The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment for Resuscitation in Obstetric Hemorrhage

Abstract Excessive genital bleeding at any time after the baby’s birth up to six weeks after delivery is characterized as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). A quantitative definition is connected to blood loss in excess of 500 mL following the baby’s birth. PPH due to uterine atony and/or genital tract injuries is responsible for more than 25% of the 300,000 estimated deaths worldwide each year and is the leading direct cause of maternal deaths in low-resource settings. The non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is an innovative device that can be wrapped around the bleeding mother’s lower body in less than two minutes by a trained paramedic. The device reduces blood flow to the uterus and stems bleeding, thereby stabilizing women in impending hemorrhagic shock before receiving definitive care. NASG is indicated when first-line treatment with uterotonics, tranexamic acid, IV fluids, and uterine massage cannot stop the bleeding.