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About Shock
Shock is a critical condition due to the failure of the cardiovascular system to keep adequate blood circulating to the vital organs of the body, namely the heart, lungs and brain.
Shock is common with many injuries, regardless of their severity. It may occur with any type of injury. The first hour after an injury is most important because it is during this period that symptoms of shock appear. If shock is not treated, it can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and injury, and may include:
- Confusion
- Cool, clammy skin
- Pale or ashen skin
- A gray or bluish tinge to lips or fingernails
- Rapid pulse.
- Rapid breathing.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Enlarged pupils
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Trembling and weakness in the arms or legs
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation
Treatment and First Aid
Always anticipate that shock will follow an injury and take measures to prevent it before it happens. If you suspect a person is in shock, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Then take the following steps – remember do not move them into any position if it will cause further injury.
At any point if the victim shows no signs of life including not breathing, not coughing, nor moving, begin CPR immediately if qualified.
- Constantly talk to the victim and encourage them to be calm
- Lay the victim down unless this may cause further injury – lying down helps circulate blood flow
- Elevate the legs and feet slightly as long as the victim has no head, neck, or serious leg injuries
- If the victim has trouble breathing, move them into a semi-recline position
- Keep the victim still and don’t move the victim anymore unless necessary.
- Loosen tight clothing to help ensure blood flow and breathing if needed
- Cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling
- Do not allow the person eat or drink anything
- If the person vomits or is bleeding from the mouth, and no spinal injury is suspected, turn the person onto a side to prevent choking.