Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock
Garment (NASG)
Obstetric haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. In many low-resource settings, delays in transport to referral facilities and in obtaining lifesaving treatment, contribute to maternal deaths.
The non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a Neoprene and Velcro device that has been to prevent maternal mortality due to hemorrhage. It can be applied to stabilize women long enough while she is being transported for further treatment or waiting for adequate emergency obstetric care. Even individuals without medical backgrounds can apply this first-aid device, with brief training.
It is a low-technology pressure device that decreases blood loss, restores vital signs and has potential to improve adverse outcomes. The NASG looks much like the bottom half of a wetsuit. It is wrapped tightly around a bleeding woman's legs and lower abdomen and helps returns blood from that region to her brain, heart, and lungs.
NASG is a valuable innovation for reducing maternal mortality in low-resource settings.