Shock

Shock is an emergency condition. It can occur when blood flow or blood volume is too low to meet the body's needs. With shock, areas of the body are deprived of oxygen. The result is damage to parts of the body such as the limbs, lungs, heart and brain.

Some causes for shock are:

• Heart attack
• Severe or sudden blood loss from an injury or serious illness
• Large drop in body fluids such as following a severe burn or severe vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Blood poisoning from major infections
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold for too long

Other things that lead to shock are:

• Fractures of a large bone
• A severe allergic reaction
• Very low blood sugar such as occurs with diabetes (insulin shock)
• Excessive drinking of alcohol
• Drug overdose

Signs and Symptoms of Shock:

• Weakness, trembling
• Restlessness, confusion
• Pale or blue-colored lips, skin and/or fingernails
• Cool and moist skin
• Weak, but fast pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nausea, vomiting
• Enlarged pupils
• Extreme thirst
• Loss of consciousness

Shock cannot be reversed once it happens, but first aid can help keep it from getting worse.

Treatment:

• Stop external bleeding as soon as possible.
• Reassure the casualty and move her/him as little as possible.
• Lay the casualty down and shelter her from any extremes of temperature.
• Turn the head to one side.
• Raise the legs of the victim by putting floded coats under the feet.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• Keep the casualty comfortably warm.
• Send a by stander for an ambulance or medical aid.

Important

• Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink.
• Never use a hot water bottle to warm the casualty.