One Shear Review: The Innovative Trauma Shears with Built-In Oxygen Bottle

Trauma shears are one of the most frequently used tools in pre-hospital care, yet they are often treated as an afterthought. For paramedics, first responders, and emergency clinicians, the reliability of a pair of shears can directly affect patient access, treatment speed, and overall scene efficiency.

The One Shear has gained attention for its distinctive design, particularly its integrated carabiner-style oxygen bottle opener, which sets it apart from traditional trauma shears commonly used in Australia. Designed with operational use in mind, One Shear aims to combine cutting performance, durability, and practical scene functionality into a single tool.

This review takes a practical look at the One Shear from an Australian pre-hospital perspective. It examines design features, cutting performance, real-world usability, and overall value, with insights informed by on-road paramedic use. The goal is to help clinicians decide whether the One Shear is the right choice for their kit and how it compares to standard trauma shears currently on the market.

Key Takeaways

• One Shear is designed specifically for real-world emergency and pre-hospital use
• The built-in carabiner oxygen bottle opener is a unique and practical feature
• Cutting performance is suited to clothing, webbing, and common trauma materials
• Build quality and ergonomics support repeated daily use
• One Shear offers strong value for clinicians seeking a durable, multi-function tool

Summary Table: One Shear at a Glance

One Shear Overview and Unique Design Features

At first glance, the One Shear looks similar to a standard pair of trauma shears, but its design quickly sets it apart once handled. It has been developed with pre-hospital clinicians in mind, focusing on durability, functionality, and ease of access during time-critical care.

Purpose-Built for Emergency Use

One Shear is designed to perform reliably across a wide range of emergency scenarios. The blades are shaped to cut through common trauma materials such as clothing, bandages, seatbelts, and webbing without snagging or excessive force. This makes them suitable for both rapid patient access and controlled cutting during treatment.

The blunt tip supports safe cutting close to the skin, reducing the risk of injury while working in confined or unstable environments.

Integrated Carabiner Oxygen Bottle Opener

One of the defining features of the One Shear is the built-in carabiner that also functions as an oxygen bottle opener. This allows clinicians to clip the shears securely to a belt, bag, or vest while also providing quick access to oxygen cylinder opening without reaching for a separate tool.

In real-world use, this dual-purpose design can reduce the number of items a clinician needs to carry and minimise time spent searching for equipment during urgent jobs.

Ergonomics and Grip

The handle design prioritises grip and comfort during repeated use. The finger loops are sized to accommodate gloved hands, and the overall balance of the tool allows for controlled cutting with minimal hand fatigue.

This is particularly relevant during extended jobs or multiple patient contacts where tools may be used repeatedly throughout a shift.

Build Quality and Materials

One Shear is constructed to withstand regular use in pre-hospital environments. The materials feel solid and robust, supporting confidence that the shears will perform consistently even after repeated exposure to cleaning, moisture, and rough handling.

The combination of cutting performance, integrated functionality, and durable construction is what differentiates One Shear from many standard trauma shears available in Australia.

Built-In Carabiner Feature: Pros and Cons

The integrated carabiner is the feature that most clearly distinguishes the One Shear from standard trauma shears. Designed to function as both a carry attachment and an oxygen bottle opener, it adds utility without significantly increasing bulk.

Pros of the Built-In Carabiner

One of the primary advantages of the carabiner is accessibility. Being able to clip the One Shear directly onto a belt, vest, or response bag keeps the tool within immediate reach, reducing time spent searching for equipment during urgent situations.

The oxygen bottle opener function is particularly useful in pre-hospital settings where oxygen is frequently required. Having this feature built into a tool already carried on the person removes the need for a separate opener, simplifying kit setup and reducing the number of loose items to manage on scene.

From a workflow perspective, the carabiner supports efficient movement between tasks. Clinicians can quickly secure the shears when transitioning between patient care, equipment handling, and documentation without needing to return the tool to a bag.

Cons and Considerations

As with any integrated feature, the carabiner adds complexity to the design. Some clinicians may prefer a simpler shear profile without additional components, particularly if they already have a preferred method for carrying tools.

There is also a brief learning curve for those unfamiliar with using a carabiner-style opener. However, this typically resolves quickly with regular use and does not affect cutting performance.

It is worth noting that the carabiner is designed as a practical tool rather than a load-bearing climbing accessory. It is intended for equipment attachment and oxygen bottle use only, which aligns with its role in emergency care.

Overall Assessment

For many paramedics and first responders, the benefits of the built-in carabiner outweigh the minor trade-offs. It adds meaningful functionality without compromising the primary role of the shears, supporting a more streamlined and efficient kit.

Cutting Performance Testing and Real-World Use

Cutting performance is the core function of any trauma shear, and this is where the One Shear stands out in day-to-day use. In pre-hospital environments, shears must perform consistently across a wide range of materials without hesitation or excessive force.

Clothing and Fabric

The One Shear cuts cleanly through common clothing materials including denim, heavy cotton, synthetics, and layered garments. The blade design allows for smooth, controlled cuts without snagging, which is particularly important when exposing injuries quickly while maintaining patient comfort and dignity.

This performance is noticeable when working with wet or contaminated clothing, where lower-quality shears often struggle or require repeated attempts.

Seatbelts and Webbing

In trauma and extrication scenarios, the One Shear performs reliably on seatbelts, straps, and webbing. The cutting edge maintains control and bite through thicker materials, reducing the need for awkward repositioning or excessive hand pressure.

This is especially valuable in confined spaces where movement is limited and tool handling needs to be precise.

Bandages and Medical Materials

For routine patient care, the One Shear handles bandages, tape, and dressings cleanly. The blunt tip supports safe cutting close to the skin, allowing clinicians to remove or adjust materials without increasing risk to the patient.

This balance between cutting strength and control makes the shears suitable for both high-acuity trauma and everyday clinical tasks.

Consistency Over Time

An important consideration is performance over repeated use. The One Shear is designed to maintain cutting effectiveness even after regular cleaning and exposure to moisture and disinfectants. This supports confidence that the tool will perform reliably across shifts rather than degrading quickly, as is common with cheaper trauma shears.

Real-World Practicality

In practical terms, the One Shear feels purpose-built rather than disposable. It performs well across the full range of tasks paramedics encounter, from rapid trauma exposure to routine patient management, making it a dependable addition to an operational kit.

Value for Money Analysis

When assessing the value of trauma shears, it is important to look beyond upfront cost and consider reliability, longevity, and functionality in real-world use. While many trauma shears on the market are inexpensive, they are often treated as disposable due to rapid wear, poor cutting performance, or breakage.

Build Quality Versus Replacement Cycles

One Shear is positioned as a durable, long-term tool rather than a disposable item. The materials, construction, and blade performance support repeated daily use without the rapid degradation seen in lower-cost alternatives. For clinicians who rely on their shears regularly, this reduces the need for frequent replacement.

Over time, fewer replacements can translate to better overall value, particularly for paramedics who prefer to carry tools they trust rather than cycling through multiple pairs each year.

Multi-Function Design

The inclusion of the integrated carabiner oxygen bottle opener adds functional value without requiring additional equipment. By combining two commonly used tools into one, the One Shear helps streamline a clinician’s kit and reduce clutter.

This multi-function approach contributes to overall value by replacing the need for a separate oxygen key or attachment.

Professional Use Perspective

For paramedics and first responders who use trauma shears frequently, the One Shear represents an investment in reliability and efficiency. The confidence that the tool will perform consistently during critical moments carries practical value that extends beyond price alone.

While the One Shear may cost more than basic trauma shears, its performance, durability, and added functionality justify the investment for clinicians who prioritise dependable equipment.

Who Should Buy One Shear?

The One Shear is best suited to clinicians and responders who value reliability, efficiency, and well-designed tools in their day-to-day work. While it can be used by anyone requiring trauma shears, certain roles and environments will benefit most from its features.

Paramedics and Pre-Hospital Clinicians

For paramedics working on-road, the One Shear offers a combination of cutting performance and practical functionality that supports fast-paced, unpredictable environments. The integrated carabiner and oxygen bottle opener reduce the number of tools carried while keeping essential equipment immediately accessible.

Clinicians who frequently use shears for patient access, trauma management, and routine care will appreciate the durability and consistency of performance over time.

First Responders and Emergency Services

First responders operating in varied settings, including roadside incidents, industrial sites, and community responses, will benefit from the One Shear’s robust design. Its ability to cut through heavy materials and withstand regular use makes it a dependable option where conditions are less controlled.

Students and New Graduates

For students and early-career clinicians, the One Shear provides a professional-grade tool that can be relied on throughout training and into operational practice. Investing in a quality pair of trauma shears early can help reduce the need to upgrade equipment as responsibilities increase.

Clinicians Seeking a Long-Term Tool

Those who prefer equipment that lasts, rather than disposable alternatives, are likely to find strong value in the One Shear. Its build quality and multi-function design support long-term use across a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Explore the Trauma Shears Complete Guide

If you’re comparing trauma shears or upgrading your kit, our Trauma Shears Complete Guide explains the different types of trauma shears used in Australian emergency care, what features matter in real-world use, and how to choose the right option for your role.

→ View the Trauma Shears Complete Guide

Shop One Shear Trauma Shears

MyMedEquip is the exclusive Australian stockist of One Shear trauma shears. Tested and used by operational paramedics, One Shear combines reliable cutting performance with a practical built-in carabiner oxygen bottle opener, making it a standout option for pre-hospital care.

→ Shop One Shear

Final Thoughts

Trauma shears are a critical tool that paramedics rely on daily, often in unpredictable and time-critical environments. The One Shear stands out by combining strong cutting performance, durable construction, and genuinely useful additional functionality into a single, well-designed tool.

For clinicians who want equipment that performs consistently, reduces kit clutter, and holds up to regular operational use, the One Shear represents a practical upgrade over standard trauma shears. Backed by real paramedic use and available exclusively in Australia through MyMedEquip, it is a strong option for those looking to invest in dependable, professional-grade equipment.

FAQs Answered

Is One Shear worth buying compared to standard trauma shears?

For clinicians who use trauma shears regularly, One Shear is worth buying over standard disposable-style trauma shears. While basic shears may work initially, they often lose cutting performance, loosen at the pivot, or require frequent replacement.

One Shear is designed as a durable, long-term tool with consistent cutting performance and added functionality. For paramedics and first responders who rely on their shears daily, the reliability and longevity justify the investment.

What makes One Shear different from other trauma shears in Australia?

One Shear stands out due to its integrated carabiner oxygen bottle opener and overall build quality. Unlike most trauma shears, which are single-purpose tools, One Shear combines cutting performance with practical scene functionality.

The design focuses on real-world pre-hospital use, reducing the number of separate tools clinicians need to carry while maintaining strong cutting capability across common trauma materials.

Do paramedics actually use One Shear in real-world settings?

Yes. One Shear is actively used by operational paramedics in real-world pre-hospital environments. Its design reflects the practical needs of clinicians who regularly manage trauma, medical emergencies, and oxygen therapy on scene.

The feedback from on-road use highlights reliability, ease of access, and the convenience of the built-in oxygen bottle opener as key advantages during time-critical jobs.

Is the built-in oxygen bottle opener on One Shear actually useful?

In practice, the oxygen bottle opener is one of the most useful features of the One Shear. Oxygen is commonly required during emergency care, and having an opener integrated into a tool already carried on the person saves time and reduces kit clutter.

Rather than being a novelty, the opener supports smoother workflow, particularly in fast-moving or low-light environments where searching for a separate oxygen key can slow care.

Who should buy One Shear trauma shears?

One Shear is best suited to paramedics, first responders, and emergency clinicians who want reliable, professional-grade equipment. It is particularly useful for those who frequently cut clothing, webbing, and medical materials and who value multi-function tools in their kit.

Clinicians who prefer durable equipment over disposable alternatives are likely to see the greatest benefit from One Shear.

Is One Shear suitable for paramedic students and new graduates?

Yes. One Shear is suitable for paramedic students and new graduates who want to invest in a quality tool early in their training or career. Rather than upgrading multiple times, starting with a reliable, well-designed pair of trauma shears can provide consistency from placement through to operational practice.

For students, it also supports professional kit-building aligned with real-world paramedic environments.

How does One Shear perform compared to cheaper trauma shears?

Compared to cheaper trauma shears, One Shear offers more consistent cutting performance over time. Lower-cost shears often dull quickly or struggle with thicker materials, whereas One Shear maintains effectiveness across repeated use and cleaning cycles.

The difference becomes most noticeable during high-stress or complex jobs where hesitation or tool failure is not acceptable.

Where can I buy One Shear trauma shears in Australia?

One Shear trauma shears are available in Australia exclusively through MyMedEquip. Purchasing through MyMedEquip ensures access to genuine One Shear products backed by an Australian emergency medical equipment supplier with experience in pre-hospital care.