Thinking of adding some EMT shears to my kit for their intended use, plus general repair, inprovisation, sewing, etcetera.

Seeing prices from $3 and up. Like the idea of the minis.

I do not know how to tell good ones from others.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

The only minis I've tried were pretty floppy. Better than nothing but not very impressive.

I've tried the full size cheapies too, for a buck or two. They cut, but again they flex and dive under heavy cutting. Though note that they spring back into shape so they aren't permanently disabled. Still, not my choice for serious use.

I tried one of these and bought about five more pair: http://www.leevalley.com/home/page.aspx?c=2&cat=51222&p=44099 . Their 'clamshell scissors' are the same thing with rounded tips on both the top and bottom: http://www.leevalley.com/home/PrintPage.aspx?c=1&p=59398 . I can cut doubled-up jeans, including seams, without them flopping around. Very strong, and easy to resharpen also. These are the ones that travel with me on airlines in my radically-enhanced FAK (context is important, ya know?). Security doesn't even bother to open the kit, they know what they are.

No doubt the medical folks will be able to advise on the best of the best. I'd like to know what they use.

You can choose stamped emt scissors from Pakistan (American Science and Surplus often has decent examples at $2), or you can get a forged version by googling "lister bandage scissors". Stamped versions work pretty well for the money, but I have been unsuccessful in sharpening or tightening them after they get loose and dull. The forged versions are more amenable to such tinkering. Size matters: the bigger ones are more effective. Orthopedic surgeons use 8" super cuts ( http://www.amazon.com/Moore-Medical-Super-cut-Bandage-Scissors/dp/B0015TB5V8) at $164.93; and they do indeed cut nicely.

I have a couple of the EMT shears from countycomm for 7 or 8 dollars. Haven't used them much but they seem fine. Yes, they do cut pennies quite easily.

Is there a Mora-type, inexpensive-but-quality, sweet spot EMT shear?

I have both the American Science & Surplus version and the Countycomm version. In my mind, these http://countycomm.com/premiumshears.htm are the ones that fill the "inexpensive-but-quality" niche.

I have no affiliation with AS&S or Countycomm except as a happy customer.

So countycomm shears get two votes for good value!

Any of the < $5 shears are probably all the same. You can get them at uniform stores, Target, swap meets... I'd recommend a swap meet, simply b/c you can try the ones out before you get them.

County Comm is fine, if you like dropping $10 for a week's worth of shipping.

Also, be careful what you buy. Trauma shears are NOT the same as bandage shears.

I'd consider the Fiskars Garden Shears: http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=196298#Post196298

$8-9, tough, hard to lose color. Available at Wally world, Probably at Home Depot/Lowes, similar offerings at fabric and craft stores.

Other "Kitchen Shears" made by other manufacturers tend to be quite good as well.

Make it 3 votes for the County Comm units. I have 3 of them and have used them on everything from clothing, to wire and they work well.

As far as durability, at around eight bucks a pair, buy a few. I have them in different locations and have used them pretty frequently. So far they hold up pretty well.

Is it better to buy cheap ones you wouldn't hesitate to discard if you used them to cut bloody/contaminated clothing off of someone, or more expensive ones that last, but now you have to figure out how to de-contaminate them without ruining them?

Whatever pair $of EMT shears you get, put the hinge between a vicegrip so it tightens the hinge befor use. This makes for a better cut and less wobble.

It doesn't really matter, since they're all autoclave-able. You can also just dump them into some bleach.

I can't say I ever broke a pair or tossed it from blood. I have lost them before.

Any good reviews of EMT shears out there?

I have searched without success.

Is this just a buyer beware situation?

Dweste, if you scroll back on this thread, you'll see reviews.

I can tell you they don't work very well as pruning shears (DD demonstrated that to me). We said a reluctant farewell to that pair, its hinge loosened beyond repair.

These are generally semi-disposable items, usually provided by the employing agency.

When the manufacturers come up with more bling (cocabola handles instead of black plastic and engraved blades) perhaps there will be an EMT shears forum (tentative name - shear delight).

Get a quality EMSCutter even if it costs a lot, I have this in my medicpack: Rescue Scissors ROBIN® Safety Boy - The Original
This cutter is superb !! Not a mini though...

I bought mine from the german vendor (soehngen.com) but Aeromedix.com have it as well as other sites. The price is $69.95

Rescue Scissors at Aeromedix.com

In my SUV FAK which is set up for people and dogs, I carry the regular EMT shears with the plastic handle and a pair of the smaller stainless version. I have dogs and if I had to cut a bandage the smaller ones just seem to work better as well as being easier to handle for me. I picked mine up at a medical supply store.

The smaller type of scissors are not actually EMT shears, they are Lister scissors. Made for cutting bandages, tape, gauze, etc. EMT shears, will also cut the same things and they are also good for the rapid cutting of clothing.

I wouldn't spend more than 5 or 6 dollars for a pair of either type. There's no need to do so with the availability of them on the web and in stores.

There are plenty of EMS suppliers that will sell to the public, some of them sell the stamped EMT shears for a couple of dollars per pair, even with shipping they're cheap.

And yes, as someone has alluded to, you can in fact cut a penny in half with a pair of the EMT shears.

JohnE