How to Survive Shock: Essential First Aid Steps
Shock is a potentially fatal condition that can develop when the body’s reaction to a sudden, severe injury or emotional upheaval overwhelms the system. Without prompt shock first aid, it can quickly result in death. Understanding what shock is, recognising shock symptoms, and knowing how to respond can make the difference between life and death.
What Is Shock? Understanding the Condition
Shock occurs when the body does not get enough blood flow, depriving organs of oxygen and nutrients. This can damage multiple organs and requires immediate medical treatment as it can worsen rapidly.
There are different types of shock, including:
- Hypovolemic shock – caused by severe blood or fluid loss
- Cardiogenic shock – due to heart problems such as a heart attack
- Anaphylactic shock – a severe allergic reaction
- Neurogenic shock – caused by trauma to the nervous system
- Obstructive shock – when blood flow is blocked
- Distributive shock – when blood vessels lose their tone and cannot maintain circulation.
Stages of Hypovolemic Shock
Let’s see how one type of shock – in this case hypovolemic shock – progresses through stages.
Class 1
At this stage, you would lose less than 15 per cent of your Trusted Source of blood volume, about 750 millilitres (mL).
Your blood pressure and breathing will still appear normal, but you may suddenly feel anxious, and your skin may look pale.
Class 2
The blood volume loss in this stage ranges between 15 and 30 per cent Trusted Source, typically 750 to 1,500 mL. Your heart rate and breathing may get faster. Your blood pulse pressure may narrow. Your systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure measurement) may still be expected.
Your blood pressure at the beginning of this stage may still be expected, though the bottom number of the measurement, the diastolic pressure, may be high.
Class 3
At this stage, you lose 30 to 40 per cent of your trusted source of blood volume, which is between 1,500 and 2,000 mL. You’ll experience a significant drop in your blood pressure and begin to see changes in your mental status.
Your heart rate will rise above 120 beats per minute (bpm), your breathing will become faster, and you’ll see a decrease in the amount you urinate.
Class 4
Your condition becomes critical once you’ve experienced blood volume loss of more than 40 per cent. Your pulse pressure will be low, and your heart will beat faster at over 120 bpm.
Recognising the Signs of Shock
The ability to identify shock symptoms quickly is critical. The signs and symptoms will vary slightly with the specific types of shock. The most important thing is for a first aider to recognise the signs and symptoms of a casualty going into shock, assist the casualty, and call 000 when appropriate. Signs generally include:
Early signs:
- Rapid pulse
- Pale or grey-blue skin
- Sweating and cold, clammy skin
As shock develops:
- Feeling cold, even in warm conditions
- Weakness and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Thirst
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Weak, thready pulse
As oxygen to the brain drops:
- Restlessness, anxiety, or aggressiveness
- Yawning or gasping for air
- Confusion or unconsciousness
Late signs of hypovolemic or haemorrhagic shock include systolic hypotension, oliguria, metabolic acidosis, and cold clammy skin.
Immediate First Aid Actions
If someone is in shock, taking quick action is vital. Here are the steps for first aid for shock:
- Call 000 immediately for professional medical help.
- If unconscious but breathing, place the person in the recovery position.
- If conscious, lay them flat on their back.
- Control any bleeding quickly.
- Manage and treat all other injuries.
- Keep them warm with a blanket and loosen tight clothing.
- Reassure and keep the person calm.
- Do not give them food or drink, though you may moisten their lips.
- Monitor their condition continuously.
- If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, begin CPR.
Scenario: A child falls off a bike and suffers a deep cut to the leg. They become pale and dizzy. Applying pressure to stop the bleeding and keeping them lying flat until paramedics arrive can prevent deterioration into hypovolemic shock. |
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
Always seek professional medical assistance if you suspect shock. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, leading to organ failure and death. Specific urgent signs include:
- Severe external or internal bleeding
- Signs of cardiogenic shock after a heart attack
- Severe allergic reaction progressing to anaphylactic shock
- Signs of obstructive shock (such as chest trauma and difficulty breathing)
Delaying shock treatment only increases the risk of complications like acidosis, organ damage, and death.
How Does Going Into Shock Kill a Person?
According to Healthline, blood carries oxygen and other essential substances to organs and tissues. When heavy bleeding or fluid loss occurs, there is not enough blood in circulation for the heart to be an effective pump. This is hypovolemic shock.
As you lose more fluid, you no longer have enough blood to supply oxygen to your tissues. To make up for this, your body sends the remaining blood supply to the most important organs: the brain and the heart.
This means the rest of the body needs even more oxygen, and your tissues respond by producing lactic acid. As a result, the body enters acidosis when your body fluid contains too much acid. Without timely treatment, this can lead to death.
Preventing Shock: Tips for Safety
While not all shocks can be prevented, risk can be reduced with proactive measures:
- Workplace preparedness: Keep a stocked first aid kit accessible at all times.
- Training: Enrol in a first aid course to learn proper response techniques.
- Health management: Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease to reduce risks.
- Avoid hazards: Use protective gear during activities prone to injury (e.g., cycling, construction work).
- Allergy awareness: Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prone to anaphylaxis.
Call to Action
Shock is a life-threatening condition, but with the right knowledge of shock first aid, lives can be saved. Recognising shock symptoms, acting quickly with first aid for shock, and seeking professional medical treatment are essential steps.
Take the next step in protecting yourself and others by enrolling in a CPRFA first aid course and keeping your first aid kit stocked. Being prepared today could mean saving a life tomorrow.