Shock Management

Circulatory failure where organs do not receive enough blood flow

Step by Step

Shock is a life threatening condition: call emergency services. Signs: pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, weakness, dizziness, confusion, thirst, nausea. Treat any obvious cause, such as controlling severe bleeding. Help the person lie down, and raise and support their legs if this does not cause pain or worsen another injury. Loosen tight clothing and keep them warm with a blanket. Give nothing to eat or drink. Reassure them calmly and do not leave them alone. Monitor breathing and responsiveness, and be ready to start CPR. Shock can accompany severe bleeding, burns, heart attack, anaphylaxis, and sepsis.