Shock: A Life
Threatening
Emergency
Result
of circulatory system
failure
–Inadequate blood flow to
some part of the body
A MAJOR CAUSE OF
DEATH !!!
Shock #2
Always
treat victims for
shock
Shock:
•can be prevented
•cannot be reversed
Types of Shock
 Cardiogenic
– Heart failure
 Neurogenic
– Spinal cord damage
– Drug overdose
– Vessels dilate
– Blood supply insufficient to fill vessels
Types of Shock #2
 Septic
• Result of a bacterial infection
• Vessels lose ability to contract
 Hypovolemic
(Fluid Loss)
• Most common type
–Blood loss
–Dehydration from vomiting,
diarrhea or profuse sweating
Shock: What To Look For
Pale,
cool, clammy skin
–Altered mental status
–Rapid breathing and pulse
–Unresponsiveness
–Nausea and vomiting
Shock: What To Do

Care for life threatening injuries
 Call 911
 Conscious victim
– In absence of spinal cord injury: elevate legs 812 inches
• injuries to upper half of body – raise the
upper half of body
• injuries to lower half of body, raise the lower
half of the body
 Loosen clothing
 Cover victim (over and under)
– Do not let victim eat or drink
– May suck on wet cloth

Unconscious: Place in recovery position and
cover
Shock: When To Place In A Half
Sitting Position
– Difficulty breathing
– Head injuries (when appropriate)
– Strokes
– Chest injuries
– Penetrating eye injuries
– Heart attack
Anaphylaxis
 Massive
allergic reaction
 Always call 911
 Causes of Anaphylactic Shock
– Medications
– Foods and food additives
• Monosodium glutamate, peanuts
– Plant pollens
– Bee stings
– Radiographic dyes
Characteristics of Anaphylaxis
– Usually comes on in minutes / Peaks in 1530 minutes
– Sensation of warmth
– Intense itching of soles of feet and palms
of hands
– Breathing difficulties
– Tightness and swelling in throat
– Coughing, sneezing, wheezing
– Tightness in chest
Characteristics of Anaphylaxis #2
– Increased pulse rate
– Swollen face, tongue, mouth
– Nausea and vomiting
– Dizziness
– Blue around lips and mouth
Anaphylaxis: What To Do
– Check ABC’s
• Use ice pack on bee sting
– Inject epinephrine (dilates bronchioles)
• (hopefully victim will have some)
• Inject in outside part of thigh, hold for 10
seconds
• May need to repeat
– Get help immediately - 911(float trip)
– Benedryl – too slow for major emergency,
but worth a try