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"Shock
is the body's response to a failure of adequate perfusion, or blood flow
through the capillaries, to all tissues and organs. Shock may develop (1) if the hear fails as a pump, or (2)
blood volume is lost, or (3) blood vessels dilate to create a vascular
container capacity too great to be filled by the available blood. Shock may accompany many emergency
situations: thus treatment for it
is included in emergency care procedures for virtually every serious injury and
medical problem." (Emergency Care,
6th edition, Brady, 1994).
Below you will find the step-by-step procedures for treating shock on an
adult. There is no theory, just
the steps. Again, this is NOT a
substitute for formal hands-on training, but for information as a memory refresher.
h
Ensure an open airway and breathing.
·
If not breathing, open airway and rescue breath (See CPR page)
h
Control bleeding.
(See Bleeding page)
h
Position the patient.
There are three positions to choose from.
·
Lower Extremity Elevation
o
Raise the patient's legs slightly, about 12 inches.
o
Do not use if major fractures of legs, neck, spinal, hip, pelvis
or chest/abdominal injuries.
·
Supine - flat on back
·
Semi-seated - similar to supine but with upper torso elevated
approximately 30 degrees.
h
Keep them calm and still
h
Prevent loss of body heat
h
Give nothing by mouth - reduce chance of vomiting and
aspirating it into the lungs
h
Monitor until EMS arrives.