Shock treatment

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 6, 26 August 1988, Page 2 (Supplement)

Shock treatment

Shock is a condition arising from stress or injury causing a n insufficient supply of essential blood to the brain, which causes a lessening of activities and affects the vital functions of the body. It may accompany injuries, bleeding, severe pain or sudden illness. The severity of shock depends upon the nature and extent of the injury or other causes and may vary from a feeling of faintness even unto sudden death. Causes • severe bleeding - either external or internal • loss of plasma - in bums or crush injuries • heart failure - as in acute heart attacks

• acute abdominal emergencies - perforation of the stomach, ruptured appendix • loss of body fluid - recurrent vomiting from any cause, or severe diarrhoea • nerve stimulation - nerve shock caused by sensory nerve stimulation Signs and Symptoms Casualty will become extremely pale; • skin will be cold and clammy with profuse sweating • may feel faint and giddy or sick and may vomit • complain of thirst and feel anxious • pulse increases in rate tending to become weak and thready

• breathing shallow and rapid • consciousness may be clouded Treatment 1. lay casualty down and deal with the injury or underlying cause of the1 shock 2. keep head down low and tumed to the side, raise the lower limbs where possible. If injury to head, chest or abdomen. The shoulders should be raised slightly and supported, with the head turned to the side. If^yomiting seems likePy or if patient is unconscious, place in the recovery position. 3. loosen clothing at the neck, chest and waist 4. if patient com-

plains of thirst, moisten lips with water 5. protect if necessary from the cold with a blanket 6. keep frequent records of the pulse and respiration rate if removal to hospital is likely to be delayed. When condition of the casualty clearly indicates hospital or medical treatment, DO NOT waste valuable time by over - elaborate First Aid measures DO NOT use hot water bottles DO NOT give the patient anything to drink DO NOT move unnecessarily. The more serious the injury, the more important it is NOT to move the casualty.