BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Treat for Shock During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Treat every injured person initially for shock until his or her condition stabilizes and you've ruled out a serious injury or illness (see "How to Evaluate for Shock During First Aid").

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Evacuation Plan
Wilderness First Aid Classes
Blankets
First Aid Kits
Latex Gloves
Watches With Second Hands
Evacuation Insurance
Sleeping Pads
Safety Goggles
Surgical Masks

Preparation

Step1

Scrub hands thoroughly with soap and disinfected water.

Step2

Put on latex gloves to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

ABCs

Step1

Check the injured person's airway, breathing and circulation. Open and maintain the airway, and perform rescue breathing or CPR if necessary (see "How to Clear an Obstructed Airway" and "How to Provide Rescue Breathing for an Adult During First Aid.")

Step2

Stop any bleeding (see "How to Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid" and "How to Treat Severe Bleeding During First Aid").

Step3

Splint any fractures (see eHows on splinting).

Body Temperature and Elevation of Feet

Step1

Calm and reassure the injured person.

Step2

Insulate the injured person from cold ground by putting a sleeping pad or blanket underneath him. You may have to logroll the person if a spinal injury is suspected (see "How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid").

Step3

Maintain a comfortable body temperature for the injured person. Cover him with a blanket, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and protect him from the wind or sun.

Step4

Elevate the injured person's legs by 8 to 10 inches. This will increase blood flow to essential organs.

Tips & Warnings

Infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis are transmitted via the exchange of bodily fluids. Protect yourself by wearing latex gloves. Wear goggles or glasses to protect against spurting blood or fluids. Wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of other diseases. If you don't have gloves, a surgical mask and goggles, improvise by placing your hand in a plastic bag, covering your mouth with a bandanna and wearing sunglasses.
Do not elevate the injured person's legs if you suspect a spinal injury or if the pelvis or legs resist movement. Slightly elevate the lower portion of a back board or litter after an injured person with a suspected spinal injury has been securely fastened.
Do not elevate the injured person's legs if you suspect a head injury (see "How to Evaluate for Head Injuries During First Aid").
Give fluids only if the following conditions are met: The injured person can hold the cup and drink by himself; surgery is not likely within six hours; there is no abdominal injury; evacuation is more than six hours away; and there are no downward changes in the person's level of consciousness.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments

DrScott said

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on 4/9/2008 Hello,
I'm a Red Cross A/C/I First Aid and CPR Instructor. I want to go on record saying that the "Never administer fluids to a shock victim!" comment reflects standard Red Cross policies. However, the first person makes some really good points as well. The U.S. DoD recognizes the dangers of dehydration. Heat/dehydration induced shock present particularly troublesome hydration management scenarios under the simplistic Red Cross model--but I also want my students to THINK--every situation presents unforseen challenges.

Unfortunately, we do not doctrinally train first aid students to differentiate. If anyone is truly likely to be the only medical support for other people for extended periods of time, I would STRONGLY recommend more extensive care training. Some great options are a wilderness medicine course, EMT or paramedic courses, Army combat lifesaver training, or perhaps e

systemBuilder said

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on 10/18/2007 If the victim is more than 6 hours away from medical treatment, he will likely die without fluids. at the hospital what will they do? Give him intravenous fluids.

you have to balance the chance of vomiting and further dehydration with the life-threatening nature of shock. read the directions above. If you are going to be the first and last responder in the 6-hour time window, you MUST give fluids (prefably electrolytically balanced like a sports drink), or watch them die ...

Anonymous said

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on 8/30/2006 I was taught of a simple acronym to treat for shock: W.A.R.T.S.

Warmth - Blankets, etc.
ABC's - Monitor airway, breathing and circulation.
Rest and reassure - Do this to the victim.
Treat the cause - Treat the cause of the shock (ie. injury).
Semi-prone or sitting - Put the victim in comfortable position.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Minor shock:

Often after a fall or a sudden blow the patient will feel strong enough to walk to first aid, then experience a shock reaction. He may get pale, perspire or experience light headedness and nausea. Have him sit or lie down. If possible, don't let him get up in the first place, but keep him quiet for a few minutes. If possible, immobilize painful joint or bones before moving to help prevent shock.

Anonymous said

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on 3/12/2006 Do not raise a shock victim's legs if:
you suspect there is a head injury, if you suspect that the victim is having or has just had a heart attack, if you suspect that there is abdominal injury or if you suspect that the victim's leg(s) is/are injured.