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