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How to Treat for Shock
When a person is injured or under great stress, the cardiovascular system may not be able to circulate enough blood to maintain normal bodily functions. This condition is called shock, and it may strike the victim of any accident or emotional trauma. Shock may develop soon after the injury has occurred, or it may not appear until minutes or even hours later. Sometimes shock is more dangerous than the injuries that brought it on, and in severe cases it can cause death.
How to Spot Shock
A person suffering from shock may be cold, may shiver, and may have cold, clammy pale skin in color. Breathing could be shallow, and there may be vomiting. On the other hand, there may be few obvious signs that shock is setting in.
How to Treat It
Treat every accident victim for shock, even if there are no definite symptoms. Since shock is sometimes a delayed reaction to an accident, prompt treatment may prevent it from occurring at all. Be especially alert when rescuers arrive, since the relief a victim feels may give shock a chance to take hold.
Keep the person lying down. Unless there are head or spinal injuries, elevate the legs slightly to increase the flow of blood to the head. Put an insulated pad underneath, and wrap the person in a sleeping bag, jackets, or rescue blanket for warmth. Be sure you have correctly treated any wounds. If the victim vomits, turn the head to one side so they will not choke, and keep the air passage open. Obtain a doctor's care as soon as possible.
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