FIRST AID ESSENTIALS

SHOCK

Shock is the body systems response to trauma. It is a loss of effective circulation resulting in impaired tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery which causes life-threatening organ failure.

Shock can be made worse by pain, fear or other physiological responses to incidents.

Signs and symptoms

Early recognition of the seriously ill or seriously injured person should alert the first aider to the risk of developing shock.

The symptoms, signs and rate of onset of shock vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the underlying cause. Shock is a condition that can be difficult to identify.

Symptoms may include:

Dizziness
Thirst
Anxiety
Restlessness
Nausea
Breathlessness
Feeling cold, shivering or chills.
Extreme discomfort or pain

Signs may include:

Collapse
Rapid breathing
Rapid pulse which may become weak or slow
Fever or abnormally low temperature
Cool, sweaty skin that may appear pale or discoloured
Skin rash
Confusion or agitation
Decreased or deteriorating level of consciousness
Vomiting
Decreased urine output

Management

Ensure safety of all at the scene
Lie the person down. If unconscious place the person on their side (ANZCOR Guideline 3).
Control any bleeding promptly (ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1).
Send for an ambulance.
Administer treatments relevant to the cause of the shock.
Administer oxygen if available and trained to do so.
Maintain body temperature (prevent hypothermia).
Reassure and constantly re-check the person’s condition for any change.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow the Basic Life Support Flowchart (ANZCOR Guideline 8).