T-POD Pelvic Stabilization Device

Procedure Guidelines

9.40 T-POD Pelvic Stabilization Device

Indications

Suspected or proven unstable pelvic fracture demonstrated on radiograph
Mechanism of injury consistent with possible pelvic fracture with physical exam
- Abrasions and contusions around the pelvic area
- Hematoma above the inguinal ligament, to the scrotum, or the thigh
Mechanism of injury consistent with possible pelvic fracture with hemorrhagic shock without another source of hemorrhage

Contraindications

For suspected hip fracture (indicated by pain, shortening and/or rotation of the affected extremity), splint with padding to protect the hip and comfort the patient. The use of a T-Pod is not indicated for patients with a suspected hip fracture.

Application Procedure

Slide Belt under supine patient and into position under the pelvis.
Trim the Belt, leaving a 6-8” gap over the center of the pelvis. As an alternative, the belt can also be folded under itself, do not roll it, there is a maximum of 2 layers of material
Apply Velcro-backed Mechanical Advantage Pulley System to each side of the trimmed Belt.
Slowly draw tension on the Pull Tab, creating simultaneous, circumferential compression.
Secure the Velcro-backed Pull Tab to the Belt.
Record the date and time of application on the space provided. Re-evaluate distal pulse, motor, and sensation (PMS) of both extremities regularly and document in the PCR.

Special Considerations

If an obese patient requires T-POD®, two belts may be affixed together using one power unit as an extender and the other as the pulley
Children less than 50 lbs. (23 Kg) may be too small to obtain the 6-inch gap needed for closure. If the ends of the T-POD® overlap, it will not be effective in stabilizing the pelvis.
The T-POD® can be released to check for skin integrity and provide wound care, as necessary. For long transports, the T-POD® should be released every twelve (12) hours to check for skin integrity and reapplied as soon as possible.