Shock

Shock, is the failure of the heart and blood vessels (circulatory system) to maintain enough oxygen-rich blood flowing (profusion) to the vital organs of the body. There is shock to some degree with every illness or injury; shock can be life threatening.

The principles of prevention and control are to recognize the signs and symptoms and to begin treating the victim before shock completely develops.

It is unlikely that you will see all the signs and symptoms of shock in a single victim. Sometimes the signs and symptoms may be disguised by the illness or injury or they may not appear immediately. In fact many times, they appear hours later. The signs and symptoms of shock are:

• Anxiety, restlessness and fainting.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Excessive thirst.
• Eyes are vacant, dull (lackluster), large (dilated) pupils.
• Shallow, rapid, and irregular breathing.
• Pale, cold, moist (clammy) skin.
• Weak, rapid or absent pulse.

Shock may be caused by severe or minor trauma to the body. It usually is the result of:

• Significant loss of blood.
• Heart failure.
• Dehydration.
• Severe and painful blows to the body.
• Severe burns of the body.
• Severe wound infections.
• Severe allergic reactions to drugs, foods, insect stings, and snakebites.

Shock stuns and weakens the body. When the normal blood flow in the body is upset, death can result. Early identification and proper treatment can save the victim's life.