Understanding Shock

A Guide for First Aiders 

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 🆘

1. Stop the cause (e.g., bleeding) 

2. Call for emergency help 

3. Keep the casualty warm 

4. Lie them down comfortably (unless they are struggling to breathe)

5. Give oxygen if available 

6. 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. 

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