T-POD (Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device) Responder Pelvic Stabilization Device
The Arrow® T-POD® Responder Pelvic Stabilization Device from Teleflex applies circumferential compression to the pelvis in patients with a suspected pelvic fracture — reducing pelvic volume to help control blood loss and pain. Its unique pulley system lets a single EMS professional apply controlled, adjustable compression quickly, and its one-size-fits-all design trims to fit almost any patient. With no metallic parts, it stays in place through X-ray, CT, and MRI.1
Product Highlights
- Pulley system delivers adjustable circumferential compression that reduces pelvic volume, which may reduce blood loss and pain.
- Shown to reduce symphyseal diastasis by 60% (p = 0.01) in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and signs of shock.2
- Fast, single-provider application: in an independent equipment review, trained users applied it correctly 100% of the time, and 78% preferred it over the comparator device.3
- One-size-fits-all — trim to fit smaller patients, or join two devices together for bariatric patients.
- No metallic parts: remains in place during X-ray, CT, and MRI, so imaging isn't delayed.
- Not made with natural rubber latex; single-use. Rx only.
Clinical Context: Right Patient, Right Placement
Pelvic ring injuries carry significant morbidity and mortality, and hemorrhagic shock occurs in roughly 10% of cases — so circumferential compression is a standard early adjunct for the hemodynamically unstable patient with a suspected unstable pelvic fracture.4
The evidence behind this device is specific. In 15 patients with untreated unstable pelvic fractures and signs of hypovolemic shock, the T-POD reduced symphyseal diastasis by 60% (p = 0.01), with mean arterial pressure rising from 65.3 to 81.2 mm Hg and heart rate falling from 107 to 94.2 In a biomechanical cadaver study of three compression devices, all closed the pelvic ring without over-reduction, but the T-POD required the lowest pulling force to achieve complete reduction at the symphysis — 43 N, versus 60 N and 112 N for the two comparators.5 A 2024 cadaveric comparison against the SAM Pelvic Sling II found the T-POD less susceptible to incorrect positioning; its authors concluded the results support preferred use of the T-POD for prehospital emergency pelvic stabilization.6
Placement is decisive. The device centerline belongs over the greater trochanters, not the iliac crests. In a review of 167 radiographs with a visible binder, only 50% were positioned correctly and 39% sat too high — and high placement left a symphyseal gap averaging 22 mm greater than correct placement (p < 0.01).7
Patient selection matters as much as technique. The 2025 NAEMSP position statement notes that the clinical benefit of prehospital compression devices is questionable when applied routinely, and emphasizes evidence-guided selection: reserve them for the unstable patient with a suspicious mechanism, place them correctly, avoid over-tensioning, and keep searching for other sources of bleeding rather than anchoring on the pelvis.8 Applied to the right patient with correct technique, a pelvic binder remains a valuable prehospital tool. Follow your local protocol and scope of practice.
Specifications & Compatibility
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Pulley-based circumferential compression, adjustable |
| Sizing | One-size-fits-all; trim to fit; join two units for bariatric patients |
| Application Site | Centerline over the greater trochanters / symphysis pubis |
| Imaging | Radiolucent — no metallic parts; X-ray, CT, and MRI compatible |
| Material | Not made with natural rubber latex |
| Use | Single-use; Rx only |
| Variants | Responder (T-PODR, orange); Combat (T-PODC, black) |
Complete the Hemorrhage-Control Setup
Unstable pelvic trauma rarely travels alone. Pair pelvic stabilization with layered hemorrhage control:
- Junctional / pelvic bleeding: SAM Junctional Tourniquet — controls inguinal and axillary hemorrhage where limb tourniquets can't reach.
- Hemostatic control: TraumaGel Hemostatic Gel — rapid, ready-to-use control of moderate to severe external bleeding.
- Extremity hemorrhage: Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) — the proven field tourniquet for limb bleeding in polytrauma.
Who Uses This
Ground EMS & Ambulance
Fast, single-provider pelvic stabilization for suspected unstable pelvic fractures.
Air Medical / HEMS
Compact, radiolucent binder that stays on through imaging and interfacility transfer.
Fire, Rescue & Tactical
Combat variant (T-PODC) for TCCC/TECC casualty care and austere response.
Hospital ED & Trauma
Maintains pelvic compression during resuscitation, X-ray, CT, and MRI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should the T-POD be positioned on the pelvis?
Is the T-POD safe for X-ray, CT, and MRI?
When should a pelvic binder be applied — and is it "more harm than good"?
What sizes does it fit? Can it be used on large or pediatric patients?
Is this an authentic Teleflex product?
How fast does this ship?
How do I order the Responder or Combat variant, request a quote, or set up an account?
References
- Teleflex. Arrow T-POD pelvic stabilization device. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://teleflex.com/usa/en/product-areas/emergency-medicine/trauma/arrow-t-pod/index.html
- Tan ECTH, van Stigt SFL, van Vugt AB. Effect of a new pelvic stabilizer (T-POD) on reduction of pelvic volume and haemodynamic stability in unstable pelvic fractures. Injury. 2010;41(12):1239-1243. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2010.03.013
- Bryson DJ, Davidson R, Mackenzie R. Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs): a best evidence equipment review. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2012;38(4):439-442. doi:10.1007/s00068-012-0180-3
- Halawi MJ. Pelvic ring injuries: emergency assessment and management. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2015;6(4):252-258. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2015.08.002
- Knops SP, Schep NWL, Spoor CW, et al. Comparison of three different pelvic circumferential compression devices: a biomechanical cadaver study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93(3):230-240. doi:10.2106/JBJS.J.00084
- Privalov M, Junge M, Jung MK, et al. Comparison of T-POD and SAM Pelvic Sling II and the influence of attachment level in the initial management of unstable pelvic type C injuries: a cadaveric study. Int J Emerg Med. 2024;17(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12245-024-00610-8
- Bonner TJ, Eardley WGP, Newell N, et al. Accurate placement of a pelvic binder improves reduction of unstable fractures of the pelvic ring. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(11):1524-1528. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.93B11.27023
- Lyng JW, Corsa JG, Raetzke BD, et al. Prehospital trauma compendium: evaluation and management of suspected pelvis fractures — an NAEMSP position statement and resource document. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025:1-35. doi:10.1080/10903127.2025.2540420
Peer-reviewed citations located via PubMed. This information is provided for clinical education and does not replace your agency's protocols, medical direction, or the manufacturer's Instructions for Use.
Order the Arrow T-POD Responder
Genuine Teleflex product. Responder (T-PODR) and Combat (T-PODC) variants. Volume and agency pricing available.
844.436.3526
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T-POD (Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device) Responder Pelvic Stabilization Device TF-T-PODR |
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