Class III shock occurs when 1500-2000 cc of blood are lost. Standard of care is to rapidly infuse 2000 cc of a balanced salt solution to quickly restore intravascular volume and perfusion. A satisfactory response is an improvement in blood pressure, decrease in respiratory and heart rate, and an improvement in urine output. Achievement of adequate organ perfusion rather than a normal blood pressure is the goal. There is a clear difference between successful balanced resuscitation and persistent shock. Failure to respond or an initial response and subsequent deterioration, suggests ongoing blood loss and an urgency to diagnose and treat.
Class III shock medical expert witness specialties include anesthesiology, cardiac anesthesiology, obstetric anesthesiology, trauma, emergency medicine, and critical care medicine.