What are Risks of Moving Someone in Shock Over Long Distances?

Risks of Prolonged Transport in Shock

Moving someone in shock over long distances can be catastrophic. For every 30 minutes of delay in treating shock, the mortality rate increases by 20%. In a study on emergency medical services, patients who received treatment within 60 minutes of arrival had a mortality rate of 15%, while those who received treatment after 90 minutes had a mortality rate of 30%. This underscores the importance of rapid transportation to a medical facility.

Hypothermia and Shock

Hypothermia can quickly set in when someone is in shock, as their body’s ability to regulate temperature is impaired. Exposure to cold temperatures, wet clothing, and wind can accelerate this process. In extreme cases, hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest, which is the primary cause of death in shock patients. To mitigate this risk, medical professionals often use warm blankets and insulated transport bags to keep patients warm during transport.

Physical Exertion and Stress

Lifting, moving, and transporting someone in shock can cause physical exertion and stress, which can exacerbate shock and increase the risk of cardiac arrest. A general rule of thumb is to move patients in shock as little as possible, using mechanical lifting devices or stretchers to minimize physical exertion. The American Heart Association recommends that emergency responders use a ‘drag and lift’ technique, where a patient is lifted by a team of responders using a backboard, rather than dragging them, which can cause further injury and stress.