It is important to look out for signs of shock in case of a serious injury or illness. Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to provide enough oxygenated blood to the body and, as a result, deprives the vital organs of oxygen.
We should not mistake this type of shock to be the same as the emotional response of feeling shocked, which can also occur after an accident.
Signs of shock include:
- sweating
- rapid, shallow breathing
- weakness and dizziness
- feeling of vomiting
- pale, cold, clammy skin
- thirst
If you notice that someone has any of the above signs of shock, you should immediately look for medical help. In the meantime, you should:
- try to treat any mild injuries
- lie the person down
- use a coat or blanket to keep them warm
- if possible, raise and support their legs
- don’t give them anything to eat or drink
- try to relax them as much as possible
- if the person stops breathing, start CPR and re-inform the emergency services