly durable scissors with titanium-bonded blades
• The titanium bonded blades are up to 3X stronger than stainless steel and corrosion-resistant
• Thick, comfortable blade handles allow extended cutting sessions without causing significant pain or discomfort
• The adhesive-resistant serrated blades provide a sharp edge that can separate various materials
• These trauma shears measure approximately 7″

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These shears deliver exceptional performance and durability and are especially useful for cutting through gauze, dressings, clothing, and other fabrics commonly encountered in medical emergencies.

One of the standout features of these shears is their autoclavable design, which makes them suitable for use in various environments without fear of breaking or loosening. With a length of 7.5 inches, they provide an optimal blade length and comfortable finger holds, making them easy to carry and maneuver.

The blades are made of Japanese stainless 420 steel, ensuring a sharp edge with milled serrations for effortless cutting. Additionally, the blades have a blunted tip that protects the skin from accidental nicks and cuts during use.

The high-impact plastic grips and large finger handles make these shears practical for individuals with various hand sizes. They are lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand frequent use.

Overall, Madison Supply Stainless Steel Trauma Shears are an affordable and long-lasting cutting tool that belongs in every first aid kit or pocket. With their exceptional performance, durability, and practical design, they are sure to provide users with reliable service for years to come.

Madison Supply Stainless Steel Trauma Shears Features:

• Ideal for cutting gauze, dressings, clothing, and other fabrics in medical emergencies
• They utilize an autoclavable design to accommodate various environments without breaking, loosening, or falling apart
• The blades comprise Japanese stainless 420 steel with a sharp edge with milled serrations for cutting
• The blades also incorporate a blunted tip to protect the skin when in close contact
• High-impact plastic grips and large finger handles allow for practical usage in most hands
• It comfortably in a first aid kit or a pocket and provide years of lasting performance at an affordable price

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The blades of these medical scissors are made of high-quality 420 stainless steel, which reduces rusting and increases durability, making them an excellent investment in the long run. Additionally, the blades feature an angled architecture that helps users make precise cuts on flat surfaces. This feature provides better accuracy without worrying about the cutting angle of the user’s hand.

It also means users don’t have to be concerned with the handle getting in their way.

Prestige’s Medical Fluoride Scissor provides a 7.5″ form factor from handle to tip. This size is standard among the trauma shear market and gives the user a sufficiently sized blade for most cutting materials. The scissors are available in four colors: black, royal blue, purple, and hot pink.

Finally, these medical scissors come with a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects at writing, providing the user an added level of security.

Prestige Medical Fluoride Scissors Features:

• Non-stick surface due to the fluoride coating minimizes residue interference from adhesives
• The scissors provide a 7.5″ form factor, standard among the trauma shear market
• These scissors are autoclavable and can withstand usage in higher-than-average temperatures
• The blades are made of high-quality 420 stainless steel to reduce rusting, improve durability, and allow for long-lasting use
• It features an angled architecture that helps users make precise cuts on flat surfaces
• Prestige’s Medical Fluoride Scissor is available in 4 colors: black, royal blue, purple, and hot pink

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Such thickness ensures the edges remain sharp and dependable even after repeated use.

The serrated lower blade of these shears allows for improved cutting efficiency, making it the perfect tool for EMTs/EMS, paramedics, nurses, physicians, and doctors. The front of the blades is blunted and rounded, ensuring it is safe to use near the skin. This feature reduces the risk of accidental injury, allowing medical professionals to work with confidence.

These trauma shears feature a heavy-duty center bolt that provides support and durability, reducing the probability of the blade loosening over time. In addition, the soft-touch handles offer sufficient finger space and comfort, making it easy to use even for extended periods.

The exterior of XSHEAR Black Titanium Coated Trauma Shears is coated with titanium, providing a sleek and elegant appearance while improving performance. Medical professionals tired of throwing away disposable shears can rely on these trauma shears for a long-term solution.

In summary, XSHEAR Black Titanium Coated Trauma Shears are the perfect tool for healthcare providers who require a dependable cutting tool that ensures safety, comfort, and efficiency. With a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 5-year warranty at the time of writing, there’s no reason not to try these fantastic trauma shears.

XSHEAR 7.5″ Titanium Trauma Shear Features:

• These shears feature hardened Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades with a serrated lower blade for improved cutting
• The stainless steel blades are 2X thicker than other medical shears on the market, making them more dependable
• It incorporates a titanium-coated exterior that further improves performance and provides an elegant appearance
• The medical blades’ front is blunted and rounded to improve protection when used near the skin
• A heavy-duty center bolt provides support and durability, reducing the blade’s probability of loosening over time
• Soft-touch handles allow for sufficient finger space and comfort

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Crafted from high-quality Japanese surgical stainless steel, with precision milled serrations, these medical-grade shears provide highly efficient cutting and long-term blade sharpness. The stainless steel composition of the blade makes it a versatile tool, capable of cutting through bandages, medical tape, seat-belt webbing, and even leather materials.

The Stainless Steel Carabiner Trauma Shears are also designed to be easy to clean, ensuring worry-free washing and maintenance of sanitary conditions. Moreover, they come with smooth injection-molded handles that provide maximum comfort during usage.

Measuring 7.5″ long from blade to handle, these shears fall within the general medical shear length, providing effective cutting while maintaining ease of mobility. To make it even more convenient, these shears feature a patented steel-reinforced carabiner that allows for quick attachment to clothing, medical work bags, or backpacks.

These shears are a low-cost option for healthcare workers and everyday use, and they come in several chic colors, including black, red, and neon pink. With all these features and benefits, the Stainless Steel Carabiner Trauma Shears are an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient cutting tool.

Stainless Steel Carabiner Trauma Shear Features:

• Stainless Steel Carabiner Trauma Shears is an alternative design to traditional shears
• Made of medical-grade Japanese surgical stainless steel with precision milled serrations for efficient cutting and long-term blade sharpness
• Easy to clean and come with smooth injection molded handles for comfort
• Measures 7.5″ in length from blade to handle, allowing for effective cutting while maintaining easy mobility
• Cuts through bandages, medical tape, seat-belt webbing, and leather materials
• Features a patented steel-reinforced carabiner for quick attachment to clothing, medical work bags, or a backpack

How to Choose High-Quality Trauma Shears

Understanding how to choose top-notch trauma shears is essential, particularly when cutting through challenging materials. When working outdoors, you have limited supplies at your disposal. Therefore, it is crucial to select the most suitable trauma shears that allow you to cut through heavy-duty wires, ropes, seat belts, and straps with ease.

Opting for reliable trauma shears is imperative to ensure a seamless work experience. Nevertheless, selecting the most suitable trauma shears depends primarily on your unique situation and needs. There are several things to consider to narrow down your choices and find the ideal trauma shears suited for you.

Firstly, you must consider your work environment and the individuals you will be helping. This will help you determine whether standard or high-grade trauma shears best fit your needs.

What Environment Do You Work In?

• At a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office
• Emergency care setting
• Outdoors
• As an EMT, EMS, or Paramedic

If you work in a non-emergency setting or use trauma shears occasionally, you may find that budget-friendly options will suffice. However, if you are an EMT, paramedic, or trauma nurse who uses trauma shears daily, it is essential to invest in premium shears. This ensures that your shears will not break or struggle with cutting, providing dependable performance when needed.

Additionally, high-end trauma shears can offer additional versatility that may be essential for your work. For example, they may have a windshield breaker for quick vehicle access. These heavy-duty tools provide everything from basic functionality to advanced features, such as glass breakers, special wire cutters, multi-tools, and other accessories.

These features allow you to quickly handle unexpected situations and provide immediate assistance to those in need. While high-quality shears are a must-have, it is also important to consider the functionality of various trauma shears to determine the best one for your needs. Therefore, take the time to explore the features of different trauma shears before making a purchase.

Factors To Consider When Buying Trauma Shears:

• Build quality
• Features
• Length
• Comfort
• Price

There are certain factors that have a significant impact on the functionality, versatility, and quality of a particular tool. Therefore, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with these features in order to understand their importance and how they can affect your experience.

I will provide you with a detailed description of these characteristics to assist you in making an informed decision when selecting the most suitable trauma shears for your situation.

Build Quality

When selecting the most dependable trauma shears, the build quality is undoubtedly the most crucial factor to consider. This encompasses a variety of aspects, such as the materials used, the design, and the manufacturing process. Depending on the manufacturer, trauma shear blades may be constructed from various materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or other metals.

In addition, they may incorporate plastics, synthetics, or rubber for the handles.

The quality of materials and the manufacturing process can significantly impact the performance and durability of your trauma shears. When it comes to durability, the handles and hinge are common points of failure on low-end trauma shears. Therefore, it is crucial to choose high-quality materials to avoid the potential for breakage after just a few weeks or months of use.

It’s important to mention that the longevity of the shears is directly proportional to the premium of the materials used. Premium trauma shears come with a higher price tag but are more reliable and long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Trauma Shear Characteristics:

• Autoclavable design
• Reinforced hinge for heavy-duty cutting
• Serrated edges
• Rust resistance
• Anti-stick coating
• Heat resistance
• Allergen-free materials

When selecting trauma shears, you must prioritize durability. You want a blade that can withstand constant use without becoming dull or rusted. Equally important are the handles – they should be well-built and securely fastened to ensure a comfortable and safe grip. Finally, take note of the hinge – it should be reinforced with high-quality components to ensure a long lifespan.

While high-quality trauma shears are more expensive, investing in them will provide a superior cutting experience and a longer blade. Premium shears also make it easier to cut through tough materials without straining or damaging the shears. If you want to build a comprehensive first-aid kit, consider purchasing premium trauma shears.

These shears come with additional features that can be invaluable in emergency situations.

Features

When purchasing trauma shears, it is also vital to consider the supplementary features. This is particularly important if you operate in outdoor settings where resources may be scarce. While many individuals only think of the cutting aspect, numerous additional features can prove to be extremely valuable.

Premium shears offer an array of supplementary features that allow for enhanced versatility during emergency situations. It is worth investing in such shears to ensure you have the necessary tools to handle any situation. Features you can expect to find from high-end trauma shears include:

• A belt clip or holster
• Foldable, portable design
• A ring cutter
• Strap cutter
• Ruler
• Carbide glass breaker
• Multi-tool (i.e.screwdriver, flat-head, etc.)
• Can opener
• Oxygen tank wrench

While these features may not be essential for individuals working within a clinical, hospital, or office setting, they do prove highly beneficial for those in professions such as EMTs/EMS, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, electricians, and those who frequently participate in outdoor activities. The additional features can significantly enhance any tool kit, first aid kit, hiking gear, or motor vehicle.

Blade Length

When selecting a trauma shears blade, it’s crucial to consider its impact on versatility, performance, and portability. Typically, most trauma shears are approximately 7 to 7 1/2 inches long, enabling healthcare professionals to have an appropriate cutting blade while still being easily portable for mobility. If you require high-portability trauma shears, it’s recommended that you stick within this range.

This ensures that your shears are long enough to perform effectively without being too heavy to carry around. Moreover, most shears feature an angled blade, which allows for more manageable and accurate cuts. Therefore, when choosing trauma shears, make sure that the shears feature a curved or angled blade.

This feature is particularly essential when cutting dressings, bandages, and tape close to the skin. Lastly, it’s crucial to consider the length of the shears for storage, packing, and carrying purposes.

Many medical first-aid kits are compact and require small tools for storage and transport. Thus, when assembling a medical kit, ensure your gear fits comfortably inside the case to avoid compromising the bag’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Grip Comfort

Achieving comfort when using trauma shears is crucial. The ease of cutting and the feeling of the handles are the primary factors that contribute to comfort. If you use your trauma shears frequently, comfort becomes even more critical. To reduce discomfort and enable easier cutting, it is recommended to use soft and supportive grip handles made from rubber or high-quality plastics.

The pliability and comfort of the grip play a significant role in the ease of cutting, making it unnecessary to exert pressure on delicate fingers when working on tough fabrics or materials. A durable yet smooth scissor hinge and assistive cutting angle further enhance the comfort of using the shears.

When selecting comfortable trauma shears, it is essential to consider various physical characteristics such as scissor length, serrated blades, anti-stick/rust properties, hinge durability, cutting angle, and handle material. By focusing on these factors, you can ensure a comfortable and efficient cutting experience.

Price

Although many different types of trauma shears are available, most medical scissors will fall within the price range of $8 to $25. However, if you are looking for a high-end option, you can spend $35 to $100 or more, particularly if you are seeking multi-tool or multi-functionality.

There are several factors to consider when determining the cost of trauma shears. These include the materials used in their construction, their build quality, the brand that produces them, and their market value. As a result, the price range for trauma shears can vary significantly.

If you are looking for an affordable option, there are trauma shears available that offer standard performance and are made from materials that will last for a few months. While these shears may come with more moderate warranties, they can be an excellent choice for individuals on a budget or those who don’t require high-end trauma shears.

Budget-friendly options may be suitable if you only need standard trauma shears for occasional cutting. However, if you will be using them frequently, it is recommended that you invest in high-quality shears that offer the best long-term performance. As the price increases, you can expect to find higher-quality features and design components that will make your shears even more effective.

Premium Trauma Shear Features Include:

• An autoclavable design
• Improved build quality
• Premium metals, plastics, and rubber
• Anti-stick/rust characteristics
• Reinforced hinges
• Sharper serrated blades

It’s important to remember that when browsing for trauma shears, not all models have the same additional features. Some may offer multi-tools, glass breakers, or ring cutters, while others may not. It’s imperative to factor in these features when selecting the right pair of shears that caters to your specific needs.

If your occupation involves working in emergency or outdoor settings, investing in top-of-the-line cutting shears is essential. They offer unparalleled performance when it matters the most. Additionally, be sure to choose a pair of shears with a reliable warranty. This will provide peace of mind knowing that you can easily replace or have them repaired should they malfunction or break.

Trauma Shears vs. Bandage Scissors

Many people often wonder about the differences between trauma shears and bandage scissors, as the two designs appear quite similar in terms of usage and appearance. However, there are some distinct differences that set the two types of scissors apart. For instance, trauma shears are often longer and thicker than bandage scissors, which provides greater stability when cutting through denser materials.

This feature can be especially important in high-stress fields such as emergency medical services, firefighting, outdoor survival, and emergency rescue.

Additionally, trauma shears typically have larger blades with variations in serration and coating, which greatly enhances the cutting experience when dealing with tougher textiles such as clothing, leather, wires, and seat belts. Conversely, bandage scissors are smaller, thinner, and lighter than trauma shears, which makes them more suitable for making delicate cuts on bandages, dressings, and medical tape.

Their compact and lightweight design also allows for easy storage in a pocket or carrying case. Bandage scissors are ideal for precise cuts when removing bandages, especially around sensitive or injured flesh.

In summary, while both trauma shears and bandage scissors can be used interchangeably in emergency situations, medical professionals must use each scissor for its intended purpose, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Trauma shears are designed for heavy-duty support and cutting through tough and thick materials, while bandage scissors are best suited for delicate cutting and precise removal of bandages.

Where To Buy Trauma Shears

This informative article delves into the topic of trauma shears, a vital tool for medical professionals, and their availability on Amazon.com. While Amazon.com is widely recognized for its vast selection of products, other online retailers like Walmart.com offer these shears as well.

Additionally, you can also purchase them from well-known brick-and-mortar stores such as Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Walgreens, and medical suppliers. However, availability may vary depending on the location and supplier of the store. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to contact your local retailer to confirm if they offer these essential tools. It’s worth noting that some stores may not have adequate supplies.

Therefore, selecting the most convenient and reliable store that meets your needs is essential.