Hot Sweet Tea As A Remedy For Shock: Does It Work?

[Zaune]

I guess the title says it all, really. It's a popular folk remedy in this country but I can't find any definitive information online about whether it actually helps or not. (I can't say it made me feel better after getting hit in the small of the back with a Ford Fiesta when I was sixteen, but part of that might be the fact I really cannot stand tea with sugar.)

Any of our medical professionals got any idea?

[Dominus Atheos]

Psychological shock, or medical shock? Or the fictional shock people go into at the slightest injury in medical dramas, which is inevitably followed by defibrillator paddles?

[Broomstick]

For psychological shock there is probably some sort of placebo effect, but psychological shock is something I expect would benefit greatly from a placebo. A traditional remedy, the comfort of ritual, of being cared for, of sitting down and having something to do with your hands even if it's just holding a cup... these would all be likely to ease emotional distress.

For physical shock, not so much, although it's not that unusual for psychological shock and physical shock to arrive at the same time.

[WATCH-MAN]

It depends:

There are several kind of circulatory shocks: the hypovolemic shock, the cardiogenic shock, the septic shock and the anaphylactic shock.

Especially at a hypovolemic shock it can help to drink something (no alcohol !!!) to increase the volume of the blood (rescue service would give intravenous fluids e.g. normal saline bolus) But at the same time, it increases the risks if the patient is loosing its consciousness (risk of aspiration while unconscious) and is cumbersome if an operation is necessary. Insofar I would give something to drink only if it is strongly demanded by the conscious patient, if he or she seems steady and rescue service is still far away.

A higher volume of blood isn't necessary at a cardiogenic, septic or anaphylactic shock and even can be contraindicated.

[Zaune]

Which one of those forms of shock is it that can lower core temperature, if any? A hot drink would make sense for that.

[WATCH-MAN]

In practically each first aid situation you have to remember to wrap your patient in a blanket (e.g. space blanket also known as a Mylar blanket, first aid blanket, emergency blanket, thermal blanket or weather blanket) to prevent hypothermia.

If the patient really has a shock - you have to call the rescue service - a shock is always a life-threatening medical condition and can not remedied by administering hot sweet tea.

If the patient has a hypovolemic shock, put him into a shock position (put something unter the legs to raise them circa 30°).

Remember: In a circulatory shock, the patient may lose consciousnes and may suffer a circulatory arrest. Check continuously the vital signs (at least consciousnes and breathing).

As long as the patient is conscious - talk with him - distract him - talk about God and the world - but not about his situation. Be there for him. Hold his hand.

If the patient is unconscious, put him into a recovery position and continue to check the vital signs.

If the patient has a circulatory arrest - put him on his back and do a cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

If you want to know more: Take a First Aid course - It saves life.

[Zaune]

I brought it up because it was semi-relevant to my current fanfic project, but I'll keep that in mind. I've been meaning to take some first aid classes when money permits though.

[LadyTevar]

What I have seen is the images of people who have had a emotional shock -- house fire, flood, diaster, etc -- shown with a blanket and a hot cuppa something.

[WATCH-MAN]

What you mean is an acute stress reaction. It is a psychological condition arising in response to a terrifying or traumatic event. It's also called acute stress disorder, psychological shock, mental shock, or simply shock by laymen and hence often confused with with the unrelated circulatory shock.

As in every first aid situation, care and support is very important. First aid is not only taking care of physiological needs. The psychological support is as important and oftentimes even more important than to bandage up a wound.

Althoug physiological not necessary, to give someone who has an acute stress reaction a blanket and something warm to drink is a form of support. And of course, the warm drink may calm the nerves and distract (relaxation).

If someone has an acute stress reaction, it always should be considered to consult a Crisis Intervention Counselor. Otherwise, if the disorder doesn't resolve itself with time, it may develop into a more severe disorder such as a posttraumatic stress disorder.