Scissors are a specialized tool included in any comprehensive first aid kit. Their primary purpose is to ensure speed and patient safety during an emergency response. Having the right cutting instrument allows first responders to quickly access an injury and manage treatment materials. This specialized utility is essential for triage and immediate care.
Identifying the Correct Tool
The specialized scissors found in first aid kits are known as trauma shears, or paramedic shears. These tools are engineered specifically for medical use, featuring blades made from high-grade stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. An angled design in the blade and handle provides better leverage and maneuverability. This allows for efficient cutting close to a patient’s body without awkward hand positions.
The defining safety feature is the blunt tip, which prevents accidental puncture or laceration of the patient’s skin while the shears are slid underneath fabric. Many trauma shears also incorporate a serrated edge on one blade. This design grips slick or tough materials, ensuring a clean cut through items like heavy denim, leather, or nylon seatbelts. This construction enables them to withstand the rigorous demands of an emergency environment.
Primary Function: Accessing the Injury
The primary function of trauma shears is the rapid removal of clothing to expose a wound or injury site for assessment and treatment. Taking the time to carefully undress a patient in an emergency can be impractical or dangerous. Trauma shears allow a first responder to cut through garments such as jeans, jackets, shirts, and boots quickly and efficiently.
The blunt tip is designed to slide safely between the patient’s skin and the clothing, lifting the material away before the cut is made. This minimizes the risk of accidentally cutting the person, even through multiple layers of thick fabric. A common technique involves cutting along the seams of a garment, which are often the weakest structural points. This fully opens the clothing and prevents unnecessary movement of an injured limb or torso. This ability to quickly visualize the full extent of the injury is important for effective triage.
Secondary Function: Managing Dressings
Trauma shears are essential for preparing and managing the materials used in the treatment phase of first aid. They allow for custom-sizing various medical supplies. This includes cutting rolls of gauze, non-adherent pads, and medical tape to the exact dimensions needed to cover a wound properly.
The shears are also well-suited for adjusting the length of stretch bandages, athletic wraps, or triangular bandages used for splinting and immobilization. A precise cut ensures the dressing or wrap applies the intended pressure or coverage without unnecessary bulk or fraying. Bandage scissors, a smaller version of trauma shears, are frequently included for more delicate work, such as removing old dressings or cutting suture material.
Techniques for Safe Operation
Safe operation of trauma shears requires maintaining control. Always ensure the blunt tip is inserted under the material and remains closest to the patient’s skin throughout the cutting motion. Using a firm, comfortable grip on the handles allows for consistent control and precision, reducing the chance of the blades slipping.
After any use, particularly when the shears have contacted blood or other bodily fluids, they must be cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of pathogens. The initial step involves removing any visible debris with a wipe or a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water. Following this, the shears should be disinfected using a commercial medical disinfectant wipe or a diluted bleach mixture. Ensure they are rinsed and dried thoroughly afterward to prevent corrosion.