One of the standard treatments for shock is to keep the patient warm, so, unless it is 100 degees and he/she is in the sun, I would think so. And in that case I would worry about the hot surface and maybe some shade...

The traditional mylar survival blanket is of limited value. As stated by OldBaldGuy, a patient who is in shock should be kept warm and dry or if not dry at least warm. The traditional survival blanket, despite claims of the reflection of as much as 90% of body heat, does little to insulate the patient from heat loss though conduction (contact with the ground, rocks, etc.). It can be helpful in creating a vapor barrier and reduce heat loss through convection (air currents).

A patient, who might be in moderate to severe hypothermia, is not producing enough body heat for the mylar survival blanket, by itself to be effective. Using one or more wool/disaster blankets (insulation) along with heat packs placed in the inner groin area and armpits (never in direct contact with bare skin) will assist in the patient from losing additional heat, as they will not really rewarm the body’s core (which is best performed in the hospital setting). Then by wrapping the entire blanket wrapped patient in the mylar survival blanket, you have created both a vapor and wind barrier. Especial attention should be made to insulating the head. A piece of plastic sheeting will accomplish the same thing, although it is generally heavier and bulkier to pack.

Pete

Florida had a legal definition of trauma, and when a "Trauma Alert" was declared, that person must be evacuated to the Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Center, or Specialized Trauma Center (i.e. burn unit, etc.). Is this common terminology, and/or practice throughout the U.S.?

They had a pretty simple system for determining a "Trauma Alert", they had 2 columns red and blue on a card. If a patient had 1 from the red column, they were automatically a "Trauma Alert". If they had nothing from the red column, but had at least 2 from the Blue column, they were a "Trauma Alert". A paramedic could call "Trauma Alert" under Paramedic Intuition. Normally the reason for the "Trauma Alert" was called over the radio (1 Red or 2 Blue).

Holmes Region Medical Center - Melbourne, FL Medevac Alert Criteria

Is there anyway for the lay person to get fluids for use in hypovolemic or dehydrated people? I've take CLS with the Army, so I can theoretically stick someone (I've atleast stuck a healthy person). But I alway thought IV bags of lactated ringers or some other IV fluid might be useful in an emergency. Its pretty simple to tell who is in shock due to blood lose or dehydration for the most part. So any hints on where to get them anyone?

Best bet is to give oral rehydration formula orally--if they can't keep that down, second best way is via enema.

If you want the job done right, do it yourself? The old saying. I use: If you want the job done right, get a professional to do it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Eh, I'm not trained to give enemas, I am to give IVs.

From a non-military standpoint (I am a retired Army medic), your best shot at getting prescription fluids, tubing, and catheters is to work in the field--EMT/whatever.

After that, you might be able to convince a sympathetic physician to write you a script for those items--but good luck. Also note that in the latter case, you could be held legally liable if you used your rig on others.

In twenty years, I've only had two cases (out of thousands) of dehydration that warranted an IV--that being said, my medics stuck 'em all anyway for practice.

If you are not currently certified to provide IV solutions, I strongly suggest you don't. Even if you had previous military training in administering IV fluids, the legal system frowns on "non-certified" people providing this type of intervention. In addition, if usually is difficult to obtain IV solutions and equipment without medical control authorization.
In New York state, an ALS certified provider or paramedic can administer an IV, nothing lower.
You may not agree, but that's how it is.

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action."

I figured as much, never hurts to ask though, much.