Thanks for posting. Is there any evidence that this is better than tying the legs together to prevent exorotation? I cant imagine this generates enough force to approximate the fractured pelvic bones.
Hello! Thanks for replying. You can't really see in this video, but the feet should be tied together so the toes are pointed up to prevent the lateral rotation of the legs that I think you are referring to. There is quite a bit of evidence to support the application of a commercial pelvic binder - for example a T-Pod or SAM Pelvic Sling - to someone who has evidence of a pelvic fracture. There is an overview from the BC Emergency Health Services treatment guidelines, available here: handbook.bcehs.ca/clinical-practice-guidelines/h-traumatic-injuries/h08-pelvic-trauma At the bottom, there is a link to the clinical evidence supporting these practices. The effectiveness of the improvised version presented here is going to be more dependent on the user - a great reason to get trained and maintain those skills through refreshers and recertifications! - but the principles, if proper tying and positioning are used, are much the same as the T-Pod style pelvic binder, and are very likely to help reduce further injury and mortality in an unstable pelvic injury.
Hi Frank, Great question! Triangular bandages are useful for a wide range of first aid scenarios. Splinting, multi-trauma, large wound care and a few others. Some of them can also pack down quite small, so I would recommend carrying at least a few. If not, then they can also be improvised by using non-stretchy clothing such as t-shirts and sweaters. It is more about the principal of binding a pelvis as opposed to the exact materials. Cheers, Coast Wilderness Medical Training
Excellent. Well done. Thank you.
Nicely explained and presented
Brilliant.
Thanks for posting. Is there any evidence that this is better than tying the legs together to prevent exorotation? I cant imagine this generates enough force to approximate the fractured pelvic bones.
Hello! Thanks for replying.
You can't really see in this video, but the feet should be tied together so the toes are pointed up to prevent the lateral rotation of the legs that I think you are referring to. There is quite a bit of evidence to support the application of a commercial pelvic binder - for example a T-Pod or SAM Pelvic Sling - to someone who has evidence of a pelvic fracture. There is an overview from the BC Emergency Health Services treatment guidelines, available here: handbook.bcehs.ca/clinical-practice-guidelines/h-traumatic-injuries/h08-pelvic-trauma
At the bottom, there is a link to the clinical evidence supporting these practices.
The effectiveness of the improvised version presented here is going to be more dependent on the user - a great reason to get trained and maintain those skills through refreshers and recertifications! - but the principles, if proper tying and positioning are used, are much the same as the T-Pod style pelvic binder, and are very likely to help reduce further injury and mortality in an unstable pelvic injury.
Assuming that we are not EMTs do we normally carry three triangular bandages in our first aid kit? Should we?
Hi Frank,
Great question! Triangular bandages are useful for a wide range of first aid scenarios. Splinting, multi-trauma, large wound care and a few others. Some of them can also pack down quite small, so I would recommend carrying at least a few. If not, then they can also be improvised by using non-stretchy clothing such as t-shirts and sweaters. It is more about the principal of binding a pelvis as opposed to the exact materials.
Cheers,
Coast Wilderness Medical Training