What is the purpose of immobilizing the pelvis with a binder in field care?

• A. To immobilize the spine
• B. To reduce pelvic motion and bleeding and improve stability until definitive care
• C. To stop limb bleeding
• D. To allow more movement for patient comfort

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is stabilizing a suspected pelvic fracture to limit movement and reduce bleeding while the patient is en route to definitive care. A pelvic binder compresses the pelvis, narrowing the pelvic volume and limiting motion of the pelvic ring. This helps tamp down venous bleeding from pelvic injuries and stabilize the area to prevent further blood loss and injury during transport. It buys time for definitive care, such as imaging and surgical intervention, when needed.

This isn’t about immobilizing the spine, stopping limb bleeding, or increasing patient movement for comfort. Spinal immobilization requires different devices and focus, limb bleeding is best controlled with direct pressure or tourniquets as appropriate, and a pelvic binder’s purpose is to reduce movement and bleeding, not to promote more movement.