Shock is the term used to describe the loss of effective circulation resulting in impaired oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. You should always seek urgent advanced medical assistance for any person suffering from shock.
Signs and symptoms
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Confusion or agitation
- Extreme discomfort or pain
- Faintness and dizziness
- Feeling cold, shivering or chills
- Nausea
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Reduced level of consciousness
- Signs of bleeding
- Thirst
- Vomiting
- Weakening pulse
Management
- Ask the person to lie down or place the unconscious person in the recovery (lateral) position.
- Control any bleeding promptly.
- Send for help, additional resources (first aid kit and AED) and request an ambulance.
- Administer treatments relevant to the cause of the shock.
- Maintain the person’s body temperature.
- Monitor and reassure the person while waiting for the paramedics.
Note
- Commence CPR and apply an AED if the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally. Place the person in the recovery (lateral) position if they become unconscious and are breathing normally.
- Do NOT give the person anything by mouth (no food or drink).
- First responders qualified in advanced resuscitation may safely administer oxygen to persons showing the signs and symptoms of shock after bleeding. Refer to the SLS Pathways website or the appropriate person at your SLS club for more information on advanced resuscitation training.
- Shock may be caused by a loss of circulating blood volume, cardiac emergencies, abnormal dilatation of blood vessels or a blockage of blood flow in or out of the heart. Each of these causes will require a different treatment. For example, treatment of anaphylaxis is different to the treatment of fractures.
- There are many causes of shock aside from bleeding. Refer to the latest ARC Guideline for Shock to learn more.