Page 167 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

FIRST AID 165

Shock

This life-threatening condition occurs when the blood circulation
WARNING
fails, and vital organs such as the brain and heart are deprived of
oxygen. The most common cause is severe blood loss, but loss of Call 911 immediately.
other body fluids, as occurs in severe burns, can also cause shock. A victim suffering from shock needs
urgent medical attention.
The first signs are a rapid pulse; sweating; and pale, clammy skin.
These are followed by a weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing;
thirst; restlessness; and weakness. The victim may become
unconscious. If treatment is not given, the heart will stop.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Treating signs of shock CAUTION: Stay with the victim continually, unless you
Shock deprives the brain, heart, and other vital organs of have to leave him or her in order to call 911. Keep the
oxygen, so the main goals of treatment are to improve the victim still. Do not give anything to eat or drink; if the
blood supply to the victim’s vital organs and to get him or victim complains of feeling thirsty, moisten his or her
her to the hospital as soon as possible. lips with a little water.

Call 911. Treat any obvious cause of shock, Use pillows or a pile of
such as severe bleeding (see p.157) or a burn folded coats to keep
the victim’s legs raised
1 (see opposite page). Be aware that there higher than the head
may be internal bleeding from an injury such
as a major fracture. Gently help the victim to
lie down, ideally on a blanket. If his or her legs
are uninjured, raise and support them on a
chair or on cushions. Keeping the legs higher
than the heart and the head low may help
to prevent loss of consciousness.

Loosen the victim’s clothes at the neck, chest,
and waist. Cover with a blanket or coat to keep
2 him or her warm, but don’t apply a direct source
Check the victim’s of heat such as a hot-water bottle. Monitor and
pulse regularly record his or her breathing, pulse, and level of
until help arrives
consciousness regularly. If the victim
becomes unconscious, be prepared
to start CPR (see pp.170–171).

Cover the victim
completely to keep
him or her warm