Shock
When seriously injured (and to some extent with minor injuries and illness), the body initiates shock, a natural response that pools blood into one or more vital organs. Shock reduces the blood reaching other body tissues, which may deprive them of oxygen. Severe, sustained shock can cause permanent disabilities, including death, so begin treating shock as soon as possible.
Signs and symptoms of shock include shallow breathing, labored breathing, gasping and noisy breathing. The patient may be pale, and have moist clammy skin. You may find the patient's pulse weak and rapid. The patient may be anxious and despite the injury, may be restless and not want to lie down. Nausea, vomiting, thirst, light-headedness and confusion also indicate shock.
Treating shock begins with primary assessment, which itself manages more serious conditions that lead to shock, such as cardiac arrest or severe bleeding. Once you've completed these steps, maintain your circle of care and take these steps to reduce shock:
1. Maintain the patient's body temperature. If necessary, put a blanket under and over the patient.
2. Keep the patient lying down.
3. Elevate legs If' suspected internal/external bleeding. Do not elevate if suspected head, neck, back or leg injuries.
4. Don't give the patient anything to eat or drink.
5. Summon professional emergency medical care if no one has done so already
6. monitor the patient, maintaining the circle of care until help arrives.
Signs and symptoms of shock include shallow breathing, labored breathing, gasping and noisy breathing. The patient may be pale, and have moist clammy skin. You may find the patient's pulse weak and rapid. The patient may be anxious and despite the injury, may be restless and not want to lie down. Nausea, vomiting, thirst, light-headedness and confusion also indicate shock.
Treating shock begins with primary assessment, which itself manages more serious conditions that lead to shock, such as cardiac arrest or severe bleeding. Once you've completed these steps, maintain your circle of care and take these steps to reduce shock:
1. Maintain the patient's body temperature. If necessary, put a blanket under and over the patient.
2. Keep the patient lying down.
3. Elevate legs If' suspected internal/external bleeding. Do not elevate if suspected head, neck, back or leg injuries.
4. Don't give the patient anything to eat or drink.
5. Summon professional emergency medical care if no one has done so already
6. monitor the patient, maintaining the circle of care until help arrives.
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