Shock

In medicine and first aid the term ‘shock’ refers to a loss of effective circulating blood volume. This can be from severe bleeding, burns, diarrhoea and vomiting, sweating and dehydration (heat-stroke), severe infection, allergic reactions, or major or multiple fractures, spinal injury, heart disorder including a heart attack, abnormal dilation of blood vessels.

Signs and symptoms

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Thirst

  • Feeling cold

  • Muscle weakness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Anxiety, restlessness

  • Rapid pulse, fast heart rate

  • Rapid breathing

  • Cool sweating pale skin

  • Collapse

  • Confusion, deterioration of the level of consciousness

  • Vomiting

First aid

Call the ambulance, send for resources. For the casualty:

  • Rest comfortably, ideally lying down

  • Control any bleeding

  • Manage airways and unconsciousness

  • If they vomit, place on their side

  • Keep them warm and still

  • Provide reassurance, monitor until the ambulance arrives

Meirav Dulberg