What is shock?

Shock is a life-threatening medical condition as a result of insufficient blood flow throughout the
body. Shock often accompanies severe injury or illness. Medical shock is a medical emergency
and can lead to other conditions such as lack of oxygen in the body's tissues (hypoxia), heart
attack (cardiac arrest) or organ damage. It requires immediate treatment as symptoms can
worsen rapidly.

Shock is a life-threatening medical condition and is a medical emergency. If shock is

suspected call 911 or get to an emergency department immediately.

The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid,
shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, or weakness.

There are several types of shock: septic shock caused by bacteria, anaphylactic
shock caused by hypersensitivity or allergic reaction, cardiogenic shock from heart damage,
hypovolemic shock from blood or fluid loss, and neurogenic shock from spinal cord trauma.

Treatment for shock depends on the cause. Tests will determine the cause and severity.
Usually IV fluids are administered in addition to medications that raise blood pressure.
Septic shock is treated with antibiotics and fluids.
Anaphylactic shock is treated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl), epinephrine (an
"Epi-pen"), and steroid medications (solu-medrol).
Cardiogenic shock is treated by identifying and treating the underlying cause.
Hypovolemic shock is treated with fluids (saline) in minor cases, and blood
Transfusions in severe cases.
Neurogenic shock is the most difficult to treat as spinal cord damage is often
irreversible. Immobilization, anti-inflammatories such as steroids and surgery are the
main treatments.

Shock prevention includes learning ways to prevent heart disease, injuries, dehydration and
other causes of shock

What are the causes of shock?

There are several main causes of shock:

Heart conditions (heart attack, heart failure)

Heavy internal or external bleeding, such as from a serious injury or rupture of a blood
vessel

Dehydration, especially when severe or related to heat illness.

Infection (septic shock)

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)

Spinal injuries (neurogenic shock)

Burns

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

What are the symptoms of shock?

Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) are the key signs of shock.
Symptoms of all types of shock include:

Rapid, shallow breathing

Cold, clammy skin

Rapid, weak pulse

Dizziness or fainting

Weakness

Depending on the type of shock the following symptoms may also be observed:

Eyes appear to stare

Anxiety or agitation

Seizures

Confusion or unresponsiveness

Low or no urine output

Bluish lips and fingernails

Sweating

Chest pain

If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after injury

Call 911 for immediate medical attention any time a person has symptoms of shock. Do
not wait for symptoms to worsen before calling for help. Stay with the person until help
arrives, and if possible, stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher because they may have
specific instructions for you.

While waiting for help or on the way to the emergency room, check the
person's airway, breathing and circulation (the ABCs). Administer CPR if you are trained. If
the person is breathing on his or her own, continue to check breathing every 2 minutes until
help arrives.
Do NOT move a person who has a known or suspected spinal injury (unless they are in
imminent danger of further injury).

Have the person lie down on his or her back with the feet elevated above the head (if
raising the legs causes pain or injury, keep the person flat) to increase blood flow to vital
organs. Do not raise the head.

Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover them with a
blanket.

Do not give fluids by mouth, even if the person complains of thirst. There is a choking
risk in the event of sudden loss of consciousness.

Give appropriate first aid for any injuries.

Direct pressure should be applied to any wounds that are bleeding significantly.

What is poisoning?

Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or
endanger their life.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms of poisoning will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, but
general things to look out for include:

vomiting

stomach pains

confusion

drowsiness and fainting fits

When to call for help

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the person is:

Drowsy or unconscious

Having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing

Uncontrollably restless or agitated

Having seizures

Known to have taken medications, or any other substance, intentionally or accidentally

overdosed (in these situations the poisoning typically involves larger amounts, often
along with alcohol).

Call regional poison control center in the following situations:

The person is stable and has no symptoms

The person is going to be transported to the local emergency department

Be ready to describe the person's symptoms, age, weight, other medications he or she is taking,
and any information you have about the poison. Try to determine the amount ingested and how
long since the person was exposed to it. If possible, have on hand the pill bottle, medication
package or other suspect container so you can refer to its label when speaking with the poison
control center.

What to do while waiting for help

Take the following actions until help arrives:

Swallowed poison. Remove anything remaining in the person's mouth. If the suspected
poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container's label and follow
instructions for accidental poisoning.

Poison on the skin. Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for
15 to 20 minutes in a shower or with a hose.

Poison in the eye. Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or
until help arrives.

Inhaled poison. Get the person into fresh air as soon as possible.

If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the side to prevent choking.

Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as moving, breathing or coughing.

Call your regional poison control for additional instructions.

Have somebody gather pill bottles, packages or containers with labels, and any other
information about the poison to send along with the ambulance team.