How To Treat Someone With Shock

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Signs and Symptoms of Shock

Signs of shock can include:

  • Pulse will be weak, but fast
  • Skin will be damp and cold
  • Person will feel faint or dizzy
  • Nausea will set in.

Straightaway after an injury, individuals might show little indication of suffering from shock. Signs and symptoms might slowly advance depending on:

Straightaway after an injury, individuals might show little indication of suffering from shock.
Straightaway after an injury, individuals might show little indication of suffering from shock.
  • How severe the injury was.
  • If there is a constant loss of fluid.
  • How effective the first aid was managed.

Warning about Shock

  • Shock can be dangerous.
  • Never leave a casualty who is suffering from shock, by themselves.

Managing Shock

  1. Manage injuries such as severe blood loss.
  2. Comfort the patient.
  3. Elevate the casualty’s legs (except they have broken bones or a snake bite) beyond the level of the heart, with the head flat on the floor.
  4. Provide first aid for any injury or burn and restrain fractures.
  5. Release close-fitting clothing around the chest, neck and waist.
  6. Preserve the casualty’s body heat with a blanket or jacket. Don’t apply any form of direct heat.
  7. Offer small, regular quantities of water to the conscious casualty who does not have intestinal trauma and who is not likely to need an operation in the near future.
  8. Observe and take note of pulse, breathing and skin colour at consistent intervals.
  9. Put the casualty in the recovery position if the individual has a problem breathing, expectantly becomes unconscious or they are likely to vomit.

Where to Get Assistance

  • For emergency or dangerous circumstances, visit an EMS department or phone for an ambulance.
  • Consult with your GP.

Related Video On Shock

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