Medical Anti-Shock Trousers: Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment: Does it Work?

Abstract

The use of the Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (PASG) has created much controversy in prehospital care. It is interesting that such an inexpensive device and technique has created so much controversy regarding effectiveness when expensive devices and techniques, such as coronary artery bypass, carotid endarteroectomy, and laser angioplasty have been questioned as to effectiveness, but have not created as much controversy.Where do we stand on the PASG today? One well-done, randomized, prospective study has been reported as several different papers. In reality, these reports originate from only one study (1-5). This is compared to more than 200 other studies, many of which have been randomized, prospective studies in animals using the same quality as the randomized, prospective study done on humans. Such studies have the advantage of having better isolation of the specific condition being studied. It does not seem appropriate to base the clinical use or non-use on just one study. All studies should be reviewed and placed in context when attempting to identify the role the PASG has in patient care.