Shock, First Aid

Who's At Risk?

Shock can occur with medical emergencies such as burns, drug overdose, electrical shock, heart attack, severe heat-related illness (heatstroke), low blood sugar, extreme cold (hypothermia), poisoning, spinal injury, overwhelming infection (septic shock), or severe allergic reaction, blood loss, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of shock can include:

• Anxiety, restlessness, weakness, and/or dizziness.
• Decreased alertness.
• A rapid, weak pulse.
• Cool, clammy skin.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Pale skin with bluish lips and fingernails.
• Extreme thirst and dry mouth.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Unconsciousness.

Self-Care Guidelines

First Aid Guide
If it is at all possible that the person suffered a back or neck injury, call emergency medical care and wait. Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger in that location. If you are not sure if the person has a neck injury, assume that they do.

For first aid treatment for shock in an individual without a potential back or neck injury:

• Contact emergency medical care immediately. Provide any information to medical personnel such as the cause of shock, if known, or any instructions on a medical alert tag.
• Check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
• If the person is bleeding from their mouth, vomiting, or drooling, turn their head to the side to allow fluids to drain.
• If you can, give first aid for the underlying injury or illness. For example, if there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound.
• Loosen any constricting clothing, belts, and jewelry, and unless the person has heatstroke, lightly cover them to keep them warm.
• If there is no possible leg, neck, or back injury associated with the shock, place the person in the shock position:
  • Lay the person flat (without any pillows under their head) and elevate their feet 8-12 inches.
  • If this causes discomfort (eg, pain, difficulty breathing), have the person lie in a way that makes them most comfortable.
• If conscious, ask the person pertinent questions. Because they may lose consciousness as shock progresses, record the information and give it to emergency personnel when they arrive. Ask:
  • What happened?
  • Do you have any medical problems?
  • Do you take any medications?
  • Do you have any allergies to medications?

Note: Do not put anything in the mouth of a potential shock victim. (If the person indicates they are thirsty, you can moisten their lips with water.)

Treatments

The medical professional will treat the underlying condition that caused the shock. Treatment can be wide ranging and is specific to what caused the shock and the type of shock that has occurred.

In many cases of shock, infusions of electrolytes (saltwater solution) will be given to replace fluids lost, and measures will be taken to maintain the person’s body temperature. A blood transfusion may be given if shock is due to blood loss.

Visit Urgency

In all cases of shock or potential shock, seek emergency medical care. Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical care.