First Aid International

Shock

Shock is a term used to describe the lack/loss of effective circulation. Therefore causing failure of the circulatory system to provide adequate oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body. If the vital organs do not receive enough oxygen rich blood, death will occur.

What Causes Shock?

  1. Low blood volume due to bleeding, vomiting or diarrhoea
  2. Heart attack or irregular rhythms
  3. Spinal cord injury
  4. Severe burns
  5. Severe sweating and dehydration
  6. Infections or allergic reactions
  7. Injury

Signs and Symptoms

Recognisable symptoms and signs are:

  1. Pale, cool, moist skin
  2. Rapid breathing
  3. Rapid and weak pulse
  4. Confused/disorientated
  5. Excessive thirst
  6. Nausea and/or vomiting
  7. Altered level of consciousness.

Management

  1. Ensure the area is safe, follow DRABCD
  2. Stop any obvious bleeding
  3. Call 000
  4. Rest the casualty comfortably and elevate their legs if other injuries permit you to do so. Do not elevate is legs are fractured, heart attack, head or spinal injuries
  5. Keep the casualty warm
  6. Care for any other injuries or wounds
  7. Monitor airway and breathing and record findings
  8. If the casualty becomes unconscious, place in a lateral position
  9. Moisten casualty's lips if thirsty but do not give anything to eat or drink

Contact First Aid International - 1300 36 56 75

Brisbane 07 3513 3255 - Sydney 02 9204 7777, Sydney Fax 02 9806 9789 - Melbourne 03 9018 9673 - Perth 08 6363 5303 Gold Coast 07 5630 1148

Head Office Fax: 07 3352 3631
Head Office Postal: PO Box 275 Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
Head Office Email: headoffice@firstaidinternational.com.au

Training Locations
22 Bishop Street, Kelvin Grove
11/8 Chrome St, Salisbury
Unit 1 Level 2, 52 Davenport St, Southport
Suite 9, 29 Hunter St, Parramatta
Westfield Eastgardens Shopping Centre, Level 3 office tower, 152 Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens (Sydney)
18 Ross St, South Melbourne (Melbourne)