# Shock

• Shock is a life-threatening condition.

• Any health condition or trauma can cause shock.

• It is important that you treat the injury or illness that is causing the shock, as well as treating the shock and the person as a

whole. Signs and symptoms Initial shock • pale face, fingernails and lips

• cool, moist skin

• faintness, dizziness

• nausea

• anxiety

Severe shock • restlessness

• thirst

• weak, rapid pulse, which may become weaker or slower

• shallow, fast breathing

• drowsiness, confusion

• blue lips, face, earlobes, fingernails (this is a late sign and means the patient is very sick)

• unconsciousness

What to do 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 Help the patient to lie down. Do not raise their legs. 3 Reassure the patient. 4 Manage severe bleeding then treat other injuries. 5 Loosen any tight clothing. 6 Keep the patient warm with a blanket or similar. Do not use any source of direct heat. 7 Give the patient small amounts of cool water to drink frequently if they are conscious, do not have abdominal trauma, and are unlikely to require an operation immediately. 8 Place the patient in the recovery position if they have difficulty breathing, become unconscious or are likely to vomit. 9 Seek medical aid or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if the patient’s injuries require it.