How to Help Someone Going into Shock

If someone loses a great deal of blood, that person is in danger of going into shock. This means that blood is not getting delivered to all of the parts of the body. Because of the lack of blood to major organs, the organs begin to function erratically. The victim experiencing shock may be irritable or experience rapid breathing. If someone is experiencing shock, it is important to call your emergency number immediately.

Although not all shock is caused by blood loss, a person going into shock can be identified easily because of distinct symptoms. Irritability or restlessness is the first sign that there is a problem within the body. A person may then become unconscious, or not process things going on around them. If you feel their skin, it may be moist and cool. Most likely the person will be very pale as well. A pulse may be rapid and accompanied by rapid breathing as well.

The first step in caring for someone experiencing the symptoms of shock is to make them lie down. Try to make the person as comfortable as possible, pain often causes the symptoms of shock to progress more rapidly. Next control any bleeding. Use pressure to stop the flow or tie a tourniquet to cut off the blood flow to an arm or leg.

Try to help the victim maintain a normal body temperature. Cover the victim with a blanket if he seems chilled. Also take the time to reassure the victim that help will arrive soon. Elevate the legs slightly unless you suspect their injury includes broken bones. If you are unsure of the cause of the shock, make sure to leave them lying flat.

Even though the person may be thirsty, do not offer any food or drink. Stay with the person until help arrives, no matter how good your first aid technique may be, the person will need professional help as soon as possible.

Untreated shock can cause a domino effect that leads to death. In the case of shock, the body will initially try to use the blood supply available to protect the most important vital organs: the heart, lungs, and brain. This causes the tissue in the arms and legs to recieve less blood. As the tissue in these areas begins to die from lack of blood, the body sends blood to the tissue and away from vital organs. This can cause a person to become drowsy or irritable. The heart is affected next, causing an irregularly heatbeat. The heart will eventually stop pumping which will cause breathing to stop. In these final stages of shock, a person can easily die.

Delivering correct and immediate first aid is an excellent way of increasing a person's chance of survival until help arrives. If you are interested in what to do in the case of an emergency, consider taking a class from the local Red Cross. Basic emergency training is an easy life skill that can be of great help in an urgent situation. Depending on your job, the class may be paid for by your employer.