First Aid Treatment For Shock

Important Information
• Shock results when an injury or illness makes it difficult for the body's cardiovascular system to provide adequate amounts of oxygenated blood to the vital organs
• Always treat an injured or ill patient for shock even if signs and symptoms are absent
• For a responsive patient, let them determine what position is most comfortable (sitting/lying down)

Patient Care for Shock
STOP - Assess and observe the scene
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan
ACT - Check responsiveness, perform a primary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care and Alert EMS
Treat an injured, unresponsive or unconscious patient in the position found
Hold the patient's head to keep the neck from moving
Maintain the patient's body temperature based on the local climate; This could mean covering the patient with a blanket or protecting them from exposure to the sun
If there is no spinal injuries or leg fractures suspected, elevate the legs 15 to 30 centimeters (6 - 12 inches) to allow the blood to return to the heart and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care until EMS arrives

First Aid Advice & Information for Shock is for guidance only - Click Here to get Trained in CPR & First Aid