Prolonged Field Care Podcast

PFC Podcast 254: Mastering Shock Management in Trauma

Nov 10, 2025
Explore the intricacies of shock management in trauma cases, particularly hemorrhagic shock. Mental status changes are vital indicators, with early intervention being crucial for patient outcomes. Discover the importance of massive transfusion protocols and the role of TXA and calcium during resuscitation. Hear insights on resource management in trauma settings, and the necessity of adapting protocols to unique scenarios. Overall, the talk emphasizes prioritizing mental status and timely interventions to prevent patient deterioration.
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INSIGHT

Mental Status As Primary Hemorrhage Signal

  • Mental status changes in trauma are the earliest and most sensitive sign of significant hemorrhage.
  • Treat altered mental status as hemorrhage until you prove another cause, Max emphasizes.
ADVICE

Actively Test Higher-Level Cognition

  • Regularly speak to and test patients’ higher-level cognition during assessments.
  • Ask off‑the‑wall questions and recheck mental status while verifying interventions, Dennis and Max advise.
ADVICE

Use ABC Criteria To Trigger MTP

  • Use the ABC criteria (penetrating trauma, positive FAST, HR>100, SBP<90) to trigger massive transfusion activation.
  • Activate MTP when two of four criteria are present to get blood rapidly to the patient, Max advises.
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