How to Treat a Fractured Pelvis in the Wilderness

A fractured pelvis is extremely dangerous, since it almost always leads to serious bleeding.

Instructions

1. Assess for a fracture (see "How to Assess for a Fracture During First Aid").

2. Immobilize the injury. Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury.

3. Check for severe bleeding and treat accordingly (see "How to Treat Severe Bleeding During First Aid").

4. Evacuate the injured person by litter as soon as possible (see "How to Secure an Injured Person Onto a Litter" and "How to Carry an Injured Person on a Litter").

5. Treat for other injuries.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the Wilderness Medicine Institute or the National Outdoor Leadership School for information about wilderness medicine courses and books.

• Keep an eye out for shock. The bleeding - which may be internal and thus not visible - is likely to cause shock. (See "How to Evaluate for Shock During First Aid.")

• Be extremely careful when moving the injured person, because the bone fragments can easily cause further internal injury.

• Maintaining immobility is crucial, especially in the lower body. Don't allow the injured person to sit or stand.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.