First Aid for Shock

 

Inadequate blood flow to the tissues and organs of the body. It is brought on whenever there is severe injury to the body or a shock to the nervous system. All bodily processes are affected. Vital functions slow down.

In the early stages the body compensates for a decreased blood flow to the tissues by constricting blood vessels in the skin, soft tissues, and muscles. This causes the patient to have:

Cold, clammy, pale skin
Weakness and nausea
Rapid, labored breathing - causing restlessness and anxiety
Increased pulse rate and decreased blood pressure

As shock progresses, the patient will become apathetic and relatively unresponsive, and pupils will dilate, finally becoming unconscious.

TREATMENT for shock is as follows:

· Check ABC's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
· Control all obvious bleeding
· Keep patient lying down, legs slightly elevated
· Prevent loss of body heat
· Splint any broken bones
· Avoid excessive handling
· Check vital signs- pulse, breathing
· No liquids