Bandage scissors, or bandage forceps, are
scissors
Scissors are hand-operated shearing tools. A pair of scissors consists of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles (bows) opposite to the pivot are closed. Scissors are used for cutti ...
that often have an angled tip with a blunt tip on the bottom blade. This helps in cutting
bandages
A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to or to restrict the movement of a part of the body. When used with a dressing, the dressing is applie ...
without gouging the skin.
Lister bandage scissors and utility bandage scissors exhibit the well known angle, while Knowles bandage scissors have blades that are either straight or curved.
Bandage scissors are very popular in any
health care facility
A health facility is, in general, any location where healthcare is provided. Health facilities range from small clinics and doctor's offices to urgent care centers and large hospitals with elaborate emergency rooms and trauma centers. The nu ...
because they are designed to safely lift bandages away from skin for easy cutting. The bottom blade of the scissor is longer and goes easily under the bandages. The blunt tip design of the scissor prevents
accidental injury
An injury is any physiological damage to living tissue caused by immediate physical stress. An injury can occur intentionally or unintentionally and may be caused by blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, burning, toxic exposure, asphyxiation, or o ...
while making bandage removal very easy, smooth, and quick.
Uses
Bandage scissors are mostly used
* To size bandages and dressings.
* To cut through medical gauze.
* To cut through bandages already in place.
History
It is unclear where or how they originated. There is record dating back to 1956 of Preston J. Burnham, M.D. of Salt Lake City using the well known angled blade as opposed to scissors that are straight. There is also mention of bandage scissors within clinical notes on a tape dispenser dating from 1948 although the photo is unclear as to the shape of the scissors.
See also
*
Trauma shears
Trauma shears, also known as Tuff Cuts (a brand name), are a type of scissors used by paramedics and other emergency medical personnel to quickly and safely cut clothing from injured people. They usually consist of a plastic handle with a metal bl ...
*
Instruments used in general surgery
There are many different surgical specialties, some of which require very specific kinds of surgical instruments to perform.
General surgery is a specialty focused on the abdominal contents, as well as the thyroid gland, and diseases involvin ...
References
External links
See Bandage Scissor PhotoSee Types of Bandage Scissor i.e. Lister Bandage Scissor and Burns Plaster Shears Scissor{{Surgical instruments
Surgical scissors