Treat Shock

Shock is a life threatening condition that usually results from severe physiological stress.

Shock occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Recognizing shock and treating it correctly may save a life.

Steps

 * 1) Understand the possible causes of shock. Shock usually is associated with:
 * 2) *Blood loss (hypovolemic shock)
 * 3) *Severe head injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
 * 4) *Severe infections (septic shock)
 * 5) *Heart failure (cardiogenic shock)
 * 6) *Severe burns
 * 7) *Severe trauma
 * 8) *Dehydration
 * 9) *Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) - this may be due to drugs, foods, insect stings or snakebites.
 * 10) Assess the situation. If the cause of the victim's injuries (for example, a fire or a building collapse) is a serious risk, you may have to try to remove the victim to a safer place, or get help before attempting treatment.
 * 11) Look for shock signs/symptoms. Common shock signs/symptoms include:
 * 12) *Pale, cold, clammy skin (cool to the touch, and sweaty)
 * 13) *Rapid pulse
 * 14) *Sweating
 * 15) *Nervousness, agitation
 * 16) *Disorientation/confusion, giddiness
 * 17) *Thirst
 * 18) *Bleeding/blood loss
 * 19) *Rapid breathing, gasping for air
 * 20) *Blue-tinged skin (especially lips) or fingernails
 * 21) *Nausea or vomiting
 * 22) *Weakened pulse
 * 23) *Dizziness / fainting
 * 24) *Unconsciousness (possible eventually).
 * 25) Call your local emergency number, if there is any indication that a victim is suffering from, or is likely to go into shock.
 * 26) **In the United States/Canada: 911
 * 27) **In the UK: 999
 * 28) **In Europe: 112
 * 29) **In Australia: 000
 * 30) **In New Zealand: 111
 * 31) *Also, it is important to stay on the line with the emergency services dispatcher in case the victim's condition worsens. This way you can get the instructions you need, and provide the proper first aid.
 * 32) Communicate with the victim if he or she is conscious.
 * 33) *Seek permission to help with their condition, but do not imply any training or qualification that you do not have.
 * 34) *Look for injuries such as bleeding which you may be able to treat.
 * 35) *Loosen any constricting clothing around the neck, waist, and chest.
 * 36) Begin treatment immediately if you see any of the signs/symptoms of shock. The sooner you begin treatment, the less likely a person is to go into shock.
 * 37) Make sure that the person is breathing and has a steady heart rate. Begin CPR if necessary. Keep checking breathing and pulse regularly.
 * 38) Lay the victim on his back, and elevate his legs about a foot. This is called the "shock position", and facilitates blood flow to the organs and brain. Make sure that the legs are higher than the heart.
 * 39) *Do this only if it does not cause further injury. You should not move someone to this position if he has suffered significant injuries to the legs, neck, head or spine.
 * 40) *Do not put a very weak or unconscious victim on his back. Instead, lay him on his side in the recovery position. This will allow the mouth to drain in case of vomiting and prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
 * 41) Maintain normal body temperature. You don't want the victim to get too hot or too cold.
 * 42) *If it is cold, remove wet clothing and place an insulating barrier between the victim and the ground, if available, to decrease body heat loss (body heat is lost quickly through cold ground). A blanket, jacket, or a large towel will help. Wrap the victim in a rescue blanket or cover them with any available covering to keep them warm.
 * 43) *If it is hot, move the victim to a shaded area and keep him out of the sun. Remove restrictive clothing if you have not already done so.
 * 44) Watch for vomiting. If the victim vomits, tilt their head to the side and clear their airway. Do not move someone's head if they could have a head/spine injury. Instead, log-roll their head and body as one (you'll need at least two people to do this effectively).
 * 45) Treat the underlying injury. Do your best to stop bleeding, stabilize fractures, treat a snakebite, or take other steps to prevent the victim from getting worse.
 * 46) Keep the victim warm and comfortable until medical help arrives. Try to keep the victim calm; speak to the victim in comforting tones. Treat any injuries that you are able to competently treat, and observe anything which may be helpful to the emergency responders.
 * 47) *Continue to monitor the vital signs - level of response, pulse and breathing.
 * 48) *If unconsciousness occurs, keep the airway free, check breathing and be ready to give chest compressions and rescue breaths if required.

Tips

 * Shock is prevented via the same steps that it is treated. If anyone has been injured significantly, assume that he could go into shock without notice. Begin treatment immediately.
 * Do not give food or water to a victim of a serious injury or accident. Offer a moist towel to dampen their lips if needed.
 * Call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
 * With anaphylactic shock, check to see if the victim is carrying auto-injectors of epinephrine (adrenaline), or other allergy treatment.

Warnings

 * Never treat an injured person beyond your capabilities, you could cause more damage. If you do not know the proper treatment, seek trained help.
 * Treat any serious accident victim for shock if possible.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Create a Home First Aid Kit
 * How to Stop Bleeding
 * How to Help a Choking Victim
 * How to Administer First Aid to a Choking Child
 * How to Administer Adult CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)