The clinical use of antishock trousers

In 34 (71%) of 48 consecutive patients who were in shock (systolic blood pressure less than 80 mm Hg) the application of antishock trousers by ambulance personnel or emergency room staff produced rapid increases of 20 mm Hg or more in the systolic blood pressure. The trousers were applied to a 49th patient only to stabilize a fractured femur. The most common indication for the device was shock resulting from hemorrhage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Of 20 such patients, 17 (85%) responded rapidly, as did all 5 patients who were treated for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The proper application and management of antishock trousers are simple enough for use in the field, although deflation of the device before adequate replacement of fluids would precipitate a return to a state of shock.