Fact Checked
Shock takes place when the circulation system doesn’t direct blood to all parts of the body. When a person experiences shock, the blood flow is too small to meet the body’s requirements. Parts of the body are lacking in oxygen. This leads to injury of the heart, brain, limbs, and lungs.
Losing blood as a result of any injury can cause shock.
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
- Faintness and quivering feeling.
- Feeling agitated and confusion.
- Light or blue-colored fingernails, skin, and lips. Cool and clammy skin.
- Fast, shallow breathing. Frail, but rapid pulse.
- Sickness, nausea and extreme thirst.
- Inflated pupils.
- Loss of cognizance.
Causes of Shock
- Experiencing a heart attack.
- Severe or unexpected loss of blood from an injury or severe disease. Bleeding can take place within or outside the body.
- A large decline in body fluids, such as experiencing a serious burn.
Self-Care / First Aid of Shock
- Look for a reaction. Provide CPR or Rescue Breaths as required.
- Place the casualty in a horizontal position, face-up, but do not transfer him or her if you notice a back, head, or neck injury.
- Elevate the casualty’s feet. You can make use of a box, etc. Do not elevate the feet or shift the legs if any bones appear to be broken. Keep the casualty lying flat.
- If the casualty vomits or has problems breathing, elevate him or her to a semi-sitting position (if no neck, back, or head injury). Or, rotate the casualty on his or her side to avoid choking.
- Untie constricted clothing. Keep the casualty warm. Cover the casualty with a jacket, blanket, etc.
- Check for response again. Recap as required.
- Do not offer any food or fluids. If the casualty wants water, dampen the lips.
- Assure the casualty. Make him or her as relaxed as you can.
Related Video On Shock
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