How to Treat for Shock

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By Donny Kaufman
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There are so many things a person can go into shock for. Some types of shock are anaphylactic and diabetic. No matter what type of shock treating the symptoms is very similar. I put moderate for the difficulty for this article due to the fact that keeping a cool head during an emergency is important yet difficult. I went into anaphylactic shock about a month ago and still cannot figure out why. It is scary. Here are some simple tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

The first thing you should do is to check to see if the person is conscious. If the person is not conscious then you have implied consent and should check for signs of life and if necessary start CPR.
Step 2

If the person is conscious then you need to ask for their permission to help them. Either way and if they are unconscious then you need to call emergency services. Your main focus is to keep the victim conscious at all costs. The victim has a much higher survival rate when they are kept calm and alert. Talk to your victim. Ask them questions. This will help them stay responsive.
Step 3

Recovery position in action

Position the victim in a sitting position so that their knees are bent upwards and their head is down. This is a recovery position. If the victim is to weak for this then lay them down and get their legs so that they are level or a little above their heart. This will keep the blood flowing to the vital organs and from staying in the extremities. Make sure the airway is clear and if there is a chance of vomiting lay them on their side so that they don't choke.
Step 4

Emergency blankets are useful in shock cases

Keep the victim comfortable and warm. Give them a blanket even if it is warm. This will keep them from losing body heat. Even if the victim starts showing signs of improvement it is important that you get medical attention for them right away to check for any lift threatening situations.
Step 5

Epi pen injection

Do not give the victim water. In situations with diabetic shock you may need to give the victim some sugar water and if the person is known to carry an epi pen (epinefrin shot) then you may need to help them use the injector in cases of analphylactic shock. Plan ahead with these situations and consult the experts and take courses ahead of time.

Comments

cygnetbrown said

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on 8/21/2009 Great tips. Also if you're prone to allergic reactions, make sure you're wearing a medical bracelet telling of your allergy. You never know when you might find yourself with only strangers to help you. If they know you have severe allergies, they can get help quickly and this could save your life.