Shock – St John Ambulance Cymru

The first aid advice for shock

What is shock?

Shock, not to be confused with emotional shock, is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body is not receiving enough oxygen to supply its vital organs. This lack of oxygen can result from any factor that significantly reduces blood flow throughout the body.

What causes shock?

Common causes of shock include severe internal or external bleeding, heart problems such as a heart attack or heart failure, and loss of body fluids due to dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, or burns. Additionally, shock can be triggered by severe allergic reactions or an overwhelming infection, known as septic shock, as well as spinal cord injuries.

What are the symptoms of shock?

Key signs to look for include pale, cold, and clammy skin, along with excessive sweating. As shock progresses, the pulse may become fast and then weak, and breathing may become rapid and shallow. The skin may turn a grey-blue colour, particularly around the lips. Other symptoms include nausea and possible vomiting due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, as well as restlessness, confusion, or aggressive behaviour. The person may also yawn or gasp for air, and in severe cases, they could become unresponsive.

First aid advice for shock

Step 1 – Address cause

First, treat any cause of shock that you can see or that you have identified from the primary survey, such as severe bleeding.

Step 2 – Position

Then help the casualty to lie down. Raise their legs, supporting them on a chair, as this will help to improve the blood supply to their vital organs. If available, lay them down on a rug or blanket to protect them from the cold.

Step 3 – Call 999

Call 999/112 for emergency help and tell ambulance control you think they are in shock. If possible, explain what you think caused it.

Step 4 – Loosen clothing

Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist to make sure it doesn’t constrict their blood flow.

Step 5 – Reassure

While waiting for help to arrive, cover them with a coat or blanket to help keep them warm. Remember, fear and pain can make shock worse by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, so try to reassure the casualty and keep them calm if you can.