How to Evaluate for Shock During First Aid

Shock is a condition caused by traumatic injuries or serious illness. Shock deprives the body's tissues of essential oxygenated blood and the results may be irreversible. Prompt treatment can prevent shock or minimize its effects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits
• Watches With Second Hands
• Evacuation Insurance
• Notebooks
• Pens

Treat for Shock

1. Treat all injured persons for shock before assessing for shock (see "How to Treat for Shock").

Assess for Severe Shock

2. Observe the injured person's temperament: Is he or she confused or disoriented? If so, assume severe shock.
3. Evaluate the injured person's level of consciousness: Is he or she unconscious or unresponsive? If so, assume severe shock (see "How to Measure Level of Consciousness").
4. Take the person's pulse: Is it irregular or increasing progressively? If so, assume severe shock (see "How to Measure Heart Rate").
5. If none of the above signs of severe shock are confirmed, check for earlier stages of shock using the following steps.

Assess for Early Signs of Shock

6. Look at and feel the injured person's skin: Is he or she pale and clammy, first in the extremities and then in the trunk? If so, assume shock.
7. Take the injured person's pulse: Is it rapid, thready or irregular? If so, assume shock (see "How to Measure Heart Rate").
8. Take the injured person's respiratory rate: Is it shallow or rapid? If either, assume shock (see "How to Measure Respiratory Rate").
9. Observe the injured person's temperament: Is he or she restless, agitated or irritable? If so, assume shock.
10. Ask the injured person how he or she feels. Any complaints of thirst or nausea? If so, assume shock.
11. Continue rechecking for shock and evacuate immediately if any the above signs are present.

Tips & Warnings

• Shock deprives blood flow to the brain and heart. An increased heart rate is a sign that the body is trying to compensate for blood loss to vital organs. Assume the injured person's condition is worsening. Evacuate immediately.
• Shock kills! Treat every injured person immediately for shock, regardless of whether or not they are exhibiting signs and symptoms.
• Wilderness treatment of shock is limited, and a person in shock can spiral downward fast! Seek professional medical care if an injured person exhibits any of the signs and symptoms of shock. Evacuate immediately.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.