Shock

Topic Overview

Shock means that your body and its functions are shutting down. The body goes into shock when it can't get enough blood to the vital organs like your heart or brain. This may be caused by a sudden illness, an injury, or bleeding. Sometimes even a mild injury will lead to shock.

Shock is a life-threatening condition. If a person develops signs of shock, call 911 or other emergency services and begin home treatment immediately.

Signs of shock include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like you may pass out. A child may be very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Breathing fast even at rest.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing up.
• Being less alert. You may suddenly be unable to respond to questions, or you may be confused, restless, or fearful. A child may not know who people are or where he or she is.

Home Treatment

Prompt home treatment can save the person's life.

• Call 911 or other emergency services.
• Have the person lie down. If there is an injury to the head, neck, or chest, keep the legs flat. Otherwise, raise the person's legs at least 30 cm (12 in.).
• If the person vomits, roll him or her to one side to let fluids drain from the mouth. If you think the person might have a neck or back injury, gently roll the person's head, neck, shoulders, and body together as a unit (logroll).
• Stop any bleeding (see stopping severe bleeding), and splint any broken bones (see splinting).
• Keep the person warm but not hot. Put a blanket under the person, and cover him or her with a sheet or blanket, depending on the weather. If the person is in a hot place, try to keep the person cool.
• Take the person's pulse in case medical staff on the phone need to know how fast or slow it is. See how to take a pulse. Take it again if the person's condition changes.
• Try to keep the person calm.