Shock is a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
In this guide, we explain what medical shock is, how to recognise the symptoms, and the correct first aid steps to take while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
Medical Shock vs Emotional Shock – What’s the Difference?
The word shock is often used to describe an emotional reaction to a distressing event. However, medical shock is very different and far more serious.
- Emotional shock is a psychological response and usually improves with time.
- Medical shock is a physical condition where the body is not getting enough blood and oxygen to vital organs.
Medical shock is a life-threatening emergency and always requires urgent medical attention.
In this blog, we focus on medical shock — its causes, symptoms, and the correct first aid response.
What is Shock?
Medical shock occurs when the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs. Without prompt treatment, shock can quickly worsen and become fatal.
Shock can affect anyone and may occur suddenly following injury, illness, or a medical event.
Causes of Shock
Shock can be caused by anything that significantly reduces blood flow around the body. Common causes include:
- Severe internal or external bleeding
- Heart problems, including heart attack
- Significant loss of bodily fluids due to burns, dehydration, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Serious trauma or accidents
Symptoms of Shock
- Symptom can include;
- Pale, or grey/blue looking skin
- Cold or clammy skin
- Sweating
- Thirst
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Yawning
First Aid for Shock
If you suspect that someone is in shock, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
While waiting for help to arrive, follow these first aid steps.
1. Treat any obvious cause
If there is bleeding, apply pressure and manage it if safe to do so.
2. Help the casualty to lie down
If injuries allow, help them lie flat. If the floor is cold, place a blanket, coat or towel underneath them.
3. Raise and support the legs
Elevate the legs above heart level if possible (using a chair or bag), unless this causes pain or injury.
4. Loosen tight clothing
Loosen clothing around the neck, chest and waist to aid circulation.
5. Keep them warm
Cover the casualty with a coat, blanket or emergency foil blanket to prevent heat loss.
6. Reassure them
Stay calm and reassuring. Fear and anxiety increase the body’s demand for oxygen and can worsen shock.
7. Do not give food or drink
Even if they feel thirsty.
8. Monitor continuously
Watch their breathing, pulse and responsiveness until help arrives.
9. Be prepared to start CPR
If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally.
10. Pass on information to emergency services
Tell paramedics about anything that you've observed and any first aid you provided.
Learn First Aid with Help First Aid Training
To learn more about shock alongside some potentially life-saving skills, a face to face first aid course is essential.
As a local first aid training provider in County Durham, Help First Aid Training regularly teaches people how to recognise and respond to a variety of first aid situations in the workplace, and in everyday life.
At Help First Aid Training, we provide high-quality, practical first aid training in County Durham and across the North-East, including:
· Re-qualification First Aid at Work
Regular open courses are delivered from our training facility in Shildon Business Centre in County Durham and we offer onsite first aid training across the North-East.
From Eaglescliffe to East Boldon, North Shields to Newton Aycliffe Peterlee to Pelton and beyond we offer training to businesses, schools, colleges, nurseries, trusts, charitable organisations and individuals, providing H.S.E. (Health and Safety Executive) compliant training for all.
Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Website: www.helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Call us: 01388 417303
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