Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment
Temple College
EMS Professions

Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment
 PASG
 Medical Anti-Shock Trousers
 Military Anti-Shock Trousers
 MAST

Applies circumferential pneumatic counterpressure to abdomen, lower extremities

 Controls external bleeding by direct compression
 Controls internal bleeding under trousers by:
– reduction of blood flow
– compression of vessels

 Stabilizes fractures
– Pelvis
– Femurs

 Increases resistance to blood flow in lower body
 Shunts blood to:
– Heart
– Lungs
– Brain
 Produces increased blood flow to critical organs

 BP below 80 systolic due to hypovolemia
 Extensive soft tissue trauma to or bleeding from abdomen or lower extremities with hypovolemic shock
 Pelvic/femur fractures with hypovolemic shock

Pulmonary Edema
Diaphragmatic Hernia

 Bleeding above level of suit
 Head trauma
 Thoracic trauma
 Advanced pregnancy (legs only)
 Abdominal evisceration/impaled object
(legs only)
 Short transport times (<30 minutes)

 At hospital under supervision of physician who understands device
 IVs established
 Surgical team ready
 Abdomen then one leg at a time SLOWLY

 Deflation should take 20 - 60 minutes
 If BP drops 4-6 mmHg, discontinue deflation, infuse fluid
 If BP drops over 10mmHg, re-inflate
 Unstable patient may need to go to OR with MAST in place

Never deflate entire suit at once