Compression Works

A woman in her mid-forties presented to the hospital with complaints of pelvic pain. She was approximately one week post-operative following an outpatient hysteroscopy. Ultrasound examination revealed features suggestive of a uterine arteriovenous malformation. There were no signs of active bleeding or spotting at that time, so she was referred to MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

While waiting for the MRI results, the patient developed massive vaginal hemorrhage accompanied by clear signs of hemodynamic instability. Within a critically short window, she lost an estimated 2 liters of blood and lost consciousness. The speed and severity of the crisis left clinical staff with an extremely narrow window for effective intervention before irreversible hemodynamic collapse.

Hospital staff placed the AAJT-S on the patient’s abdomen creating external aortic compression and achieving hemorrhage control. During resuscitation, the patient regained consciousness. She was then hemodynamically stabilized and transported to the operating room for definitive surgical repair.

The hemorrhage control achieved by the AAJT-S provided the critical intervention needed to stabilize the patient for surgery, where a hysterectomy was successfully performed and was the patient was discharged in stable condition.

Hemorrhage scenarios evolve fast, leaving little time for intervention once rapid clinical deterioration begins.
This case highlights the realities of time-sensitive stabilization, and the role external aortic compression can play during critical moments of care.

We honor our first responders this week, and always.

Showing up at our worst, giving their best.

Performance under pressure.
Voices from the field.

More to come from Robeson County EMS on a case where rapid decision-making, teamwork, and multiple life-saving interventions came together to save a life.

www.compressionworks.com

LifeFlow QinFlow Bound Tree Medical Robeson County EMS

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