Shock

Recognizing and treating shock, a life-threatening condition.

What Is Shock?

Shock occurs when the body's tissues don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Without treatment, organs fail and death follows.

Shock is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Types of Shock

Recognizing Shock

Early Signs

Progressive Signs

Late Signs

• Unresponsive
• Very weak or absent pulse
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Not breathing

Don't wait for late signs. Act on early signs.

Treating Shock

Basic Care

1. Call 911 immediately

2. Control obvious bleeding

• Direct pressure
• Tourniquet if needed

3. Position the victim

Standard position:

• Lay flat on back
• Elevate legs 8-12 inches (if no suspected spinal injury)
• This helps blood flow to vital organs

Exceptions:

4. Prevent heat loss

• Cover with blanket or coat
• Insulate from cold ground
• Don't overheat

5. Loosen restrictive clothing

• Belt
• Tie
• Tight collar

6. Do NOT give food or drink

• May need surgery
• May vomit and aspirate
• Moisten lips only if needed

7. Reassure and calm

• Talk to them
• Explain what you're doing
• Keep them still

8. Monitor continuously

• Level of consciousness
• Breathing
• Pulse
• Be ready for CPR

Anaphylactic Shock

Causes

Severe allergic reaction to:

• Foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs)
• Insect stings (bees, wasps)
• Medications (penicillin, aspirin)
• Latex
• Other allergens

Signs (Rapid Onset)

• Swelling of face, tongue, throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Widespread hives
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Sense of doom

Treatment

1. Call 911 immediately

2. Ask about epinephrine

• "Do you have an EpiPen?"
• "Are you allergic to something?"

3. Help them use epinephrine auto-injector

Using an EpiPen:

1. Remove safety cap
2. Hold orange tip against outer thigh
3. Push firmly (through clothing is OK)
4. Hold for 10 seconds
5. Remove and massage area
6. Note time given

4. Position based on symptoms

• Breathing difficulty: Sitting up
• Feeling faint: Lying down with legs elevated
• Unconscious: Recovery position

5. Be prepared for second dose

• Effects may wear off
• Another dose may be needed in 5-15 minutes

6. Monitor airway

• Swelling can close airway
• Be ready for CPR

7. Keep them calm

• Anxiety worsens symptoms
• Reassure help is coming

If No Epinephrine Available

• Call 911 (critical)
• Monitor airway
• CPR if needed
• Antihistamine (Benadryl) may help minor reactions but won't stop anaphylaxis

Insulin Shock (Diabetic Emergency)

Two Types

For Low Blood Sugar

Signs:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Pale
• Hungry
• Irritable/confused
• Rapid heartbeat

Treatment:

1. If conscious, give sugar:
   • Juice or regular soda
   • Glucose tablets
   • Candy
2. Have them sit
3. Monitor for improvement (10-15 minutes)
4. If no improvement or consciousness declines, call 911

If Unsure Which Type

When in doubt, give sugar.

• If low sugar: Sugar will help
• If high sugar: Small amount won't hurt much

Call 911 for:

• Unconsciousness
• No improvement after sugar
• Uncertainty about what's happening

Prevention of Shock

After Injury

• Control bleeding immediately
• Don't let injured person "walk it off"
• Keep warm
• Elevate injured limb if appropriate
• Monitor for shock signs

For Those at Risk

Diabetics:

• Carry glucose
• Wear medical ID
• Know warning signs

Those with severe allergies:

• Carry epinephrine
• Wear medical ID
• Avoid known triggers
• Have action plan

Key Points

1. Shock is life-threatening - Don't underestimate
2. Call 911 immediately - This is an emergency
3. Lay flat, elevate legs - Helps blood flow to organs
4. Control bleeding - Blood loss causes shock
5. Prevent heat loss - Keep them warm
6. No food or drink - May need surgery
7. Monitor continuously - Condition can worsen rapidly
8. Epinephrine for anaphylaxis - Time-critical intervention
9. Sugar for diabetic emergency - When in doubt, give sugar