You might die due to Blood Loss (Hypovolemic Shock) during SHTF

 Field management of shock out in the field of battle is different than a EMS rig in the city. During SHTF preppers will find that they should know both ways to manage shock. There are multiple types of shock, but today the Suburban Prepper is referring to Hypovolemic Shock. This is the type of shock that occurs when there is a significant loss of blood or body fluids. It is a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly.

In the field, shock management starts with recognizing the signs and symptoms. These include rapid breathing, weak pulse, cold and clammy skin, confusion, and dizziness. Preppers should be aware of these indicators in themselves or others around them during an emergency situation.

The first step in managing shock is to control any bleeding. This can be done by applying direct pressure to the wound or using a tourniquet if necessary. It's important to also keep the injured person warm by covering them with blankets or clothing. This helps prevent further heat loss from the body and can help improve blood flow.

Next, it's crucial to keep the person lying down and elevate their legs if possible. This helps increase blood flow to vital organs and can prevent them from going into shock. If possible get a blood pressure to monitor how low it goes. Consider started IV fluids such as normal saline or volume expanders. Volume expanders are IV fluids that help replace lost blood volume and keep blood pressure stable. An example of a volume expander is lactated ringers, which is a mixture of electrolytes and fluids that closely resembles the composition of blood. 

In the late 1990s the military took out the bags of Normal Saline and replaced them with a plasma expander such as hetastarch.  The change occurred because combat medics were forcing IV fluids in someone wounded but by doing so, clots to stop the bleeding could never occur so the patient would continue to bleed and and it was cyclic till the patient had not blood left and died. 

The hetastarch was introduced to expand the plasma volume without breaking off a blood clot from a open wound.  This practice was soon discontinued because non-medical soldiers who completed a week long Combat LifeSaver Course would infuse the hetastarch thinking it was saline to rehydrate quicker after getting drunk. In addition, the Quick Clot dressing was introduced. Quick Clots works by absorbing the fluid from blood and concentrating the red blood cells to stop bleeding. Later on, combat medics in certain higher tier units would carry Whole Blood Transfusions to keep soldiers alive.