Cynamed Trauma Shears (Black) – Safety Medical Scissors with Blunt Tip

First Aid kits are something that most either don’t have, or they are so old that the content expired before many people you know were born. That being said: Have at least one at home, in the car, in the garage, in your bug out bag. AT LEAST!These black metal stamped bandage scissors (or trauma scissors) come from different brands with very little difference. Average price is between $7-$12. Usually they are overpromised as ‘EMT Scissors’ and buzzworded ‘Healthcare’, ‘Paramedic’, ‘ER’, ‘Nurse’ and so on. The truth is that these are just a little better than the household shears from the Dollar Store. They look more tacticool, but I doubt many professionals use them. X-Shears are at around $40, the hardcore Leatherman Raptor can be yours for $70.In daily use a Scotch or 3M will outperform these low-grade trauma shears for harder materials by far. Stanley offers a descent one for $6 with a nice black finish. So why would you want this one?The main feature of bandage scissors is the rounded tip on the lower blade. This prevents hurting skin when cutting through bandages or fabrics. For ergonomics the handle is angled similar to fabric scissors. Keeping the blades parallel to the surface lets you cut faster. The black EMT shears have bigger bows, assuming some first responders wear thick gloves when on the scene and have to deal with thicker materials. It’s more likely that you have to cut away denim pants or heavy fabrics to get to the wound when you are at the scene of an accident. The small silver scissors (often labeled ‘surgical grade’) are the type a nurse would use to open your bandage. These are also not expensive, so while you are at it, get a pair for at home.I took a photo of different low-end scissors: (1) Professional bandage scissors (2) Bandage scissors from an Home First Aid Kit (3) From a First Aid Car Kit (4) Prestige Medical Fluoride Scissor, Black, 7 1/2 Inch (5) Cynamed Trauma Shears. 2 and 3 are junk. If you have one of these in your car/outdoor medical kit, upgrade immediately! 4 and 5 are almost similar in shape and price. The Prestige has a nicer finish and the blades move smoother. But the Cynamed is better because the tips don’t overlap. The overlap makes your scissors get stuck. The fabric will bend the blades slightly apart and you have to wiggle it open. It’s already hard enough pressing the handles together to cut through fabric. Imagine you have to pull it open again to free the blades every few cuts. Get yourself a drink, put on some relaxing music, and try to cut through a towel. You will hate it. Imagine doing the same on the side of the road, with blood, and dirt. The Cynamed will do the job. I tested it. I do miss that towel. Will it last? Yes, for the one time you have to use it. Replace them after. You can still use the old one for Halloween. Give the new one a light coat of WD40, put it in a Ziploc (don’t want to show up with rusty blades!), and keep it where it’s the first thing to grab when you open up your kit. Why four and not five stars? The finish is just not good enough and could be much better. Especially the teeth feel very uneven. I hope it helps.