Effects of Thermal Status on Markers of Blood Coagulation During Simulated Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of deaths on the battlefield. An understanding of the mechanisms and modulators of blood pressure control and coagulopathy under conditions soldiers currently experience on the battlefield is important for improved treatment of the hemorrhaging soldier. The global objective of this project tested the hypothesis that environmental and physiological conditions a soldier experiences on the battlefield alters hemodynamic and hemostatic function i.e., coagulation and fibrinolysis. To that end, we investigated these important questions using three unique experimental conditions. The specifics of the experimental protocols and their outcomes are included in the body of the progress report and the accompanying publications. We found that the applied conditions did not adversely affect hemostatic function, but tolerance to simulated hemorrhage was generally impaired when individuals were heat stressed. Finally, an index of cardiovascular compensatory reserve was unaffected by the applied environmental and physiological conditions, suggesting that this pre-hospital assessment provides valuable information regarding the hemorrhagic status of individuals under the applied conditions.