Author: Alexander A. Simakov, MPH FP-C MSIV, Medical Student Council, International Ex Officio Representative
Things were much simpler back in the Roman days. When one
was stabbed by a sword he/she bled and died of “cold” — or hypovolemic — shock.
If the person got lucky and was only wounded by the dirty blade, they probably
died of “warm” — or septic — shock. Today our knowledge has advanced well past
“cold” and “warm,” and leaves us with at least 10 types of shock commonly
encountered in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU)
(Table 1). Each represents a constellation of physiologic effects that require
a tailored approach to management. Cardiovascular support with the assistance
of vasopressors is a common method, while identification and treatment of the
underlying disease process remains the ultimate goal.1
