What to know, what to do...

The type of shock we are concerned with here happens when the circulatory system (the heart and blood vessels, controlled by the brain) cannot deliver enough blood to all the parts of the body. When the body is assaulted by an injury or serious illness, the brain can begin a program to protect blood supply to all the vital organs in the body core. It shuts down lots of systems it considers unnecessary to survival right then, and can radically reduce blood supply to them. Later, when these other systems begin to suffer from lack of supply, the brain can open circulation back up again, changing blood pressures through the body suddenly and dramatically. This can become a problem, with the body trying to react and adjust to its needs, and being unsuccessful.

You Should Suspect Shock When You See:

Ø      That an injury or illness is serious

Ø      Any significant amount of fluid loss or change, bleeding, urination, defecation, vomiting, or blistering

Ø      Restlessness or irritability

Ø      Becoming faint, confused, drowsy, or unconscious

Ø      Nausea

Ø      Pale or cool, ashen, moist skin

Ø      Rapid breathing

Ø      Rapid pulse

What to Do When You Suspect Shock:

Ø      Have the victim lie down or rest in the most comfortable position for them. If they are having any trouble breathing, they are likely to prefer a more sitting position, over lying flat.

Ø      Call 911 Emergency Medical Services

Ø      Stabilize the victim’s position so that, if they should lose consciousness, they cannot fall, risking further injury

Ø      Control any bleeding you can see

Ø      If you do not suspect a head, neck or back injury, or broken bones involving the legs or hips, raise and support the victim’s legs about 12 inches off the ground. Use a blanket or material to cushion a hard support such as a box. If you are not sure of possible injuries to legs, head, neck or back, leave the victim lying flat.

Ø      Help keep the victim comfortably warm. If they are cool, try to cover him or her, and if the ground is wet and cold, try to put protection between the victim and the ground.

Ø      Do not give anything to eat or drink, even though the victim may be thirsty.

Ø      Continue to watch over the victim, in case they develop a problem with airway, breathing, or circulation

Ø      Reassure the victim

While only Emergency Medical Personnel can treat shock and provide direct care, these steps keep the victim as comfortable and pain-free, and as calm as possible. Pain and anxiety can accelerate the development of shock. Your care will help slow its progress and reduce its severity.

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