I have perhaps a simplistic view of acidosis/alkalosis and head trauma. Since the host of metabolites cannot be tracked and measured in the field, I focus on the things that I can measure and regulate. Carbon Dioxide is a strong vasodilator that can be measured and often times controlled by regulating the ventilation rate.
So yea, you are most definitely on the right track. You might try investigating the relationship between CO2, Acidosis, arterial vasodilation, and heat trauma.
Happy Hunting!!