Shock
What causes shock?
Some causes of shock are: trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning.
What are the various signs and symptoms which appear in a person experiencing shock?
- The skin is cool and clammy or gray looking.
- The eyes dull and sometimes the pupils are dilated.
- The pulse is weak and rapid.
- Breathing is affected. It could be slow and shallow or rapid and deep breathing.
- Blood pressure is low.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- The person may be conscious (feeling very weak or confused) or unconscious.
- Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.
What to do if suspect shock is suspected (even if the person seems normal after an injury)?
- Keep calm.
- Call for emergency medical assistance .
- Lying the person down on his or her back, have them raise their feet higher than the head. Keep him or her flat if raising the legs is harmful.
- Keep the person from moving.
- If signs of circulation are absent begin CPR.
- Keep the person warm and relaxed. Loosen any belts and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket.
- Give nothing by mouth, even if the person is thirsty.
- If the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
- Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones.
