Medical scissors are special scissors made for use in healthcare. They are not the same as regular household or craft scissors. Medical scissors are built with a focus on precision, safety, and hygiene. They are used by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and even parents at home when taking care of bandages or dressings.

In pediatric care (the medical care of children), medical scissors play an important role. They help healthcare workers safely remove bandages from a child's skin, cut stitches after a wound heals, and perform many other small but important tasks.

Medical scissors are made from high-quality stainless steel. This material is strong, does not rust easily, and can be cleaned and sterilized again and again. Some models also use tungsten carbide or titanium for extra strength and sharpness.

Medical scissors are used for many different tasks in healthcare settings. In pediatric care, they are especially important because children have smaller, more sensitive skin than adults. The scissors must be gentle enough to avoid hurting a child while still being sharp enough to do the job.

Common Uses in Pediatric Care

• Removing bandages and dressings from a child's wound without cutting the skin
• Cutting stitches (sutures) after a wound has healed
• Cutting medical tape used to hold dressings or tubes in place
• Cutting gauze and padding to the right size for a wound
• Emergency use - cutting clothing quickly during an emergency to reach an injured area
• Cutting umbilical cord clamp dressings during newborn care

Where Are They Used?

There are several types of medical scissors, and each one is made for a specific job. Using the wrong type for a task can lead to injury or poor results. Here are the main types you will find in pediatric care:

Most Common in Pediatric Care

For most parents and caregivers, the two types you are most likely to use or see are bandage scissors and suture scissors. Bandage scissors are the safest for home use because of their blunt tip design.

A. Using Bandage Scissors (Most Common for Parents)

1. 1
   Wash Your HandsClean your hands well with soap and water before touching any medical tools or the wound.
2. 2
   Prepare the AreaLay the child down on a clean, flat surface. Make sure you have good light so you can see clearly.
3. 3
   Hold the Scissors CorrectlyPlace your thumb in the top loop and your middle finger in the bottom loop. Rest your index finger along the side of the scissor for better control.
4. 4
   Slide the Blunt Blade UnderGently slide the longer, blunt-tipped blade under the bandage, between the bandage and the skin. Go slowly to avoid pinching or cutting the skin.
5. 5
   Cut Along the BandageSqueeze the handles gently and cut in small, steady snips. Do not force the scissors. Move along the bandage until it is fully cut.
6. 6
   Remove the BandageCarefully lift and peel the bandage away. If the bandage is stuck to the skin, do not pull hard. Ask a doctor or nurse for help.
7. 7
   Clean the ScissorsAfter use, rinse the scissors under clean water right away. Do not leave them dirty.

B. Using Suture Scissors (Usually Done by a Doctor or Nurse)

Stitch removal is usually done by a healthcare professional. However, understanding the process helps parents know what to expect:

1. 1
   Clean the AreaThe skin around the stitches is cleaned with a safe, sterile solution.
2. 2
   Lift the StitchForceps (a small grabbing tool) are used to gently lift the stitch up, away from the skin.
3. 3
   Cut One SideThe suture scissor is placed at one end of the stitch, right next to the skin, and a small cut is made.
4. 4
   Pull Out GentlyThe stitch is gently pulled out using forceps in one smooth motion. This should be quick and cause very little pain.
5. 5
   Clean AgainThe area is cleaned once more and covered with a fresh dressing if needed.

Medical scissors are sharp tools. Even though they are designed to be safer than regular scissors, they can still cause harm if not used correctly.

Safety Rules for Everyone

• Never use medical scissors without proper training or instruction.
• Always use the correct type of scissors for the task.
• Never cut toward your own body or toward the child.
• Always keep the scissors closed when not cutting.
• Pass scissors to another person with the handles facing them, blades pointing away.
• Never leave medical scissors within reach of children.
• Do not use medical scissors on hair, nails, or non-medical items.
• If the skin is cut by accident, stop immediately, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth, and seek medical help if the cut is deep or does not stop bleeding.

Risks During Pediatric Use

Children are curious. They often want to touch or play with anything they see adults using. Medical scissors should never be left where a child can reach them.

Storage Around Children

• Keep all medical scissors in a locked cabinet or drawer that children cannot open.
• Do not leave them on tables, counters, or beds after use.
• If you are using them while a child is nearby, keep them in your hand at all times until you are done.
• After use, place them immediately into a closed case or container before putting them away.

If a Child Gets Cut by Medical Scissors

1. 1
   Stay CalmDo not panic. Stay calm so the child stays calm too.
2. 2
   Apply PressureUse a clean cloth or sterile gauze and press gently on the cut to stop the bleeding.
3. 3
   Clean the WoundOnce bleeding slows, rinse the cut gently under clean running water.
4. 4
   Cover ItApply a sterile bandage or plaster. Make sure the wound is clean before covering.
5. 5
   Get Medical Help if NeededIf the cut is deep, long, will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes, or is on the face or hand, take the child to a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

Keeping medical scissors clean is one of the most important steps to prevent infection. Dirty scissors can carry bacteria and viruses that can make a child very sick.

Cleaning Steps (After Every Use)

1. 1
   Rinse ImmediatelyRight after use, rinse the scissors under clean water to remove any blood, debris, or dirt. Do not wait.
2. 2
   Wash with SoapUse mild soap and warm water. Wash all parts of the scissors, including the blades, joints, and handles. Use a soft brush if needed.
3. 3
   Dry CompletelyDry the scissors fully with a clean towel. Do not store them wet. Moisture can cause rust and grow bacteria.

Sterilization (For Clinical or Repeated Home Use)

If the scissors are reusable and used regularly, they should be sterilized. The most common methods are:

Proper Storage

• Store in a dry, clean, closed case or pouch.
• Do not store in a wet or humid place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight for long periods.
• Keep in a place that is out of reach of children.
• Do not store together with non-medical items.

When to Replace Your Medical Scissors

• Blades are dull or do not cut smoothly anymore.
• There is rust, pitting, or visible damage on the blades or joints.
• The joint (screw) is loose and cannot be tightened.
• The scissors no longer open and close smoothly.

Not all medical scissors are the same. Choosing the right one matters for safety and for the job to be done correctly. Here is a simple guide: