Makeshift pelvic binder for the critical fallen climber

Had an aha moment packing gear for a solid makeshift spinal immobilization device in the backcountry for someone who is *actually* seriously hurt. All the critically injured fall from height patients I've seen have needed pelvic binders or at least we applied them preemptively. It's a safe treatment for falls from significant height who've landed in a way that could result in an unstable pelvis. We tend to use binders on those patients who are altered, complaining of *excruciating* hip/pelvis pain, show signs of sever shock etc.

Stabilizing the pelvis with a binder is a critical and life Saving intervention in this case. Playing with a favorite backpack I realized that if you had a partner who fell and was critically hurt - I'm talking altered mental status, possibly unstable pelvis, etc you could use a backpack successfully as a short board immobilized AND as a pelvic binder.

Cut off the fabric bag so all that's left are the shoulder/sternum/hip belts and rigid back panel. Slide that under your partner or worst case roll them onto it, secure and CRANK on that hip strap to get a pelvic binder going. Of course none of this is approved by any governing body, so take the thoughts at your own risk of course, just thought this idea is worth sharing. I know I'll be employing this if a really and fall happens while I'm climbing nearby, especially with extended extrication times you could save someone's life with a binder!

Great article by an extremely well respected group of docs.

emcrit.org/wp-content/uploa…

Typed on an iPhone. Forgive syntax/spelling

I don't think that you would need to cut the fabric off your pack, that's a bit over the top. Other than that I like the idea, it's great to utilize objects in unconventional ways and many times its required in wilderness medicine.