First Aid: Shock

Shock is a medical condition that develops due to a deviation in efficient blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body due to a heart condition, blood loss, or allergic reaction. A person suffering from shock will feel weak, faint, or dizzy; have pale, cool, clammy, sweaty skin; and may act restless, confused, or agitated A person suffering from shock are unstable and may collapse, go unconscious, or suffer cardiac arrest unexpectedly.

To care for a victim suspected of suffering from shock immediately call 911, have the victim lie on their back, if there is no suspected traumatic injury – lift the victims legs above the victims heart, use bleeding control technique to stop or slow any viable bleeding, cover the victim with a blanket to keep them warm.

Symptoms of shock are involuntarily and occur to internal reactions to poor circulation and condition in an attempt to keep the vital organs viable. If you see symptoms of shock – you must act quickly.