How to Stop Someone From Going Into Shock

A person can go into shock for many different reasons. When going into shock, the following symptoms might be present: dizziness, fainting, moist and clammy skin, irregular breathing, fast pulse, weakness, vomiting and thirst. As the shock progresses the victim might become unresponsive, her eyes can appear shrunken and her skin might be blotchy. Without treatment she eventually passes out, her body temperature might fall and she could die.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Assess the victim for shock immediately after you make sure he is breathing and have stopped any major bleeding. If the person is already in shock, you need to get him emergency medical care immediately. If he is showing signs of going into shock, there are things you can do to try to prevent it.
2. Get the victim into a sitting position with her head between her knees if she is experiencing minor shock symptoms, such as dizziness. As the blood returns to her head, her body starts functioning normally again.
3. Position the victim flat on his back on the floor if he is experiencing other shock symptoms as well. Elevate his feet above his heart.
4. Loosen the victim's clothing at the neck and waist, as well as any place else it is tight or biding. Cover her with a blanket to prevent her from getting a chill.
5. Mix 1 tsp. salt and 2 tsp. baking soda into a quart of room temperature water. If the victim is conscious and has not vomited, give him 1/2 cup of the solution to slowly sip over a 15 minute time period. If the victim is having a hard time staying conscious or is vomiting, do not give him anything to drink.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to leave the victim alone to get help, perform all of these steps first and make sure she is stable. Then leave for help and return as fast as you can.
• If the victim is outside in the sun, move him into the shade if you can, or make some type of a shelter to provide shade.
• Do not move the victim if you think there might be broken bones. In the event of a head injury, you want to elevate the head and shoulders instead of the feet. If there are broken bones or if you are not sure which part of the body should be elevated, leave her flat on her back.
• If the victim is vomiting or bleeding from his mouth, roll him onto his side so he does not choke.