A 25-year-old trauma patient has an estimated blood loss of 1800 mL. Heart rate is 128 bpm, blood pressure 90/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 30/min, GCS 13, urine output 20 mL/hour. According to ATLS haemorrhagic shock classification, this is:

• A Class I haemorrhagic shock
• B Class III haemorrhagic shock ✓
• C Class II haemorrhagic shock
• D Class IV haemorrhagic shock

Explanation

ATLS Class III haemorrhagic shock: blood loss 1500–2000 mL (30–40% EBV), HR >120 bpm, SBP reduced, RR 30–40/min, decreased urine output (5–15 mL/h), and altered mental status. This patient's parameters (HR 128, BP 90/60, RR 30, UO 20 mL/h, GCS 13) and volume lost (1800 mL) are consistent with Class III, which requires crystalloid plus blood transfusion.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.