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A Guide for First Aiders
By RealMed First Aid - 01 January 2025
Shock is a term we often hear in emergency situations, but it can mean different things to different people. As a first aider, it’s vital to understand what shock really is, how to recognize it, and what to do when you see it.
What Is Shock? 🤔
In everyday language, people may say someone is "in shock" after a stressful or emotional event. While this emotional response can look dramatic, it’s usually not life-threatening.
However, clinical shock is very serious. It means the body isn't getting enough oxygen to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. If untreated, clinical shock will eventually lead to death.
A simpler way to understand it: Shock is when the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) isn’t doing its job properly.
The Five Common Types of Shock 🖐️
1. Hypovolemic Shock 🩸
Cause: Loss of blood or fluids (from injury, burns, or dehydration)
Signs: Pale, cold skin; fast, weak pulse and breathing; low blood pressure; reduced alertness
Treatment: Stop bleeding, keep warm, call for help give oxygen if available, and don’t give food or drink.
2. Cardiogenic Shock ❤️
Cause: Heart problems (like a heart attack or cardiac arrest)
Signs: Same as hypovolaemic, but without obvious blood loss. Likely in those with a history of heart disease.
Treatment: Keep them calm and comfortable, provide oxygen if available, and call emergency services.
3. Neurogenic Shock 🧠
Cause: Spinal cord or brain injury
Signs: Warm, flushed skin; slower pulse and breathing; low blood pressure
Treatment: Suspect if head/spine injury is involved. Manage the injury, keep warm, monitor carefully.
4. Anaphylactic Shock 🌸
Cause: Severe allergic reaction
Signs: Flushed skin, rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, fast pulse
Treatment: Use adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) if available. Call for emergency help. Oxygen if possible.
5. Septic Shock 🦠
Cause: Severe infection
Signs: Warm skin, fever, fast breathing and pulse, confusion, low blood pressure
Treatment: Suspect if infection is present. Keep warm, call for emergency help.
Common Signs Across All Types 🚩
Reduced level of response
Low oxygen (SpO₂)
Low blood pressure
First Aid Treatment for Shock 🆘
Stop the cause (e.g., bleeding)
Call for emergency help
Keep the casualty warm
Lie them down comfortably (unless they are struggling to breathe)
Give oxygen if available
Do NOT give food or drink
Final Thoughts 💭
As a first aider, your job isn't to diagnose the exact type of shock, but to recognize the signs early and act quickly. Clinical shock is life-threatening, but with fast and appropriate first aid, you can make a life-saving difference.
Stay calm, stay prepared, and remember: when in doubt, treat for shock.
📍 We Come to You
RealMed First Aid delivers interactive, group first aid courses across New Zealand. Our hands-on, scenario-based training builds real confidence for real emergencies.
We teach this and more in our:
✅ Comprehensive First Aid Course
✅ Workplace First Aid Course
✅ Refresher First Aid Course
✅ Basic Life Support Course
✅ Control the Bleed Course📅 Private Courses Available Across New Zealand
SERVICE AREA
RealMed First Aid provides on-site first aid training across New Zealand — from major cities to rural communities. We bring group courses to your workplace, school, or organisation.
RealMed First Aid is not NZQA-accredited. Our training aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and follows NZ Resuscitation Council guidelines.
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