Bandage scissors are essential in first aid kits and medical settings. They have serrated blades and blunt tips for cutting bandages, clothing, and gauze without injuring the skin. They are better than regular scissors and should be cleaned before use to avoid infection.
Bandage scissors are often found in first aid kits and in a variety of medical settings. They are usually made of metal, typically stainless steel, and often have serrated blades and an angled point that is blunt at the edges. These scissors have numerous uses that can make them invaluable.
The three main uses of bandage scissors are to cut bandages to a custom size, to cut clothing or gauze, and to help remove bandages someone is wearing. For this latter purpose, angled blades are extremely important, as they clear away from anything below the cutting surface. They help keep the scissors away from the skin so that no injury occurs. Blunt tips also help, as there’s less likelihood of piercing the skin, as might happen if sharp-tipped scissors were used instead.
Numerous first aid needs may require people to cut rolls of gauze. The gauze can be a bit difficult to cut and the serrated edge of the bandage scissors is helpful. It grips the fabric and holds the scissors in place for a smoother cut without slipping.
While bandages come in a variety of sizes and first aid kits may have several sizes available, they may still not be appropriate for the size of a wound or a wound located in a difficult-to-bandage location. Patches or bandages often need to be cut to fit awkward positions, and people with sensitive skin may struggle with adhesive bandages. Cutting off the extra adhesive that isn’t needed to keep a bandage in place can be a good use for bandage scissors.
People may wonder if it’s really necessary to have bandage scissors when they have other scissors available, such as manicure scissors. Certainly, in a pinch, sanitized manicure scissors can be used in place of medical scissors, but they won’t work as well since they lack serrations. Also, many manicure scissors have sharp points and great care should be taken if they are used to remove bandages. Since bandage scissors are designed for medical purposes, it’s really worth having a pair and keeping them in a first aid kit nearby. It’s best to have a few pairs: one for around the house, one for any emergency kits, and one for a first aid kit in the car.
These scissors are usually not very expensive and a set can be included in a purchased first aid kit. You need to be careful once you use the scissors. When removing bandages or cutting bandages or gauze, scissors should be cleaned first (whenever possible) to avoid infection. Wetting them with rubbing alcohol helps provide a quick clean, although they are considered clean but not sterile when this method is used. If alcohol is not available, most types of waterless hand cleaners contain a high amount of alcohol and can help clean the scissors before use. Consider keeping a waterless hand cleaner or some sealed medical cleansing wipes on hand for emergency use to clean medical equipment or to clean cuts.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
