First Aid For Shock Victim

Shock can refer to a range of related medical conditions in which the victim's heart, lungs and blood cannot deliver oxygen to the body properly. Shock is not a diagnosis or condition, it is always a symptom of a larger problem, and is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. One should never confuse true shock with a feeling of extreme surprise - one does not lead to the other.

Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes. When a person is in shock, his or her organs aren't getting enough blood or oxygen. If untreated, this can lead to permanent organ damage or death.

Key Types of Shock:

Hypovolemic shock - Caused by the rapid loss of blood from the blood vessels, either inside and outside the body.
Cardiogenic shock - Caused by failure of the heart to move blood adequately. This is typically caused by damaged heart muscle due to a heart attack.
Distributive shock - Caused by enlargement of the blood vessels so that the pressure within them drops.
Anaphylactic shock - Caused by an allergic reaction which forces fluid out of the blood vessels
Septic shock - Caused by a severe infection which poisons the blood vessels, causing them to enlarge
Neurogenic shock - Caused by a spinal cord injury, preventing the brain from communicating with blood vessels
Obstructive shock - Caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, preventing blood from flowing past it.

Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:

• The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray.
• The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal.
• The person may be nauseated. He or she may vomit.
• The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.
• The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.
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If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet about a foot higher than the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still.
• Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement) and if absent, begin CPR.
• Keep the person warm and comfortable by loosening any belts or tight clothing and covering the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give nothing by mouth.
• Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth.
• Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones.

Treatment for Shock

• The most important treatment for shock of any variety is to try and maintain the blood flow to the body's vital organs (brain, heart, and lungs). To do this, lie the patient flat on the floor and raise their legs about 6-12 inches (15-30cm) off the ground. Do not incline the victim's head, chest, or pelvis, as this brings no improvement and can cause harm.
• Other important factors in the treatment of shock can be remembered by the simple mnemonic WART:
• Warmth
• ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation.)
• Rest & Reassurance
• Treatment of underlying cause

Unconscious patients
Should a patient become unconscious, confirm that an ambulance has been called, and take the following steps: Reassess the ABCs. Should any change occur, compensate with required treatment. (ex. Patient goes into cardiac arrest, begin CPR.)
As airway takes priority over other treatment, you should place them in the recovery position in order to ensure a patent airway.

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