Frequently Asked Questions

The Ring Rescue Kit features the Dolphin Ring Cutter, Compression Device, 8 AssureCUT Discs, a bottle of Ring Lubricant, and a Wall Power Adapter in the carry case.

The Ring Rescue Kit stands alone as the first and only comprehensive solution for ring entrapment.

Designed as a comprehensive solution, the kit is sold exclusively as a complete set containing both devices. However, to keep your kit fully operational, we offer the AssureCUT Disc & Ring Lubricant Combo for purchase so you can easily replenish these supplies as they are used. Accessory parts for the Dolphin Ring Cutter, such as the thumbscrew, the cleaning tool, and the wall power adapter, can be purchased for replacement.

13.5″ L x 12″ W x 6″ H.

No, the Ring Rescue Lubricant is specially formulated for use with the Ring Rescue Kit. The lubricant is water-based and serves a dual purpose: it works with the Compression Device to aid in manipulating the ring off, and it minimizes heat generation to ensure efficient cutting with the Dolphin Ring Cutter. The use of an alternate lubricant will void the warranty for the Dolphin Ring Cutter.

Ring Rescue products come with a 1-year limited warranty. The manufacturing facility located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, performs both warranty and service repairs.

Ring Rescue holds a Medical Device Establishment License with Health Canada, and the Compression Device and Dolphin Ring Cutter are registered with the FDA.

Before and after each use, the devices and their components should be cleaned with 70% alcohol or 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipes.  A dedicated tool for assisting with cleaning of the metal finger guard is included with the Ring Rescue Kit. 

*Do not submerge in water or autoclave. Do not use any other chemicals or cleaning substances

The Compression Device can non-destructively remove any ring material, while the Dolphin Ring Cutter can cut all jewelry-grade metals, including titanium and tungsten.

For more information on handling unique metals, visit https://www.ringrescue.com/resources/articles/stuck-ring-on-finger/

The kit is engineered to keep temperatures safe for skin. The Compression Device uses localized air pressure, and the Dolphin Ring Cutter utilizes controlled-speed cutting with a diamond-coated disc and a specialized lubricant. This system manages the friction-based heat common with traditional high-speed rotary tools, protecting the patient and provider from thermal burns.

The kit is designed to resolve ring entrapment in under 15 minutes. A standard compression cycle takes 5 minutes to reduce swelling, and if cutting is necessary, the Dolphin Ring Cutter can cut through softer metals (gold and silver) in 2-4 minutes and harder metals (tungsten or titanium) in 5-10 minutes.

The Compression Device is recommended when there is no finger injury and a non-destructive approach to ring removal is appropriate. This method offers the best opportunity to preserve rings intact.

If a finger injury is present, the Dolphin Ring Cutter should be used instead.

In cases involving arthritis or severe swelling, non-destructive removal may not be possible. In these situations, the Compression Device and Dolphin Ring Cutter can be used together: the Compression Device helps reduce swelling, making it more comfortable to position the Dolphin’s finger guard beneath the ring before cutting.

The Ring Rescue Lubricant freezes at -2°C (28°F), but is usable again when it thaws.

1 round of compression = 5 minutes

We recommend performing no more than 3 rounds of compression. While compression is effective at reducing finger size, there is a natural limit to tissue shrinkage, beyond which the results begin to plateau.

After completing a round of compression, you should wait just long enough to assess the finger—typically no more than a few seconds. Then, reapply the device with a quarter turn and begin the next round by pumping it back up into the target pressure zone. The entire transition between rounds should take no more than 20 seconds.

Does it matter how long the ring has been stuck? 

Yes, the duration the ring has been stuck plays a key role in determining how many rounds of compression may be required to reduce finger swelling and increase the chance of successful removal.

• Acute cases (less than 2 weeks): typically require 1 round of compression
• Chronic cases (more than 2 weeks): usually require 2–3 rounds
• “Angry finger” (irritated or swollen due to at-home removal attempts): typically requires 2–3 rounds

Understanding the case history helps guide the most effective and efficient approach.

Yes, the compression device has a 4-year lifespan and can be used for 100s of ring removals.

Yes, ICD-10-CM Billable Diagnosis Code W49.04XA can be used for the device

Not all rings can be removed non-destructively.

While soft tissues can be compressed and fluid (edema) displaced, bone cannot be reduced in size. In osteoarthritis cases where knuckle enlargement has occurred and the bone is larger than the ring, non-destructive removal is not possible.

In situations where there is a severe finger injury, a ring cutter will likely be necessary for safe removal.