First Aid For Shock
When a person is in shock, their organs don’t get enough blood or oxygen. Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss or an allergic reaction. Shock is a critical condition brought on by the sudden drop in blood flow through the body. If shock is not treated, it can lead to permanent organ damage or even death. It also may result from severe infection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes. Performing first aid for shock is important to prevent severe outcomes and even death.
Symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and may include:
- A gray or bluish tinge to lips or fingernails.
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation.
- Cool, clammy skin.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Enlarged pupils.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pale or ashen skin.
- Rapid breathing.
- Rapid pulse.
- Weakness or fatigue.
Perform first aid for shock and seek emergency medical care
If you suspect a person is in shock, call 999 or your local emergency number. Then take the following first aid for shock steps right away:
- Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury.
- 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.
- Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
- Keep the person still and don’t move the person unless necessary.
- Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as not breathing, coughing or moving.
- Don’t let the person eat or drink anything.
