The 7 Best Trauma Shears
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in April of 2018. Whether you're a nurse responsible for removing a patient's bandage during a routine follow-up or an emergency responder forced to slice through seatbelts or clothing, having a pair of trauma shears at your disposal can prepare you for any eventuality. Similar in shape to ordinary scissors, their blades are specifically designed to cut through thick and tough materials. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Leatherman Raptor
2. Madison EMT
3. Surviveware Trauma
Editor's Notes
May 26, 2020:
While trauma shears and Swiss Army knives aren't identical in design or purpose, I've always thought of both tools as being somewhat similar in design due to their versatility. Both tools can be used for survival. While the Swiss Army knife is used as a multi-tool for manipulating outdoor environments, a pair of trauma shears is primarily geared to the medical profession, meaning it's best for cutting through bandages, clothes, fabrics, and other thick materials without harming human skin. Trauma shears can be used by any combination of surgeons, nurses, or emergency responders who need to act fast in potentially life-threatening situations.
Our focus has been on including dependable models with durable blades and comfortable handles to withstand the rigors of any hospital or extreme outdoor environments. One of the justifications for providing a comparison between trauma shears and Swiss Army knives is the Leatherman Raptor. In addition to its normal cutting action, it offers the benefits of five additional tools, including a ring cutter, ruler, and carbide glass breaker.
We've also added the XShear Extreme for their patent-pending curved tip and edge, which ensure gentle cutting around human skin. This comes in quite handy when used in an emergency room where it may be necessary to remove a patient's clothes quickly before beginning an operation.
For those with large hands, we've included the Carabiner Tactical, which offer injection-molded plastic handles and wide finger holes for a secure grip.
If you're looking for something that resembles a first aid kit, the Swiss Safe EMT Kit has just about everything you'll need for the field, all stored in a convenient holster for easy transport.
Special Honors
Grainger For over 90 years, Grainger has been a major distributor of industrial products and safety supplies to both public and private sector customers. The company currently sells over one million items, including trauma kits, shears, EMT and rescue supplies, and much more. Grainger also provides benefit management, emergency, energy, and inventory management services. grainger.com
4. XShear Extreme
5. Carabiner Tactical
6. First Lifesaver Medical Rescue
7. Swiss Safe EMT Kit
Jeff is a dedicated writer and communications professional from San Francisco with a bachelor of arts in anthropology from UC Berkeley. He began his career in computer consulting and later branched out into customer service. Jeff focuses on making complex topics easy to understand. With over 10 years' experience in research, his relentless curiosity fuels a love of writing and learning how things work, and has helped to build expertise in categories such as heavy-duty power tools and computer equipment. Jeff's passion for animals affords him a strong understanding of pet products, including dog houses, beds, and grain-free foods. When he's not writing, he prefers spending time with his family and three dogs, while kicking back and relaxing with a nice glass of red wine.