Here in the coming months I'll be (slowly) building my FAK and will taking a First Aid class in early December. I've been reading a lot on the subject and have been watching some videos to see what other people include in their kits. A few times I have come across people with both EMT shears and a sharp folding knife. They seem to really emphasize the sharp folder for their kit, but does not mention WHY and for WHAT they keep these often very expensive knifes...just for their FAK. Oh, I should mention that I'm not talking about your average "prepper" or anything like it. We're talking about people in the field...like EMT's & nurses. Do I need a folder for my FAK and if so...for what purpose ?? (I already have shears)
EMT for 25 years. Shears are fine for pretty much anything. I carry a folder. And our rescue bags use a cheap Stanley razor knife with built in folder
Shears are the most useful cutting tool, with a disposable type razor knife coming in close second for any field PT care I do.
I think the Derma Safe folder is a good cheap knife that should be in all FAK's...Having just said that I need to get a few for my FAK's.
Combat Medic 7 yrs (mix field hospital CSH) I have yet to come across a situation that I would be unable to solve with trauma sheers or that I have found myself wishing "if only I had a folder." With that being said a small derma safe would be nice, but honestly I love having my strap-cutter on me.
IMO as a non-EMT, I cannot think of a use for a folder in a FAK. But a strap cutter/gut hook could be very useful.
+1 If shears don't do the job, you probably shouldn't being doing it. If you want a back-up to the shears, get another pair.
The only reason for tough cutting that I can think of would be extraction and removal of clothing/gear. A gut hook will do these faster than a pair of shears and more safely than a folder. (Last thing you want to do is cut the little old lady having a CPR/AED moment when trying to cut off the reinforced underwire to do a proper patch application.)
I've never seen a folder in any of the kits I've used. I carry one on my person while on duty (and off) for various reasons, but mostly b/c the serrated edge on the folder can apply a different cutting force to materials than the shears can. The shears won't work in all cases.
I carry a cheap but efficient knife in my FAK just in case. I have never had to use it though. My shears pretty much get the job done. I do however, use the hook on my Benchmade triage to cut shoe laces quite a bit.
Thank you to everybody for their input. I will stick with my sheers until I perhaps one day can afford a Benchmade Triage...