Comments on: How to Treat for Shock During First Aid

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

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

on 3/12/2006 Never administer fluids to a shock victim!