
Prolonged Field Care Podcast Prolonged Field Care Podcast 251: Hemorrhagic Shock Progression - Classes, Compensation, and Resuscitation Strategies
Oct 20, 2025
Dive into the world of hemorrhagic shock as Dennis and Max break down its classifications and the critical differences between compensated and uncompensated states. Learn how vital signs play a key role in assessing patient conditions and why special populations like children, pregnant women, and the elderly require unique care considerations. Discover essential resuscitation strategies and the importance of continuous patient reassessment, ensuring that trauma care is both effective and informed.
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Compensated Versus Uncompensated Shock
- Compensated shock means the body maintains end-organ perfusion despite blood loss by mobilizing physiological reserves.
- Uncompensated shock is loss of that ability and causes hard-to-reverse metabolic injury.
Ask EMS How Much Blood Was On Scene
- Ask EMS how much blood was on scene and read their eyes; scene blood tells you bleeding severity before vital signs.
- Use that info immediately to prioritize evaluation and resources.
Venous Reservoir Is First-Line Compensation
- The venous system holds a 20–30% blood reserve that the body mobilizes early after loss.
- This reserve produces no external vital-sign changes during initial compensation.
