Caring for shock

Shock occurs when the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygenated blood. To understand shock, think of the circulatory system as three distinct parts: The heart (pump), the vessels (a system of delivery pipes), and the blood (fluid within the system). When the system is functioning correctly, the pump (heart) moves the fluid (blood) through the network of pipes (vessels) under a certain amount of pressure. If any of these three parts is compromised, shock can develop. Patients who have uncontrollable bleeding or who may have an internal hemorrhage are at risk of developing shock. Shock occurs when the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygenated blood. To understand shock, think of the circulatory system as three distinct parts: The heart (pump), the vessels (a system of delivery pipes), and the blood (fluid within the system). When the system is functioning correctly, the pump (heart) moves the fluid (blood) through the network of pipes (vessels) under a certain amount of pressure. If any of these three parts is compromised, shock can develop. Patients who have uncontrollable bleeding or who may have an internal hemorrhage are at risk of developing shock. The signs of shock include: Altered mental status including agitation, anxiety, restlessness or confusion; Pale skin, lips or nail beds; Cold and wet skin; Nausea and vomiting; Rapid breathing; Unresponsiveness. If a victim is exhibiting any of these mentioned signs, they could be developing shock. In order to treat a victim for shock, perform the following steps: Place the victim on his or her back; Raise the legs 6 to 12 inches (if no spinal injury is suspected); Place a blanket over the victim to keep him or her warm. Remember to activate the 997 system for any case that involves large amounts of blood loss or if you suspect that the patient may be experiencing shock. If external bleeding is present, control the hemorrhage, bandage the wound, and place the victim in the shock position.