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The Problem
One of the more common life threatening injuries seen in motor vehicle
and industrial accidents is a fracture of the pelvis. This injury,
particularly if severe, causes major bleeding internally resulting in many
deaths as the bleeding is difficult to control. This is particularly
pertinent in the pre-hospital setting, where ambulance personnel either do
not have the expertise to diagnose a fractured pelvis or do not have the
means to control the bleeding.
Present Situation
Definitive treatment of a fractured pelvis remains fixation of the
fracture in theatre by an orthopaedic surgeon. However, delay in this
definitive treatment is often very long due to on-scene stabilisation by
ambulance personnel, further investigation and X-rays in the Trauma Units
and delays in arranging theatre time etc.
Stabilisation
is essential and internationally no adequate means are available. It is
recommended that a sheet is tied around the patient's pelvis or a MAST
suit is used (this is an expensive piece of equipment with many
complications and is seldom available). Major trauma units around the
world are still using torn up sheets to save lives!
The Solution
PELVIGRIP has been designed to be a cheap, effective and life saving
device. It consists of a neoprene sling pulled together by neoprene belts
and held in place by Velcro. Apart from being very effective in
maintaining the stability of a fractured pelvis (and hence controlling
life threatening haemrrohage) it also allows insertion of urinary
catheters either urethral or suprapubic. In addition the neoprene acts as
a protective cushion over the sacrum which would otherwise be prone to
pressure necrosis from long periods on a wooden spine board and scoop
stretcher.
It would
appear that at present, no device exists anywhere in the world which
provides all the above.
AVAILABLE
IN SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE and as a complete set.
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