Shock
In an emergency, preventing or managing shock is a matter of life and death. It occurs when the circulatory system fails to deliver blood to the body. This can happen when the heart beats irregularly, if blood vessels dilate too wide, or if a person is losing blood.
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Confusion, disorientation, dizziness
- Cold, clammy hands and pale skin
- Extreme thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- High anxiety
- Fingernails turn white when pressed and pink color does not return in two seconds
Treatment Techniques
If you are called upon to help in an emergency, guarding victims against shock is your highest priority. Here's what you need to know:
- Call 911 for help; you can't manage shock alone for long.
- Check the ABC's (airway, breathing, circulation); begin CPR if necessary
- Lay the person on his or her back and elevate the legs to keep blood circulating to vital organs. (Avoid this if the head, neck, back, hips or legs have been injured.)
- Apply pressure to open wounds to slow bleeding.
- Try to keep the victim calm, comfortable and warm.
- Never give the person water, no matter how thirsty he or she claims to be
Back to First Aid.