(OLTE) Shock Lesson Three

Shock

Shock can refer to a range of related medical conditions in which the victim's heart, lungs and blood cannot deliver oxygen to the body properly. As we have learned, when vital organs do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen rich blood, they fail to perform adequately. To compensate, our body triggers a series of responses to keep the organs from failing. When the injury or illness is severe, the body's natural responses may not be able to adjust sufficiently and vital organs become deprived of oxygen.

Shock is not a diagnosis or condition, it is always a symptom of a larger problem, and is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Shock is progressive and citizen responders should never confuse true shock with a feeling of extreme surprise - one does not lead to the other.

Now let's take a look at some of the common types and causes of shock.

Recognition

The sooner that shock is recognized, the better the victim's outcome will be. Although signs of shock can range greatly, some common signs are:

phases of shock: Developing Phases Early Phases A fast pulse Pale, cool, clammy skin Sweating Flushed face Anxiety or agitation Ashen or blue skin on lips and nail beds Cold, damp skin Weakness and dizziness Nausea and possibly vomiting Thirst Rapid, shallow breathing Weak, very rapid, "thready" pulse Confusion, disorientation Advanced Phases Lack of pulse in wrists or feet Restlessness and aggressiveness Yawning and gasping for air Unconsciousness Final Phase Multiple organ failure Cardiac arrest

Care for Victims of Shock

It is important to remember that shock is a life threatening emergency and 9-1-1 must be called immediately as it cannot be managed with simple first aid steps. Until help arrives rescuers should focus on keeping the victim comfortable and caring for other life threatening conditions that may exist. The most important treatment for shock of any variety is to try and maintain the blood flow to the body's vital organs (brain, heart, and lungs). To do this, help the person lie flat on the floor and raise their legs about 6-12 inches (15-30cm) off the ground. Do not incline the victim's head, chest, or pelvis, as this brings no improvement and can cause harm.

Reminder: Do not elevate the legs

  • If the victim is nauseated or having trouble breathing
  • If you suspect head, neck or back injuries or possible broken bones in the hips or legs
  • If moving causes more pain.

Next, continue to monitor their ABC's, control external bleeding and help keep the victim at a normal body temperature.

Never give the victim anything to eat or drink.

The treatment of shock can be remembered by the simple mnemonic WART:

W • Warmth A • ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation.) R • Rest & Reassurance T • Treatment of underlying cause

Please read pg. 16 in the American Red Cross Participants Manual for more information.

Now watch this short video clip from ProCPR describing the treatment for Shock.

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