Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition which occurs when circulatory system (which distributes oxygen to the body tissues and removes waste products) fails. Thus, immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent organ damage and death.

What causes them?

• Severe blood loss.
• Overwhelming infection
• lack of certain hormones
• Low blood sugar(hypoglycaemia)
• Hypothermia
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)
• Spinal cord injury

Ways to identify:

• A rapid pulse
• Pale, cold, clammy skin; sweating
• Nausea, and vomiting
• Thirst
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Restlessness and aggressiveness
• Unconsciousness

Treatment:
1. Treat any possible cause of shock that you can detect, such as severe bleeding.

2. Lay the casualty down on a blanket to insulate her from the cold ground. Constantly reassure her.

3. Raise and support her legs to improve the blood supply to vital organs. However, be careful if you suspect a fracture.

Picture courtesy of http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/17231.htm

4. Loosen tight clothing at the neck, chest, and waist to reduce constriction in these areas.

5. Keep the casualty warm by covering her body and legs with coats or blanks. Call for an ambulance.

6. Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse, and breathing. If the person becomes unconscious, open airway and check breathing. Turn the victim's head to one side if neck injury is not suspected.

**The End**

All the information above are from First Aid Manual 8th Edition.