alternative to trauma shears?

[greenbeanio]

What do you have on your unit to cut down a patient who has attempted suicide by hanging? Regular trauma shears? Rescue hook like a seatbelt cutter? Or something more specialized?

I worked at a hospital where we had this awesome device that was incredibly sharp and would even cut through nylon webbing like it was butter, but was totally safe for the patient. I can't remember the brand name or even what exactly it was called. I just remember it had a round flat head that could slip between the ligature and the person's neck without putting any additional pressure on their trachea. So much better than the trauma shears we have where I work now.

Any ideas? Links? Thanks!

[imapsychrn]

As far as I know, we don't have anything like this. I'm curious to know.

[greenbeanio]

Found it! Here it is: S-CUT - The Emergency Cutting Tool for Rescue Services It's called the S-cut.

"S-CUT replaces scissors, knifes and similar tools. Ordinary fabrics as well as leather belts, zippers and heavy outerwear can be easily cut. All you need is a free edge of the clothes where you can start the cut."

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've seen both trauma shears and something that looked like the S-CUT.