Military anti-shock trousers (MAST) are pneumatic overalls to the lower extremities and torso. When the trousers are inflated there is compression of blood vessels in the lower extremities increasing peripheral vascular resistance.
Synonym: pneumatic antishock garment (PASG)
Indications for the use of MAST:
(1) pelvic or lower extremity fractures (the trousers help to stabilize lower limb fractures and to reduce blood loss)
(2) mangled lower extremities
(3) hypotension from blood loss or loss of vascular tone with transport time to trauma center > 20 minutes
NOTE: Conditions that may limit the use of MAST are discussed below (in 29.02.07).
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
