Shock

Let me start with a question, which person below do think is suffering from shock?

                  

The answer is both of them. Our friend on the left is suffering from psychological shock (maybe she saw that this blog has a global audience), and our friend on the right is suffering from medical shock.

What is medical shock?

Shock is a life-threatening condition where important organs like the brain and heart are are deprived or have low oxygen levels.

How do I know if someone is suffering from shock?

If a person is bleeding quite severely or if there is a chance they may have sustained a spinal injury, there is a high chance that they may go into shock.
The symptoms of shock are:

• Pale face
• Fast, shallow breathing
• A fast weak pulse
• Cold, clammy skin
• Sighing or yawning

Sometimes a person suffering from shock can become unconsciousness.

How do I treat someone who is suffering from shock?

How To Treat Shock

Should I call an ambulance, and what do I tell them?

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Your response should be along the lines of  the following template.
"A  _(age and gender)_  is suffering from shock, she has sustained a _(the type of  injury e.g. head wound)_ and _(any other information which could be useful)_.
Don't worry the emergency medical dispatcher (the guy on the right), will prompt you and ask you questions to help you.

Here's an example. (I've put some of it in green to give a better idea of what is the most information they require).
A 21 year old female is suffering from shock, she has a head wound which is bleeding severely, she
also feels slightly dizzy. I'm opposite Wimbledon station, in front of the Starbucks.

Now you should know:

• the symptoms of shock
• how to treat shock
• and what to tell the emergency medical dispatcher

Thanks for reading.  If you have any questions, comments or just wish to express an opinion about the blog, use the contact me page at the top of the blog.