When a person goes into a shock state it is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. There are different types of shock states to recognize: spinal shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiac shock and septic or toxic shock, and also the difference between emotional shock and physiological shock.
Instructions
1. Cardiac Shock is a type of shock that occurs as a result of a person experiencing a heart problem and is not able to pump blood to the brain and to the vital organs in the body. As a result this causes the blood pressure to drop rapidly and the person enters shock state.
2. Anaphylactic shock is caused by some trigger or external stimuli that results in a severe allergic reaction thus causing the blood pressure to drop rapidly because the reaction results in the dilation of blood vessels in the body.
3. Septic or toxic shock occurs in the body when the blood is infected or contaminated and the infection has entered the blood stream. This prevents the tissues and organs from using essential nutrients and oxygen. Severe burn victims are at high risk to getting this type of shock.
4. Spinal shock occurs when the spinal cord is traumatize or injured and therefore can no longer regulate the blood vessels. These in turn will dilate and enlarge causing in a rapid decrease in blood pressure. The person will become hot, flushed and the skin is red.
5. Other types of shock can be the result of burns, loss of excess amounts of fluids form the body, severe loss of large amount of blood. it is also important to recognize the difference between emotional shock caused by mental or emotional distress to the person and the previous types of shock caused by the alterations or changes of the physiological processes in the body.
6. When a person goes into shock there are some very characteristic signs and symptoms to look for. The person can become pale, cold and clammy to touch. Spinal cord or septic shocks can present as hot, flushed skin to touch. The skin around the mouth can become blue in color. Look for rapid, shallow breathing.
7. If you know feel for a pulse you will notice the pulse rate becoming weaker. Other symptoms will be anxiety, weakness or the person will lose consciousness.. If the person is still alert they might have symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
8. There are several things to do to assist in shock situations. First, you should check the person's airway to see that they are able to breath and to remove anything around the airway that might cause restriction. Second, check breathing . Ensure that the person is till able to breathe or is still breathing. If you feel that they have stopped breathing you will have to start CPR and resuscitation. It is important to go and take lessons on administer CPR. Thirdly, check the circulation of the victim.
9. Call 911 (EMS). Or delegate someone to call 911 if you are engaged in CPR.
10. Keep the person in shock warm with blanket or clothing and try to provide first aid for the illness or injury causing the shock. If you feel that the person did not suffer a spinal injury or the case of a spinal injury is unlikely then you should lay the person on his back and elevate the legs. This is called the shock position. This will help increase the blood flow to the brain and the heart.
11. Turn the person to the recovery position if he is vomiting or drooling. This will prevent regurgitation and will help allow the fluids, blood or vomit to drain from the mouth.
12. Lift the person's head up if he is having respiratory distress and having difficulties in breathing. Only do this if the likelihood of a spinal injury is minimal.
13. If you suspect a spinal injury DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON unless it is absolutely necessary to save his life or to remove him from imminent danger. If you move him then try to get 3 -4 people to assist in this movement and keep the victim's head in line with the body and roll the person as straight as possible.
Tags: spinal injury, blood pressure, shock caused, types shock, airway that