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Abstract
The Military Anti-Shock Trouser, or MAST suit, is a controversial device that has
been used to support blood pressure in hypotensive trauma patients. Most studies on
humans have shown that the device has limited clinical utility. In this study, a telephone
survey of all 50 State Emergency Medical Services was conducted to determine the nature
and extent of MAST suit usage in the United States. The trend in MAST suit usage in
San Diego County over the last 7 years was also analyzed. Thirty (60%) states still
require MAST suits to be carried on ambulances. In San Diego County, MAST suit inflations
for adult, hypotensive (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg,) blunt trauma patients has
declined from 37% in 1987, to 2% in 1993. Despite a lack of data supporting efficacy
in areas of severe hypotensive shock, blunt trauma, long transport times, and pelvic
fractures, states continue to expend resources on the MAST suit. It is for this reason
that we believe that the clinical use of the MAST suit should be based upon medical
control philosophy rather than legislation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 14,
1996
Received in revised form:
February 2,
1996
Received:
July 19,
1995
Identification
Copyright
© 1996 Published by Elsevier Inc.
