How to apply a pelvic binder
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.
A binder closes the pelvic ring and reduces bleeding in unstable pelvic fractures.
Step by step
Suspect
High-energy trauma, pelvic pain, shock. [1]
Do not rock
No springing of the pelvis. [1]
Place
At the level of the greater trochanters, not the iliac crests. [1]
Tighten
Per device until snug. [1]
Check
Leg pulses. [1]
Minimize movement
Scoop stretcher rather than log roll. [1]
Common errors
- Too high.
- Rocking the pelvis.
- Repeated log rolls.
Practice it in Making Synapses
In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Making Synapses cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic); National EMS Education Standards (2021). Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.