Okay, then...

[agilebrit]

So, one of my reviewers at FFN for "Cerberus" (aka the Jayne-torture fic) wanted an alternate ending where they don't get rescued right away. And the problem with that is that Jayne's just had the snot beat out of him with a cat o'nine tails and a chain scourge, he's in deep shock, and he's lost a ton of blood, not to mention getting electrocuted numerous times.

Question to the folks on my flist who know something about medicine: How long would he live, without medical treatment? I'm thinking, not very long. And thus, the "alternate ending" for this thing would be a disappointment to the person who wanted it. To say the least.

*evil laughter* Which isn't to say that I won't write it...

Comments

[kats-meow.livejournal.com]

OOH! Jayne torture! I think I need to go read now.

I would guess he'd live maybe overnight, since he's such a strong damn ox, but I'm not a medical professional, I only play one because my mother taught nursing once upon a time.

Good Wiki info here, though: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock

[ludditerobot.livejournal.com]

I can't answer your questions, but I just saw Madagascar with the kids at the free matinee. I ♥ the penguins.

[dragonflymuse.livejournal.com]

Depends on how much blood he lost, and if the electric shocks interfered with the way his heart was beating.

Some folks with exsanguination injuries can stave off shock if their body temp is really low - like if he were hypothermic, it would lower his heartrate and he could possibly tolerate the lower perfusion volume.

[sappho-wilde.livejournal.com]

*peeking in shy-like* I don't know if you're familiar with it, but there's an LJ community specifically for writers researching questions like this... little_details. There are soooo many people with so much knowledge, and you generally get a very quick response. Good luck -- the story sounds really interesting!