Compression of the Pressure Created by SAM Pelvic Splint and a Novel AP MAX Pelvic Bandage by New Users on a Dummy Model

Introduction: Injuries involving the pelvic area are common, and pelvic injuries occur in 25% of multiple trauma patients. Stop-the-bleeding, bandage, and temporary fixation over the pelvis are critical for trauma care in the pre-hospital setting. A novel pelvic binder (AP MAX Bandage) was designed and manufactured for this purpose. We conducted a study to compare the pressure created by the SAM pelvic splint, the most popularly applied in Taiwan, and our novel MAX pelvic Bandage by a group of new users on a dummy model. Methods: A group of 30 volunteers was recruited to apply these two pelvic binders, a SAM pelvic splint, and a MAX bandage to a dummy. A design using the IV set, which was used to detect the intra-peritoneal pressure, was reset in the dummy to detect the pressure between the binder and the dummy. Those volunteers had practiced the SAM splint, but all were new to the MAX bandage. All the data about the pressure levels created by two pelvic binders were recorded one by one. Results: On average, the SAM splint and the MAX bandage created similar pressure on the dummy by different users, and the volunteers applied the MAX bandage faster. Conclusion: Compared with the SAM pelvic splint, the AP MAX bandage seems to be as good as the SAM pelvic splint and is easier for volunteers as newcomers. AP MAX bandage is 10 centimeters broader than SAM splint and provides more consistent pressure, regardless of whether it is on the middle of the pelvic bandage or the edges. It is also applicable for hip fracture that is contraindication for the SAM pelvic splint. It is important for pre hospital trauma care because, for most of the cases, it is difficult to differentiate the hip fracture from pelvic fracture before arrival a the ER.